A well-crafted mental health therapist resume is essential for securing a role in this rewarding field.

Your document should highlight your clinical expertise, therapeutic approaches, and ability to support clients through their mental health challenges.

Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting, a strong application can make all the difference in landing interviews and advancing your career.

This guide will walk you through the key sections, skills, and tips needed to create a professional resume that stands out to employers.

Mental health therapist resume examples

School mental health therapist resume sample

School mental health therapist resume template

School Mental Health Therapist Resume
Use template Download PDF

Resume for school mental health therapist | Plain text

Emily Carter

New York, NY | emily.carter@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | LinkedIn.com/in/emilycarter

Professional Summary

Dedicated School Mental Health Therapist with 7+ years of experience supporting students’ emotional and psychological well-being. Skilled in crisis intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and collaboration with educators to foster a healthy school environment. Passionate about helping children and adolescents develop coping strategies for academic and personal challenges.

Skills

  • Crisis intervention
  • Individual and group counseling
  • Behavioral assessments
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Collaboration with educators
  • Social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies
  • Family counseling
  • Student advocacy
  • Case management
  • Confidentiality and ethical practices

Experience

School Mental Health Therapist

Brooklyn Academy Charter School | Brooklyn, NY | 2019 – Present

  • Provide individual and group therapy to students experiencing emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges, developing personalized strategies for self-regulation and coping.
  • Implement crisis intervention strategies, collaborating closely with teachers, administrators, and families to create a supportive learning environment.
  • Develop and lead social-emotional learning (SEL) workshops, educating students and faculty on emotional resilience, mindfulness, and stress management techniques.
  • Maintain detailed and confidential case records, tracking student progress, intervention effectiveness, and referrals to external mental health services.

Mental Health Counselor (Internship)

New York City Department of Education | New York, NY | 2018 – 2019

  • Assisted in the assessment and support of students struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns, ensuring access to appropriate resources.
  • Conducted intake assessments, gathering relevant background information to create individualized treatment plans in collaboration with supervising therapists.
  • Coordinated with school counselors and social workers to implement behavioral intervention plans, providing ongoing support and progress evaluations.
  • Facilitated group counseling sessions focused on building peer relationships, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation techniques.

Education

  • Master’s in Social Work (MSW) | Columbia University | 2018
  • Bachelor’s in Psychology | New York University | 2016

Certifications & Licenses

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – New York (2022)
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid Certified (2020)

Professional Development

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Training, 2023
  • Trauma-Informed Schools Workshop, 2022

Strong sides of this resume example:

  • The document showcases extensive hands-on experience in providing crisis support and emotional care, emphasizing readiness for school environments.
  • The broad range of skills, from behavioral assessments to student advocacy, positions the candidate as adaptable and well-rounded.
  • Professional development achievements indicate proactive approach to continuing education, which reflects their dedication to the profession.
How to properly format a resume for a mental health therapist?
  • Pick a professional font – Choose a classic one such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. A size between 10-12 points ensures clarity.
  • Keep it concise – Aim for a one-page resume if you have less than 10 years of experience. A second page is acceptable for extensive work history.
  • Set appropriate margins – Add 1-inch on all sides to maintain a balanced look. If you need to fit more content, slightly reduce them but keep no smaller than 0.5 inches.
  • Ensure consistent spacing – Use 1.0 or 1.15 lines for readability. Double-space between blocks to improve visual separation.
  • Align text properly – Left-align your content for a clean look, while headings can be centered or bolded for emphasis.
  • Use bullet points – List job responsibilities and accomplishments with concise bullet points to highlight key information.
  • Choose a clear structure – Organize your document into sections: Contact Information, Summary or Objective, Skills, Education, and Experience.
  • Avoid excessive graphics – Keep everything simple. While subtle elements can enhance it, overly decorative styles may distract recruiters.
  • Save in the right format – PDF is the best choice to preserve the look. Some employers may request Word, so check the job posting for preferences.

Build a resume online to save time and effort, preventing common formatting mistakes.

Resume Trick provides professional resume templates that eliminate guesswork, ensuring your application looks polished and professional.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume

Trauma mental health therapist resume example

Sample trauma mental health therapist resume

James Reynolds

Los Angeles, CA | james.reynolds@email.com | (555) 987-6543 | LinkedIn.com/in/jamesreynolds

Professional Summary

Compassionate Trauma Mental Health Therapist with 10+ years of experience specializing in PTSD, domestic violence, and crisis intervention. Expertise in trauma-informed care, EMDR therapy, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Committed to guiding clients toward healing and emotional resilience.

Skills

  • Trauma-informed therapy
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
  • Crisis intervention
  • PTSD assessment & treatment
  • Group therapy facilitation
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Grief counseling
  • Safety planning for survivors
  • Case documentation
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration

Experience

Trauma Mental Health Therapist

Los Angeles Trauma Recovery Center | Los Angeles, CA | 2017 – Present

  • Provide trauma-focused therapy to clients affected by abuse, violence, and PTSD, utilizing evidence-based methods such as EMDR and trauma-focused CBT.
  • Develop personalized treatment plans that incorporate mindfulness, grounding techniques, and self-regulation exercises to improve emotional resilience.
  • Facilitate both individual and group therapy sessions for survivors, fostering a safe space for healing and peer support.
  • Collaborate with law enforcement, case managers, and medical professionals to ensure clients receive comprehensive care and necessary legal protections.

Crisis Counselor

Safe Horizons Shelter | Long Beach, CA | 2015 – 2017

  • Provided immediate crisis intervention and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and trauma, ensuring their safety and stabilization.
  • Assisted clients in developing safety plans, navigating shelter services, and accessing community resources for long-term recovery.
  • Led support groups focused on trauma recovery, self-care strategies, and rebuilding confidence after abuse.
  • Delivered educational workshops to community organizations and law enforcement agencies on trauma-informed care and survivor support.

Education

  • Master’s in Clinical Psychology | University of Southern California | 2015
  • Bachelor’s in Social Work | University of California, Los Angeles | 2013

Certifications & Licenses

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) – California (2016)
  • Certified EMDR Therapist (2018)

Publications & Research

  • "The Role of EMDR in Trauma Recovery" – Journal of Trauma Therapy, 2021
  • "Long-Term Effects of PTSD in Domestic Violence Survivors" – Co-authored study, 2020

Here are a few reasons why this example of a therapist resume will impress recruiters:

  • The application demonstrates a specialization in trauma-informed practices and advanced therapeutic methods, highlighting focus on complex psychological issues.
  • It emphasizes effective interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring clients receive holistic and coordinated care.
  • The inclusion of publications underscores contribution to the field, enhancing their professional credibility.
Should I choose a mental health therapist resume objective or summary?

Resume summary

  • Best for candidates with experience.
  • It provides a brief overview of your skills, achievements, and career focus.
  • Typically, it’s 2-4 sentences long.

Mental health therapist resume summary sample:

Compassionate and licensed mental health therapist with 5+ years of experience providing therapy to individuals and groups. Skilled in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), crisis intervention, and treatment planning. Dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to promote emotional well-being.

Resume objective

  • Ideal for those new to the field, transitioning, or with limited job history.
  • It highlights career goals and enthusiasm for the role.
  • It should be 1-3 sentences long.

Mental health therapist resume objective example:

Enthusiastic psychology graduate seeking a mental health therapist position to apply knowledge of behavioral therapy techniques and counseling skills. Passionate about supporting individuals through emotional and psychological challenges.

How to showcase your mental health therapist resume skills?

The skills section showcases your core competencies, demonstrating to employers that you possess the necessary abilities for the role.

  • Hard skills are technical, job-specific attributes gained through education, training, and practice.
  • Soft skills involve personal traits that influence how you interact with clients and colleagues.

Mental health therapist hard skills:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Crisis intervention
  • Psychological assessments
  • Treatment planning
  • Substance abuse counseling
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Case management
  • Group therapy facilitation
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Clinical documentation

Soft skills for mental health therapists:

  • Empathy
  • Active listening
  • Patience
  • Conflict resolution
  • Adaptability
  • Problem-solving
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Communication
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Stress management

Substance abuse mental health therapist resume template

Substance abuse mental health therapist resume sample

Substance Abuse Mental Health Therapist Resume
Use template Download PDF

Resume for substance mental health therapist | Text version

Samantha Lewis

Chicago, IL | samantha.lewis@email.com | (555) 765-4321 | LinkedIn.com/in/samanthalewis

Professional Summary

Experienced Substance Abuse Mental Health Therapist with 8+ years of helping individuals overcome addiction and co-occurring disorders. Skilled in motivational interviewing, relapse prevention strategies, and individualized treatment planning. Passionate about guiding clients toward long-term recovery.

Skills

  • Substance use disorder counseling
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Relapse prevention strategies
  • Dual diagnosis treatment
  • Case management
  • Group therapy facilitation
  • Crisis intervention
  • Family education & support
  • Harm reduction techniques

Experience

Substance Abuse Therapist

Chicago Recovery Center | Chicago, IL | 2018 – Present

  • Conduct individual and group therapy sessions for clients recovering from substance use disorders, tailoring interventions based on client history and readiness for change.
  • Develop personalized treatment plans that incorporate relapse prevention techniques, healthy coping strategies, and long-term recovery goals.
  • Utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI) to empower clients, helping them recognize personal strengths and maintain motivation for sobriety.
  • Collaborate with medical professionals, case managers, and family members to provide holistic care addressing both mental health and substance use challenges.

Addiction Counselor (Internship)

Illinois Addiction Treatment Services | Chicago, IL | 2017 – 2018

  • Assisted licensed therapists in conducting substance use assessments and developing individualized treatment plans for clients with co-occurring disorders.
  • Led psychoeducation workshops on addiction recovery, harm reduction strategies, and stress management techniques.
  • Provided one-on-one counseling under clinical supervision, guiding clients through the early stages of recovery and goal-setting.
  • Maintained thorough case documentation, ensuring compliance with ethical and legal standards in addiction counseling.

Education

  • Master’s in Counseling Psychology | DePaul University | 2017
  • Bachelor’s in Human Services | Loyola University Chicago | 2015

Certifications & Licenses

  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) – Illinois (2018)
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) (2019)

Community Involvement

  • Volunteer Counselor, Chicago Sober Living Program, 2020 – Present
  • Speaker at Illinois Addiction Recovery Conference, 2021

This sample resume for mental health therapist is effective for several reasons:

  • The document highlights expertise in treating both substance abuse and co-occurring mental health conditions, showcasing proficiency in managing dual diagnoses.
  • Key techniques like Motivational Interviewing and relapse prevention are featured, positioning the candidate as skilled in fostering lasting recovery.
  • Active participation in community initiatives adds a personal and socially responsible dimension to the professional profile.
What academic credentials should I add to my mental health therapist resume?

Education is a critical component of a therapist’s qualifications, showing the foundation of your expertise. Employers expect to see relevant diplomas, certifications, and licenses.

What to include:

  • Degree earned (e.g., Master’s in Clinical Psychology)
  • University name and location
  • Graduation year (optional if you have extensive experience)
  • Relevant coursework (for recent students)
  • Certifications and licenses (e.g., Licensed Professional Counselor)
How to organize the experience section in a resume?

Conclusion

A polished mental health therapist resume showcases your qualifications, experience, and dedication to helping others.

By emphasizing your clinical skills, certifications, and relevant experience, you increase your chances of securing interviews and advancing in your career.

Tailor your document for each application, keep it concise, and highlight what makes you a strong candidate. With the right approach, you can make a lasting impression and take the next step in your professional journey.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume