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Salary

How much does a Psychotherapist make?

The average salary for a Psychotherapist is $93,234 per year in the US.

Psychotherapists play a crucial role in helping people with emotional and mental health. They earn a respectable income that reflects their important work. The average yearly salary for a psychotherapist is around $93,234. This means most therapists can expect to make a good living.

The salaries for psychotherapists can vary widely based on experience, location, and setting. For instance, those just starting out may earn closer to $45,000 a year. On the other end, experienced therapists can make upwards of $190,000 annually. Some of the top earners work in private practice or in specialized fields. Factors like certification and additional training can also boost a therapist’s salary.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Psychotherapist?

Psychotherapists in San Francisco earn the highest average salary at $138,342. Sacramento and Bakersfield also offer strong compensation, with average salaries around $118,598 and $115,602, respectively. Baltimore, Madison, and Ann Arbor provide competitive salaries for therapists, making these cities attractive options for professionals in this field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Psychotherapist jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $138,342 and Fresno, CA with the lowest at $98,933.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $138,342
    In San Francisco, therapists find many opportunities at well-known mental health organizations. The city values mental well-being, making it an excellent place for professionals to make a difference. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and UCSF offer a range of positions.
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  2. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $118,598
    Working in Sacramento offers a mix of urban and community-focused settings. Therapists here contribute to the state’s healthcare sector. Local clinics and government-run programs provide diverse job options.
    Find Psychotherapist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  3. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $115,602
    In Bakersfield, professionals enjoy a welcoming environment with growing demand for mental health services. Many therapists find work in local clinics and private practices. The city’s healthcare facilities are expanding.
    Find Psychotherapist jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $113,003
    San Diego offers a vibrant community and plenty of opportunities for those in the mental health field. Therapists here work with various organizations, including nonprofit agencies and university programs. The city’s diverse population adds depth to the work.
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  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $106,386
    Los Angeles provides a bustling setting with a high need for mental health services. Therapists can find positions in hospitals, private practices, and community health centers. The city’s vast resources make it an exciting place to work.
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  6. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $106,280
    Baltimore offers many opportunities for mental health professionals. Therapists work in a range of settings, including major hospitals and local clinics. The city’s commitment to mental health services makes it a rewarding place to practice.
    Find Psychotherapist jobs in Baltimore, MD


  7. Madison, WI
    Average Salary: $102,477
    Madison’s strong healthcare system and community support offer good opportunities for therapists. Local universities and healthcare providers hire many professionals. The city’s focus on mental health creates a supportive work environment.
    Find Psychotherapist jobs in Madison, WI


  8. Ann Arbor, MI
    Average Salary: $102,385
    Ann Arbor provides a mix of academic and community-based opportunities. Therapists can find positions at the University of Michigan and various local clinics. The city’s academic setting offers rich, diverse experiences.
    Find Psychotherapist jobs in Ann Arbor, MI


  9. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $100,218
    In Washington, DC, therapists have many opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The city’s diverse population and political environment create a unique and challenging work setting.
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  10. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $98,933
    Fresno offers a growing demand for mental health services. Therapists can work in a variety of settings, including community health centers and private practices. The city’s expanding healthcare system creates many job opportunities.
    Find Psychotherapist jobs in Fresno, CA

What are the best companies a Psychotherapist can work for?

Job seekers looking for top-paying roles as psychotherapists will find attractive options at Dr. Goldberg & Associates, which offers an average salary of $208,750. Sutter Health also presents a competitive salary of $130,133. Another solid choice is the Great Lakes Psychology Group, where psychotherapists can earn around $130,000 annually. These companies provide excellent opportunities for those seeking rewarding careers in mental health. Additionally, ARC Health offers a strong average salary of $126,083, while Family & Personal Counseling pays around $113,000. LearnWell and Eventus WholeHealth also provide above-average salaries of $105,000 and $102,269, respectively. Fairview Health Services, Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, and Optum round out the list with competitive salaries ranging from $92,873 to $83,936. These positions offer good earning potential and professional growth in the field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Psychotherapist jobs, highlighting Dr. Goldberg & Associates with the highest at $208,750 and Optum with the lowest at $83,936.
  1. Dr. Goldberg & Associates
    Average Salary: $208,750
    Dr. Goldberg & Associates is a top-tier firm providing psychotherapy services in New York City, California, and Florida. The company focuses on a holistic approach, combining cognitive and behavioral therapies to support mental well-being. They offer competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth.


  2. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $130,133
    Sutter Health is a large healthcare network with locations across California. They provide comprehensive mental health services, including psychotherapy, in their various facilities. Employees benefit from a supportive environment and opportunities for ongoing training.


  3. Great Lakes Psychology Group
    Average Salary: $130,000
    Great Lakes Psychology Group operates in Michigan and Ohio, offering specialized psychotherapy services. They focus on providing personalized care and support to clients. The company values a collaborative work environment and offers robust benefits.


  4. ARC Health
    Average Salary: $126,083
    ARC Health is a prominent provider of mental health services in Texas, Arizona, and Florida. They offer diverse psychotherapy options and prioritize evidence-based practices. Employees enjoy a welcoming atmosphere and opportunities for career advancement.


  5. Family & Personal Counseling
    Average Salary: $113,000
    Family & Personal Counseling operates in multiple states, including Pennsylvania and New York. They focus on family and individual therapy, providing compassionate care. The company supports professional development and offers a stable work environment.


  6. LearnWell
    Average Salary: $105,000
    LearnWell provides psychotherapy services in Illinois and New York. They offer integrated care that combines therapy with educational support. The company emphasizes professional growth and offers competitive compensation packages.


  7. Eventus WholeHealth
    Average Salary: $102,269
    Eventus WholeHealth is a national provider with a strong presence in multiple states. They focus on whole-person care, including psychotherapy services. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture and opportunities for professional development.


  8. Fairview Health Services
    Average Salary: $92,873
    Fairview Health Services operates in Minnesota and Wisconsin. They offer a wide range of mental health services, including psychotherapy. The company values a supportive work environment and offers comprehensive benefits.


  9. Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education
    Average Salary: $85,000
    Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education is based in Florida and offers psychotherapy services tailored to children and adults. They emphasize a nurturing and educational approach to mental health. The company provides a positive work environment and opportunities for growth.


  10. Optum
    Average Salary: $83,936
    Optum, a part of UnitedHealth Group, provides psychotherapy services in multiple locations across the United States. They focus on delivering high-quality care and support for mental well-being. Employees benefit from a dynamic work environment and opportunities for advancement.

How to earn more as a Psychotherapist?

Becoming a psychotherapist involves a deep commitment to helping others. This profession can be very rewarding, but it can also be challenging financially. However, there are ways to increase earnings and job satisfaction. By considering the right strategies, it is possible to earn more as a psychotherapist.

One way to increase earnings is to gain specialized training. This could mean obtaining a certification in a specific type of therapy or working with a particular population. For example, becoming certified in cognitive-behavioral therapy or trauma-focused therapy can make a psychotherapist more attractive to clients and employers. Another way to earn more is to work in a high-demand area. Urban centers or places with a shortage of mental health professionals often offer higher salaries. Expanding skills to include telehealth services also opens up opportunities, as many clients now prefer virtual sessions. Furthermore, building a strong private practice can lead to higher earnings. This involves marketing skills, financial management, and networking. Lastly, continuing education and professional development are key. Attending workshops, conferences, and courses can keep a psychotherapist’s skills sharp and increase marketability.

Another factor to consider is the setting in which a psychotherapist works. Some settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practices, can offer higher pay compared to others. Also, offering group therapy sessions or workshops can increase income. These sessions often allow a psychotherapist to see more clients in a single day. Finally, developing a personal brand and online presence can attract more clients, leading to higher earnings.

  1. Obtain specialized training
  2. Work in high-demand areas
  3. Build a strong private practice
  4. Attend continuing education
  5. Develop a personal brand

Currently 290 Psychotherapist job openings, nationwide.

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Psychotherapist
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