A licensed marriage and family therapist, abbreviated as LMFT or MFT, works with individuals, couples and families to address harmful behaviors and situations that cause personal struggles and relational differences. If you enjoy helping people improve their lives and develop healthy relationships, then a career in marriage and family therapy might be a good choice for you.
how to become a family counsellor
Many people make a successful career as family counsellors. Discover how to become a family counsellor with guidance from an experienced therapist and a former guidance counselor. Find out how to obtain your credentials, work in the field, and find employment opportunities as a family counsellor.
In this article, we define the role of a family and marriage therapist and outline how to become one in six steps.
What is marriage and family therapy?
Marriage and family therapy considers relationships extremely important in understanding and treating a patient’s condition. These therapists counsel families, married couples and individuals of all ages and determine the correct approach to care. Situations that MFTs address can range from big life changes such as death or unemployment to persistent challenges like financial disagreements or parent-child conflict. Many families begin therapy to resolve negative feelings, address career frustrations or discuss domestic demands like caring for children or elderly parents.
A marriage and family therapist diagnoses and treats mental and emotional disorders by prompting patients to share their experiences. Through psychotherapy and other strategies, the therapist identifies what has impaired the patient’s wellbeing and how they can work together to restore it. As part of a treatment plan, an MFT may partner with a psychiatrist if they believe medication will help address the patient’s condition.
6 steps to becoming a marriage and family therapist
Here are six typical steps in the path to become a licensed marriage and family therapist:
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
Licensed therapists must obtain a master’s degree, but there can be flexibility in which undergraduate degree they earn. Some graduate schools do not require a bachelor’s degree in psychology or sociology for admittance, although these degrees can provide important preliminary training and show your ability to succeed in the field.
If you know you want to become a therapist before deciding your undergraduate major, consider choosing one that will be foundational to the type of work you’ll be doing, such as communication, cultural studies or social work. If possible, search the prerequisites of graduate programs you’re considering before completing your bachelor’s. Some courses that a graduate school may require you to complete before attending their program include:
- Research methods
- Statistics
- Human development
- Psychology
- Family studies
2. Earn a master’s degree
There are two types of graduate degrees that meet the educational requirements for a career in marriage and family therapy:
Master of Arts (M.A.): The M.A. includes more general courses and doesn’t include a specification for practice. Students pursue this path more often to enter a doctorate program or engage in research with no intention of becoming a licensed therapist.
Master of Science (M.S.): The M.S. focuses on behavioral science and the mechanics of counseling. This program offers a chance to go deeper in a certain area of study. For instance, if you know you want to help families struggling with addiction, domestic violence or divorce, you can search the M.S. course offerings for these specialties. Some programs offer opportunities to participate in research while obtaining your degree, which is a helpful advantage to those pursuing a specialty in the field.
There are a variety of degree names that lead to a career as an LMFT. Depending on the school you attend, you may earn a master of marriage and family therapy, mental health and wellness, human development and family science or some other related title.
Whichever program you choose, make sure it is accredited through one of these organizations: Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or Master in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).
3. Complete clinical hours
Your state will determine the number of clinical hours you need to complete as part of your licensing qualifications. Some states require 1,000 hours, while others require 3,000. Your clinical experience allows you to practice what you have learned while under the supervision of a licensed professional. You may choose any setting that offers mental, emotional or behavioral health services, including private practices, colleges, charities and nonprofit organizations.
4. Pass a state licensing exam
Every state requires licensed marriage and family therapists to pass one of two exams: the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) or the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE). Your state may allow you to choose which exam you take, but check these requirements and any others before you prepare. States vary in licensure programs, and they may change their requirements at any time.
5. Choose a work environment
You may decide where to begin a career in marriage and family therapy during your coursework or clinical experience. Some options include serving in a hospital or treatment center, a private practice, in-home care or telehealth setting. The field continues to evolve in how it reaches communities. Currently, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for marriage and family therapists to grow 16% by 2030.
Related: How To Write a Marriage and Family Therapist Resume in 8 Steps
6. Continue your education
Your final step in becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist is ongoing. You must complete a state-assigned number of continuing education credits to renew your license annually or biennially. Your state determines which activities satisfy this requirement, whether online courses, workshops or supervising others in a clinical setting. These credits are an opportunity to refine your skill set and improve the field by teaching new clinicians.
