This comprehensive report provides salary benchmarks and industry insights specifically tailored for licensed mental health counselors (LPCs), marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), psychologists, counselors, and social workers as of 2025.
National Average Salaries (2025)Below are the national median annual salaries across key mental health professions:
Profession
Median Annual Salary
Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LPC)
$59,190
Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT)
$63,780
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
$61,330
Clinical & Counseling Psychologists
$95,830
Salary by Experience LevelSalaries vary significantly depending on years of experience:
Experience Level
LPC/LMHC
LMFT
LCSW
Psychologist
Entry-Level
~$40,000
~$45,000
~$45,000
~$65,000
Mid-Career
~$60,000
~$65,000
~$60,000
~$95,000
Experienced
~$98,700+
~$98,700+
~$87,000+
~$157,000+
Experienced therapists often occupy administrative roles or private practice.
Salary by Employment SettingEmployment setting significantly affects compensation:
Employment Setting
Typical Salary Range
Private Practice
$50,000 – $120,000+
Hospitals & Healthcare
$55,000 – $95,000
Community/Nonprofit Agencies
$40,000 – $55,000
Schools & Academia
$50,000 – $90,000
Government
$65,000 – $130,000+
Telehealth Platforms
$50,000 – $90,000
Regional Salary BreakdownRegional variations are significant, reflecting local costs of living and demand:
High-Paying States
Typical Median Salary
Utah
~$88,980 (LMFT)
New Jersey
~$83,590 (LMFT, LPC)
Alaska
~$75,000+ (LCSW, LPC)
Massachusetts
~$75,000+ (LCSW, LPC)
California
~$70,000–$95,000+
Lower-Paying States
Typical Median Salary
Arkansas
~$45,000
Alabama
~$47,000
Mississippi
~$46,000
South Dakota
~$48,000
Urban areas generally offer higher salaries compared to rural regions.
Salary Trends and Future ProjectionsRecent Salary Trends (2020-2025)Rapid Growth: Salaries rose ~15–25% from 2020–2025 due to increased demand for mental health services post-COVID-19.Telehealth Boom: Teletherapy and gig-based roles expanded, allowing therapists additional income streams.Projected Trends (2025-2030)Continued Growth: Anticipated 15–19% employment growth.Incremental Salary Increases: Ongoing salary adjustments driven by sustained demand and advocacy efforts.Pay Parity Initiatives: Efforts underway to achieve pay parity between master’s-level therapists and doctoral-level psychologists for similar services.Compensation Beyond SalaryAdditional financial incentives often supplement salaries:
Loan forgiveness programs (Public Service Loan Forgiveness)Per-session fees for private practice or teletherapySupervision stipends for seasoned clinicians supervising internsRetention bonuses and remote work incentivesConclusionMental health therapists continue to experience steady growth in compensation, driven by sustained high demand and evolving work environments. Regional differences remain pronounced, highlighting opportunities for therapists willing to relocate or explore telehealth. Overall, the outlook remains optimistic, with salaries expected to rise incrementally through 2030.