Northwestern University : Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (Complete your COAMFTE-accredited MFT online program in as few as 21 months. No GRE required.)
Capella University : Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accreditation. Master's and PhD options available. )
Liberty University : MA: Marriage and Family Therapy (Online with required intensives)
Grand Canyon University : Master's Degree in Counseling (Affordable Program with No Out of State Tuition)
National University : Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (Accredited. No GRE. Scholarships Available) National University : Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy (Accredited. No GRE. Scholarships Available)
University of Wisconsin – Superior : MSE Counseling - Marriage & Family Therapy Track (100% Online, No GRE Required)
Colorado Christian University : Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Marriage & Family Therapy (100% online, or hybrid format. )
University of West Alabama : Online MS in Family Counseling (100% online. Affordable tuition.)The Relevance and Requirements of a Career in Marriage and Family Therapy
In today's dynamic social landscape, the role of marriage and family therapy (MFT) is becoming increasingly crucial. This field not only addresses the complexities of personal relationships but also plays a significant role in enhancing overall community well-being. Let's delve into the growing need for specialists in this vital area and the pathway to becoming a licensed professional.
The Growing Need for Specialists
Our modern society is witnessing a rising demand for marriage and family therapy counselors. These experts, often designated as LMFTs (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists), are pivotal in assisting individuals, couples, and families in overcoming challenges that affect their emotional well-being and relationships. A career as an LMFT offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a significant impact, often initiated by pursuing specialized education in this field.
Pathway to Becoming a Licensed Therapist
The journey to becoming an LMFT starts with obtaining a comprehensive education in counseling, typically through a master's degree program from an accredited institution. This foundational step is crucial for acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills. Upon fulfilling the educational requirements, the next critical step is obtaining licensure from state boards. This licensure confirms that the therapist is qualified to practice and adheres to the state-required standards for offering public services.
Clinical Effectiveness of MFT
Marriage and family therapy transcends traditional counseling methods, offering clinically effective treatment for a range of issues. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) recognizes MFT as an efficacious approach for addressing complex clinical conditions, including adult schizophrenia, mood disorders, anorexia in young adults, and various family-related conflicts.
The Impact of MFT in Modern Society
The influence of marriage and family therapy extends far beyond individual counseling sessions. It plays a transformative role in society by improving familial relationships, enhancing the well-being of children and communities, and providing vital mental health support. Understanding the evolving nature of family structures is integral to an LMFT's ability to deliver personalized and effective services, catering to the unique needs of each family and individual.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
The COAMFTE-accredited MFT@Northwestern is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Full and part-time tracks available. Learn More |
| Capella University
Counseling & Therapy
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required |
Offering master’s degree programs in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. Doctoral degree program available in counselor education & supervision. No GRE required. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Marriage and Family Therapy
SACSCOC |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
A Liberty University marriage and family therapy master’s program online can prepare you to help individuals, couples, and families find healing through counseling. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
HLC and NASAC Accredited |
✔ 100% Online
Over 14 Specializations Available |
Affordable with No Out of State Tuition Learn More |
| National University
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required |
Earn your masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University. COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited. Learn More |
| National University
Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required |
Earn your Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University. COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited. Learn More |
| University of Wisconsin – Superior
MSE Counseling - Marriage & Family Therapy Track
|
✔ Online
100% Online, No GRE Required |
Aligned to state law and accreditation standards, our programs equip you with the academic and professional development that will prepare you for the Wisconsin and/or Minnesota counseling licensure exams. Expand your expertise in three major areas: the prevention of personal and interpersonal problems, fostering optimal human development, and addressing existing social-emotional-developmental concerns that affect individuals as well as their families. Learn More |
| Colorado Christian University
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Marriage & Family Therapy
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree |
Taught by Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), preparing you for licensure as a LMFT in a clinical environment. Required to attend a five-day on-campus residency held each summer of the program. Learn More |
| University of West Alabama
Online MS in Family Counseling
|
✔ Online
Flexible online environment |
Programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Guidance and Counseling Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Steps to Become an MFT Counselor
As an aspiring MFT counselor, there are several steps you must take and pass to be recognized to practice counseling services. How to become a marriage counselor should be the first step you have to look into by exploring industry requirements and determining if you are the best fit to become a therapist.
Here are some of the steps you have to pass to become an MFT counselor:
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Complete Relevant Bachelor's Degree
The first step of becoming an MFT counselor is to obtain a bachelor's degree in counseling-related programs. MFT programs help to equip students with skills and knowledge to prepare them for industry practices.
The chosen degree program should meet the minimum standards for licensure. It is important to note that different states have different requirements that should be met for a potential MFT therapist to be fully recognized and licensed to practice.
For any interested candidate seeking to pursue a career in marriage and family counseling, it is best to check on the university minimum requirements to be enrolled in the degree program.
MFT programs can be offered both in person and online for students who might find the study mode convenient. The duration for completing this program can vary from two to three years, depending on the mode of study.
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Enroll in an Accredited Master's Program in MFT
After completing a bachelor's degree program, you can enroll in a master's program in MFT at an accredited institution. Accrediting bodies such as the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) help to promote best practices for marriage and family therapy.
COAMFTE provides a clear framework and guidelines. This helps to improve the accreditation standards and policies to ensure MFT students get quality education.
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Fulfill Supervised Clinical Experience Requirements
Gaining hands-on, supervised clinical experience is a pivotal aspect of training in marriage and family therapy. Like other programs, this experience is critical in determining a student's suitability for practice in the counseling field. In addition, most states mandate students to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours as part of their training regimen.
To gain this practical experience, students work under the supervision of a licensed MFT practitioner. This period of supervised clinical practice is instrumental in honing counseling skills that are essential for addressing real-world situations. For example, MFT programs in California often have specific requirements regarding the number of supervised hours, the nature of the supervision, and the types of clinical settings that are suitable for these experiences. These programs ensure that students not only meet the state's licensure criteria but also emerge well-prepared to handle the complexities of professional therapy practice.
Through supervised clinical experiences, students gain invaluable insights into the therapeutic process, develop their ability to engage effectively with clients, and learn to navigate the various challenges they may encounter in their professional lives.
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Pass the National MFT Exam
After completing both your bachelor's master's degree program and supervised clinical experience, you will need to pass the national MFT examinations. These examinations are usually administered by the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
The AMFTRB governs the regulation of LMFTs by developing and administering the MFT national examinations used by jurisdictions as the requirements to license candidates.
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Obtain State Licensure
Before practicing as an MFT counselor, you must obtain a state licensure. However, licensure requirements vary from state to state. Typical requirements for obtaining licensure are submitting your educational transcripts and supervised clinical hours' documentation.
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Pursue Continuing Education and Specialization
MFT, like any other field, is continuously evolving. Continuing your education and specialization in this field would be important in keeping you up to date with current industry trends and practices. This can be achieved by attending workshops and conferences or enrolling in advanced training in different MFT areas.
Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)
Capella University - Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Marriage and Family Therapy (SACSCOC Accredited)
Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)
National University - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)
National University - Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)
University of Wisconsin – Superior - MSE Counseling - Marriage & Family Therapy Track
Colorado Christian University - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Marriage & Family Therapy
University of West Alabama - Online MS in Family Counseling (SACSCC Accredited)
Why Become an MFT Counselor?
Becoming an MFT counselor can be as rewarding as other professions. You can make a difference in society with proper counseling skills and knowledge.
The following are some of the reasons to become an MFT counselor:
- The difference MFT counselors make in lives
- The increasing demand for family and marriage therapy
- Flexible work environment
- Wide-ranging skill set
Where Do MFT Counselors Work?
MFT counselors can generally seek opportunities in various facilities or institutions nationwide.
MFT counselors can work in the following places:
- Private practices
- Hospitals
- Mental health clinics
- Schools and Universities
- Social Service Agencies
MFT Counselor Salary
An MFT therapist’s salary depends on several factors, such as experience. Also, where one intends to practice will significantly influence the compensation they get from their profession.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for marriage and family therapists is $56,570 as of 2022.
Highest MFT Counselor Salary
The highest MFT counselor salary varies based on several factors, such as location of practice, education, experience, and specialization of an MFT therapist. The BLS reports that top earners among marriage and family therapists have annual salaries approaching $100,000. Highly skilled and experienced MFT counselors practicing in private facilities will likely be paid more than the average.
Highest Paying States for MFT Counselors
MFT counselors’ salaries differ from state to state. Factors such as cost of living, demand for MFT therapists, population, regulation, and licensing requirements primarily influence this.
Top paying states for marriage and family therapists are:
- Utah (annual mean wage, $88,980)
- New Jersey ($83,590)
- Maryland ($81,320)
- Wyoming ($80,330)
- Virginia ($75,990)
*Data via the Bureau of Labor Statistics
MFT Counselor Career and Job Growth
The field of MFT is continuously evolving. This brings with it new concepts that MFT counselors should be current with.
- Trends in the field. As time progresses, MFT has witnessed several changes. Many people are becoming aware of MFT and how it can be an effective treatment plan for the different challenges they experience.
- Projected job growth rate. The BLS projects the employment of MFTs to grow 15 percent from 2022 to 2032. This projection is faster than the average for all occupations. Data from the BLS shows that roughly 71,200 opportunities for marriage and family therapists are projected annually over the decade.
Degrees for MFT Counselors
As an interested MFT counseling candidate, having the right education qualifications and meeting the minimum practice requirements can make you a suitable match for an LMFT role.
Bachelor’s Degree (Prerequisite)
As you venture into family therapy and counseling, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology or counseling is the first step to consider. A bachelor’s degree is essential to properly understand human behavior and psychology, which is necessary to provide relationship guidance and counseling services.
Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy
After completing your bachelor’s degree, you can choose to complete a master’s MFT degree program. Depending on your learning mode, you can complete this program either through in-person learning or an online counseling program.
Doctoral Degrees (For advanced research and clinical work)
For many, a master’s degree in MFT is sufficient to practice therapy and counseling services. Some students may prefer to continue with their studies by pursuing doctoral degrees for careers in advanced clinical work and research.
MFT Counselor FAQ
What Degree Do I Need to Become an MFT Counselor?
A master’s degree is the first step to becoming an MFT counselor. Many universities across the nation offer MFT programs.
What do MFT Counselors Do?
The primary work of MFT counselors is to provide psychotherapy and mental health support services to people or families affected or undergoing relationship problems. MFT specialists provide guidance and assistance to individuals or couples who might be experiencing relationship problems.
How Long Does It Take to Become an MFT Counselor?
Becoming an MFT counselor takes about 2 to 3 years, particularly for full-time students. However, if you are undertaking the program online, the completion duration can vary depending on your school. The duration is also influenced by the number of clinical hours and different settings required to prove your competency as a therapist.
How Much Do MFT Counselors Earn?
The salary of an MFT counselor varies from state to state as it depends on several factors, such as your education, experience in the profession, and specialization. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of an MFT counselor is $56,570 as of 2022.
What Skills are Essential for MFT Counselors?
As an MFT counselor, you need to possess a wide range of skills to ensure best practices. Some skills essential for practice are a great understanding of family therapy, counseling psychology, and mental health counseling. Furthermore, you should have excellent communication and problem-solving skills and assessment and diagnosis skills.
Are There Internship Opportunities for MFT Students?
Yes. Like other fields, there are internship opportunities for MFT students. Internship opportunities help students advance their education and training to gain hands-on experience in the best industry practices. Some internship opportunities for MFT students include clinical practice, couples, family counseling centers, and private practice internships.
What Are the Licensing Requirements for MFT Counselors?
After completing a master’s degree in MFT and gaining the required clinical hours, you will need to pass a state licensure exam to become a licensed MFT counselor. Licensing requirements may vary from state to state, so it’s essential to check the specific requirements for the state where you intend to practice.
Can I Specialize in a Specific Area as an MFT Counselor?
Yes, specialization is possible within the field of MFT. Some common specializations include trauma therapy, adolescent counseling, substance abuse counseling, and marital therapy. Specialization often requires additional training and certification.
Are There Continuing Education Requirements for MFT Counselors?
To maintain licensure, MFT counselors generally need to fulfill continuing education requirements. These typically involve a specific number of hours of approved coursework or workshops every couple of years.
What are the Pros and Cons of Online MFT Programs?
Online MFT programs offer the convenience of studying from anywhere and often allow you to progress at your own pace. However, you’ll need to ensure that the program you choose is accredited and meets the licensing requirements of your state. Also, some online programs might not offer as much hands-on clinical experience as traditional programs.
How Do I Choose the Right MFT Program?
When selecting an MFT program, consider factors such as accreditation, faculty credentials, curriculum, and available resources for students. You should also consider the program’s placement rates, as this can give you an idea of how successful graduates are in finding employment in the field.
What Types of Settings Do MFT Counselors Typically Work In?
MFT counselors can work in various settings, including private practice, mental health clinics, hospitals, and schools. Some also work in corporate settings, focusing on work-life balance and organizational behavior.
How is the Job Market for MFT Counselors?
The job market for MFT counselors is generally favorable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
By addressing these additional questions, potential students and aspiring MFT counselors can gain a more comprehensive understanding of what the field entails.
