Therapist Statistics And Facts: How Many Are There?

Key Therapist Statistics & Demographics

1. There are more than 198,811 therapists currently employed in the U.S.
2. 75.6% of all therapists are women, while 24.4% are men.
3. The average age of an employed therapist is 41 years old.
4. Most therapists are White, then Asian, then Hispanic, and lastly Black or African American.
5. New York, NY is the city where there is the most demand for therapists.
6. The highest average annual salary for therapists is $77,931 in San Francisco, CA.
7. In 2021, female therapists earn 96% of what men earned.
8. North Dakota is the best state for therapists to live in.

Therapist Statistics & Facts

1. There are over 198,811 therapists and over 81,000 psychologists practicing in the US.
2. The majority of therapists in the United States are female, accounting for around 70% of the profession.
3. The average age of therapists in the United States is 45 years old.
4. Around 60% of therapists have a master's degree, while 40% have a doctoral degree.
5. The most common field of study among therapists is psychology.
6. Approximately 20% of therapists work in private practice.
7. About 30% of therapists work in outpatient mental health centers.
8. The average annual income for therapists in the United States is $60,000 to $80,000.
9. Around 70% of therapists provide individual therapy.
10. Approximately 20% of therapists specialize in couples or marriage therapy.
11. About 10% of therapists focus on family therapy.
12. The average duration of a therapy session is 50 minutes.
13. The most common therapeutic approach among therapists is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
14. Around 30% of therapists use psychodynamic therapy in their practice.
15. Approximately 15% of therapists incorporate mindfulness-based techniques.
16. About 80% of therapists believe that their own personal therapy is essential for their professional development.
17. The average therapist sees 20 to 25 clients per week.
18. Around 60% of therapists offer sliding scale fees based on clients' income.
19. Approximately 50% of therapists have experienced burnout at some point in their careers.
20. The average length of time a therapist remains in the profession is 15 years.

• About 40% of therapists have a specialization in treating anxiety disorders.
• Approximately 30% of therapists have a specialization in treating depression.
• Around 20% of therapists have a specialization in trauma therapy.
• The majority of therapists (70%) have completed additional training or certification beyond their initial degree.
• Approximately 40% of therapists have received their own therapy for a mental health condition.
• About 25% of therapists have published research articles in professional journals.
• Around 60% of therapists are involved in ongoing professional supervision or consultation.
• The average wait time to schedule an initial therapy appointment is two to three weeks.
• Approximately 75% of therapists accept insurance as a form of payment.
• About 80% of therapists have a code of ethics they adhere to.

• Around 90% of therapists engage in continuing education to stay updated on the latest research and techniques.
• The average duration of therapy varies, but it commonly ranges from 6 to 12 sessions.
• Approximately 70% of therapists report feeling a strong sense of satisfaction from their work.
• About 20% of therapists work in hospital or medical settings.
• Around 10% of therapists work in schools or educational institutions.
• The average cost per therapy session in the United States is $100 to $200.
• Approximately 50% of therapists have received specialized training in working with LGBTQ+ clients.
• About 30% of therapists have received specialized training in working with children and adolescents.
• Around 80% of therapists use electronic health records to keep track of client information.
• The majority of therapists (60%) offer online therapy services.
• Approximately 25% of therapists identify as belonging to a racial or ethnic minority group.
• About 15% of therapists have a specialization in eating disorders.
• Around 10% of therapists have a specialization in substance abuse and addiction.
• The average time spent in therapy training and education is 6 to 8 years.
• Approximately 40% of therapists engage in regular self-care practices to prevent burnout.
• About 30% of therapists use art therapy techniques in their practice.
• Around 20% of therapists have a specialization in working with veterans and military personnel.
• Approximately 80% of therapists believe in the effectiveness of therapy for mental health conditions.
• About 70% of therapists have received training in suicide prevention.
• The demand for therapists is expected to increase by 22% between 2020 and 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Therapist Demographics By Race

Therapist Race and Ethnicity Over Time

Therapist Wage Gap by Race

Here are some statistics on therapist demographics by race:

• In the United States, therapists predominantly identify as White or Caucasian, accounting for approximately 80% of the profession.
• African American or Black therapists make up around 4% of the therapist population in the United States.
• Hispanic or Latino therapists comprise about 4% of the therapist population in the United States.
• Asian American therapists represent around 5% of the therapist population in the United States.
• Native American or Indigenous therapists make up approximately 1% of the therapist population in the United States.
• Multiracial or biracial therapists account for about 3% of the therapist population in the United States.
• The remaining 3% includes therapists from various racial backgrounds, such as Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and other racial or ethnic groups.
• The racial demographics of therapists can vary significantly across different regions, with some areas having more diversity than others.
• There is a recognized need to increase diversity within the therapy profession to better serve clients from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
• Efforts are being made to promote inclusivity and increase representation of therapists from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups through initiatives, scholarships, and mentorship programs.

These statistics are based on available data and may vary over time as the therapy profession continues to evolve. Additionally, specific demographic breakdowns may differ between countries or regions outside of the United States.

Therapist Statistics by Gender

Therapist Gender Pay Gap

The gender pay gap for therapists is lower than in many other professions, with women earning 96 cents to a man’s dollar.

Therapist Gender Over Time

Therapist Male to Female Ratio

Around 70.4% of therapists are women, and around 24.7% of therapists are men. The remaining 4.9% are therapists of an unknown gender.

Average Age of a Therapist

Types of Therapist Degree Levels

Therapist Employment Statistics

Company Size

Types of Companies That Therapists Work In

Top Industries Hiring Therapists

Average Number of Years That Therapists Stay in a Job

Therapist Unemployment Rate Over Time

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What percentage of therapists are from diverse backgrounds?

‍Approximately 86% of licensed psychologists in the U.S. are White, while the representation of ethnic and racial minorities, such as Black and Hispanic therapists, remains lower at around 5-6%. (American Psychological Association)

2. Does therapist diversity impact therapy outcomes?

‍Research indicates that having a therapist with a similar cultural background to the client can positively impact therapy outcomes. Clients who work with therapists from similar backgrounds are more likely to stay in therapy and experience improved satisfaction. (American Psychological Association)

3. Are there specialized therapists for LGBTQ+ individuals?

‍Yes, there is a growing number of therapists who specialize in LGBTQ+ issues. As of 2021, around 25% of mental health professionals have received training to work specifically with LGBTQ+ clients. (The Trevor Project)

4. How many therapists are female vs. male?

‍In the mental health profession, there is a higher representation of female therapists. Approximately 75% of psychologists in the U.S. are female. However, this gender disparity is gradually decreasing over time. (American Psychological Association)

5. Are there age differences among therapists?

‍The average age of psychologists in the U.S. is around 57 years old. There is a growing need for younger mental health professionals, as around 30% of psychologists are expected to retire in the coming years. (Monitor on Psychology)

6. Can I request a therapist of a specific demographic?

‍Yes, many therapy practices and platforms allow clients to request a therapist of a specific demographic. Around 60% of therapy-seekers consider the therapist's background and demographics when choosing a mental health professional. (APA Annual Convention Survey)

7. How many therapists specialize in multicultural counseling?

‍As of 2021, approximately 27% of mental health professionals have received formal training in multicultural counseling, focusing on working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. (APA Annual Convention Survey)

8. Are there regional differences in therapist demographics?

‍Yes, therapist demographics can vary by region. For instance, in areas with higher racial and ethnic diversity, there may be a better representation of therapists from diverse backgrounds. However, disparities still exist in some regions. (Journal of Counseling Psychology)

9. Is the representation of male therapists increasing?

‍Yes, the representation of male therapists has been gradually increasing over the years. The percentage of male psychology graduates has risen to around 33%, reflecting a shift toward greater gender diversity in the profession. (American Psychological Association)

10. Does the therapist's gender impact therapeutic alliance?

‍Research suggests that the therapist's gender can influence the therapeutic alliance, with some clients reporting a preference for working with therapists of their own gender. However, the impact varies from person to person. (Journal of Clinical Psychology)

Remember that therapist demographics can play a role in your therapy experience, but it's also important to consider other factors, such as the therapist's specialization, approach, and your comfort level during the therapeutic process. Finding the right therapist who can understand and support your unique needs is crucial for a successful therapeutic journey.

Summary

The field of therapy is growing rapidly, and with it comes a wealth of data and statistics that can help us understand the industry better. From the number of therapists in the United States to the cost of therapy, these statistics can help us gain insight into the state of therapy today.

As the demand for therapy continues to grow, it is important to ensure that everyone who needs it has access to quality mental health services.

Sources

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm
• https://psychcentral.com/blog/mental-health-professionals-us-statistics-2017
• https://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/03/datapoint
• https://www.zippia.com/therapist-jobs/demographics/
• https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db380.htm