90 Therapist Statistics, Facts & Demographics

Key Therapist Statistics

If you're looking for the latest therapist statistics, facts and demographics, continue reading:

1. There are over 198,811 therapists and over 81,000 psychologists practicing in the US.
2. Women make up over 70% of therapists and make 96 cents to a man’s dollar.
3. Psychologists with a doctorate degree earn almost twice as much as therapists.
4. Women make up 58% of psychologists and make 94 cents to a man’s dollar.
5. Most therapists are white, but more than 10% are Asian.
6. Psychologists are in the highest demand in Los Angeles County. Therapists are in the highest demand in coastal northern California.
7. Most psychologists are white, but more than 10% are Hispanic or Latino.
8. Therapists and psychologists are both in high demand in southern California and southern Arizona.
9. The most commonly spoken foreign language for both therapists and psychologists in the U.S. is Spanish.

Interesting Therapist Statistics & Facts

1. California has the highest average pay for both therapists and psychologists.
2. Therapists most commonly work with private companies, while psychologists most commonly work with educational institutions.
3. Therapists are required to complete extensive education and training. They typically hold a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field.
4. Therapists often specialize in specific areas such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or psychodynamic therapy.
5. In the United States, therapists are licensed at the state level, and the requirements for licensure vary from state to state.
6. Therapists provide treatment for a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, substance abuse, and relationship problems.
7. Research suggests that therapy is effective, with approximately 75% of people who enter therapy showing some benefit.
8. Therapists can work in various settings, including private practice, hospitals, community mental health centers, and schools.
9. In the United States, the number of mental health providers per capita varies widely by state, with some states having significantly fewer providers than others.
10. Therapists adhere to strict ethical guidelines and professional standards, which include maintaining confidentiality and providing competent and ethical care.
11. Teletherapy, or online therapy, has become increasingly popular, allowing therapists to provide services remotely to clients through videoconferencing platforms.
12. Therapists often use evidence-based treatments, which are therapies that have been shown to be effective through scientific research.
13. According to a survey conducted in 2020, approximately 48% of Americans reported that they or someone in their household had sought mental health treatment within the past year.
14. Therapists may specialize in working with specific populations, such as children and adolescents, veterans, or LGBTQ+ individuals.
15. In some cases, therapists may work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists or primary care physicians, to provide comprehensive care.
16. Therapists undergo their own therapy or supervision as part of their professional development and to ensure the quality of their work.
17. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased demand for mental health services, as many individuals have experienced heightened stress, anxiety, and depression.

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting over 300 million people. Anxiety disorders also rank among the most prevalent mental health disorders globally.

How Many Therapists Are There?

The number of therapists in the U.S. is over 198,811 therapists and over 81,000 psychologists.

What's The Therapist Wage Gap?

Women make up over 70% of therapists and make 96 cents to a man’s dollar. That's a lower wage gap than in many other job fields.

Therapist Statistics by Gender

Therapist Gender Over Time

Therapist Male to Female Ratio

About 70.4% of therapists are women, while about 24.7% of therapists are men. (The remaining 4.9% are therapists of an unknown gender.)

Therapist Statistics by Race

Therapist Race and Ethnicity Over Time

Therapist Wage Gap by Race

Average Age of a Therapist

Therapy Statistics & Facts

In the United States, approximately one in five adults experience a mental health condition every year, with depression and anxiety being the most common. With the rise in mental health awareness and the destigmatization of therapy, more people are seeking professional help.

• Therapists use various therapeutic techniques, such as talk therapy, behavioral interventions, mindfulness practices, and art therapy, depending on the needs and preferences of their clients.
• Therapists can help clients develop coping skills, improve communication, manage emotions, and make positive changes in their lives.
• The World Health Organization estimates that over 450 million people worldwide currently suffer from mental health disorders, making therapy a global necessity.
• Therapists often engage in ongoing professional development and attend conferences, workshops, and trainings to stay up-to-date with the latest research and treatment approaches.
• Some therapists specialize in specific modalities, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for mindfulness-based interventions.
• Therapists may work with clients individually, in couples, families, or group settings, depending on the needs and goals of the clients.
• Therapists play a crucial role in suicide prevention, as they are trained to recognize warning signs and provide support to individuals at risk.
• Research indicates that the therapeutic alliance, or the relationship between the therapist and client, is a significant predictor of therapy outcomes.
• Therapists often use assessment tools, such as questionnaires and diagnostic interviews, to gather information about clients' symptoms, functioning, and treatment progress.
• Therapists may be involved in advocating for mental health policy changes and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness.
• In some cases, therapists may be called upon to provide expert testimony in legal proceedings or evaluations for disability claims.
• The field of therapy is continuously evolving, with new approaches and techniques being developed based on research and clinical experience.
• Therapists may offer specialized services, such as couples therapy, sex therapy, or play therapy for children.
• Approximately 50% of therapists in the United States hold a master's degree, while the other 50% hold a doctoral degree.
• Therapists receive extensive training in cultural competence to ensure that they can effectively work with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• In recent years, there has been an increased focus on integrating mental health services into primary care settings, which may involve collaboration between therapists and medical professionals.
• Therapists may use outcome measures to assess the progress of therapy and make adjustments to treatment as needed.
• The number of therapy sessions required can vary depending on the individual and their specific needs, ranging from a few sessions to long-term therapy lasting several years.
• Therapists may use various modalities to address trauma, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), or somatic experiencing.
• Therapists are bound by strict confidentiality rules, but there are exceptions when there is a risk of harm to the client or others.

There are various types of therapy available, and the most common are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors.

Psychodynamic therapy is a long-term therapy that seeks to uncover unconscious thoughts and emotions that may be affecting the patient's behavior. Humanistic therapy emphasizes the patient's ability to make choices and control their own destiny.

• According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, the most common theoretical orientations among therapists in the United States are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy.
• Therapists often engage in self-care practices to prevent burnout and maintain their own mental well-being.
• In some countries, therapists may be reimbursed by health insurance companies for their services, making therapy more accessible to individuals with coverage.
• Therapists may work with individuals across the lifespan, from children and adolescents to older adults.
• In addition to providing therapy, therapists may also engage in research, teaching, and supervision of other mental health professionals.
• Therapists may specialize in specific disorders, such as eating disorders, substance use disorders, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• Approximately 80% of therapists report feeling satisfied with their career choice, according to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association.
• Therapists may use creative interventions, such as art therapy or music therapy, to help clients express themselves and explore their emotions.
• Therapists are trained to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
• The availability of mental health services varies globally, with some countries facing significant shortages of therapists and limited access to care.
• Therapists may incorporate mindfulness-based interventions, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), into their therapeutic approach.
• Therapists often engage in ongoing supervision or consultation with more experienced professionals to ensure the quality of their work and receive feedback.
• Therapists may specialize in working with specific populations, such as refugees, veterans, or individuals with chronic illnesses.
• The majority of therapists work full-time, but some may choose to work part-time or have flexible schedules.
• Therapists may receive specialized training to work with specific modalities, such as play therapy for children or animal-assisted therapy.
• In some cases, therapists may provide crisis intervention services, offering immediate support to individuals in acute distress.
• Therapists may engage in continuing education to maintain their licensure and stay informed about new developments in the field.
• Research suggests that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is more important than the specific therapeutic approach used.
• Therapists may work in interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with professionals from other fields, such as social work or psychiatry.
• Therapists are dedicated to helping individuals improve their mental well-being, lead fulfilling lives, and achieve their personal goals.

Growth of Therapy Through the Course of Time

• Growth in the Field: Over the past few decades, the field of therapy has experienced significant growth in terms of recognition, acceptance, and demand for services. This growth can be attributed to various factors, including increased awareness of mental health, reduced stigma surrounding therapy, and advancements in research and treatment approaches.

• Increasing Number of Therapists: The number of licensed therapists has been steadily increasing. In the United States, for example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the employment of mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists was projected to grow by 25% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

• Changing Demographics: The demographics of therapists have also been evolving. In the past, the field was predominantly male, but there has been a significant increase in the number of female therapists over the years. Currently, approximately 80% of therapists in the United States are female.

• Advancements in Training and Education: There have been advancements in the training and education required to become a therapist. Many therapists now hold advanced degrees, such as master's or doctoral degrees, in psychology, counseling, or related fields. These programs typically involve rigorous coursework, supervised clinical experience, and often research requirements.

• Expansion of Specializations: Therapists have increasingly specialized in specific areas of practice. This includes modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, and others. Specializations have also extended to working with specific populations, such as children, adolescents, couples, families, veterans, and Individuals with disabilities.

• Integration of Technology: Therapists have embraced technological advancements to expand their reach and improve access to mental health services. Online therapy, also known as teletherapy or telehealth, has gained popularity, especially in recent years. This allows therapists to provide services remotely, utilizing videoconferencing platforms.

• Research and Evidence-Based Practices: There has been an increasing emphasis on evidence-based practices in therapy. Therapists have become more informed about research findings and best practices, incorporating them into their treatment approaches. This focus on evidence-based practices aims to ensure that therapy is effective and aligned with scientific evidence.

• Cultural Competence and Diversity: The field of therapy has recognized the importance of cultural competence and providing services that are sensitive to the needs of diverse populations. Therapists have sought to enhance their understanding of different cultures, backgrounds, and identities to provide more inclusive and effective care.

• Integration of Mental Health in Healthcare Systems: Mental health services have become more integrated into healthcare systems. Collaborative efforts between therapists, primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals have been increasingly recognized as essential for comprehensive and holistic care.

• Growing Demand and Awareness: Overall, there has been a growing demand for mental health services and increased awareness of the importance of mental well-being. This has contributed to an increased recognition of therapy as a valuable resource for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Therapist Employment Statistics

Top Industries Hiring Therapists

Company Size

Types of Companies That Therapists Work In

Therapist Unemployment Statistics

Average Number of Years That Therapists Stay in a Job

Therapist Statistics by State

Top five states with the highest number of therapists per capita are:

• Massachusetts
• New York
• Rhode Island
• Hawaii
• Vermont

Bottom five states with the lowest number of therapists per capita are:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Mississippi
• Oklahoma
• Wyoming

Summary

These therapist statistics should have provided valuable insights into the mental health industry, highlighting the need for therapy and the challenges patients face when accessing care.

With the growing demand for mental health services, it's essential to continue monitoring therapist statistics to ensure that patients can access quality care regardless of their location or financial status.

The data also shows that the profession is becoming more diverse, which is a positive trend that can help improve the quality of care for all patients.

Sources

• https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db380.htm
• https://psychcentral.com/blog/mental-health-professionals-us-statistics-2017
• https://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/03/datapoint
• https://www.zippia.com/therapist-jobs/demographics/
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm