Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapist

Counseling Schools; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to enhancing the mental health of children and adolescents. As a Child Behavioral Therapist, you will play a vital role in diagnosing and treating young clients, crafting personalized treatment plans, and collaborating with families to foster a supportive environment. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of children while working in various settings such as clinics and schools. If you're passionate about child development and mental health, this is the perfect chance to thrive in a rewarding career that values your expertise and compassion.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

Continuing Education Opportunities

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Professional Development

Supportive Work Environment

Qualifications

• Master's degree in counseling or related field required for licensure.
• Experience with children and adolescents is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct one-on-one therapy sessions with young clients.
• Develop and implement treatment plans for clients' issues.
• Educate families and caregivers about client needs.

Skills

Mental Health Counseling

Child Development

Treatment Planning

Play Therapy

Client Evaluation

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree in Counseling

Tools

Client Management Software

Assessment Tools

Job description

Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapist – Career, Salary & State Licensure

Child behavior therapists are mental health counselors or marriage and family therapists who specialize in treating children and adolescents. They have earned master’s degrees in their field and have specific education and training on how to help young clients.

Professionals in this field can diagnose mental illnesses, write treatment plans, provide therapy, and collaborate with family members and other professionals. While there is no certification or license specifically for child behavior therapists, many may choose to pursue certification in child-centric treatment methods such as play therapy through the Association for Play Therapy (APT).

Child behavioral therapists work in private clinics, government agencies, social services, hospitals, and outpatient or residential clinics. Job duties vary based on experience and place of employment, but typical daily duties include:

• Meeting one-on-one with young clients
• Evaluating the mental health of clients
• Developing treatment plans to address clients’ concerns and issues
• Educating family members, teachers, or caregivers about a client’s issues and providing them with tools to help the client succeed at home and at school
• Referring clients to other service providers such as doctors, psychiatrists, behavior analysts, or social workers
• Maintaining client records
• Assisting with insurance billings

To practice in this field, most professionals become licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs). Becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist can also be an option. If pursuing this career via licensure as a mental health counselor, this is one possible pathway:

How to Become a Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapist

Step 1: Graduate from High School or Obtain a GED (Four Years)

Graduating from high school or completing a GED is the first step towards becoming a child behavioral therapist. Students who wish to pursue this career should focus on classes such as social sciences, psychology, English, and child development. Volunteering or working with kids can help provide early experience and training as well.

Step 2: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree (Four Years)

Earning a bachelor’s is an essential step as the majority of master’s programs require applicants to have already completed an undergraduate degree. There are not very many counseling master’s programs that are specific to children, so undergraduate studies are an excellent time to gain the experience and education needed.

Step 3: Obtain an Advanced Degree (Two to Eight Years)

A master’s degree in counseling or a related field is required for licensure in all 50 states. There are very few master’s in child and adolescent counseling, so students should look for programs that offer elective courses or practicums and internships focused on children.

Step 4: Apply for Initial State Licensure (Timeline Varies)

While not required in every state, it may be necessary to obtain provisional, intern, or associate licenses. These licenses are issued post-education, but before completing the required supervised work experience. To apply, candidates will need to submit official transcripts, an application, an application fee, and often pass a background check.

Step 5: Complete Supervised Practice (Two to Three Years)

Supervised work experience is required to become a child behavior therapist in every state. The number of hours can range from 1,500 on the low end to 4,000 on the high end. Often, these hours must be earned while holding a provisional, intern, or associate license at a licensing board-approved workplace.

Step 6: Pass State Licensing Exam (Timeline Varies)

Passing a licensing exam is a required step in every state. The exam required varies by state, with some states even allowing applicants to choose which exam they complete.

Step 7: Apply for State Licensure (Timeline Varies)

A license as a mental health counselor (or marriage and family therapist) is required in all states. Candidates must meet education, testing, and work experience requirements.

Licensing & Certification Requirements By State for Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapists

Child therapists in Alabama must fulfill the requirements to become Associate Licensed Counselors (ALCs) or Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC).

What Do Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapists Do?

Child behavioral therapists work in private clinics, government agencies, social services, hospitals, and outpatient or residential clinics. Job duties vary based on experience and place of employment, but typical daily duties include:

• Meeting one-on-one with young clients
• Evaluating the mental health of clients
• Developing treatment plans to address clients’ concerns and issues
• Educating family members, teachers, or caregivers about a client’s issues and providing them with tools to help the client succeed at home and at school
• Referring clients to other service providers such as doctors, psychiatrists, behavior analysts, or social workers
• Maintaining client records
• Assisting with insurance billings

How Much Do Child Behavioral Therapists Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023), child therapists working as substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn $60,080 per year on average.

Child Behavioral Therapist Professional Associations & Resources

• Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling (ACAC)
• Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
• Association for Play Therapy
• Child Mind Institute
• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
• American Counseling Association (ACA)
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)