What is the average salary of a therapist? - lecture room (2023)

This is probably a typical question on your mind if you are just starting out in this businesshow much a therapist makes.

It's natural to want to know about your potential income, and if you've been thinking about this topic, you're in the right place. Here, we take a closer look at what you can expect from a therapist salary and look at factors that could affect your earning potential.

average salary for a therapist

Wondering how much the average therapist earns? according tohiring personnelIn May 2023, the median annual salary for therapists in the U.S. was $78,534. Family therapists earn a higher average annual salary of $88,786. Of course, the average therapist salary depends on many factors, including specialization, education, level of experience, and location.

Factors Affecting Therapist Salary

"Several factors affect a therapist's salary, including the therapist's level of education, years of experience, setting (hospital, private practice, or government), as well as the type of therapy (individual, group, or family) and the area in which the therapy takes place. They practice s country."

–Talkspace-terapeut Dr. Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW

Several factors affect how much a therapist earns, such as:

• experience: As with any career, the more experience you have in your field, the greater your earning potential. Someone who has been a therapist for 20 years is likely to make more money than someone just starting out.
• educate: Most occupations have different salary potentials related to training. Generally speaking, the more educated you are, the greater your earning potential. For example, a psychologist with a Ph.D. earns more than a therapist with a master's degree.
• Type of treatment: Thata therapyYour exercise can also affect your income. Some specialties may be popular or require additional training, which may result in greater earning potential. Sports psychologists may earn more than the average therapist.
• place: Salaries may vary by geographic location. Therapists who practice in urban areas or states with a higher cost of living typically earn more than those who practice in rural areas.
• Private Clinics and Agenciesconsultant: The type of practice you do also affects your salary. For example, a therapist in a private practice may earn more than a licensed therapist working in an agency because they have the leeway to charge more for their services. Mental health counselors, by contrast, may set fees at their agency's discretion.

Salary Therapists by Location

Location can have a major impact on a therapist's salary range. The cost of living varies widely in different states and cities in the United States, which can affect how much a therapist can earn.

In addition to state-level wage gaps, wages in urban areas are generally higher than in sparsely populated areas due to demand and cost of living.hiring personnelA list was compiled of the average earnings of mental health providers in each state.

States with the highest salaries for therapists:

• Tennessee: According to ZipRecruiter, Tennessee is the highest-paid state for therapists — mental health professionals make an average of $83,050 a year.
• New Jersey: New Jersey also offers competitive salaries for mental health professionals, with therapists earning an average salary of $81,330.
• hawaii: Hawaii ranks third among the top earning locations, just behind the second. Therapists in the Aloha state can expect to earn an average annual salary of $81,018.

States with the lowest salaries for therapists:

• Florida: Florida, on the other hand, is the second-to-last state with an average therapist salary of $56,339.
• Georgia: In Georgia, mental health professionals earn an average of about $55,028.

Salary trends in the industry

The mental health industry has seen significant changes in terms of salaries and earning potential for therapists. As a mental health professional in the field, you can maximize your income by staying informed and on top of the latest trends. Notable salary trends in this industry may include:

• Increased demand for telemedicine and teletherapy: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of online therapy platforms like Talkspace, the current salary range for therapists may be much wider than in the past. Now is the opportunity to expand your client base and increase your revenue through teleconferencing, making treatment more accessible to clients. interested inBenefits of Teletherapy? Join the Talkspace network to getonline therapy practice.
• More Mental Health Awareness: As a society, we have become more aware ofThe Importance of Mental Health.Therefore, there has been a greater need for qualified therapists and psychiatric professionals. This growing demand may lead to higher salaries for professionals in this field. ThatBLS projectThe growth rate for mental health counselors between 2021-2031 is 22%. this growth ismuch faster than average”
• Professional diversification: Therapists who specialize in specific areas (such as trauma, addiction, or couples therapy) may charge higher fees for their expertise and focused specialization. Additionally, specialization in some aspects of therapeutic engineering may require additional certification and training to enhance your skills and educational experience, thereby increasing your earning potential.
• mental health insurance: As insurers continue to recognize the value of mental health care, this could affect how much a therapist earns in one session per year. It's important to stay up to date on your insurance company's policies and benefits to ensure that you can maximize customer revenue even as customers use more and more insurance benefits.
• Licensed in multiple states:With the rise of teletherapy came the growth trends that changed industry salaries. Since teletherapy is more common and preferred in some situations, being licensed in other states allows therapists to help more clients.

"Currently, job demand for therapists is high, and research shows that jobs for therapists are expected to grow during this decade."

–Talkspace-terapeut Dr. Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW

Maximize your salary potential with Talkspace

As a therapist, consider maximizing your salary potential by joining an online platform like Talkspace. We connect therapists with clients who need mental health support. When you're part of the Talkspace network, you benefit from more than just flexible hours and environments. You might also see more money-making opportunities in the field of psychology.

Talkspace therapists benefit from:

• no overhead: Online therapy removes the need for many of the fixed costs traditionally associated with operating a brick-and-mortar office space. Say goodbye to rent, utility bills, and administrative staff costs, because Talkspace provides everything you need to get the job done, at no additional cost. The cost savings translate directly into higher revenue.
• diverse clients: You no longer need to spend time, money and effort to market yourself to reach more potential customers. With a dedicated client base, you'll gain more opportunities to engage with clients and develop meaningful relationships, leading to long-lasting client-patient relationships that drive revenue.
• Ongoing Training and Support: Talkspace is proud to provide ongoing support, education and training resources for therapists. By using such professional development tools, you can improve your skills and increase your credibility and experience with potential clients, ultimately leading to better income prospects.

learn more aboutBecome a Talkspace Therapist Today.Experience all the benefits and see how Talkspace can help you increase your earning potential and maximize your impact as an effective and qualified mental health therapist.