How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist: Educational Requirements and Career Insights

If you're interested in helping people through the challenges of their lives, then pursuing a career as a marriage and family therapist is ideal for you. To embark on this journey, you must meet certain educational requirements and gain valuable insights into the profession. 

In this guide, we provide a comprehensive overview of how to become a marriage and family therapist, including the necessary education and training, licensure requirements, and potential career paths. So, whether you're just starting or looking to make a career change, this guide will help you take the first steps toward a fulfilling and rewarding career in this field.

What Is a Marriage and Family Therapist?

Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) are mental health professionals who specialize in helping couples and families overcome various challenges and problems. They are trained to provide therapy and counseling to individuals, couples, and families struggling with marital conflict, communication problems, parent-child conflicts, and other family-related issues. 

Put simply, the role of a marriage and family therapist is to help clients build stronger, healthier relationships and families and to provide the support and guidance they need to overcome the challenges they face.

What Does a Marriage and Family Therapist Do?

A marriage and family therapist typically works with clients to identify the root causes of their problems and develop strategies to resolve them. This involves helping couples communicate more effectively, teaching parents practical parenting techniques, or working with families to establish healthy boundaries and improve their relationships.

In addition to providing counseling services, marriage and family therapists also provide education and support to clients, helping them better understand their own needs and the needs of their loved ones. They can work collaboratively with other mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists or social workers, to provide comprehensive care to their clients.

How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist

Becoming a marriage and family therapist requires a significant amount of education and training. Let's go through some common steps you must take to become one.

Earn a bachelor's degree

As someone pursuing a career in marriage and family therapy, you do not necessarily need to come from a counseling, psychology, social work, or sociology education background. Some programs accept applicants with different majors as long as they have completed relevant courses in therapy, group therapy, and psychotherapy. Additionally, practical experience in the field can demonstrate your commitment to the therapy profession. 

However, it's essential to thoroughly review the prerequisites for the graduate programs you're interested in. 

Earn a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or a related mental health field

The next step is pursuing a master's in marriage and family therapy, available in both private and public universities. To ensure quality standards and increase job opportunities, it's helpful to consider schools approved by the state licensure board or accredited by COAMFTE or CACREP .  

A master's program in this field typically takes 2-3 years to complete, during which you'll gain practical experience under a professional's supervision through clinical practice. It's worth noting that some programs require you to complete a thesis. 

As a prospective MFT, consider two counseling degree programs to help achieve your career goals: Marriage and Family Therapy or Mental Health Counseling.

Complete additional hours of supervised clinical experience

Once you complete your studies, pass the relevant state exams, and meet any additional state requirements to be a marriage and family therapist, you must obtain an initial license to practice under the supervision of a licensed independent practitioner. 

Depending on the state, this license is known as a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, or an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. The number of post-master's counseling hours required before taking the exam varies by state, typically ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 hours. 

You must complete these hours over a designated period of usually one and a half to two and a half years, and they can be categorized into direct contact, indirect contact, and face-to-face supervision.

Obtain state licensure

To become a marriage and family therapist, you must pass the MFT National Examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Board (AMFTRB) , required by all states, including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. 

First, you must receive approval from your desired state of licensure before you can register for the exam. Depending on the state, additional exams may also be required. After passing the exam, you should apply for an independent practice license specific to your state.

Remember to do your research on the specific licensing requirements for your state, including who to contact, costs, and other details.

Continue your education

As a counselor, maintaining your license through continuous education is essential. This not only enhances your skills but also keeps you informed of the latest developments in the field. Notably, the rise of online therapy platforms has transformed the mental health landscape, offering flexible, accessible, and effective options for clients. As an aspiring marriage and family therapist, understanding how these platforms work, the benefits they provide, and the challenges they address is crucial. Integrating online therapy into your practice can expand your reach to clients and enhance your capabilities in today's digital world.

Continuing education also offers opportunities to network with other professionals. To meet your state's counseling board requirements, it is vital to verify the current information regarding necessary hours and the availability of online courses to fulfill these requirements.

Essential Skills of a Marriage and Family Therapist

To be an effective marriage and family therapist, you must possess certain essential skills. These skills include: 

Compassion and empathy - Marriage and family therapists frequently assist individuals facing challenging and stressful circumstances, so compassion and empathy are essential for the job. 

Interpersonal skills - Family and marriage counselors interact with various individuals and collaborate with clients and colleagues to foster healthy relationships.

Listening skills - To truly comprehend the issues, beliefs, and objectives of their clients, marriage and family therapists must offer their undivided attention.

Organizational skills - For marriage and family therapists in private practice, it is essential to monitor payments and collaborate with insurance providers.

Speaking skills - To effectively communicate with clients, marriage and family therapists must be capable of conveying information in a manner that is easy for clients to comprehend.

Job Opportunities and Average Salary

The latest data shows that the average salary for a marriage and family therapist in the United States is $87,397 a year . Considering the expected increase in demand for their services in the upcoming years, here are some job openings available for these professionals.

Residential counselor

Residential counselors, also known as halfway house counselors, offer customized care and counseling to individuals residing in temporary treatment centers. They typically live in the facility alongside the residents, providing round-the-clock assistance with emergencies and regular therapy sessions. The average annual salary for a residential counselor is $41,380 per year. 

Case manager

Case managers serve as a mediator between patients and healthcare providers, evaluating individual needs and organizing necessary support for physical, emotional, and mental health. They also assist clients in accessing resources such as food, shelter, and employment by helping them fill out applications. A case manager earns an annual salary of around $57,568 on average.

Juvenile probation officer

A juvenile probation officer supervises young offenders to ensure they comply with probation terms. They meet with clients and guide them toward a productive life, acting as mentors and positive role models. These officers may testify in court about the client's progress and collaborate with a team, including family members, social workers, and educators, to support the defendant. They also help clients find work, counseling, or other services to aid in rehabilitation. A juvenile probation officer typically earns around $64,128 per year on average.

Substance abuse counselor

People who are struggling with addiction to substances or engaging in harmful behaviors can benefit from seeking help from a counselor who specializes in substance abuse. These professionals offer therapy, educational resources, and connections to recovery resources, as well as referrals to specialized medical professionals when necessary. The average yearly salary for a substance abuse counselor is $65,420 .

School counselor

School counselors assist students in achieving success both academically and personally by guiding them in classroom behavior, academic performance, future plans, and mental health challenges. They work with other professionals and may suggest students see a psychiatrist if necessary. The average salary for a school counselor is $69,394 yearly.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , employment of marriage and family therapists is expected to increase by 15% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. It is estimated that there will be approximately 5,900 job openings for marriage and family therapists each year over the next decade. 

Furthermore, integrated care, which involves a team of specialists addressing multiple problems simultaneously, is expected to contribute to the growth of marriage and family therapy. This means that marriage and family therapists will collaborate with other counselors, such as substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors, to provide comprehensive care to patients.

The Bottom Line

Becoming a MFT can be a rewarding career path if you are interested in providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families. With the projected increase in demand for marriage and family therapists, it is an excellent time to consider pursuing this career. 

So, take the next step and check out our Master of Science degree in Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a licensed marriage and family therapist?

An MFT is a mental health professional who helps couples and families overcome various challenges. They receive thorough training to provide therapy and counseling for issues such as marital conflict, communication difficulties, and parent-child conflicts.

What degree do you need to be a marriage and family therapist?

The most suitable degree for those interested in becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist is a Master's degree in Psychology concentrating in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT).

How long does it take to become a MFT?

Every state has its own set of requirements for licensing for marriage and family therapists, but there are some common steps that most of them will follow: 

• Bachelor's degree (4 years) 
• Master's degree (2-3 years)
• Master's alternatives (3+ years) 
• Supervised work experience (2 years) 

Even after obtaining your license, most states require you to continue your education to stay up-to-date with any new developments or advancements in the field.