How to become a child therapist
EVERY child deserves the best start in life – so how about choosing a career where you can make this happen?
Statistics from the Children’s Commissioner show over a quarter of a million kids are on the waiting list for mental health support, but you can change this by retraining as a child therapist.
Take a look at these three amazing jobs to support young people and see how you can make a difference in their futures.
- Psychologist, Horizon Care and Education Group, UK
- Regional Clinical Psychologist – Schools, Shire Healthcare, Leicester
- Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist / Play Therapist, Beaufort Care Group, Ringwood
With over 1,000 vacancies nationally, there has never been a greater need to support our children, so here’s how to get started with Sun Jobs.
What is a child therapist?
Known by their professional title of ‘child and adolescent psychotherapists’ (CAPT), these are mental health specialists who work with children and young people aged up to 25 to assess, diagnose and treat a range of psychological issues.
You may also work with the young person’s family or carer.
How can I train as a child therapist?
As it is such a responsible job, you will need to undergo rigorous training but the level of training you need depends on the exact job role you are aiming for.
To launch your career as a Child psychotherapist, you will need a related degree such as psychology, nursing, medicine or social work, an accredited postgraduate qualification and to complete 450 hours of practice.
Play therapists need a degree and a postgraduate qualification approved by the British Association of Play Therapists or Play Therapy UK.
If you want to become a child psychologist, you’ll need a degree, a Masters or Doctorate and extensive experience.
You can find out more by visiting: bps.org.uk.
What personal qualities and skills to child therapists need?
Like all therapy jobs, you must be interested in people and their behaviour and have emotional resilience and maturity.
However, with children, you’ll need to have a heightened awareness as they may not be able to express themselves as easily as adults.
Recruiters also look for excellent communication skills, a willingness to continue professional development and the ability to work well independently and in consultation with others.
There’s more to discover about the sector at www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/psychological-therapies/roles-psychological-therapies/child-and-adolescent-psychotherapist.
How much do child therapists earn?
Starting salaries are typically around £35,000 with experienced therapists earning over £50,000.
Play therapists have an average salary of £38,000.
Discover thousands of open vacancies for jobs all across the UK now on The Sun Job Board.