Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapist – Career, Salary & State Licensure
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“Most people think that a child behavioral therapist is a therapist who is completing different kinds of testing and assessments on their children to treat their child using different treatment modalities. And while that may be true, many times, I think it surprises people to know that it’s really about creating a safe and supportive environment for that child to express their feelings in a place where they do not feel judged.”
Suzelle Marques, MA, LPC, Certified Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Expert
Before the pandemic, an estimated one in five children in the US struggled with mental health or a learning disorder. While research is just starting on the outcome of kids’ mental health post-pandemic, it is clear that for lots of kids there has been a significant negative impact. In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 13 percent of 10-19 year olds experience a mental disorder. However, research also shows that kids are resilient, adaptable and able to cope with stress and changes in health ways.
Regardless of the cause, millions of children need pediatric mental or behavioral support. The most prevalent illnesses are anxiety, depression, behavior disorders, ADHD, and eating disorders. Child behavior therapists are essential to catching these illnesses early on and providing effective treatment that can go a long way in helping kids and teens grow to be well-adjusted adults.
Child behavior therapists are mental health counselors or marriage and family therapists who specialize in treating children and adolescents. They have earned master’s degrees in their field and have specific education and training on how to help young clients.
Professionals in this field can diagnose mental illnesses, write treatment plans, provide therapy, and collaborate with family members and other professionals. While there is no certification or license specifically for child behavior therapists, many may choose to pursue certification in child-centric treatment methods such as play therapy through the Association for Play Therapy (APT).
Between 2023 to 2033, there is an anticipated 19 percent growth in jobs for all mental health counselors, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This demand for counselors is driven by new laws that have mandated coverage for mental health treatment and an overall increased emphasis placed on the importance of mental health. On average, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn $60,080 per year (BLS May 2023).
It takes time and dedication to become a child behavior therapist, but this field is growing rapidly, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pediatric behavioral therapy can improve all facets of mental health for children and teenagers.
Continue reading to learn the steps it takes to enter this rewarding profession, as well as state licensing requirements.
Meet the Expert: Suzelle Marques, MA, LPC
Suzelle Marques is a dedicated licensed professional counselor and certified trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy expert. With a rich background working in outpatient mental health centers and diverse school environments, she has honed her skills in providing individual counseling and support services across various age groups.
Marques brings extensive expertise in working with children and adolescents, instilling confidence in her ability to address a wide range of mental health issues. Currently, she operates her own private practice in New Jersey, offering individual and family counseling sessions in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. She is passionate about the potential of mental health education and resources to shift perspectives, believing that even a small change in understanding can spark a significant positive impact in the community. Suzelle has an MA in clinical mental health counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
CounselingSchools.com: What’s something most people don’t know about being a child behavioral therapist?
Marques: Most people think that a child behavioral therapist is a therapist who is completing different kinds of testing and assessments on their children to treat their child using different treatment modalities. And while that may be true, many times, I think it surprises people to know that it’s really about creating a safe and supportive environment for that child to express their feelings in a place where they do not feel judged.
A lot of times, child behavioral therapists spend their sessions playing board games or doing crafts to help build that relationship. It also involves speaking to the child’s parents often, and sometimes even their teachers, as they are the adults that spend the most time with the child. That way, the child behavioral therapist is able to provide these adults with supportive tools and techniques that can help create a safe environment for the child, where the adults encourage and model appropriate behaviors.
CounselingSchools.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective microbiologist?
Marques: The one piece of advice that I would give to a prospective child behavioral therapist is to always make time to take care of yourself. Working with children can be difficult at times and can sometimes lead to ethical dilemmas. It’s important to remember that you are there to create a line of communication and to provide the right resources for the family, and that you, by yourself, cannot change that child’s situation, which can be incredibly difficult when you are faced with child trauma cases.
Meet the Expert: Alexandra Stratyner, PhD
Dr. Alexandra Stratyner is a licensed psychologist at her Manhattan-based practice, Stratyner & Associates, she provides individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, couples and family therapy, and comprehensive assessments for preadolescents, adolescents, young adults, and adults. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness skills training, and integrative approaches, including mindfulness-based relapse prevention. Her approach is rooted in cultural competence and a strength-based philosophy that seeks to empower her clients.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Stratyner serves on the voluntary faculty of the Mount Sinai Health System and is an adjunct faculty member at New York University. Her academic credentials include a PhD in counseling psychology and a master of arts in education in counseling psychology from Seton Hall University. Her work spans diverse settings, including international experience in Trinidad and Tobago, and she remains committed to advancing mental health care through integrative, evidence-based, and culturally responsive practices.
CounselingSchools.com: What’s something most people don’t know about being a child behavioral therapist?
Dr. Stratyner: One aspect of a child behavioral therapist’s life that is often underestimated is the emotional fortitude needed for the job. Progress in therapy can be slow. We may see children who progress and then experience setbacks before making further progress. The therapist’s role is not just about the child’s behavior but also about navigating the complexities of family dynamics and the tensions that arise when parents are frustrated or struggle with receiving feedback or following recommendations.
Many children with whom therapists work have experienced trauma, developmental issues, or emotional dysregulation, so professional boundaries have to be drawn and redrawn with empathy and care. The work can be enormously rewarding, but it is also often emotionally demanding. Therapists must commit to self-care to prevent burnout for their well-being and avoid missteps in their professional responsibilities.
CounselingSchools.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective child behavioral therapist?
Dr. Stratyner: One major piece of advice for a budding child behavioral therapist is to develop a trusting, caring and non-judgmental relationship with the children with whom they work (and their caregivers). In particular, children with behavioral problems might be challenging to reach or even engage with, and so creating a safe, caring and nonjudgmental environment is of utmost importance here. Your patience, flexibility, and adaptability in your approach are key to your success.
Remain open-minded to the possibility of completely modifying your approach to suit the individual child’s needs. Do not underestimate the value of having close contact with the parents and caregivers involved. Often, a child’s behavioral issues can be most effectively resolved if the work in therapy is carried over into the child’s everyday environment, and that is most likely to succeed if the therapist is in close contact with the parents.
How to Become a Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapist
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.
Licensing & Certification Requirements By State for Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapists
| State | Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | Child therapists in Virginia are credentialed as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) or Licensed Professional Counselor – Residents (LPC Residents). LPC Resident license candidates must:
To qualify for as an LPC candidates must already hold an LPC Resident license and must:
|
LPC Resident licenses expire annually and cost $30 to renew. As part of the renewal, LPC Residents must attest the supervised work experience is still in effect and that they have completed three continuing education hours in ethics. LPCs must renew their licenses annually online by completing the application and paying the $130 fee. LPCs must complete 20 hours in continuing education, two of which must be in ethics. LPCs are not required to submit this information to the board; however, random audits are performed so counselors must keep careful records. |
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
How Much Do Child Behavioral Therapists Make?
Child therapists fall under the category of mental health counselors or marriage and family therapists. Wages vary based on job title, license or certification held, and place of employment.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023), child therapists working as substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn $60,080 per year on average. The percentiles for wages are:
- 10th percentile: $36,700
- 25th percentile: $44,600
- 50th percentile (median): $53,710
- 75th percentile: $70,130
- 90th percentile: $89,920
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)
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAt CounselingSchools.com, Kimmy Gustafson’s expertly crafted articles delve into the world of counseling and mental health, providing valuable insights and guidance to readers since 2020. In addition to feature pieces and interviews, she keeps the state licensing tables current. Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterRachel Drummond has used her expertise in education and mindfulness to guide aspiring counselors since 2020. Her work emphasizes the importance of integrating reflective mindfulness into counseling techniques, helping readers understand how mental and physical well-being can enhance their professional practice and personal development in counseling.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.