Therapist Resume examples & templates

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Copyable Therapist Resume examples

By 2030, mental health practitioners will be using a blend of in-person and digital approaches we can barely imagine today. The therapist's couch isn't disappearing, but it's definitely getting an upgrade. We're already seeing this shift happen—with 64% of clinical psychologists now incorporating some form of teletherapy into their practice since the pandemic upended traditional care models. This isn't just a temporary fix; it's the beginning of a fundamental transformation in how healing happens.

The field is expanding in surprising directions, too. Traditional talk therapy now sits alongside somatic approaches, mindfulness-based interventions and even psychedelic-assisted treatments in certain states (who would've thought?). Therapists aren't just listening anymore—they're becoming skilled integrators of multiple healing modalities. And with mental health finally losing some of its stubborn stigma, the demand for qualified practitioners continues to outpace supply in most regions. For those considering this path, the next decade promises both challenge and unprecedented opportunity to shape how emotional wellbeing is understood and supported.

Junior Therapist Resume Example

Julia Ramirez

Brooklyn, NY 11211 • (347) 555-2198 • julia.ramirez@email.com • linkedin.com/in/juliaramirez

Compassionate and client-focused Therapist with foundational experience in cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-informed care. Recently completed Master’s in Mental Health Counseling with specialized training in adolescent therapy. Strong background in crisis intervention from internship at Brooklyn Youth Center. Known for building rapport quickly with diverse client populations and maintaining meticulous case documentation.

EXPERIENCE

Therapist (Associate) • Wellness Bridge Counseling Center • Brooklyn, NY • January 2023 – Present

  • Provide individual therapy to caseload of 12 clients weekly, primarily focusing on anxiety, depression, and relationship issues
  • Collaborate with 3 senior therapists to develop treatment plans and participate in weekly supervision sessions
  • Implement evidence-based CBT techniques and mindfulness practices resulting in 76% of clients reporting improved symptom management
  • Maintain comprehensive session notes and treatment documentation in compliance with HIPAA regulations
  • Co-facilitate weekly anxiety support group for young adults (ages 18-25)

Mental Health Counseling Intern • Brooklyn Youth Center • Brooklyn, NY • August 2021 – December 2022

  • Conducted intake assessments and provided counseling services to adolescents facing various challenges including family conflict, academic pressure, and identity development
  • Assisted crisis intervention team during peak hours, helping de-escalate 17 high-risk situations
  • Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care with school counselors, social workers, and psychiatrists
  • Developed and implemented 2 psychoeducational workshops on stress management techniques for high school students

Crisis Hotline Volunteer • NYC Mental Health Alliance • New York, NY • May 2020 – July 2021

  • Staffed crisis hotline for 6-hour weekly shifts, responding to callers experiencing mental health emergencies
  • Applied active listening techniques and crisis intervention protocols to support callers in distress
  • Connected callers with appropriate community resources and follow-up services
  • Completed 60 hours of specialized training in suicide prevention and crisis management

EDUCATION

Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
Columbia University, Teachers College • New York, NY • 2022
GPA: 3.87 • Thesis: “Efficacy of Brief Intervention Models with First-Generation College Students”

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Hunter College, CUNY • New York, NY • 2020
GPA: 3.75 • Minor: Sociology • Dean’s List: 6 semesters

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

Limited Permit Mental Health Counselor (MHC-LP), New York State, 2022
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certification, 2022
Motivational Interviewing Training (24 hours), 2021
QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper, 2020

SKILLS

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Treatment Planning
  • Case Documentation
  • HIPAA Compliance
  • Psychological Assessment
  • Group Facilitation
  • Cultural Competency
  • Electronic Health Records (TherapyNotes)
  • Spanish (Conversational)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

American Counseling Association (ACA), Student Member, 2020-Present
New York Mental Health Counselors Association, Member, 2021-Present

Mid-level Therapist Resume Example

SAMANTHA R. JENSEN, LMFT

sjensen.therapy@gmail.com | (519) 804-3376 | Portland, OR 97214
linkedin.com/in/samanthajensen-lmft | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #LM60021

Compassionate therapist with 5+ years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life transitions and relationship challenges. Skilled in trauma-informed care and cognitive-behavioral approaches, with specialized training in EMDR. Known for creating safe spaces where clients feel heard and empowered to make meaningful changes.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Hillside Family Services – Portland, OR
Senior Therapist | March 2021 – Present

  • Maintain a caseload of 22-27 clients weekly, providing therapy for individuals, couples, and families
  • Developed and facilitated a 10-week group therapy program for young adults coping with anxiety, with 87% of participants reporting decreased symptom severity
  • Supervise 2 associate therapists, providing clinical guidance and supporting their professional development
  • Collaborate with psychiatrists and primary care physicians to coordinate comprehensive treatment plans
  • Introduced telehealth services during COVID-19, retaining 94% of existing clients during transition

Pacific Northwest Counseling Center – Vancouver, WA
Staff Therapist | August 2018 – February 2021

  • Provided individual and couples therapy for adults dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and life transitions
  • Conducted initial assessments and developed personalized treatment plans for an average of 18 clients per week
  • Co-facilitated weekly men’s support group focusing on emotional regulation and healthy communication
  • Maintained detailed session notes and treatment plans within electronic health record system

Riverdale Community Mental Health – Portland, OR
Associate Therapist | June 2017 – July 2018

  • Completed post-graduate clinical hours toward LMFT licensure under supervision
  • Provided therapy for diverse clientele in community mental health setting
  • Participated in weekly case consultations and continued education seminars
  • Coordinated with social services to connect clients with community resources

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR – 2017
Thesis: “Attachment Patterns in Blended Families: Implications for Therapeutic Intervention”

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
University of Oregon, Eugene, OR – 2014
Minor: Sociology | GPA: 3.8

Certifications & Specialized Training:

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy – Level II Certified, 2020
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level 1 & 2 Training, 2019
  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), 2018
  • Telehealth Certification for Mental Health Providers, 2020

SKILLS

  • Individual, couples, and family therapy
  • Crisis intervention and safety planning
  • Treatment planning and case management
  • Trauma-informed care approaches
  • Cultural competency and diversity awareness
  • Mental health assessment and diagnosis
  • Electronic health records (TherapyNotes, SimplePractice)
  • Group facilitation and psychoeducation
  • HIPAA compliance and ethical practice
  • Motivational interviewing techniques

Professional Memberships: American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), Oregon Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (OAMFT)

Senior / Experienced Therapist Resume Example

SAMANTHA R. PETERSON, MSW, LCSW

(415) 555-8726 • samantha.peterson@email.com • Oakland, CA 94610 • linkedin.com/in/samanthapeterson

Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 9+ years of therapeutic experience working with diverse populations across various settings. Specialized in trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family systems approaches. Known for creating safe, judgment-free environments where clients feel empowered to navigate life challenges. Passionate about integrating mindfulness practices with evidence-based interventions to support holistic healing.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Therapist • Bay Area Mental Health Collective • Oakland, CA • May 2019 – Present

  • Maintain a caseload of 22-25 clients weekly, providing individual, couples, and group therapy sessions with 87% client retention rate
  • Developed and implemented trauma-focused therapy program that reduced PTSD symptoms in 73% of participants within 16 weeks
  • Supervise 4 associate therapists, providing clinical guidance, case consultation, and professional development support
  • Co-created and facilitate monthly community workshops on anxiety management and stress reduction, averaging 31 attendees per session
  • Serve as diversity committee chair, spearheading initiatives to improve cultural competency and accessibility of services

Staff Therapist • Westside Family Services • San Francisco, CA • August 2016 – April 2019

  • Conducted comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and created individualized treatment plans for 120+ clients annually
  • Specialized in working with adolescents and families navigating complex relational dynamics, substance use issues, and identity development
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, case managers, and school counselors to ensure coordinated care
  • Established therapeutic gardening group for teens with depression and anxiety that showed 41% improvement in mood regulation

Mental Health Clinician • East Bay Crisis Center • Berkeley, CA • June 2014 – July 2016

  • Provided crisis intervention, risk assessment, and short-term therapy for individuals experiencing acute psychological distress
  • Managed after-hours crisis line 2 evenings per week, responding to approximately 8-12 calls per shift
  • Connected clients with appropriate community resources including housing assistance, medical care, and long-term mental health services
  • Collaborated with local emergency departments to facilitate psychiatric hospitalizations when necessary

EDUCATION & LICENSURE

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) • California Board of Behavioral Sciences • License #87654 • 2016

Master of Social Work (MSW) • University of California, Berkeley • 2014
Concentration: Mental Health • GPA: 3.91

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology • University of Washington • 2012
Minor: Sociology • Cum Laude

CERTIFICATIONS & SPECIALIZED TRAINING

  • Certified EMDR Practitioner (2021)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Intensive Training (2018)
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 2 (2017)
  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Certification (2016)
  • Motivational Interviewing Advanced Practice (2015)

SKILLS

  • Clinical assessment & diagnosis
  • Crisis intervention & safety planning
  • Trauma-informed care approaches
  • Cultural competency & DEI facilitation
  • Clinical supervision & mentoring
  • Treatment planning & documentation
  • Group therapy facilitation
  • Electronic health records (TherapyNotes, SimplePractice)
  • Program development & evaluation
  • Telehealth service delivery

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
  • American Family Therapy Academy (AFTA)
  • EMDR International Association

How to Write a Therapist Resume

Introduction

Landing that perfect therapist position starts with a resume that truly captures your clinical skills, empathy and professional background. Your resume isn't just a list of jobs—it's the first session with a potential employer. As someone who's reviewed hundreds of therapist resumes, I can tell you that hiring managers typically spend just 6-8 seconds on initial screening. That's barely enough time to form a first impression! Let's make those seconds count by creating a resume that showcases your therapeutic approach and clinical expertise.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your therapist resume clean and well-organized—much like you'd keep your session notes. Aim for 1-2 pages (one page for those with under 5 years experience, two pages for seasoned clinicians).

  • Use a clean, professional font like Calibri or Arial (11-12pt)
  • Include clear section headers to guide the reader's eye
  • Incorporate white space to prevent visual overwhelm (we deal with enough of that in session!)
  • Save as a PDF unless specifically asked for a different format
  • Name your file professionally: "FirstName_LastName_Therapist_Resume.pdf"

Profile/Summary Section

This 3-4 sentence opener sets the tone for everything that follows. Think of it as your elevator pitch. For therapists, it's crucial to highlight your clinical orientation, specializations and the populations you serve.

Don't just say you're "passionate about helping people"—that's like saying a surgeon is "interested in medicine." Be specific about your therapeutic approach and the transformation you facilitate for clients.

Example: "Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 7+ years specializing in trauma-informed CBT and EMDR therapy. Experienced in both inpatient and outpatient settings, with particular expertise working with veterans experiencing PTSD. Known for creating safe therapeutic environments that promote healing and sustainable coping mechanisms."

Professional Experience

This is where you demonstrate your clinical impact. For each position, include:

  • Job title, organization name, location and dates (month/year)
  • 3-5 bullet points highlighting your responsibilities and achievements
  • Quantifiable results when possible (caseload size, client retention rate, assessment outcomes)
  • Specific therapeutic modalities or interventions you've implemented

Start bullets with strong action verbs like "Conducted," "Implemented," "Facilitated," or "Developed." And remember—therapy is both an art and a science, so include both the technical aspects of your work and the human element.

Education and Certifications

This section carries significant weight in our field. List your degrees in reverse chronological order, including:

  • Degree type and major (MSW, MA in Clinical Psychology, etc.)
  • University name and location
  • Graduation year (omit if more than 15 years ago)
  • License type, number and state (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, etc.)
  • Specialized certifications (DBT-certified, EMDR trained, etc.)
  • Continuing education highlights (if space allows and relevant to the position)

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many healthcare organizations and group practices use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes. To make it past these digital gatekeepers:

  • Carefully review the job posting and mirror key terms
  • Include your license type in multiple places (summary, experience, education)
  • Mention specific therapeutic approaches you're trained in (CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, etc.)
  • List relevant assessment tools you're proficient with (MMPI-2, Beck inventories, etc.)
  • Specify EMR/EHR systems you've used (TherapyNotes, SimplePractice, Epic)

Industry-specific Terms

Sprinkle these throughout your resume to signal your clinical knowledge:

  • Evidence-based practices
  • Treatment planning and implementation
  • Biopsychosocial assessment
  • Crisis intervention
  • Clinical documentation
  • Case conceptualization
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I've seen even experienced therapists make these resume blunders:

  • Focusing too much on job duties rather than clinical impact
  • Neglecting to mention specific populations served
  • Using vague statements without concrete examples
  • Including inappropriate personal information (political affiliations, religious views)
  • Forgetting to proofread (would you trust a therapist who misses details?)

Before/After Example

Before: "Helped clients with their problems using different therapy techniques."

After: "Provided trauma-focused CBT to a caseload of 24 adolescents, achieving a 78% reduction in reported anxiety symptoms and developing personalized safety plans that decreased crisis calls by 31%."

Remember, your resume should reflect the same care and attention you give to your clients. Good luck with your therapeutic journey!

Soft skills for your Therapist resume

  • Active listening with empathic reflection – genuinely hearing clients’ concerns while demonstrating understanding through thoughtful responses
  • Boundary management between professional compassion and emotional self-preservation (especially important after 5+ years in the field)
  • Crisis de-escalation when working with clients experiencing acute distress or suicidal ideation
  • Cross-cultural sensitivity when treating clients from diverse backgrounds and belief systems
  • Treatment plan flexibility – adapting therapeutic approaches based on client progress and changing circumstances
  • Professional documentation skills that balance clinical accuracy with client confidentiality

Hard skills for your Therapist resume

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy – Level II Certified
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) implementation for trauma and anxiety disorders
  • TherapyNotes EMR software proficiency
  • Crisis intervention and risk assessment protocols
  • DSM-5 diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) techniques
  • Telehealth platform management (Zoom Healthcare, SimplePractice)
  • Psychological assessment administration (Beck Depression Inventory, MMPI-2)
  • Motivational Interviewing for substance use treatment