Pediatrician

What does a Child Therapist do? – Tasks and Work Environment

Child therapists work to support and treat children and young people experiencing psychological, emotional, or social difficulties. Tasks include talk therapy, assessment of the child's situation, developing treatment plans, and collaborating with parents, school staff, and other healthcare professionals. The work is often carried out in child and adolescent psychiatry, school health services, or private clinics. The environment features both individual sessions and team collaboration, where flexibility and responsiveness are essential qualities.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary development for child therapists has varied over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 46,500 SEK, which increased to 50 500 SEK in 2023, representing an approximate 8.6 % increase. In 2024, the average salary has slightly decreased to 49 700 SEK, a reduction of about 1.6 % compared to the previous year. This trend may be due to changes in labor market demand, increased competition, or adjustments in collective agreements. Despite the slight decline, the salary level remains high, reflecting the specialized skills required for the profession.

Child Therapist Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 49 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 47,000 SEK/month (female, public sector)
• Highest salary: 66,000 SEK/month (female, private sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage: 299 SEK
• Women: 48 200 SEK/month
• Men: No specific data (lowest 48,300 SEK, highest 53,100 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data currently unavailable

Education and Qualifications

To work as a child therapist, a basic education in a human care profession, such as social work or psychology, is typically required, followed by further training in psychotherapy. This specialization often involves several years of education and extensive practical training. Formal requirements include licensure and sometimes specific certifications depending on the workplace.

• Basic education: Degree in social work, psychology, or equivalent (3–5 years)
• Further training: Psychotherapy program, often focused on children and adolescents (3 years, part-time)
• Certification: Psychotherapist license from the National Board of Health and Welfare
• Practical training: Extended internship periods and supervision during studies
• Prerequisites: Work experience in human care professions
• Tip: Choose a specialization in children and youth early for the best competence

Common Benefits and Compensation

Child therapists are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, professional development, and supervision. Many employers also provide flexible working hours and additional vacation days, especially in the public sector. Some private employers may offer bonuses or favorable insurance packages.

Competition and Challenges

The job market for child therapists is generally good but characterized by some competition for the most attractive positions. The profession requires ongoing continuing education and adaptation to new treatment methods and legislation. Recruitment can be challenging as many professionals work part-time, affecting the availability of full-time positions. At the same time, there is an increasing need for child therapists, especially in the public sector, driven by rising mental health issues among children and youth. Balancing workload and personal engagement is a recurring challenge.

Tips for Aspiring Child Therapists

To succeed as a child therapist, it is important to be attentive and capable of building trusting relationships with both children and their families. Patience and a genuine interest in children's development facilitate difficult conversations and demanding situations. Gaining broad experience from human care professions during studies is beneficial, as practical insight enhances understanding of the child's perspective. Analytical skills are also important for assessing treatment needs and following up on interventions. Continuous education and supervision contribute to higher quality work and personal growth. Collaboration skills are crucial, as the profession often involves interdisciplinary work with other actors. Finally, being flexible and adaptable to changing work conditions is valuable.

Key Facts About Child Therapist

• Education level: Psychotherapist license after basic education (minimum 6 years)
• Work environment: Public and private sectors, often team-based
• Work hours: Mainly daytime, part-time options available
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment according to the Employment Service
• Special expertise: Focus on mental health of children and adolescents

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years as a child therapist, further development can lead to specialist roles, supervision, or managerial positions within child and adolescent psychiatry. Some choose to start their own practice or work in training and method development. The forecast from the Employment Service shows that job opportunities are plentiful and that demand is expected to increase over the next five years. This is reinforced by the growing need in both public and private sectors, as well as increased societal focus on children's mental health. Currently, there are 375 available jobs in the field, indicating a healthy job market. However, recruitment can still be challenging due to many working part-time.

Common Questions About Child Therapists

• What does a Child Therapist earn?
  - A child therapist has an average salary of 49 700 SEK per month. The salary varies depending on experience, sector, and education level.
• What education is required to become a Child Therapist?
  - A basic degree in social work or psychology and further training to become a licensed psychotherapist specializing in children and adolescents are required.
• Are there good job opportunities for Child Therapists?
  - Yes, the Employment Service assesses that job opportunities are plentiful and that demand will increase in the coming years.
• What is the highest salary for a Child Therapist?
  - The highest salary is 66,000 SEK per month and is held by a woman working privately with a research degree.
• What is the work environment like for a Child Therapist?
  - The work environment is often interdisciplinary, with a lot of collaboration and a focus on children's mental health.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Specific information about regional differences is currently unavailable.
• What does working as a Child Therapist involve?
  - The work involves supporting and treating children and young people with psychological or social problems, often in close collaboration with other professionals.