Why We Love It
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$47,950Potential Avg. Salary
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11%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Don't Take Work HomeCareer Attribute
Anger management therapists work with patients—typically in a group setting—and teach them how to manage their anger and reactions. They teach patients how to recognize situations where anger is common, how to use logic and communication to resolve issues, and how to maintain a calm demeanor.
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What is an Anger Management Therapist?
The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in anger management therapist roles:
- Work with patients that are experiencing uncontrollable anger in a one-on-one or group setting
- Encourage patients to express their thoughts and emotions openly in order to identify triggers of anger or scenarios where high emotions are common
- Teach patients about their triggers, and educate them on how to recognize and avoid high-emotion scenarios
- Educate patients on strategies for controlling or avoiding anger, such as communication techniques, relaxation techniques, and applying logic to situations
- Help patients resolve ongoing triggers by making suggestions for lifestyle changes
A Day in the Life
Anger management therapists work with patients who are struggling with anger control issues. Often, patients are referred to an anger management therapist after an event where the patient’s anger led to some form of violence. Patients may be referred by an employer or court, or they may seek anger management therapy on their own volition. The role of the therapist is to teach patients about anger, uncover the root cause of a patient’s anger issues, and help patients manage their anger issues.
While anger management therapy may be conducted in one-on-one sessions, it is more commonly held as a group therapy session. In groups, patients can practice techniques together and learn from each other—sometimes patients benefit simply from understanding that their problems are shared. Anger management therapists look for triggers—things that commonly incite anger in patients—and educate patients about their triggers so that they can be aware of potentially bad situations in life.
An anger management therapist’s main goal is to teach patients how to manage their anger. Sometimes, that entails teaching patients how to resolve problems before emotions spiral out of control. At other times, problems may not be resolvable, and the therapist may need to teach patients coping and relaxation techniques. The therapist may also recommend certain lifestyle changes to avoid angry emotions, such as overcoming substance abuse, finding a new job, or entering couples counseling.
Typical Work Schedule
Most anger management therapist roles are full-time jobs that are conducted during normal business hours. However, therapists may need to work evenings or weekends in order to accommodate patient schedules.
Typical Employers
Anger management therapists may own their own practices, or they may be employed by private businesses, hospitals, mental health institutions, or government agencies.
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How To Become an Anger Management Therapist
Becoming a licensed anger management therapist required completion of a bachelor’s and master’s degree program as well as additional certifications, but there are less education-intensive ways to get experience in anger management roles. At a minimum, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, or social work, and you’ll also need to earn certifications in anger management coaching from the National Anger Management Association. This will qualify you for jobs as an anger management coach to get some experience in the field while pursuing a graduate degree.
To become a licensed anger management therapist, you’ll need to earn a master’s degree in a related field. Few programs focus specifically on anger management, so many aspiring anger management therapists pursue degrees in psychology or counseling. After earning a master’s degree, you’ll also need to become licensed to work as a therapist in your state, which may include many hours of supervised work experience and passing a written exam.
Because few college programs focus solely on anger management therapy, many anger management therapists receive their training in the form of certifications from the National Anger Management Association. Five different certificates are available that focus wholly on anger management therapy. While these certifications may not be required to find work as an anger management therapist, they often make job candidates more competitive when applying for open roles.
Anger Management Therapist Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$34,010Average
$47,950High Range
$74,150National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$16/hrAverage
$23/hrHigh Range
$36/hrHow do Anger Management Therapist salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Anger Management Therapist's can make an average annual salary of $47,950, or $23 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make $34,010 or $16 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#416 Nationally for All Careers
Programs and Degrees
Here are the most common degrees for becoming an Anger Management Therapist. a is usually recommended and specifically a degree or coursework that prepares you for the particular field, see below.
Highest Education Among Anger Management Therapists
- 5.4% Doctorate
- 48% Masters
- 25.1% Bachelors
- 5.4% Associates
- 10.1% College
- 5% High School
- 1% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
31,0002024 Est. Jobs
34,400Job Growth Rate
11%Est. New Jobs
3,400How does Anger Management Therapist job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 3,400 jobs for a total of 34,400 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 11% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#161 Nationally for All Careers
What Companies Employ The Most Anger Management Therapists
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary and secondary schools; local | 4,600 | 300 | 0% |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 4,400 | 300 | 0% |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | 2,700 | --- | --- |
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