How much does a Licensed Therapist make?
Licensed therapists play an important role in helping people with their mental and emotional well-being. They earn a good salary for their dedication and expertise. The average yearly salary for a licensed therapist is about $85,011. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of therapy provided.
Salaries can range widely. New therapists may start with a salary closer to $50,000. As experience grows, so can the salary. Some therapists earn between $93,000 and $104,000. The highest earners in this field can make over $170,000 a year. Factors like the therapist's specialization and the area they work in affect these figures.
What are the highest paying cities for a Licensed Therapist?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $132,538
Working as a therapist in San Jose provides a dynamic environment with opportunities in leading tech companies. The region's growing population presents a high demand for mental health services. Prominent firms like Kaiser Permanente offer excellent benefits.
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Columbus, GA
Average Salary: $128,829
Therapists in Columbus enjoy a strong community focus and diverse client bases. The area's healthcare facilities are expanding, offering growth potential. Institutions such as St. Francis - Emory Healthcare provide rewarding work experiences.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $126,395
Santa Rosa's serene setting allows for a balanced work-life approach. The region's growing tech industry and healthcare facilities create diverse opportunities. Kaiser Permanente offers comprehensive benefits packages for therapists.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $119,742
In San Francisco, therapists benefit from a vibrant, diverse community. The city's tech sector and various non-profits create a variety of work settings. Companies like UCSF Health provide innovative mental health services.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $113,908
Salinas offers a close-knit community feel with abundant opportunities. The agricultural sector and healthcare institutions provide diverse work environments. Community clinics often seek qualified therapists.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $113,691
Los Angeles presents a bustling city life with endless opportunities for therapists. The entertainment industry and various healthcare providers offer diverse work settings. Kaiser Permanente and other major firms provide substantial benefits.
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Grand Rapids, MI
Average Salary: $110,172
Therapists in Grand Rapids enjoy a community that values mental health. The city's expanding healthcare sector and non-profits offer varied work experiences. Spectrum Health provides a supportive environment with good benefits.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $107,225
Sacramento offers a vibrant community with a strong focus on mental health. The city's growing healthcare sector and government institutions present diverse opportunities. Kaiser Permanente offers excellent benefits.
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Eugene, OR
Average Salary: $106,678
In Eugene, therapists enjoy a relaxed yet progressive community. The area's educational institutions and healthcare facilities provide diverse work settings. Local clinics and non-profits often seek qualified professionals.
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Ann Arbor, MI
Average Salary: $106,581
Ann Arbor offers a dynamic and intellectual environment. The university setting and healthcare institutions create diverse opportunities. The University of Michigan provides a supportive and innovative work environment.
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What are the best companies a Licensed Therapist can work for?

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Valor Healthcare
Average Salary: $162,000
Valor Healthcare offers rewarding Licensed Therapist jobs with a focus on veterans and their families. They operate across the United States, providing care in multiple states.
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Daybreak Health
Average Salary: $139,667
Daybreak Health provides high-quality mental health services. They have locations throughout California, ensuring therapists can make a significant impact in their communities.
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Family Therapy & Consultation Services
Average Salary: $132,400
This company specializes in family therapy. They serve clients in Florida, offering a supportive environment for therapists to thrive.
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Better Talent
Average Salary: $122,353
Better Talent focuses on connecting therapists with the right opportunities. They have offices in Texas, providing a range of therapeutic services to diverse populations.
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Palo Alto Therapy
Average Salary: $116,818
Palo Alto Therapy offers Licensed Therapist jobs in the heart of Silicon Valley. They provide innovative mental health services in California.
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Caring Family Community Services
Average Salary: $113,810
This organization serves communities in Pennsylvania. They offer comprehensive mental health services, allowing therapists to make a real difference.
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Family Health Centers of San Diego
Average Salary: $112,994
Family Health Centers of San Diego provides quality care in Southern California. They offer a variety of therapeutic services to support their clients.
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Sierra Vista Hospital
Average Salary: $112,917
Located in Fresno, California, Sierra Vista Hospital offers dynamic environments for therapists. They provide a wide range of mental health services to the community.
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CleanSlate Centers
Average Salary: $108,750
CleanSlate Centers focus on addiction treatment services. They operate in multiple states, offering therapists opportunities to work with individuals in need.
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Newport Healthcare
Average Salary: $107,864
Newport Healthcare provides comprehensive mental health services. They have locations in various states, allowing therapists to impact many lives.
How to earn more as a Licensed Therapist?
Licensed therapists can find several ways to increase their earnings. Focus on these key areas to boost income. Specialization offers higher rates as it meets specific client needs. For example, working with children or addiction may command higher fees. Continuing education keeps skills sharp and can open doors to better-paying opportunities. Therapists should attend workshops, conferences, or online courses. Gaining certifications in areas like trauma or EMDR can also increase rates.
Building a strong network helps find more clients. This includes connecting with other healthcare providers, such as doctors and social workers. Marketing skills are essential. A professional website and active social media presence can draw in clients. Offering services in high-demand areas can also lead to higher pay. Urban centers or places with few therapists often have better rates. Finally, setting competitive but fair fees helps attract clients. Research the market to ensure rates are attractive yet reflect the value provided.
Therapists can also look into alternative work settings. Hospitals, schools, or private practices each offer different earning potentials. Here is a list of these factors:
- Specialization
- Continuing education
- Networking
- Marketing skills
- Location and setting



