How much does a Psychotherapist make?
A Psychotherapist can expect to earn a rewarding salary. The average yearly salary is around $91,458. This job often includes working with people who need mental health support. The salary can vary based on experience, location, and type of practice.
Most Psychotherapists earn between $45,000 and $180,000 a year. Here is a closer look at the salary distribution:
- 9.09% make less than $57,273
- 15.31% earn between $57,273 and $69,545
- 20.08% make between $69,545 and $81,818
- 27.63% earn between $81,818 and $94,091
- 15.31% make between $94,091 and $106,364
- 6.61% earn between $106,364 and $118,636
- 2.64% make between $118,636 and $130,909
- 1.43% earn between $130,909 and $143,182
- 0.69% make between $143,182 and $155,455
- 0.59% earn between $155,455 and $167,727
- 0.33% make $167,727 or more
What are the highest paying cities for a Psychotherapist?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $140,799
In San Francisco, mental health professionals thrive in a city that values well-being. Clinics and private practices offer diverse opportunities. Leading companies like UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente provide top-notch facilities.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $122,187
Boulder offers a welcoming environment for those in mental health. The city's focus on wellness creates a strong demand for skilled therapists. Employers like Boulder Community Health and MindPath Care Centers are prominent.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $117,772
Sacramento provides a mix of urban and suburban settings, perfect for a fulfilling career in mental health. The city's growing healthcare sector offers many opportunities. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and Sacramento Behavioral Healthcare Hospital lead the way.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $115,602
Bakersfield has a growing need for mental health services. The city's diverse population offers varied experiences. Opportunities exist in both private practices and larger healthcare systems like Adventist Health.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $108,869
Los Angeles is a bustling city with endless possibilities for mental health professionals. The large population means a high demand for therapy services. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and NAMI Los Angeles are well-known.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $108,107
San Diego's pleasant climate and strong community make it ideal for mental health work. The city supports a variety of practices. Leading employers include Rady Children’s Specialists and Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System.
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Madison, WI
Average Salary: $107,835
Madison offers a supportive environment for mental health careers. The city's emphasis on education and research creates many opportunities. Organizations like SSM Health and UW Health are top employers.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $104,638
In Washington, D.C., mental health professionals can find rewarding work in a vibrant city. The area's political and corporate sectors offer diverse settings. Notable employers include MedStar Health and Kaiser Permanente.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $99,761
Baltimore provides a dynamic setting for mental health work. The city’s rich cultural scene and diverse population offer many opportunities. Johns Hopkins Medicine and MedStar Health are key employers.
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Pittsburgh, PA
Average Salary: $99,138
Pittsburgh’s strong community support makes it great for mental health careers. The city's healthcare sector offers many opportunities. UPMC and Western Psychiatric Hospital are prominent employers.
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What are the best companies a Psychotherapist can work for?

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Dr. Goldberg & Associates
Average Salary: $222,143
Dr. Goldberg & Associates offers Psychotherapist jobs with competitive salaries and benefits. They operate in multiple locations and provide a supportive environment for professional growth.
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Great Lakes Psychology Group
Average Salary: $130,000
Great Lakes Psychology Group pays well for Psychotherapist roles. They offer various opportunities across different locations, ensuring a rich work experience.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $129,149
Sutter Health provides attractive salaries for Psychotherapists. They have several locations and focus on a healthy work-life balance for their employees.
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Family & Personal Counseling
Average Salary: $113,000
Family & Personal Counseling pays a good salary for Psychotherapists. They operate in several locations, offering a supportive and professional setting.
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LearnWell
Average Salary: $105,000
LearnWell provides competitive salaries for Psychotherapist positions. They are based in various locations and offer a collaborative work environment.
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Fairview Health Services
Average Salary: $91,512
Fairview Health Services offers a good salary for Psychotherapists. They have multiple locations and focus on the well-being of both employees and clients.
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Eventus WholeHealth
Average Salary: $90,283
Eventus WholeHealth pays well for Psychotherapist jobs. They are present in several locations and support continuous professional development.
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New Alternatives for Children, Inc.
Average Salary: $90,000
New Alternatives for Children, Inc. offers competitive salaries for Psychotherapists. They work in different locations and emphasize employee satisfaction.
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Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education
Average Salary: $85,000
Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education provides attractive salaries for Psychotherapists. They are located in various places and offer a nurturing work environment.
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Sheppard Pratt
Average Salary: $84,282
Sheppard Pratt pays well for Psychotherapist positions. They operate in multiple locations and focus on mental health and wellness.
How to earn more as a Psychotherapist?
Becoming a psychotherapist can be a rewarding career. It also offers chances to earn more. A psychotherapist can boost their income by focusing on a few key areas. Each of these steps helps to enhance skills and marketability.
First, gaining more education and certifications can lead to higher pay. Advanced degrees and specialized training can make a psychotherapist more competitive. Second, building a strong reputation through excellent client care can attract more patients. Positive reviews and referrals can help to grow a practice. Third, expanding service offerings can draw in a wider client base. Offering group therapy or specialized therapies can increase revenue. Fourth, using online platforms for therapy sessions can reach more clients. This can be especially useful in today's digital age. Finally, networking with other professionals can open up new opportunities. Collaborations and partnerships can lead to referrals and increased income.
By focusing on these areas, a psychotherapist can work toward earning more. Each step builds on the others to create a successful and profitable practice.
- Advanced Education: Obtain higher degrees and specialized certifications.
- Reputation Building: Focus on excellent client care and gather positive reviews.
- Service Expansion: Offer a variety of therapy options, such as group sessions and specialized therapies.
- Online Platforms: Use digital tools to reach a broader client base.
- Networking: Connect with other professionals to create referral opportunities.



