Michael DeMarco is a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed mental health counselor and board certified clinical sexologist who works as executive director of a new nonprofit mental health clinic called Our Collective Mental Health. The goal of his agency is to provide therapy to individuals who might not be able to afford it otherwise, such as those without insurance or are low income. The agency serves Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City as well as Windham County, Vt. DeMarco works with both individuals and couples, helping his clients through various issues, including anxiety, depression, communication problems and sexual and gender identity matters. DeMarco is very active in educating the public on mental and sexual health issues, and posts frequently both to Twitter and his Tumblr blog, Therapist Tells All…Okay Some. In his blog, DeMarco links to relevant articles pertaining to therapy and everyday issues we all deal with, as well as describes some of the services offered by his clinic.

Why did you decide to pursue this career field?
Like many therapists, the reason was probably to understand a little about myself and work through past issues, though we quickly learn that being a therapist isn't about our own therapy. We're there to offer empathy and support for our clients.

What type of preparation did you do to get into this field?
At the undergraduate level, I took as many courses as I could in psychology and human sexuality, though I was not a psych undergrad. Being a therapist means knowing your psychology, but also being a well-rounded human and eternal student of the human condition. For my master's, I majored in psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy, then specialized for my doctoral work in clinical sexology.

What types of classes and projects did you have to do?
I had to study courses in therapy, theories of personality, human sexuality, substance abuse, and for my doctoral work I had to write a dissertation. For both masters and doctoral level, I had to do a period of supervised clinical work called practicum (or internship, or sometimes externship, depending on the program).

How did your education help you in your career?
My education gave me the scientific and theoretical background to do my work, but ultimately to be a good therapist, you learn by doing. I learn something new every time I see a client.

What was your career path like in this field? 
I started with a supervisor until I was licensed, then I began supervising others. In 2010, I reformed my private practice as a not-for-profit mental health clinic, Our Collective Mental Health.

What types of skills is someone required to have to work in your position?
I am now the lead supervisor and executive director of a multi-state agency. Time management, leadership skills, marketing and building relationships now all have to be in my toolbox as well as my clinical skills, which I continue to develop.

What do you do on a typical workday?
As a therapist, the day (involves) seeing clients and writing progress notes, with some time set aside for billing, returning calls, writing blogs, tweeting and working on my website. As executive director, I still do much of that with the added responsibilities of taking care of my staff's needs as well as getting the word out about the agency.

Do you plan to advance to another position within your career field? 
It took me eight years to get here—I think I'm good where I'm at!

What type of person do you think is best suited for a job in your field?
Empathetic people, but it's important to be able to have good boundaries. Mental health is a business, even if you work for a nonprofit, so people who are at least somewhat business minded. Tech is the way of the future, so tech-savvy folks who can use social media and other ways to increase access to good, effective mental health care.

Do you have any advice for those who are looking to launch a career in your field?
Research the licensure requirements in your state and know what it is going to take before you can "hang your shingle" and call yourself a therapist. Don't get too hung up on brand name schools—just pick an accredited program and get through it. Also, a master's degree in mental health counseling or in marriage and family therapy is all you need to practice. Don't think you have to have a doctoral degree or a social work degree to make a living! Final advice—go to class!