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Marriage and Family Therapist

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AVG. SALARY

$55,210

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EDUCATION

Master's degree

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Human Services cluster Counseling and Mental Health Services pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Master's degree

To become a marriage and family therapist, applicants need a master’s degree in psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related mental health field. A bachelor’s degree in most fields is acceptable to enter one of these master’s degree programs.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Clinical membership in a professional organization requires a qualifying graduate degree in marriage and family therapy (or a related field) from an accredited educational institution and two years of post-degree supervised clinical experience in marriage and family therapy.

Professional counselors are required to have a minimum of a master's degree and field training with a combination of additional exposure in group work, internships and practice. Most states require counselors to have a license.

Some people advise that a master's degree in marriage and family counseling or therapy (or its equivalent) should be the minimum requirement. Getting postgraduate certification from the National Academy of Certified Family Therapists is recommended.

Educational programs for those interested in counseling are usually found in colleges and universities, primarily in education or psychology departments.

Extra Requirements

All states require marriage and family therapists to be licensed. Licensure requires a master’s degree and 2,000 to 4,000 hours of postdegree supervised clinical experience, sometimes referred to as an internship or residency. In addition, therapists must pass a state-recognized exam and complete annual continuing education classes. Contact and licensing information for marriage and family therapists is available through the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards.

For additional information, visit these websites:

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OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.