Christian Youth Therapist
Enable Youth with Faith and Spirituality
Do you enjoy helping others and working one-on-one with people? Are you a believer in the healing power of faith? Put your values to the test and consider a career in Christian youth therapy. Christian youth therapists utilize spirituality in conjunction with counseling methods to facilitate mental healing. With the proper training, you can address and treat a variety of disorders such as depression, substance abuse, suicidal tendencies and family issues to help improve the quality of a young person's life.
To begin a career as a Christian youth therapist, it is beneficial to first obtain an Associate or Bachelor's degree in an area such as:
- Psychology
- Counseling
- Education
Understanding the fundamentals of children and mental health can assist you greatly in your future career. Licensure and certification requirements to practice Christian therapy will vary with every state. Typically, you can achieve certification by obtaining a Master's degree in counseling or therapy and completing supervised clinical trials.
Christian youth therapists have the unique opportunity to work in a variety of environments. Potential employers can include:
- Churches or community centers
- Private religious institutions
- Private practices
- Self-employment
Outlook for counseling-related occupations is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings in counseling will increase by 18% between 2008 and 2018 – a "faster than average" job growth statistic. Depending on your qualifications as a therapist, there may be even more opportunities available to you in the coming years.
If you believe in the healing power of faith, consider a career in Christian youth therapy. With the appropriate education and training, you can utilize your own spirituality to better the lives of young people, and empower them with the skills they will need to live fulfilling and successful lives.