Therapy training is getting expensive. That’s a problem.

Between licensure, continuing education (CE), and specialized certifications, are you finding that the cost of staying qualified is spiraling out of control? You’re not alone. Many therapists are feeling the squeeze of rising training costs that don’t always translate to better clinical outcomes or higher pay.

This financial strain isn’t just a personal burden; it’s a systemic issue affecting the entire profession. We need to talk about why this is happening, how it impacts therapists and clients, and what you can do about it.

Why are training costs rising?

The price of post-licensure training has grown significantly, especially for live workshops and branded certifications. While a self-study CE credit might cost around $20-$30, a seat at a popular, “celebrity-led” workshop can run into the hundreds of dollars per credit hour. A Heard survey found that professional development and training made up 14% of therapists’ business expenses, second only to rent. Notably, one study highlighted that evidenced-based training at a university could cost as much as $792. If clinicians opted for a virtual workshop, they still spent $393 for Zoom sessions. And while these costs rise, therapists remain underpaid, so the additional expenses have a bigger impact.  

Therapists aren’t saying every training should be free; creating resources takes a lot of time. But they believe the training costs should be proportional to the quality of training they receive.

A patchwork of rules

The United States doesn’t have a single, unified system for therapist licensure. Instead, there’s a complex web of rules that varies by state. Each state board has its own requirements for the number of CE hours, topic areas, and reporting. If you move or want to practice in multiple states, you may have to re-earn credits or meet different standards, leading to redundant and expensive coursework. This fragmented system creates a steady, mandatory demand for CE hours, which allows some training providers to charge more.

The “pay-to-play” certification ladder

Certain modalities and certifications often require you to pay for multiple workshops, supervision hours, and renewals to progress—from basic training all the way to becoming a certified supervisor or trainer. For example, EMDR certification can easily cost thousands of dollars between the required basic trainings and supervision. Similar rising costs are seen in other modalities like IFS, Somatic Experiencing, and psychedelic therapy certifications. To make back the money spent on training, many therapists are encouraged to recruit and train new people. This setup has drawn comparisons to multi-level marketing because of the focus on bringing others into the system to recover costs.

Branding modalities and scarcity marketing

Therapy models have increasingly turned into brands, with founders or well-known trainers leveraging platforms like social media, podcasts, and conferences to promote their approaches. They often use scarcity tactics—phrases like “limited seats available” or “last chance this year”—to create urgency and push therapists into paying high fees out of fear of missing out. This branding strategy can sometimes overshadow the actual evidence supporting the efficacy of a therapy model. The focus shifts from rigorous scientific validation to persuasive marketing, potentially leading therapists to adopt approaches that are more popular than proven. It creates a dynamic where perceived value, driven by brand recognition and social media buzz, can take precedence over empirically supported benefits.

At the same time, mental health content is booming on social media, with clients becoming more aware of specific therapy modalities. They may seek out therapists certified in these methods, creating added pressure for professionals to pursue certifications just to stay competitive and relevant. This environment can leave therapists feeling like they must constantly invest time and money in keeping up, even when it’s not clear whether doing so truly benefits their work or their clients.

Financial strain and burnout

Many therapists, especially those early in their careers or working in community mental health, simply cannot afford a $5,000 certification. This financial strain is a significant contributor to burnout. When therapists are forced to choose between going into debt for training or feeling professionally inadequate, it intensifies the stress of an already demanding job. Studies have shown this financial stress is a major reason why talented therapists leave community mental health, causing high turnover in agencies that serve those who need help most. 

But there’s another side to this coin: therapists who are underpaid look for side hustles and other jobs. Creating and selling training courses can be more lucrative than being an actual therapist. And with social media influencers selling the dream of easy money, it’s more common for therapists to try to create and sell their brand online.  

Widening the professional divide

The high cost of branded certifications fosters a two-tiered system. Therapists with more resources and higher income can afford pricey credentials, while others—like BIPOC clinicians, rural practitioners, or those in lower-paying jobs—are often excluded. This deepens hiring and networking inequalities within the profession and concentrates specialized services in wealthier, urban areas, leaving other communities with less access.

Ethical gray areas

Investing thousands into a modality may nudge therapists to rely on it—sometimes at the expense of what’s truly best for each client. Over-relying on one method to justify costly training creates an ethical tension and may not reflect a fully client-centered approach, particularly if it leads to biased treatment planning or undermines informed consent standards.

How can we fix this broken system?

Addressing this problem requires a multi-pronged approach involving regulators, employers, and therapists themselves. Here are a few potential solutions that could make a real difference.

1. Reform regulations

State licensing boards hold the power to change the rules. They could set price caps on how much a CE credit can cost to count toward licensure renewal. Creating a national compact for license portability—like what exists for nurses—would harmonize CE requirements across states, so therapists don’t have to purchase redundant training when moving or practicing in multiple states.

2. Move toward outcome-based renewal

Instead of just counting hours, what if licensure renewal was based on demonstrated competence? This model would let therapists earn credit for activities that truly improve their clinical skills, not just for attending pricey workshops. While it would be a challenge to implement, there are some healthcare jobs that are already moving towards competency-based approaches (especially nurses). It’s also possible that the shift towards value-based care could speed up implementation. 

3. Encourage cooperative and open-source models

Therapists could help themselves and their colleagues by building peer-led CE cooperatives, which provide quality, low-cost education that meets board requirements. Newer options like digital badges and open-source credentials are gaining traction—see MIT’s Digital Credentials Consortium and free microcredentials from NBCOT. These tools can democratize learning and encourage real collaboration.

4. Demand transparency

Therapists deserve to know exactly what they’re paying for. Training providers should be required to make public their costs, supporting research, and any financial incentives for recruiters or trainers. Requiring all trainings to display a standardized “evidence grade” could help therapists quickly judge the value behind a modality before spending hard-earned money.

It’s time for a change

The current state of therapist training is unsustainable. It’s burning out good clinicians, limiting access to care, and creating a system that prioritizes profit over people. But by understanding the forces driving this trend and advocating for meaningful reforms, you can build a more equitable and effective professional development landscape.