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Careers

therapist and children

The University of Washington Master of Arts in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology: Prevention & Treatment program prepares students for a rewarding career providing mental health services to children and adolescents.

Preparation for Licensure as a LMHC

Our program is designed to meet educational requirements for licensing as a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in the state of Washington. Each state has its own distinct licensing requirements. Our student handbook identifies how our program aligns with the educational requirements for licensure in other states.

If you graduate from our program and would like to be licensed outside of Washington state, you'll likely be required to take additional coursework to fulfill licensing requirements for that state. It's your responsibility to consider this issue as you determine whether to apply to our program. We advise that you research the licensing requirements in the state(s) in which you might want to practice.

Diverse Roles and Settings

Graduates are qualified to work in a variety of settings, including schools, community settings and health care facilities, and to fill a variety of positions, including:

  • Mental health specialist
  • Social-emotional health specialist
  • Counselor
  • Mental health coordinator
  • Family advocate
  • Military and family life counselor
  • Youth and family therapist
  • Early learning policy manager
  • Preschool director
  • Early childhood program supervisor

Over 90% of graduates go on to work in direct clinical service, successfully meeting the mental health needs of thousands of diverse children in our region. Our graduates work in a variety of settings:

  • Community mental health (28%)
  • Educational (6%)
  • Hospital (6%)
  • Juvenile justice (3%)
  • Private practice (42%)
  • Residential treatment (3%)

Another 12% go on to non-clinical work in research/other areas (7%) or to pursue another advanced degree (5%).

After graduation, 83% of our alumni find employment within the first three months.

Alumni data based on responses to a survey of 2018–2023 graduates conducted in June 2024.

Career Outlook and Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for mental health counselors will grow 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average growth for all occupations. Also according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed mental health counselors earned a median annual wage of $51,480 in 2022 with the highest 10% earning more than $80,940.