Pepperdine University : Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor) (No GRE required) Pepperdine University : Master of Arts in Psychology (No GRE required)
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) : MS Psychology (Flexible. Affordable. And achievable.) Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) : Online Psychology Degrees (Bachelors and Masters. Flexible. Affordable. And achievable.) Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) : MS Psychology with concentration in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology (Flexible. Affordable. And achievable.)
The Chicago School : Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online Programs.) The Chicago School : Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (Online Programs.)
National University : Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Accredited. No GRE. Scholarships Available)
University of West Alabama : Online Bachelor of Psychology (Online Bachelor’s Degree Program)Understanding LMFT and Psychologist Roles
The roles of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) and psychologists often overlap but have distinct areas of focus and methodologies. Understanding these differences is crucial for students deciding on a career path in mental health.
LMFT Definition
A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializes in treating mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage, family, and relationships. LMFTs assess and treat a wide range of serious clinical problems including depression, marital problems, anxiety, individual psychological problems, and child-parent problems. Therapy sessions focus on family dynamics and relationships, aiming to improve communication, solve family problems, understand and handle special family situations, and create a better functioning home environment.
Psychologist Definition
Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments. While some psychologists provide clinical counseling, others are involved in research or teaching at academic institutions. Clinical psychologists often work with patients to manage mental illness or cope with life stresses, while others may focus on neuropsychology, forensic psychology, or children and adolescents. The scope of practice for psychologists is broader compared to LMFTs and often involves more extensive psychological testing and research-based treatment methodologies.
Both professions require a strong foundation in mental health principles, but the educational paths and licensure requirements differ significantly, impacting the specific roles and settings in which these professionals work.
Degree Programs: LMFT vs. Psychologist
Understanding the educational requirements for each career path is crucial as they dictate not only the scope of practice but also the potential settings in which these professionals can operate. Here's a breakdown of the educational paths for LMFTs and psychologists:
LMFT Degree Programs
To become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, candidates typically need to complete a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling, or a closely related field. These programs are designed to be completed in about two to three years and include both coursework and clinical experience. The curriculum generally covers topics such as:
- Family Dynamics
- Couple Therapy
- Child and Adolescent Therapy
- Ethical and Legal Considerations in Family Therapy
- Diagnostic Methods
Most states, including those with high standards like California and New York, require LMFT candidates to accumulate a certain number of supervised hours—typically between 2,000 and 4,000—post-graduation before they can become licensed.
Psychologist Degree Programs
Becoming a psychologist usually requires a doctoral degree, which can be either a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology. These programs can take anywhere from four to seven years to complete, depending on the student's previous education, the specific program, and the dissertation requirement. Coursework often includes:
- Advanced Statistics and Research Methods
- Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Psychopathology
- Clinical Practice and Assessment
In addition to coursework, doctoral programs require extensive research and practical clinical training. Psychologists must also complete a supervised internship, which is typically a full-time commitment of one year.
Accreditation
For both LMFTs and psychologists, attending an accredited program is crucial. LMFT programs should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), while psychology programs should hold accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA) or similar bodies to ensure that the education provided meets the professional standards necessary for future licensure.
Curriculum Comparison: LMFT vs. Psychology Programs
Both LMFT and psychology programs offer robust curricula designed to prepare students for their respective professional roles. However, the focus and scope of these curricula can vary significantly, reflecting the distinct approaches and objectives of each field.
LMFT Program Curriculum
The curriculum for LMFT programs is intensely focused on relational and family dynamics, with a strong emphasis on direct clinical practice. Key components of most LMFT curricula include:
- Marriage and Family Systems: Courses that explore the structure and function of families and marriages, including diverse family systems and cultural perspectives.
- Therapeutic Techniques: Training in specific therapeutic interventions designed for couples and families, such as systemic, strategic, and narrative therapies.
- Human Development: Understanding the development of individuals within the context of their family from birth through old age.
- Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis: Skills for assessing and diagnosing mental health conditions within the family context, often including the use of DSM criteria.
- Ethics and Professional Practice: Standards for ethical practice in marriage and family therapy, including considerations of confidentiality, professional boundaries, and legal responsibilities.
Psychology Program Curriculum
Psychology programs, particularly at the doctoral level, tend to have a broader scope, with a strong foundation in research methodologies alongside clinical skills. Typical coursework includes:
- Foundational Theories in Psychology: In-depth studies of the theories of personality, behavior, and cognitive processes.
- Research Methods and Statistics: Training in qualitative and quantitative research methods and advanced statistical analysis, essential for conducting empirical research.
- Clinical Skills: Depending on the focus of the program, courses may cover various clinical interventions applicable across a broad range of settings and populations.
- Psychopathology: Study of mental illnesses and their diagnosis, often with an emphasis on the use of the DSM and other diagnostic tools.
- Neuropsychology and Biological Bases of Behavior: Understanding the physiological and biological factors that influence human behavior.
Practical Training
Both LMFT and psychology programs include significant practical training components, but the nature of these experiences can differ. LMFT students engage predominantly in practice settings that involve couples and families, while psychology students may have opportunities to work in a wider range of clinical settings, including hospitals, schools, private practices, or research institutions.
Choosing Between LMFT and Psychology Programs
Deciding whether to pursue a career as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or a Psychologist involves weighing a variety of factors. Here's some guidance on how to choose between these two distinct paths based on key considerations:
Assess Your Career Goals and Interests
- Scope of Practice: Consider whether you are more interested in working specifically with relationships and family dynamics (LMFT) or if you prefer a broader scope that could include individual psychological assessment, research, and a variety of clinical settings (Psychologist).
- Type of Work: Reflect on whether you enjoy direct client interaction with a focus on therapeutic outcomes (common in LMFT work) or if you are drawn to a combination of therapy, research, and possibly teaching (common in psychology careers).
Educational Commitment
- Duration of Training: LMFT programs typically require a Master's degree, which can be completed in 2-3 years, followed by post-degree supervised clinical experience. Psychology careers generally require a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), which can take 4-7 years, plus a postdoctoral internship.
- Financial Considerations: Evaluate the cost of education for each path, including tuition, potential funding opportunities, and the length of time you will be in school, which impacts when you can start earning.
Licensing and Accreditation
- Licensure Requirements: Both fields require licensure to practice; however, the requirements vary significantly. Familiarize yourself with the licensure process for each in your state or region.
- Program Accreditation: Ensure that the programs you are considering are accredited by relevant bodies (COAMFTE for LMFT programs and APA or equivalent for psychology programs), as this can affect licensure eligibility and job prospects.
Consult with Professionals in the Field
- Informational Interviews: Talking to current LMFTs and psychologists can provide insider perspectives on the professions, helping you understand day-to-day activities, job satisfaction, and career progression.
- Professional Organizations: Engaging with organizations like the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) or the American Psychological Association (APA) can provide resources, networking opportunities, and further clarity on the professions.
Reflect on Personal Strengths and Lifestyle Preferences
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- Work-Life Balance: Consider the typical demands of each profession and how they align with your personal life and career aspirations.
- Personal Qualities: Reflect on your strengths, such as empathy, patience, and analytical skills, and consider which profession might better suit your natural abilities and interests.
Key Factors in Decision-Making
Choosing the right educational path in the fields of marriage and family therapy or psychology involves considering several critical factors beyond personal interests and career goals. Here’s a closer look at what prospective students should evaluate when selecting a program.
Accreditation
- Importance of Accreditation: Attending a program that is accredited by recognized bodies (COAMFTE for LMFT and APA for psychology) ensures that the education you receive meets professional standards and qualifies you for licensure exams and certification processes. Accreditation also affects your eligibility for certain employment opportunities and your ability to receive federal financial aid.
- Verify Accreditation Status: Always check the current accreditation status of the programs you are considering through their official websites or directly from the accrediting bodies’ online databases.
Curriculum and Specializations
- Alignment with Career Objectives: Ensure that the program’s curriculum aligns with your specific career objectives. If you have a particular interest in a niche area of therapy or psychology, look for programs that offer specialized courses or concentrations in that area.
- Practical Training Opportunities: Consider the quality and extent of the practical training, including internships and practicum experiences. Programs should provide ample opportunities for hands-on practice under supervision, preparing you for real-world scenarios.
Faculty Expertise and Resources
- Faculty Credentials: Research the credentials and backgrounds of the faculty members. Faculty with a diverse range of expertise, active research projects, and professional involvement can enhance your learning experience and provide valuable networking opportunities.
- Research and Clinical Facilities: Evaluate the resources available for student research and clinical practice. Well-equipped facilities reflect the institution’s commitment to cutting-edge education and professional preparation.
Program Outcomes and Reputation
- Graduate Success Rates: Look into program outcomes such as completion rates, licensure exam pass rates, and job placement rates. High success rates can indicate a program’s effectiveness in preparing students for professional challenges.
- Alumni Network: A strong alumni network can facilitate career opportunities and provide mentorship. Programs that actively support networking events and alumni engagement can enhance your career development.
Cost and Financial Aid
- Tuition and Fees: Consider the total cost of the program, including tuition, fees, and other expenses. Compare these costs against your budget and potential earning power post-graduation.
- Financial Aid Availability: Explore the availability of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options. Understand the terms of any financial aid you accept, especially the implications of student loans.
- Private Practice: Many LMFTs choose to open their own private practices, providing therapy to clients on issues ranging from marital difficulties to child-parent conflicts.
- Community Mental Health Centers: Working in community centers allows LMFTs to provide counseling services to a broader demographic, often including underserved populations.
- Hospitals and Clinical Settings: Some LMFTs work in hospitals, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive mental health care.
- Schools and Educational Institutions: LMFTs in educational settings support students, families, and staff, dealing with a range of emotional and behavioral issues.
- Clinical Practice: Psychologists with a clinical focus often work in private practice, hospitals, or mental health clinics, dealing with more severe psychological disorders.
- Academia and Research: Those with a Ph.D. may spend much of their career in academic settings, conducting research and teaching at the university level.
- Corporate and Organizational Roles: Industrial-organizational psychologists apply psychological principles to workplace challenges, improving productivity and employee well-being.
- Specialized Areas: Psychologists may also specialize in areas like sports psychology, forensic psychology, or neuropsychology, working in niche settings tailored to these fields.
- LMFTs are generally tasked with assessing family dynamics and providing therapeutic interventions aimed at improving communication and resolving conflicts.
- Psychologists may perform a range of duties from diagnostic testing and individual therapy to conducting detailed psychological research and providing expert testimony in legal settings.
- Continuing Education: Both LMFTs and psychologists are required to pursue continuing education to maintain licensure and stay current with evolving practices in their fields.
- Certifications and Advanced Training: Many professionals choose to specialize further, obtaining certifications in areas like grief counseling, substance abuse, or child and adolescent therapy, which can open new career opportunities.
- LMFTs: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due in part to increased recognition of family and couple counseling as effective methods for resolving personal and family issues.
- Psychologists: Employment of psychologists is also expected to grow robustly, with an anticipated increase of 6% from 2022 to 2032. This growth will be driven by demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social services agencies.
- LMFTs: As of the latest BLS data, the median annual wage for marriage and family therapists was approximately $58,510. Salaries can vary widely based on location, experience, and the setting in which the therapist works.
- Psychologists: The median annual wage for psychologists was significantly higher, at about $92,740, according to the BLS. However, this figure includes various specializations within psychology, with clinical, counseling, and school psychologists typically earning on the lower end of the scale, and specialized psychologists in practice or corporate roles often earning more.
- Geographical Location: Salaries for both LMFTs and psychologists can vary significantly depending on the state and city in which they work. Typically, larger cities and states with higher costs of living offer higher wages.
- Experience and Specialization: Higher levels of experience and advanced specializations can lead to increased earnings in both fields. For psychologists, holding a Ph.D. or Psy.D. may also impact earnings potential.
- Type of Employment: Those in private practice may have higher earning potential but also face additional costs and risks associated with running a business. In contrast, those employed in hospitals or academic settings might earn less but enjoy more stable employment and benefits.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University
Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
|
✔ Online
No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree Required |
Bachelor's holders can prepare to become a licensed professional counselor online. With no GRE scores required to apply, the 24 month online MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine allows you to advance your career and be a catalyst of change. Learn More |
| Pepperdine University
Master of Arts in Psychology
Open to all undergrad majors |
✔ Online
No GRE Required |
Earn a Master’s in Psychology Online in 18 Months Learn More |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
MS Psychology
NECHE Accredited |
✔ Online
No application fee or GRE/GMAT scores required |
Stick with the general track or choose one of 3 concentrations: child and adolescent development psychology, forensic psychology and industrial organizational psychology. Learn More |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Online Psychology Degrees
Bachelors and Masters NECHE Accredited |
✔ Online
No application fee or GRE/GMAT scores required |
With our unique programs - from child and adolescent development to forensic psychology - you'll be prepared for a wide variety of careers in case management, research, human resources, youth services and social services. Learn More |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
MS Psychology with concentration in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology
NECHE Accredited |
✔ Online
No application fee or GRE/GMAT scores required |
In the master's in child psychology online program, you'll develop assessment, evaluation and treatment strategies that address the unique individual, cultural and psychological needs of children and families. Learn More |
| The Chicago School
Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Credential Track options are also available. |
✔ Online
Master's Degree Required. |
The Chicago School’s Online Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program provides a solid knowledge base in the experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and radical behaviorism, equipping graduates with the skills needed to bring about socially significant behavioral changes through evidence-based program development. Learn More |
| The Chicago School
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
|
✔ Online
Master's Degree Required. |
The online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program prepares graduates to act as educators and leaders in the field of counseling. Ph.D. Supervision students engage in the evaluation of theoretical and practical aspects of counseling through both qualitative and quantitative research. Learn More |
| National University
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required |
Earn a degree in Counseling Psychology, Gerontology, or Substance-Related and Addictive Disorder Learn More |
| University of West Alabama
Online Bachelor of Psychology
|
✔ Online
|
Bachelor of Psychology is an online undergraduate program with a flexible online environment. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Career Paths: LMFT vs. Psychologist
Both LMFTs and psychologists have unique career paths that can vary widely based on their training, interests, and the populations they serve. Understanding these paths can help you envision where each degree might lead.
Career Paths for LMFTs
LMFTs primarily focus on helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the complexities of their interpersonal relationships. Common career settings include:
Career Paths for Psychologists
Psychologists have a broader range of career opportunities, which can vary significantly depending on whether they hold a Psy.D. (more clinically focused) or a Ph.D. (often research-oriented):
Job Roles and Responsibilities
Training and Further Specialization
Job Outlook and Salary
Understanding the job outlook and potential earnings for LMFTs and psychologists can provide valuable insights into the long-term viability and financial benefits of each profession. Here’s a breakdown of what current data suggests about these important factors.
Job Outlook
Salary Expectations
Factors Influencing Earnings
Pepperdine University - Master of Arts in Psychology (ABAI Accredited)
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) - MS Psychology (NECHE Accredited)
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) - Online Psychology Degrees (NECHE Accredited)
The Chicago School - Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (WASC and WSCUC Accredited)
The Chicago School - Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (WASC and WSCUC Accredited)
National University - Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (COAMFTE Accredited)
University of West Alabama - Online Bachelor of Psychology (SACSCC Accredited)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the quickest path to starting a career in either field?
LMFT: The quickest path to starting a career as an LMFT typically involves completing a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, which usually takes about 2-3 years, followed by the required hours of supervised clinical experience for licensure.
Psychologist: For psychologists, the path involves obtaining a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), which can take anywhere from 4 to 7 years, depending on the program and dissertation requirements, followed by a supervised internship.
Can LMFTs prescribe medication?
No, LMFTs are not licensed to prescribe medication. They focus on providing psychotherapy and other therapeutic interventions. In cases where medication is needed, LMFTs work in conjunction with psychiatrists or other medical doctors who can prescribe medications.
What are the ongoing education requirements for Psychologists and LMFTs?
Both professions require ongoing education to maintain licensure. This typically includes completing a certain number of continuing education (CE) credits every renewal period. These requirements vary by state but are essential for ensuring that practitioners stay current with the latest practices and research in their fields.
Which career offers more flexibility in terms of specialization?
Psychology offers more flexibility in terms of specialization because of the broader scope of practice. Psychologists can specialize in numerous areas such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, forensic psychology, neuropsychology, and more. While LMFTs can also specialize, their specializations tend to stay within the realms of family and relational dynamics.
Take the Next Step Towards Your Career as an LMFT or Psychologist
Choosing between a career as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Psychologist involves careful consideration of your personal interests, career goals, and the kind of impact you wish to have in the field of mental health. Each path offers unique opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives, whether through direct therapeutic interventions or broader psychological assessment and research.
Ready to Begin?
Embarking on either career path requires dedication and a commitment to helping others. As you consider your options, remember to:
- Research thoroughly: Dive deeper into each profession by visiting reputable sources and speaking with current professionals in the field.
- Evaluate educational programs: Look for accredited programs that align with your career aspirations. Consider the curriculum, faculty expertise, and the success of graduates.
- Consider your long-term goals: Think about where you want to be in your career in ten years and which path is more likely to get you there.
Take Action Now
The journey to becoming an LMFT or Psychologist begins with the first step of choosing a suitable educational program. Reach out to admissions counselors, attend open houses or information sessions, and start gathering the materials you need for your applications. Your future career as a mental health professional starts today.
