How to become a therapist in counselling and related specialized therapies
Official title: Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies
Also called: Art therapist, Sex therapist, Play therapist, Dance therapist, Drama therapist, Music therapist, Family therapist, Couples therapist, Marriage therapist, Movement therapist, Behavioural therapist, Counselling therapist
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies assist individuals and groups of clients to identify, understand and overcome personal problems and achieve personal objectives. They can be specialized to work on specific problems and they may practice psychotherapy. They are employed by counselling centres, social service agencies, group homes, government agencies, family therapy centres, and educational, health care and rehabilitation facilities, or they may work in private practice.
Main tasks
- Interview clients, prepare case histories and assess problems
- Develop and implement counselling and intervention programs to assist clients in determining goals and means of attaining them
- Counsel clients, provide therapy and mediation services, and facilitate group sessions
- Liaise with community agencies or partners, and identify additional or alternative services and provide referrals
- Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling programs and interventions, and clients' progress in resolving identified problems and movement toward defined objectives
- Follow up on results of counselling programs and clients' adjustments
- Prepare assessment, progress, follow-up and court reports
- May supervise other counsellors, social service staff and assistants
How to become one
A bachelor's or master's degree in the field of counselling, therapy, mental health, psychology or a related social service discipline is required and a period of supervised clinical work with clients may be required. A master's degree in the field of therapy is required for art therapist, music therapist, and dance therapists. Membership with a provincial or federal association is usually required by employers. Registration with a regulatory body is required in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for counselling therapists. To practise psychotherapy, a permit is required in Quebec and registration with the appropriate regulatory body is required in Ontario.
Ways in
- University: Psychology degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Registration with a regulatory body is required in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for counselling therapists. To practise psychotherapy, a permit is required in Quebec and registration with the appropriate regulatory body is required in Ontario.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $66,300 a year The middle half earn $53,859 to $83,850.
- About 69,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 85,100 are projected by 2033. (+21.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a therapist in counselling and related specialized therapies?
A bachelor's or master's degree in the field of counselling, therapy, mental health, psychology or a related social service discipline is required and a period of supervised clinical work with clients may be required. A master's degree in the field of therapy is required for art therapist, music therapist, and dance therapists. Membership with a provincial or federal association is usually required by employers. Registration with a regulatory body is required in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for counselling therapists. To practise psychotherapy, a permit is required in Quebec and registration with the appropriate regulatory body is required in Ontario.
How much does a therapist in counselling and related specialized therapies earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $66,300 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $53,859 to $83,850.
Is a therapist in counselling and related specialized therapies a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 22% by 2033, from about 69,900 to about 85,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a therapist in counselling and related specialized therapies?
Usually. 100% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03