What is the required degree and major; to become a councilor for mental health?

Question

I am a student at a community college. I am just wondering what is the required degree and major to become a councilor/therapist for mental health patients. Is it true that you have to major in sociology to become a councilor? Can I get an associates degree to be a councilor foe mental health? Are councilors required to have masters degrees? Thanks

Answer 1

I saw a therapist several years ago who only had a BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) degree. It likely depends on who hires you and what their requirements for employment are, or whether you go into private practice for yourself, but you can legally practice with only a Bachelor's degree.

Answer 2

To be a licensed counselor, you will need at least your Masters Degree. There are some private non-profit organizations that will hire someone with a Bachelors, but if you want to be an actual therapist, you will need to get a Masters and then do additional courses to be eligible for licensure.

You can actually have any degree and still go on for a Masters in Clinical or Counseling Psychology or in Social Work, but it is very helpful if your degree is in a social science like Psychology or Sociology.