Career options for therapists

Psychotherapists work with the public in settings such as schools or clinics, and may also conduct private practices for individual patients. There are various career options that psychotherapists can pursue, including:

Counselor
Counselors often work with students and help them make academic and life decisions. They advise students on issues such as college and career choices, choice of class schedules, and extracurricular activities. Talking with students helps determine the best course of action for the individual. Counselors may work less with medical-related issues, although they may work with the student regarding body image or healthy eating habits.

Psychologist
Psychologists talk with patients to understand how internal and external factors affect their behavior and life choices. They may specialize in mental health or areas such as human behavior. Psychologists are considered health professionals, but unlike psychiatrists, they do not prescribe medication to patients. Psychologists often focus on a variety of therapeutic resources to help patients understand and cope with their problems.

Social Worker.
Psychotherapists can become social workers and counsel people on both medical and behavioral issues. Psychotherapy social workers can be useful in settings such as consulting with law enforcement, offering services for community organizations, or working specifically with those in treatment. To become both a therapist and a social worker, you may need to take more courses or training.