How Hard is it to Become a Licensed Therapist

By Maris Dania

February 3, 2023

Read Time Estimate: 2 minutes

Feeling welcome, safe, heard, and seen is just as important for future patients as it is for you to become a mental health provider. The crucial foundation is your community, who you surround yourself with during your studies. Having high-quality graduate training as a mental health professional and in psychotherapy matters.  

 

On average you should anticipate two to three years of studying. Working full-time while obtaining a master’s is within reach with the ease of on-campus evening courses, which meet as little as once a week. 

Given the variety of programs offered, carefully examine which best satisfies your professional objectives and personal situation. Weigh out the advantages and disadvantages of each program and keep in mind that many online programs require the same self-discipline, involvement, and planning as conventional, in-person programs. 

Notre Dame de Namur’s (NDNU) School of Psychology teaches you the fundamentals of clinical psychology and guides you through the application process to become a licensed therapist.

Our clinical psychology department emphasizes the interdependence of the psychological, developmental, relational, affective, cognitive, behavioral, cultural, social, neurobiological, and spiritual dimensions of human behavior as the foundation for our program.

Learn from professors who actively work in the mental health field. In-person courses offer you the ability to learn and experience hands-on research training, mentoring, and guidance in research opportunities and projects. The best way to apply your knowledge is through doing. NDNU’s clinical psychology programs offer practicum opportunities, giving you the ability to put what you’ve learned in class to the test. 

Whatever emphasis you choose to pursue in the field of mental health, you will have consistent support by choosing the right fit for you. Our clinical psychology department offers programs in: 

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology: Training for professional careers in clinical psychology, including as unlicensed clinicians, and preparation for doctoral studies. 

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor: Aside from obtaining your master’s, this program fulfills all requirements to become licensed as a professional clinical counselor and marriage & family therapist. It offers comprehensive treatment for working with individuals, couples, and families including the ability to assess, diagnose, and treat mental illness and relationship issues.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist: On top of obtaining your master’s, this program fulfills all requirements to become licensed as a marriage & family therapist, with an emphasis on treating couples, families, and relationship issues. 

For information on applying to Notre Dame de Namur University, please visit the Admissions page. 



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