Child and Adolescent Therapy

A child and adolescent therapist works with kids of all ages in a variety of venues from schools and government agencies to hospitals and private practices. Working with children who have severe mental disorders and other challenges can be difficult at times, but the rewards are great. Through a doctorate degree in child and adolescent therapy, you can prepare yourself for work with children individually and in groups to help them cope with a wide range of life issues.

Child and Adolescent Therapy Degree

While many professionals begin working in the field of child and adolescent therapy with a master’s degree, most find they need a doctorate to work directly with the children or to open a private practice. Bring your psychology career to the doctorate level with projects, practical internships and dissertations that explore all different kinds of child and teen issues.

Some of the coursework you might encounter on the road to your doctorate degree includes:

• Play Therapy
• ADHD Assessment
• Dynamics of Family Interaction
• Research Methods
• Family Therapy with Adolescents

Preparing to Work in Child and Adolescent Therapy

While a bachelor’s degree can get your foot in the door to an entry-level job in child and adolescent therapy, master’s and doctorate degrees are generally required to work directly with patients. Because the field of child and adolescent therapy is expected to become more competitive, a PhD can give you the edge to land the best positions in your career.

Those who have a passion for helping kids of all ages will thrive in the field of child and adolescent therapy. The right degree is all you need to jumpstart a rewarding career that helps youth achieve their true potential in life.