To become a PTSD therapist, one must first obtain licensure in psychology, psychiatry, or clinical social work, and may need additional pharmacology training. After gaining experience and licensure, a counselor can specialize in PTSD therapy and continue education to stay current.
In most places, to become a PTSD therapist, you must first become a trained and licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychiatrist, or be licensed in clinical social work. If you plan to prescribe medication to patients, you will also need a medical degree, or if you live in an area that does not require a medical degree, you may need to take additional pharmacology training in addition to taking an additional exam. Training in any of these disciplines will help prepare you for a career in counseling. Once you have obtained the appropriate licensure to counsel others, you may choose to specialize in treating anxiety disorders and receive specific training to help you counsel people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Training to become a PTSD therapist can vary depending on the country you live in and where you plan to practice your profession. In the United States, obtaining a graduate degree in psychology or psychiatry is the first step, and this involves at least five years of study at the graduate and postgraduate levels before taking the appropriate licensing exam. A person entering the counseling profession may also do so with a degree in social work before working to become a licensed clinical social worker.
In many places, before you can test licensure, you may also need to complete a lengthy internship to gain supervised experience. Most also undergo psychological counseling to ensure their mental and emotional fitness before being able to advise the general public. After experience is gained and candidates undergo individual counseling, a person can take an exam to become a licensed therapist.
After gaining a license, a counselor can become a PTSD therapist, choosing to focus solely on that discipline. Depending on where you choose to practice, additional courses may not be required. Most reputable therapists, however, engage in continuing education as well as personal study, as well as joining relevant organizations and seeking further certification in order to provide therapy for patients with PTSD.
Even after becoming a PTSD therapist, it will be important to stay current on the latest research in this field. Therefore, it is likely that you will continue to participate in continuing education periodically throughout your career. Doing so will not only increase your professional stature and outreach, but will also better equip you to help clients suffering from PTSD as new insights and research that are useful in patient care become available.
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