How many years of training do you need to be to become a psychotherapist?

Question

I'm not asking because I want to be one. I just need to know for a story I'm writing so I know if I need to tweak the ages a little bit. Also, do the years of training include college years or not?

Answer 1

4

Shotest answer, but true

Answer 2

Uni 3-4 years and many years of on the job training....just because one has done the training does not mean one can be an effective psychotherapist immediately....

Answer 3

Psychotherapist is a generic term.  A number of different professions can all conduct psychotherapy.  The minimum for most is a master's degree, which means a minimum of six years college education.  If you want to make your character a psychologist, then you need 8-10 years of education plus a one year internship.

Answer 4

In US you need a minimum of Masters Degree, which takes an average of 2-3 years beyond 4 year Bachelor's degree.