Transitioning From Law To Therapy: A Career Guide

If you have a law degree and are interested in becoming a therapist, you may be able to pursue a career that uses both qualifications. One option is to become a legal psychologist, which involves applying psychological insights to legal matters. This could include working as a jury consultant, evaluating individuals for court systems, or working with attorneys and other legal professionals.

To become a legal psychologist, you would need to obtain a degree in psychology, ideally at the graduate level, and potentially pursue a dual degree or double major in psychology and law. This would involve completing an undergraduate degree in psychology, followed by a master's degree in psychology and a Juris Doctor (JD) for law. Alternatively, you could pursue a PhD in psychology alongside your law degree.

In addition to the educational requirements, you would also need to obtain a license to practice as a therapist. This typically involves completing supervised clinical hours and passing a state-regulated licensing examination.

It's important to note that the specific requirements may vary depending on your location and chosen field of study, so be sure to research the exact qualifications needed for your desired career path.

Pursue a dual degree in law and psychology

Pursuing a dual degree in law and psychology can be a great option if you're interested in both fields and want to explore their intersections. This option can broaden your education, give you more credentials, and expand your employment opportunities.

At the undergraduate level, you can earn a bachelor's degree in psychology while completing the requirements for law school. This provides a solid foundation in both areas and allows you to develop a broad understanding of the two disciplines. Following this, at the graduate level, you can pursue a master's degree in both law and psychology or opt for more specialized degrees such as a Juris Doctorate (JD) for law and a PhD for psychology. Some universities, like Stanford, offer a JD/PhD joint degree program in law and psychology, allowing you to delve into the intersections between these fields.

When considering a dual degree, it's important to note that there may be specific requirements and prerequisites. For example, at Stanford, students must have completed a year of law school before entering the psychology department or have finished a year of graduate school in psychology before applying to the law school. This ensures that you have a strong foundation in both disciplines before fully embarking on the dual degree path.

The benefits of a dual degree in law and psychology are significant. Not only will you gain a comprehensive understanding of each field, but you'll also be able to explore how they overlap and interact. This can lead to a wide range of career options, including academic careers in law schools, psychology departments, policy jobs, and think tanks. Additionally, the skills and knowledge gained from this dual degree can be highly relevant to legal practice, strategic decision-making, and understanding human behaviour.

Overall, pursuing a dual degree in law and psychology can open doors to a diverse range of career paths and provide you with a unique perspective that combines two fascinating disciplines.

Understand the differences between therapist, psychologist, and counselor

While the terms therapist, psychologist, and counsellor are often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences between the three roles in terms of their qualifications, responsibilities, and approaches to treatment.

Therapist

Therapists are licensed mental health professionals who treat clients with a range of mental health conditions. They help clients develop coping mechanisms, improve emotional skills, and ease symptoms. Therapists often hold a master's degree in counselling, psychology, or a related field, such as marriage and family therapy. They may also choose to obtain a doctorate. Therapists typically provide talk therapy, exploring their clients' past to uncover insights about their current feelings, behaviours, or traumas.

Psychologist

Psychologists have a more advanced level of education than therapists and counsellors, holding a doctorate in psychology (Psy.D.) or a Ph.D. This gives them a deeper knowledge of psychology. Psychologists may be more likely to treat severe mental illnesses, such as psychosis or personality disorders, and they can conduct psychological and neuropsychological testing. They often work in association with psychiatrists or other medical doctors, providing psychotherapy while the psychiatrist manages medication.

Counsellor

Counsellors help clients deal with specific issues affecting their mental well-being, rather than ongoing mental health issues. They are more likely to offer solution-focused support and advice than psychotherapy. Counsellors often have a master's degree in psychology, counselling, or a related field, and they may hold additional certifications. They often specialise in a specific area, such as marriage, addiction, grief, or abuse. Counselling tends to be shorter-term and goal-oriented, addressing concrete, specific life challenges.

While there is some overlap in the roles of therapists, psychologists, and counsellors, each has distinct qualifications, responsibilities, and approaches. Therapists and counsellors often have similar training and may both be considered types of clinicians or therapists. Psychologists, on the other hand, have more advanced degrees and often treat more severe mental health issues. Ultimately, all three roles are dedicated to supporting individuals in improving their mental health and well-being.

Complete supervised clinical work

To become a therapist, you will need to complete supervised clinical work as part of your training. This is a requirement for most therapy roles and is typically undertaken during graduate degree programs. The number of supervised clinical hours required varies depending on state and certification requirements, but it is often around 2,500 to 3,000 hours.

During this time, you will work with patients under the supervision of a licensed practicing therapist. This is an opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. You will be able to develop your clinical skills and gain experience in working with clients.

Some therapy roles, particularly those in specialized settings such as corrections or veterans' organizations, may also require on-the-job training. Internship opportunities are also available for recent master's graduates, allowing them to gain further clinical experience in a supervised setting.

Master's degree programs that meet the requirements for specific licenses often offer guidance and support in gaining the necessary clinical hours.

Gain licensure and certification

Once you have completed your bachelor's and master's degrees, you will need to gain licensure and certification to become a therapist. This process will vary depending on your location and chosen field of therapy. However, there are some general steps that you can follow.

Firstly, check your state's specific requirements for licensure and certification. In the US, each state has its own board with unique processes for application and renewal. It is essential to understand these requirements before pursuing your degrees to ensure that you are on the correct path.

Most states will require you to pass an examination to become a licensed therapist. In the US, this is typically the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) or the National Counselor Examination for Licensure (NCE). The NCMHCE assesses your ability to identify, analyse, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for clinical concerns. To be eligible for this exam, you will need a master's degree from a CACREP-accredited counselling program. The NCE, on the other hand, measures your knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and skill-based tenets necessary to practice safely and competently as an entry-level counsellor. Eligibility for the NCE includes a degree from a counselling program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or an institutionally accredited college or university.

After passing the relevant examination, you can apply for a state-regulated license. To maintain this license, you will need to complete continuing education hours as required by your state. This ensures that you stay up-to-date with any changes in the field of therapy and maintain the necessary standards to continue practising.

In addition to the required licensure, you may also wish to pursue voluntary certifications to highlight your expertise and specialise in various therapy disciplines. Examples of voluntary certifications include the National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification and the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) certification, both offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

Develop a specialty

Developing a specialty is a crucial step in becoming a therapist. While general therapists require a master's degree in psychology or a related field, those who wish to develop a specialty may need to pursue additional education or certifications.

Therapists can choose from various specializations, including:

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): This approach focuses on helping clients manage their problems by changing negative thoughts and behaviours.
• Marriage and family therapy: This specialty involves working with couples and families to improve their relationships and resolve conflicts.
• Rehabilitation counselling: Rehabilitation counsellors help individuals with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their communities.
• Substance abuse counselling: This specialty focuses on helping individuals struggling with addiction to substances or behaviours.
• School counselling: School counsellors work with students to address academic, social, and emotional issues that may be impacting their education.

In addition to these specializations, therapists can also choose to focus on specific populations, such as children, adolescents, or adults. Some therapists may also specialize in treating certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

When deciding on a specialty, it is important to consider your interests, strengths, and the needs of the community you wish to serve. Gaining clinical experience through internships or supervised clinical work can also help you determine which area of therapy you would like to focus on.

Furthermore, developing a specialty can also involve pursuing additional education or certifications. For example, becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist typically requires obtaining a master's degree in a relevant field and gaining clinical experience. On the other hand, becoming a licensed clinical social worker may require a master's degree in social work and collaboration with individuals and their families.

Ultimately, developing a specialty allows therapists to provide more tailored and effective treatment to their clients. It enables them to gain expertise in a specific area of therapy and better serve their clients' needs.

Frequently asked questions