A therapist is a licensed mental health professional. Under the umbrella of ‘therapist’, are a variety of specialties that address different categories of mental health disorders and treat them differently. E.g some professionals focus on trauma while others focus on relationships, and some professionals mainly use talk therapy while others are licensed to prescribe medication. Regardless of their method of treatment or area of focus, the end goal of a therapist is to provide relief for clients struggling with their mental health and to give them coping mechanisms to help ease their symptoms.
To become a therapist you must have a bachelor’s degree and an advanced degree in your specialty. Some specialties may go as far as to require a doctorate before you can practice. Beyond a certified educational background, therapists must have certain soft skills that include patience, active listening, empathy, and strong communication.
We will explore the different therapist specialties and give you tips that will help you craft a strong specialty-specific resume.
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A general therapist, also called a psychotherapist, diagnoses and treats patients with mental or emotional disorders. Depending on your training, the methods you may use to treat your patients may differ. For example, you may focus on changing someone's unhelpful thoughts in a bid to change their behavior, or you may focus on discovering the root cause of certain thoughts.
You must be certified to be a therapist and treat patients. The certification required will be dependent on where you are practicing. Beyond certification and a strong educational background, potential employers will be looking to get an idea of who your clientele usually is. Do you mostly treat couples, children, families, etc.? The experience section of your resume should make that clear. Take a look at this resume, to see what we mean.
A therapist’s tool set is determined by their training as well as what they have seen to be effective. It is important to give potential employers an idea of the tools you use within therapy, and the approach you take, so they can determine if you are a good fit for their clients. You can do this both in the skills section and the experience section of your resume.
Because this is a general therapist’s resume, show your range in the field. That could be by showing that you treat a variety of clients, or by showing you have training in a wide range of therapy techniques. Employers will see you as well-rounded and as having more to offer than your competition.
Behavioral therapists treat clients with mental health disorders by helping them identify and change unhelpful or problematic behavior. You can specialize in treating certain behaviors such as eating disorders, phobias, PTSD, etc. If you have any specialization in treating particular behaviors, be sure to include that in your resume.
There are different kinds of behavioral therapy including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), etc. This strong resume does well in illustrating who the applicant has treated, and the methods they have used to treat their previous clients.
It’s one thing to be educated and certified in behavioral therapy, it’s another to be highly experienced. Potential employers want to know that you have experience successfully treating people with behavioral disorders. So list the number of clients you have treated to highlight your abilities.
The mental health industry is always transforming as more research is done. It is important that you keep up to date with all the latest findings in behavioral therapy and get re-certified where possible. Not only will it mean you will be better equipped to treat your clients, but it will also signify to potential employers that you are committed to your profession.
As a Clinical Psychologist, your role is unique because it intertwines the understanding of human behavior with the mental health care field. Recently, there has been a shift towards a more holistic approach in treating patients, so demonstrating your adaptability to these trends can be advantageous. When crafting your resume, bear in mind that most hiring managers are looking for the perfect blend of academic qualifications and practical experience. Your ability to highlight your professional experience, case studies, successful interventions, and your continuous learning and development within the field, can make your resume stand out.
Clinical psychologists deal with clients that have more serious mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. These clients will usually need long-term care. There is a strong research component to this position, and a higher level of education is needed to get certified. You will almost always be expected to have a doctorate before you can practice as a clinical psychologist.
This resume excels in showing a career progression from a trainee to a full clinical psychologist. This shows potential employers your long-term commitment to the profession as well as your in-depth knowledge and experience in the field.
At the point of doing research in your career, you will need to collaborate with other mental health professionals to do holistic and in-depth research. Be sure to show that you are more than capable of this by listing experience working with or leading a team.
Clinical psychologists not only treat clients but also teach and do research in the field. If you have had your research published in industry journals, be sure to highlight that in your resume. If you have more than one piece of research published, consider adding a section in your resume to list all published research.
As the name suggests, a physical therapist treats a client’s physical disorder or injury rather than their mental disorder. Some of the common places you may find yourself working include hospitals, nursing homes, and private offices. As a physical therapist, you will diagnose clients and come up with a treatment plan to alleviate their pain/discomfort and increase their mobility and quality of life. You may also be involved in guiding them through exercises, stretches, and providing massages where necessary.
To practice as a physical therapist you will need a bachelor’s degree in a related field and you will need to complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree Program in the US or a similar program in your country of practice. Only then can you be certified and licensed to practice. Beyond certification, your level of experience and your successes will weigh heavily for potential employers. Here is a strong physical therapist resume.
Are you known for being especially skilled in therapeutic massages, or are you an expert at evaluating and diagnosing clients? If you are especially skilled in one area of your physical therapy practice, mention that in the introduction of your resume.
An occupational therapist is someone who works with patients who need to improve their dexterity, mobility, or daily living skills. Occupational therapists develop and lead patients through specialized treatment plans to improve their conditions. Occupational therapists work with a variety of patients, from those who need to regain mobility after an accident or injury, to those who need to manage the effects of an ongoing condition.
To land a job as an occupational therapist, you will need a Master’s degree in occupational therapy. After finishing your education, you must take an exam and become nationally certified. Having related experience in the field such as prior roles as an OT assistant, PT assistant, or nursing assistant will be attractive to hiring managers. Hiring managers will also be looking for certain soft skills such as time management, empathy, and great communication.
Taking a role as an assistant occupational therapist while still in school will bolster your resume. It’s wise to gain hands-on experience in the field prior to becoming an occupational therapist. You can note your experience recording patient progress, sanitizing equipment, and assisting with treatment. Showing you have experience in an occupational therapy environment will tell hiring managers you are ready to practice on your own.
Occupational therapists help their patients live their day-to-day lives, being able to do the things that really matter to them. It is a holistic part of the health industry that you can choose to specialize in as your career progresses. In this role, you will evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, document progress, and train patients and their caregivers where necessary.
Outside of the soft skills that you require such as communication and problem-solving skills, you will also need a master’s degree in OT or a related field and years of experience. Take a look at this strong occupational therapist resume sample.
Recruiters like to see the journey you have taken to get to where you are. So show your career progression in the industry. This applicant started as a nurse assistant before specializing in OT.
Your skills section should list all the things you are capable of doing. But some tasks you may be more skilled at than others. Including your level of proficiency for each skill, as this applicant has done, gives recruiters a better idea of what you bring to the table.
A speech therapist is just another way of saying SLP. They treat and diagnose children and adults who suffer communication problems to improve those conditions and their quality of life. Most speech-language pathologists work in schools, but others may work in hospitals or clinics. To make your resume stand out, highlight your accomplishments with patients.
It is essential to indicate your clinical expertise on your speech therapist resume. This way, recruiters can evaluate whether you have the necessary skills to treat certain conditions. Being specialized increases your authoritativeness and reliability. You can also mention multiple areas of expertise. This will make you look multidisciplinary.
It is a great idea to include clinical data and metrics on your resume if you want to increase your value. This way, you will show proof of successful patient cases and help recruiters get a better idea of your potential. You can include proven records of patients’ improvement when mentioning your achievements.
A speech therapist is a specialized professional who identifies and treats speech disorders. Speech therapists create and execute unique therapy plans for each patient based on their symptoms. Speech therapists may often work with children with speech impediments or other childhood speech disorders, or they may work with adults recovering from a speech impairment caused by stroke, injury, or something else.
If you want to become a speech therapist, you must have a master’s degree in speech therapy or speech language-pathology. Hiring managers will be looking to see you have completed this degree and are licensed as a speech therapist. Beyond the educational requirements, hiring managers will often require you to have internship or fellowship experience in speech pathology. Hiring managers may also like to see a candidate with additional certifications in speech pathology.
Lots of people might need to see a speech therapist. Since there are so many niches of speech pathology, it’s wise to decide what environment you’d like to work in, and get some experience there. For example, if you know you want to work with kids, getting a role as an assistant speech therapist at a school will give you pertinent knowledge and experience working with a young population.
As a Yoga Teacher, your job involves so much more than guiding people through asanas. You're a mentor, a health advocate, and an inspiration, creating safe and inclusive environments where students can explore the vast benefits of yoga. Recently, there's been a surge in interest in different yoga styles and wellness aspects, which means it's essential to be able to showcase your versatility and knowledge of these trends on your resume. When writing your resume, don't just focus on your teaching experience, but also your ability to inspire, connect with a diverse range of students and your commitment to continuing education in the ever-evolving field of yoga.
It's not just about the yoga. If you have a background in meditation, Ayurvedic principles, or mindfulness, these are valuable add-ons. Many yoga studios and clients are looking for holistic approaches to health. Your understanding of wellness can be a real plus on your resume.
In the world of psychology, a remarkable resume isn't just a list of qualifications, but a testament to your understanding of human behavior, thought processes and clinical techniques. The field is continually advancing, calling for professionals that are up-to-date with the current trends like teletherapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques. When crafting your resume, it's essential to convey both the depth of your knowledge and your ability to adapt to new therapeutic strategies. Remember, employers in psychology often seek individuals with an exceptional aptitude for empathy, communication, and problem-solving. Demonstrating these traits creatively without sounding generic is the key.
In a field as broad as psychology, it's crucial to differentiate yourself. If you've honed a particular therapeutic approach or specialize in treating certain disorders, make sure to prominently feature this in your skills section.
Real-world results matter in psychology. Instead of merely listing your job duties under work experience, provide examples of therapy sessions where your contribution made a tangible difference. But remember, you should always respect confidentiality and anonymity.
As an RBT, you play a crucial role in implementing behavioral health solutions in a variety of settings. So remember, your resume needs to showcase your ability to work within these environments and make positive changes. Recently, there's been a rising demand for RBTs who can demonstrate their adaptability to digital platforms, as teletherapy and e-consultations are becoming more common. Another trend is employers seeking RBTs who are committed to continuous professional growth. In writing your resume, think of it as telling a story of your competence, adaptability, and eagerness to learn in the challenging, yet rewarding world of behavioral health.
As an RBT, your certification is crucial. Make sure you clearly state when and where you received your certification, including any specializations. If you’ve undergone additional training or earned extra credentials, list these too; they'll boost your credibility.
In your role as an RBT, you've likely worked with a diverse range of clients. So, explain how you've tailored your approach to different populations. Whether it's children, adults, or individuals with specific behavioral challenges, your ability to adapt is highly valued.
As a hiring manager who has recruited therapists at leading mental health organizations like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Thriveworks, I know what makes a strong therapist resume stand out. The following tips will help you create a compelling resume that showcases your skills, experience, and passion for helping others.
Employers want to see that you have expertise in specific areas and use evidence-based treatment methods. Emphasize your specializations and the therapeutic approaches you use:
Avoid being too broad or vague about your expertise:
A resume summary is an optional section that highlights your most relevant qualifications for the job you're pursuing. While not required, a well-written summary can provide context for your experience and help you stand out from other applicants. It's especially useful if you're changing careers or have a diverse background that may not be immediately apparent from your work history alone.
When writing a summary for a therapist position, focus on your specific skills, certifications, and experiences that make you a strong candidate. Avoid using an objective statement, as these are outdated and don't provide value to hiring managers. Instead, use the summary to showcase your unique qualifications and give a glimpse into how you can contribute to the organization.
The work experience section is the most important part of your therapist resume. It's where you show hiring managers that you have the skills and experience to excel in the role. In this section, you'll want to highlight your most relevant and impressive accomplishments, using specific examples and metrics to demonstrate your impact.
Here are some key tips to keep in mind as you write your work experience section:
Your education section is a key part of your therapist resume. It shows employers that you have the necessary qualifications and training to excel in the role. In this section, we'll break down the essential steps for crafting a compelling education section that will catch the attention of hiring managers.
Strong action verbs help recruiters understand your role in specific tasks. Therapist resumes should use action verbs that are relevant to the therapy process. Action verbs like "Treated", "Analyzed" or “Formulated" are examples of strong action verbs for this profession.
For more related action verbs, visit Nursing Action Verbs.
For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs.
When you speak of skills for a therapist, you will want to list the therapy methods, tools, and technology that you are experienced with.
Here is a list of skills you would expect to see in a therapist’s resume. Add those that you are experienced with to your resume to impress recruiters.
You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Therapist job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.
Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.
