So You Want to Be a Therapist
Top 3 Tips for New Mental Health Counseling Graduates
If you’re a recent graduate with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling or a related field, congratulations. You’re officially stepping into one of the most meaningful and rewarding professions: becoming a therapist.
Ten years ago, I walked across the graduation stage at NYU Steinhardt with my sights set on becoming a therapist in private practice. Today, I’ve achieved that dream. But it didn’t happen overnight. The path from graduation to private practice is filled with challenges, growth, and plenty of lessons learned along the way.
Whether you’re just out of grad school or about to start your clinical hours, here are my top three tips for new therapists entering the mental health field.
1. Prioritize Your Clinical Hours Even If the Job Isn’t Glamorous
The single most important step in your early career is logging your required clinical hours. These hours are your foundation. I landed my first job at a methadone clinic. It wasn’t my dream job, but it gave me the full-time experience I needed.
Don’t shy away from positions in settings like hospitals, substance use clinics, shelters, or correctional facilities. These environments are rich in clinical experience and will challenge and grow your skills quickly. Your goal right now is experience, not perfection.
2. Take Your Licensing Exam Right After Graduation
If I could go back, I would take my license exam immediately after graduation. Waiting until after completing my hours ended up setting me back. I lost touch with the academic material, and studying took longer than expected. This delayed my ability to apply for my license.
While it’s tempting to take a break after grad school, you will thank yourself later if you schedule the exam while your coursework is still fresh in your mind.
3. Know Your Value and Ask for More Once You’re Licensed
Once you are licensed, your professional value increases significantly. You can accept insurance, provide diagnoses depending on your state, and begin advanced clinical training such as EMDR or other specialty certifications.
You are also now qualified for higher-paying positions and have the option to start building your own private practice. Do not be afraid to ask for what you are worth. This is the time to advocate for yourself, negotiate your rate, and pursue training opportunities that align with your goals.
Final Thoughts for New Therapists
Graduating with your master’s in counseling is a huge achievement, but it is only the beginning of your journey. Be open to learning in unexpected places, prepare early for licensing, and recognize your worth as a mental health professional. You have worked hard to get here, and with the right mindset and strategy, you can build the career you dreamed of when you first started graduate school.
You’ve got this.