How to Pursue a Career as a Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) are deeply committed to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their emotional and interpersonal challenges. If you have a passion for assisting others in improving their relationships and mental health, this career could be the perfect choice for you.

If you're considering a career as an MFT, you'll need a marriage and family therapist degree from an accredited graduate school. We'll share everything you need to know about getting a great marriage and family therapy education and breaking into the mental health field.

How Do You Become a Marriage And Family Therapist?

To become a marriage and family therapist, you'll need to meet certain educational requirements, complete supervised clinical hours, and pass the required licensing exams.

1. Bachelor’s Degree: Start with an undergraduate degree in behavioral science, such as psychology, social work, or a related field. This type of program prepares students with a broad understanding of psychological principles and human development.
2. Master’s Degree: Next, students interested in becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist will need to earn a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, counseling, or a closely related field. An MFT program typically includes courses on family dynamics, ethics, and various therapy techniques. They also usually require a certain amount of supervised clinical experience as part of the curriculum.
3. Supervised Clinical Experience: After completing your degree, you must complete a specified number of hours of supervised clinical experience. The requirements can vary by state but generally involve 2,000 to 4,000 hours of post-degree supervised practice, completed over two to three years.
4. Licensure Examination: Once you've completed your supervised experience, the next step is to pass a family therapy license exam. The Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) offers the Marriage and Family Therapy National Examination, which is used by most states.
5. State Licensure: Apply for licensure in the state where you wish to practice. This usually involves submitting proof of your education, clinical experience, and passing the national exam. Some states may have additional requirements, such as background checks or continuing education.
6. Continuing Education: To maintain your licensure, you’ll need to complete continuing education courses throughout your career. These courses ensure that you stay current with new therapy techniques and professional practices.
7. Optional Certification: While not required, obtaining certifications in specific therapy and research methods, like cognitive behavioral therapy or emotionally focused therapy, can enhance your skills and make you more attractive to potential clients or employers.
   
   

What Do Marriage and Family Therapists Do?

MFTs specialize in treating a wide range of mental and emotional disorders within the context of relationships and family systems. Their work revolves around the understanding that individuals are part of a network of relationships, and addressing issues within these relationships can lead to significant improvements in mental health and well-being.

What MFTs Do

• Assessment and Diagnosis: MFTs assess and diagnose a variety of mental health conditions within the context of marital and family systems.
• Therapy Sessions: In addition to conducting family therapy, marriage and family therapists may also work with individuals, helping them to explore their feelings, beliefs, and behaviors and to develop healthier relational and coping strategies.
• Conflict Resolution: MFTs facilitate communication and understanding within relationships, helping family members and couples resolve conflicts and improve their interactions.
• Treatment Planning: They develop tailored treatment plans that address specific relationship dynamics and psychological issues.
• Crisis Intervention: MFTs may intervene in crisis situations, such as during episodes of domestic violence.
• Education and Training: They often provide education to family members about how to cope with or support a loved one dealing with mental health issues.

Issues They Treat

• Marital and Couple Issues: Problems such as communication breakdowns, infidelity, divorce, and sexual dysfunction.
• Family Dynamics: Issues like parent-child conflicts, sibling conflicts, and adjustments to family structure due to divorce or remarriage.
• Mental Health Disorders: Common issues like depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder, approached from the perspective of how these affect and are affected by the family system.
• Behavioral Problems: Addressing behavioral issues in children and adolescents, often looking at how these behaviors are influenced by family dynamics.
• Substance Abuse: Helping individuals and their families cope with drug and alcohol addiction and the many ways these issues impact familial relationships.
• Grief and Loss: Assisting families in dealing with the emotional responses to death or other significant losses.
• Life Transitions: Helping individuals and families manage transitions like moving, job loss, or new members entering the family.
  
  

What to Expect in a Marriage and Family Therapy Program

Theoretical Foundations

Marriage and family therapy programs cover various psychological theories such as systems theory, psychodynamic theory, and cognitive-behavioral theory. These frameworks help students understand how individual behavior is influenced by and impacts the family system. You’ll explore behavioral sciences models like Bowenian, structural, strategic, and solution-focused therapy, which are specific to family and relationship dynamics.

Clinical Skills

You’ll develop hands-on skills in conducting therapy sessions. This includes mastering therapeutic techniques such as active listening, empathy, intervention strategies, and session structuring, tailored for working with individuals, couples, and families in different contexts.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Students learn to identify and diagnose mental health issues within the unique dynamics of family structures. This involves using specialized assessment tools and techniques to evaluate relational interactions, communication patterns, and emotional states within families.

Cultural Competence

This aspect of the curriculum focuses on enhancing sensitivity and effectiveness when working with clients from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It includes training on how biases, stereotypes, and cultural norms can affect therapeutic relationships and outcomes.

Ethical and Legal Considerations

MFT programs emphasize the importance of ethical practice, covering topics such as confidentiality, professional boundaries, and legal responsibilities. Students learn about the specific ethical dilemmas that can arise in family therapy and how to address them appropriately.

Research Methods

You’ll be equipped with skills in both understanding and conducting research. This includes learning about research design, data collection, and analysis techniques specific to the study of marital and family therapy. This training helps ensure that your practice is informed by the latest scientific evidence.

Benefits of a Career in Marriage and Family Therapy

• Meaningful Work: MFTs have the opportunity to make a significant positive impact on individuals, couples, and families, helping them navigate through challenging times, improve their relationships, and enhance their overall well-being.
• Diverse Job Opportunities: MFTs can work in various settings and have a number of career opportunities available to them, including private practice, hospitals, community centers, schools, and government agencies.
• Job Satisfaction: The ability to witness the transformation and growth of clients can be highly rewarding. Seeing families and couples overcome obstacles and develop healthier relationships can bring a profound sense of fulfillment.
• Continual Learning and Growth: The field of MFT is dynamic and constantly evolving, providing opportunities for ongoing learning, self-reflection, and professional growth. Therapists can attend workshops, conferences, and training programs to stay abreast of the latest research and therapeutic techniques.
• Flexibility and Autonomy: Many MFTs have the flexibility to set their schedules and manage their caseloads, allowing for a better work-life balance. This autonomy can contribute to greater job satisfaction and overall well-being.
• Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness: Working closely with clients to explore their emotions, behaviors, and relationships fosters the development of emotional intelligence and self-reflection in therapists themselves. This personal growth can have positive ripple effects in both professional and personal life.
• Positive Impact on Society: By helping individuals and families improve their mental health and relationships, licensed marriage and family therapists contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities.
  
  

Where Do MFTs Work?

MFTs have a diverse array of career opportunities available to them in a variety of settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, MFT jobs are on the rise and expected to grow by an additional 15% between now and 2032. Marriage and family therapy is one of the few fields where professionals have a lot of choices in where and with whom they want to work.

Private Practice

In a private practice setting, MFTs operate independently or as part of a group practice, offering therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. They have control over their schedules, client caseloads, and therapeutic approaches.

They often have the freedom to specialize in certain areas, such as couples therapy, and family counseling, or work in diverse communities with specific populations like LGBTQ+ couples or blended families.

Working in private practice can offer MFTs a higher earning potential compared to other settings, but it also requires entrepreneurial skills and the ability to manage the business side of therapy.

Mental Health Clinic

Mental health clinics are community-based facilities that provide counseling and therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. These clinics may be operated by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or private entities.

MFTs in mental health clinics work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals. They collaborate to provide comprehensive care to clients with various concerns.

These settings often serve diverse populations, including individuals with low income, limited access to healthcare, or specific cultural backgrounds. MFTs in mental health clinics may receive specialized training to address the unique needs of these populations.

Schools

MFTs working in schools provide counseling services to students, families, and sometimes school staff. They address a wide range of issues, including academic struggles, social-emotional challenges, family conflicts, and behavioral problems.

School-based MFTs may work in elementary, middle, or high schools, as well as colleges and universities. They collaborate with teachers, administrators, and other school personnel to support student well-being and academic success.

In addition to providing direct counseling services, MFTs in schools may also conduct assessments, develop intervention plans, facilitate support groups, and provide crisis intervention when needed.

Choosing a Master's Program for Your Marriage and Family Therapist Degree

Choosing the right graduate school program in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is an important decision that can significantly impact your career trajectory and professional development.

Here are some tips to help you make an informed choice:

1. Accreditation: Look for marriage and family therapy programs that are accredited by reputable accrediting bodies. Accredited programs meet high standards of education and training, ensuring that you receive a quality education recognized by licensing boards and employers.
2. Curriculum: Review the curriculum of each program to ensure it aligns with your academic and career goals. Look for a balance of theoretical coursework, practical training, and supervised clinical experience. Consider whether the program offers specialized coursework or concentrations in areas of interest to you, such as couples therapy, family systems theory, or trauma-informed care.
3. Faculty Expertise: Investigate the qualifications and expertise of the faculty members within the program. Look for professors who are experienced practitioners in the field of MFT and who are actively engaged in research, clinical practice, or community outreach. Faculty mentorship and guidance can play a significant role in your academic and professional growth.
4. Clinical Training Opportunities: Consider the clinical training opportunities offered by each program and choose a program that is known for its clinical excellence. Look for programs that provide hands-on clinical work experience through internships, practicum placements, or on-campus clinics.
5. Licensure Preparation: Confirm that the program prepares graduates for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists in your desired state or jurisdiction. Review the program's licensure exam pass rates and post-graduation employment rates to gauge its effectiveness in preparing students for professional practice.
6. Program Reputation and Alumni Network: Research the reputation of each program within the field of MFT and among employers and professionals in the mental health community. Explore the program's alumni network and opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional development.
   
   

Admissions Requirements For a Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Pepperdine University

To apply for the Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) at Pepperdine University, you'll need to meet these requirements:

1. Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants need to have completed a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related behavioral sciences field such as social work or counseling. The program also considers applicants who have completed relevant coursework that provides a foundation in psychology even if their degree is in another discipline.
2. Transcripts: You must provide official transcripts from every accredited college or university attended. This is to verify your academic history and performance, ensuring you meet the academic standards required for graduate study.
3. Letters of Recommendation: Two letters are required, ideally from people who know you professionally or academically. These should speak to your potential as a graduate student and a future therapist, highlighting qualities like interpersonal skills, academic prowess, and professional demeanor.
4. Statement of Purpose: This essay should be a comprehensive personal statement detailing your relevant experiences, interests, and understanding of diversity. It should also articulate your professional goals and explain why Pepperdine's MFT program is suited to helping you achieve them.
5. GRE Scores: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be required depending on the program format, but there are exceptions for applicants who have demonstrated strong academic performance, as measured by GPA, among other criteria.

If you're considering a career in marriage and family therapy, the program at Pepperdine University is an outstanding choice that prepares students to serve individuals, couples, families, and groups as a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) or a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in California.

You can find additional information on admissions requirements here.