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How much do cognitive behavior therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for cognitive behavior therapist in the United States is $22.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do cognitive behavior therapists do?

Cognitive behavior therapists (CBTs) assess and treat mental health issues by helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. They use structured techniques, such as cognitive restructuring and behavioral interventions, often in individual or group therapy settings, and typically require certification or licensure in mental health fields.

What other jobs can a cognitive behavior therapist do?

A cognitive behavior therapist can often transition into roles such as mental health counselor, clinical psychologist, or behavioral specialist, utilizing skills in assessment, therapy, and client management. They may also work in settings like hospitals, schools, or private practice, often requiring relevant licensure or certification. Additionally, they can pursue positions in research, program development, or health education related to mental health and behavior change.

How do you become a cognitive behavior therapist?

To become a cognitive behavior therapist, one typically needs a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, or social work, along with specialized training in cognitive-behavioral therapy. Licensing or certification requirements vary by region but generally include supervised clinical experience and passing a licensing exam. Continuing education is often required to maintain credentials and stay current with best practices.

What are some common challenges cognitive behavior therapists face when working with clients, and how can these be managed?

Cognitive Behavior Therapists often encounter challenges such as client resistance to change, difficulty in maintaining client engagement, and managing complex or co-occurring mental health issues. To address these, therapists typically use evidence-based strategies like motivational interviewing, regular progress reviews, and collaborative goal-setting. Ongoing supervision, peer consultation, and professional development also help therapists refine their skills and stay updated on best practices, ensuring effective support for clients while preventing burnout.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cognitive behavior therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cognitive Behavior Therapist, you need a strong background in psychology or counseling, advanced training in cognitive behavioral therapy, and a relevant license such as LPC, LCSW, or clinical psychologist credentials. Familiarity with therapeutic tools like CBT assessment instruments, case management software, and continuing education certifications is typically required. Outstanding active listening, empathy, and strong communication skills help build trust and rapport with clients. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering effective therapy, ensuring client progress, and maintaining professional standards.

What is a cognitive behavior therapist?

A Cognitive Behavior Therapist is a mental health professional who uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients manage and overcome a variety of emotional and psychological issues. CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to distress. Cognitive Behavior Therapists work with individuals, couples, or groups to develop practical strategies for coping with challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, and more. They are typically trained psychologists, counselors, or social workers with specialized qualifications in CBT.

Is it hard to become a cognitive behavior therapist?

Becoming a cognitive behavior therapist typically requires earning a relevant master's degree in psychology, counseling, or social work, followed by supervised clinical experience and obtaining licensure or certification. The process can take several years and involves passing exams and meeting ongoing education requirements, making it a demanding but achievable career path for those committed to mental health work.

What is the difference between Cognitive Behavior Therapist vs Licensed Professional Counselor?

AspectCognitive Behavior TherapistLicensed Professional Counselor
CredentialsMaster's or Doctoral degree in psychology or related field, certification in CBTMaster's or Doctoral degree in counseling or psychology, state licensure
Work EnvironmentPrivate practice, clinics, hospitals, mental health centersPrivate practice, schools, clinics, mental health agencies
Industry UsageSpecializes in CBT techniques for mental health treatmentProvides a broad range of counseling services, including CBT

Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and licensure. A Cognitive Behavior Therapist specializes specifically in CBT techniques, while a Licensed Professional Counselor offers a broader scope of counseling services. The choice depends on whether you seek specialized CBT therapy or general counseling support.

What cities are hiring for Cognitive Behavior Therapist jobs?

Cities with the most Cognitive Behavior Therapist job openings:

What states have the most Cognitive Behavior Therapist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cognitive Behavior Therapist jobs include:

Cognitive Behavior Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cognitive Behavior Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,707 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Part Time Behavior Therapist

Graham Behavior Services

Middletown, NJ • On-site

$35 - $60/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Description:

Position Summary:

The Behavior Therapist provides applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy services to assigned students under the supervision of a BCBA. This role requires experience working with children and a strong interest in teaching language, play, and skill-based curricula. Behavior Therapists work primarily in 1:1 settings with learners with autism, supporting skill development across educational and community environments. Candidates should demonstrate enthusiasm for individualized instruction and data-driven practice, including the collection, graphing, analysis, and presentation of progress data. Prior experience in ABA or special education is preferred, along with a commitment to fostering meaningful growth in learners through evidence-based strategies.


Duties/Responsibilities:

Billable Services:

  • Provides intensive individualized ABA therapy services directed toward the development and/or enhancement of skills necessary for emotional, cognitive, behavioral, language, and interpersonal growth of the student.
  • Uses appropriate applied behavior teaching, communication, and reinforcement procedures consistently.
  • Attend all scheduled sessions and clinics.
  • Accurately completes all required documentation including data collection daily and daily session notes.
  • Provides the intervention accurately as described in the client’s Behavior Intervention or Treatment Plan.
  • Assists the BCBA in devising strategies for skill acquisition or behavior reduction based on an understanding of the individual student, his/her needs, interests, abilities and best practices in ABA.
  • Inform parents about daily routine, expectations, or incidents that have been observed and/or recorded on site.
  • Updates BCBA with set updates, needed materials, and needed program changes.

Non-Billable Services:

  • Maintains open communication with BCBA and other therapists.
  • Properly documents session cancellations.
  • Attends meetings, events, group calls, training, workshops, and seminars as required by Graham Behavior Services.
  • Completes other related projects and duties as assigned.
  • Completes incident reports as needed.
  • Checks Graham Behavior Services email address daily from Monday through Friday.
  • Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information related to the student as is expected of BCBAs.
  • Monitors clients for signs of child abuse, and reports incidents of suspected abuse to supervisor immediately.
  • Informs BCBA supervisor of any problems or concerns with staff, clients, clients family, and systems or procedures used by Graham Behavior Services.


Requirements:

Required Skills and Abilities:

  • Proven ability to perform at an above standard as a Behavior Therapist level.
  • Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff and the Families.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks/goals.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills with individuals and groups at all professional levels.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
  • Demonstrates professionalism through integrity, reliability, professional appearance and respectful communication in all workplace interactions.


Experience and Education:

  • Experience using appropriate applied behavior teaching, communication, and reinforcement procedures consistently.
  • Experience in behavior analytic principles and applying these principles of ABA to create effective, socially significant changes in the client’s behavior repertoire.
  • Collecting, graphing, analyzing, displaying and discussing data based progress is a must.
  • Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Special Education, or a related field, or pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in one of these areas.
  • Minimum one year experience providing Applied Behavior Analysis services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Possession or pursuit of RBT certification through the BACB, as deemed necessary by Graham Behavior Services.