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

How to Become a Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapist

There is not a standard certification or license for child behavior therapists. 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:

There is no standard certification or license for child behavior therapists. 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: 

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. 

Prospective child behavior therapists can major in child-centric programs such as child development or education, although this career can be pursued with most social science degrees including counseling, psychology, sociology, and social work.  

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. 

Programs should be at least 48 semester-credits long, although many states require counselors to complete 60-credit programs. Most states have specific coursework requirements, as well as a stipulation that the program be accredited. Accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) typically meets all the coursework, internship, and practicum requirements set by states, as well as being a stamp of approval of a high-quality program.

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. Child behavior therapists can complete these hours working with children and adolescents to gain the necessary specialized work experience. 

The hours earned must meet specific requirements such as supervision and direct client contact. Counselors are required to maintain careful documentation. Advanced degrees such as a doctorate or additional post-graduate education can reduce the required hours. 

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. The most common exams required are:

• National Counselor Examination (NCE) from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
• National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC)

Jurisprudence exams, ones that test an applicant’s knowledge of laws and regulations related to mental health counseling, are required in many states as well. 

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. Applications often must include official transcripts, notarized forms, application fees, letters of recommendation, verification of work experience, and test scores. As requirements vary by state, candidates should familiarize themselves with their local board standards.

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
• Providing mental health diagnoses
• 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

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)