What is the range that  psychotherapists can earn?

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Request for Question Clarification by aliciadenney-ga on 09 Nov 2002 16:48 PST

Hello Millay!
To help the researchers out....could you please let us know in what
city or area of the country (or country, for that matter!) you are
curious about finding the average salary of a psychotherapist?  Also,
if you could provide us with some more detailed information on what
you are specifically referring to with the term "psychotherapist," as
from what I understand from the research that I have been doing, it
seems as though this is a blanket term for an area that has many, many
specialties....that would be fantastic.
Thank you so much!
We look forward to answering your question!
Take Care,
Alicia

First, to ensure you know what I'm talking about, using the
dictionary.com definition of therapist: An individual, such as a
psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse, or psychiatric social
worker, who practices psychotherapy.
(http://www.dictionary.com/search?q=psychotherapist&r=2)

Pyschologist: Provides individual and group counseling services to
assist individuals in their personal, social, educational, and
vocational development and adjustment. May require a Ph.D in
psychology with at least 2-4 years of clinical experience in
psychology. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures
within a particular field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan
and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. May report to a
medical director and/or non M.D. A wide degree of creativity and
latitude is expected.
"A typical Psychologists working in the United States earns a median
base salary of $48,898, according to our analysis of data reported by
corporate HR departments. Half of the people in this job earn between
$43,489 and $58,484. "
25% of all Psychologists earn less then $43,489
The median earning is $48,898
25% earn more then $58,484
(http://hrsalarycenter.salary.com/salarywizard/layoutscripts/swzl_compresult.asp?zipcode=&metrocode=&statecode=&state=&metro=&city=&geo=U.S.+National+Averages&isedit=&jobcode=HC07000044&jobtitle=Psychologists&search=&narrowdesc=Healthcare+--+Practitioners&narrowcode=HC03&isforcompanalyst=0&geocode=&geotypecode=geometro&prevgeotypecode=geometro&isrefresh=1&r=&jobcodeedit=HC07000044)

Psychiatrist: Oversees the patients diagnosis, treatment, and
prevention of mental illnesses. Requires a degree in medicine from an
accredited school of medicine, and is licensed to practice medicine
and/or psychiatry. May require at least 2-4 years of clinical
experience. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures
within a particular field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan
and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. May report to a
medical director. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is
expected.
However, "A typical Psychiatrist working in the United States earns a
median base salary of $136,894, according to our analysis of data
reported by corporate HR departments. Half of the people in this job
earn between $120,768 and $157,344."
25% of all psychiatrists earn less then $120,768
The median salary is $136,894
25% of all psychiatrists earn more then $157,344
http://hrsalarycenter.salary.com/salarywizard/layoutscripts/swzl_compresult.asp?zipcode=&metrocode=&statecode=&state=&metro=&city=&geo=U.S.+National+Averages&isedit=&jobcode=HC07000027&jobtitle=Psychiatrist&search=&narrowdesc=Healthcare+--+Practitioners&narrowcode=HC03&isforcompanalyst=0&geocode=&geotypecode=geometro&prevgeotypecode=geometro&isrefresh=1&r=&jobcodeedit=HC07000027

Clinical Psychologists can earn around $41/hr (maximum around $100/hr)
while assistants start at $18/hr.
http://www.das.state.ct.us/HR/om/om_display_doc.asp?F_ID=36
http://www.elcaminocollege.org/human_resources/salaries/casual_student_Jan2002.htm

After visiting the results for about 10 states, all the results are
fairly similar to the ones above.  However, the average salary for a
psychotherapist in Canada is much lower, ranging from $60,000 to
$100,000 Canadian.

Hope that helps.

-Tox-ga

In the USA, the salary of either a PhD psychologist or an MD
psychotherapist will be determined by whether the practice is private
or whether it is part of an HMO.  If private, the therapist may set
his own hourly fee.  If the practice is part of an HMO, the therapist
will be paid a fixed salary, which is independent of  the number of
patients seen.  Moreover, in the HMO environment, the practioner will
be obliged by HMO rules, to spend a fixed amount of time with each
patient,so that the number of patient ecounters ( HMO terminology ) is
kept at a maximum .