Skip to content 
How much do therapists make? If you are interested in mental health or counseling, you are likely wondering the same thing. As more people become aware of mental health, the need for therapists has risen, too, along with curiosity about their earnings.
According to the BLS, mental health counselors on average earn $45,000 annually, but the highest earners earn more than $82,000. Psychologists working in clinical, counseling, and school fields earned a median income of $92,000. The overall difference in earnings among therapists is due to factors such as being licensed, having a specialty, experience, and the region they practice in.
In the following sections, we will discuss therapist earnings, up-to-date statistics, earning opportunities, and various methods for helping you grow your career in mental health. No matter if you’re just starting or aiming for growth, knowing what you can earn is important for creating a lasting and fulfilling career.
Factors Influencing Therapist Salaries
The amount of money a therapist makes depends heavily on some main factors. Even though passion brings many into this sector, earning money for the future is very important. Here we discuss the top factors that determine how much therapists make.
- Many PhD and PsyD holders end up with higher-paying jobs.
- Lots of licensed therapists make more money than people who do not hold licenses.
- Therapist earnings generally increase with years of experience and a growing reputation.
- Usually, working in private practice pays more than working at schools or not-for-profit groups.
- Areas with higher demand, such as California and New York, commonly pay better than other states.
- Individuals who work as therapists for trauma, substance abuse, or child psychology usually get paid well.
- You may earn more by providing services to high-income clients or focusing on private-pay patients.
Average Salary Breakdown by Therapist Type
When examining how much therapists earn, keep in mind that your pay can vary a lot depending on who you are and the kind of setting you work in. There are several types of medical specialties, and their requirements, tasks, and popularity all determine how well medical professionals get paid. Find below the average salaries for several therapist types, along with where they typically work and where you can get your information.
| Therapist Type | Average Annual Salary | Common Work Setting |
| Mental Health Counselor | $49,710 | Community centers, private practice |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | $60,280 | Hospitals, social services, and schools |
| Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) | $56,570 | Private practice, family clinics |
| School Counselor | $61,710 | Elementary and high schools |
| Substance Abuse Counselor | $49,710 | Rehab centers, correctional facilities |
| Clinical Psychologist | $92,740 | Private practice, hospitals, and clinics |
| Psychiatrist (Medical Doctor) | $239,980 | Hospitals, private practice |
Geographic Variations in Therapist Earnings
Your earnings as a therapist can be strongly affected by the location you choose. Just as the cost of housing changes from place to place in America, therapist salaries do as well. Many therapists working in major cities or popular places are paid much more than those in rural or cheaper places.
| State/City | Average Therapist Salary | Cost of Living | Demand & Opportunities |
| California (e.g., LA, SF) | $80,000 – $95,000 | High | Very high demand, especially in urban centers |
| New York (NYC) | $75,000 – $90,000 | Very High | High demand, especially for licensed mental health pros |
| Texas (Austin, Dallas) | $60,000 – $80,000 | Moderate | Growing need for mental health services |
| Illinois (Chicago) | $60,000 – $78,000 | Moderate | Good opportunities in city areas |
| Colorado (Denver) | $62,000 – $80,000 | Moderate to High | High mental health awareness; strong job growth |
| Ohio | $50,000 – $65,000 | Low to Moderate | Steady demand, especially in urban hubs |
| Mississippi | $45,000 – $58,000 | Low | Lower salaries, but demand is increasing in underserved areas |
| Arizona (Phoenix) | $55,000 – $70,000 | Moderate | Strong growth in the private and public mental health sectors |
| Washington (Seattle) | $70,000 -$85,000 | High | Strong demand and high pay for licensed therapists |
Impact of Education and Experience on Therapist Income
The knowledge and experience of a therapist strongly influence how much they earn. Experts with certificates or doctorates tend to earn higher salaries than professionals with only a master’s degree. Receiving a license from a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) is usually rewarded with higher pay and more job opportunities.
Therapists just starting out often receive lower income, but their pay can increase over time, especially if they work in badly needed fields such as trauma or substance abuse management. Lifelong learning helps therapists improve their skills and leads to better job opportunities and better earnings. On the whole, having more education and experience is what helps increase a therapist’s income.
Potential for Growth and Advancement in the Therapy Profession
Therapists have the opportunity to build both their careers and their income in the therapy profession. By doing more jobs, learning new things, and checking out new possibilities, therapists can enjoy better rewards and more satisfaction at work. There are several important ways to advance:
- Numerous therapists decide to start or join private practices to gain full control and extra money.
- Licensed counselors may decide to step up to be directors or program managers and enjoy increased compensation.
- Many teachers and professionals in the field who specialize in child psychology or addiction therapy get a variety of good-paying job opportunities.
- Continuing education gives therapists the chance to learn about fresh techniques, improve their abilities, and become more attractive to clients.
- As more teletherapy flourishes, therapists have a larger group of clients to serve and make more money working from home.
- Taking steps to learn, grow, and get promoted usually brings consistent growth and more job satisfaction.
Additional Income Opportunities for Therapists
There are several other ways therapists can boost their income apart from regular client appointments. Many learn to work across several fields, which strengthens their financial security and job enjoyment.
Workshops and Training:
Facilitating workshops, seminars, or training for different clients gives you the chance to make money and earn respect.
Writing and Publishing:
Anyone who writes books, blogs, or articles about therapy can earn income by selling their work, freelancing, or accepting sponsored material.
Consulting:
Earning good money as a consultant is possible by focusing on businesses, healthcare, or law, as long as you have specific skills.
Teaching and Supervision:
It is not unusual for experienced therapists to help in education programs or to supervise new trainees and earn extra income.
Online Courses and Teletherapy:
Online courses and extra teletherapy services give therapists the ability to work with people from all over the globe and raise their income.
Earnings Insights for Therapists and Their Potential at Lonestar Mental Health
If therapy as a profession has caught your interest or you need help figuring out your pay, Lonestar Mental Health is here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions about career advancement, obtaining a license, or job positions, our experts are happy to guide you in your career. Contact Lonestar Mental Health now to begin building a rewarding and financially successful career in therapy.
FAQs
What is the average therapist salary in the United States?
Most therapists in the U.S. earn about $78,000 yearly, but both the cost and wages may change depending on the therapist’s place of work and experience. An engineer’s salary might be anywhere between $45,000 and over $100,000 based on their role.
How do counselor earnings compare to therapy salaries in different states?
The cost of living and the demand for therapists in each state cause counselor wages to be much higher in states like California and New York. Places with lower expenses often have a relatively low earning potential, but still supply competitive salaries.
What factors influence mental health therapist pay?
Therapists get paid different amounts based on their educational background, the number of years they have worked, their location, and what they specialize in. How much an individual earns also depends on working in private practices or hospitals.
How much do clinical therapists wages vary by specialization?
Specializations like child psychology or addiction therapy often command higher wages than general counseling roles. Certifications in niche areas can further increase income potential.
What is the typical compensation package for therapists?
A lot of therapists receive a base salary, medical coverage, pension options, and scheduled breaks. Those operating in private practice choose their own fees and earn additional income by teaching sessions or workshops.
