edX Online

Master's in psychology programs that teach psychotherapy

Learn more about master’s programs in psychology that teach psychotherapy and find out what career options they can lead to for professionals in this field.

See all psychology masters programs

Why earn an online master's in psychology degree that teaches psychotherapy?

Build assessment and diagnostic skills

Coursework and internship experiences related to psychotherapy will help you understand the assessment and diagnostic process.

Pursue your studies with a flexible schedule

Online programs offer scheduling flexibility with multiple available start dates — some even allow you to work at your own pace.

Study psychotherapy techniques

Psychotherapists are trained in various techniques to best help their clients. You will learn about these techniques, why they work, and when they should be used.


Do you want to work as a psychotherapist? A master's in psychology program that teaches psychotherapy can be the key to your career goals.

Learn more about what psychotherapy is and what jobs you can potentially qualify for with this skill set.

Browse online psychology programs that cover psychotherapy

Prestigious
An immersive cohort-based learning experience that is designed to optimize learning outcomes and ensure global networking opportunities.
Flexible
Choose your path with a range of completion options and class times.
Equivalent to on-campus
Earn the same degree and complete the same curriculum as on-campus students.

Why earn an online master's in psychology degree that teaches psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a treatment method that involves talking with a trained mental health professional for the purpose of diagnosing, assessing and treating mental health conditions. A master's in psychology program that teaches psychotherapy provides aspiring psychotherapists with needed tools, and online learning offers opportunities beyond your geographic location.

Here are some key points to think about when considering pursuing a career in this field:

Master's in psychology program that teaches psychotherapy overview

A master's in psychology program that teaches psychotherapy covers various psychological theories, techniques, and interventions used in talk therapy. Students learn about the human mind and what influences thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Common courses include counseling theories, diagnosis and assessment, research methods, and human growth and development. Specialized topics may include career counseling, addiction counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Students also complete a clinical internship.

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is an approach for treating mental health issues by talking with a qualified mental health professional. It is also known as talk therapy.

Psychotherapy is a collaborative process with the goal of helping clients identify and change thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are causing distress. It is used as part of the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders.

Providing psychotherapy is the primary job duty of mental health counselors.

What jobs can you get with a master's in psychology degree that includes psychotherapy?

A master's in psychology program that teaches psychotherapy prepares students to work as a licensed mental health professional. Common job titles include a licensed professional counselor or marriage and family therapist.

Licensure requirements are determined by state boards that regulate who gets to use different professional titles and each role's scope of practice. A doctorate is usually required to practice as a psychologist.

Here are a few jobs that use psychotherapy, their average salaries, and some unique factors that influence the salaries of psychotherapists.

Mental health counselor

A licensed mental health counselor uses psychotherapy in their work with mental health disorders. By listening to their clients, they can identify symptoms of disorders like depression or anxiety.

They help clients by providing needed support, offering new insights, or teaching coping skills.

Work settings: Outpatient clinics, community agencies, hospitals, private practice

Substance use counselor

Substance use counselors use psychotherapy in their work with addiction. They help clients experiencing addiction by conducting assessments about their substance use and their motivation to change. By listening to their clients, they can help them identify obstacles and develop healthy coping skills to aid them in their recovery.

Depending on their qualifications, they may also diagnose mental health disorders.

Work settings: Outpatient clinics, hospitals, jails, community agencies

Marriage and family therapist

Marriage and family therapists use psychotherapy in their work with couples, families, or other relationships. They assess relationship health and may diagnose mental health disorders.

By listening to their clients, they can help identify patterns in communication that may contribute to conflict and provide education for improved relationship satisfaction.

Work settings: Outpatient clinics, community agencies, private practice

Salary information and job outlook for psychotherapy professionals

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for mental health and substance use counselors is $53,710 as of May 2023. The projected job growth rate for these professionals is 19%, which is much higher than the average rate for all occupations.

Meanwhile, the median annual salary for marriage and family therapists is $58,510. The projected job growth rate for these therapists iis 16%, which is also much higher than average.

However, there are several factors unique to the psychotherapy professions that are not considered in average salary data reports, but influence salary potential.

It is important to note that the BLS data combines undergraduate substance use counselors with those that require a master's degree. Master's degree-level substance use counselors earn more than counselors with an undergraduate degree. Fully licensed counselors earn more than new professionals working to obtain their clinical hours.

Typically, therapists working in private practice are self-employed or independent contractors. Salary can vary in this setting because it is determined by the number of sessions provided and the rate that is charged or reimbursed by insurance. The demand for specializations or services in your area can also influence salary.

Frequently asked questions

Is a master's degree enough to become a therapist?

A master's degree is enough to meet the academic requirements to become a therapist, but a clinical license is required to practice psychotherapy.

These requirements are determined by state boards, but common requirements include earning a master's degree in psychology or counseling, working under a qualified supervisor after graduation, and passing national board exams.

What type of psychotherapist makes the most money?

The type of psychotherapist that typically makes the most money is a psychiatrist. They complete medical school and are able to prescribe medication in addition to providing psychotherapy.

In general, master's-level psychotherapists who have a specialization and work in the private practice setting make the most money.

Is talk therapy the same as psychotherapy?

Yes, psychotherapy is the same as talk therapy. This process involves talking with a trained mental health professional for the purposes of diagnosing, assessing, and treating mental health conditions.

What is the most effective psychotherapy?

The most effective psychotherapy is determined by the needs of the client. A strong therapeutic relationship is necessary for any psychotherapy to be effective.

A therapist who specializes in providing therapy for teens with anxiety would likely not be as effective for adults seeking treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Can psychotherapists diagnose?

Yes, psychotherapists can diagnose mental health disorders. Psychotherapists are trained to assess for various mental health conditions, and this includes identifying when a client may need a referral for medications or if a client's primary concern is not something they are competent to treat.

Explore psychology programs by disciplines covered