- The median salary for child therapists is between $30,000 and $100,000 per year, depending on the therapist's type of practice, where in the country he practices and how much experience he has. Experience is an especially important factor, according to College Crunch: Therapists on the higher end of the pay scale tend to have 10 or more years of experience, while those with little or no experience tend to earn less than $45,000 per year.
- Child therapists who work in doctor's offices or other medical facilities tend to make more money than those who work in private practice or for schools. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, reports that school counselors make about $65,000 per year; private practice therapists make only about $57,440 per year, while therapists who work in doctors' offices make about $68,400 per year.
- Child therapists are often in demand in schools, especially in low-income areas or other areas where students may be at risk for self-destructive behavior, dropping out of school or joining gangs. It's therefore somewhat easier to get a job as a child therapist in the public school system than elsewhere. Child therapists may also find it somewhat easier to find employment opportunities in the court system, where they may be able to help children and families deal with divorce or help victims of child abuse.
- Child therapists must receive a bachelor's degree in psychology and complete all higher educational requirements for licensure. If a therapist wants to call herself a psychologist, she must get a doctoral degree, which commands a slightly higher salary than a therapist who holds only a master's degree in her field. In addition, therapists with doctorates who enter private practice may find it easier to secure clients, as the degree builds credibility.
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