Psychotherapists are employed in a variety of settings, including private practices and hospitals. They may work with individuals, couples, families, or groups.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for psychologists was $75,230 (as of May 2016), and the outlook for employment is expected to grow by 14%, which is faster than average.
What to Include in a Psychotherapist Cover Letter?
Roles And Responsibilities
- Meeting with clients for one-on-one and group therapy sessions.
- Work with clients on a variety of issues, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, relationship conflict, and self-esteem issues.
- Conduct individual, family, and/or group psychotherapy according to evidence-based practices.
- Maintain accurate patient records in accordance with state regulations, agency policies, and ethical standards.
- Use clinical skills to identify client needs and develop treatment plans accordingly.
- Provide referrals to mental health specialists or social services agencies if necessary
- Providing family and couples counseling.
- Teaching communication skills to clients.
Education & Skills
Psychotherapist Skills:
- Non-judgmental, compassionate attitude.
- Active listening skills.
- Ability to empathize with patients and help them understand themselves.
- Understanding of various psychological theories and methods, as well as how to apply them effectively.
- Patience and ability to connect with people on a deep level.
Psychotherapist Education Requirements:
- A master’s degree in psychology or counseling is typically needed to become a psychotherapist. Some employers require candidates to have a doctorate in psychology or counseling. Licensure requirements vary by state but usually include a master’s degree and supervised experience.
Psychotherapist Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to you in connection with the Psychotherapist position at your company. I have been a practicing psychotherapist for over four years, and though I am currently employed by [company], I recently relocated to [location], and am hoping to establish myself at your facility.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from [school name] and a Master of Social Work from [school name]. I have experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults who suffer from mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, and other mental health issues.
I am familiar with most major treatment modalities including: CBT/DBT; Gestalt therapy; Family systems therapy; psychodynamic therapies; play therapy; hypnotherapy; biofeedback therapy; and more. My office hours are flexible within reason. I do not charge for phone calls or e-mails between sessions if the client or their parent feels that the need for communication arises.
Please feel free to contact me at your convenience if you would like to schedule an interview. Thank you very much for your time!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips
It’s easy to feel discouraged when you’re writing a cover letter—you might feel like it’s not worth the effort, or you might feel like you don’t have any good ideas for how to write one.
But we believe that a cover letter is an important part of your job search. It gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself and let your personality shine through—which is especially important in a field like psychotherapy, where being yourself is crucial.
Once you’ve written a great cover letter, it’s time to start working on your resume. Refer our Psychotherapist Resume Sample for more tips on how to write your resume and accompany it with a strong cover letter.
