I live in Western Europe and from what I can gather, therapists work very differently than in the United States. For instance, most therapists in my city practice from home (I'm not talking about the ones who work in a hospital of course). So no rent. They don't have staff and there's no insurance so no paperwork and no need to pay for insurance or any of that. Then again, I've noticed the fees are considerably lower here than in the US: I could not afford the fees I see mentioned on this forum! So I don't think that therapists are necessarily in it for the money itself. But it's a vey comfortable job: you practice from home so no traffic jam in the morning, no stress. You're sitting the whole time. One therapist I saw for two months told me she had become a psychologist because she was interested in how people's brain works. She said nothing about "wanting to help people". I also think a lot of therapists must like the attention from their clients who sometimes worship them. I think that plays a part. Some therapists are of course caring and like to listen of course and genuinely want to help people, I'm not saying they're all cynical.