Last Updated on August 30, 2023

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 Marriage and Family Counselor Degree Overview

Our families and spouses are typically the people we love most – the ones we turn to for consistent support and understanding. But the truth is, personal relationships can be complicated. When miscommunication occurs with our loved ones, it may lead to pain, anger and nights spent silently eating dinner across from one another. But sometimes the discord that seems insurmountable can actually be overcome by bringing in some fresh perspective – someone to help define the root of the issues and assist in paving a path forward. As a marriage and family therapist, you could have the opportunity to help couples and families examine their conflicts and work to reignite the relationships they hold so dearly. Through listening, discussing and advising, you could help your clients find ways to make their relationships and families thrive. If you have always been the one your friends and family expect to make peace, read on to find out how to become a marriage and family therapist.

How Can I Become a Family Counselor?

A marriage and family counselor is an unbiased individual and a licensed professional who helps treat couples and families so that they can overcome mental or emotional problems that interfere with life in the home. As a trusted professional who can diagnose disorders and provide treatment, family counselors must go through a formal training process and earn clinical experience before they can be licensed to practice in any state. While the requirements can vary from state to state, there are similarities in most states. Here is the generic process to becoming a family counselor, but be sure to check with your state licensing board for specific requirements.

Complete a Bachelor’s Degree Program and an Advanced Master’s Program

The very first step to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in families is to earn your high school diploma. Once you hold a diploma, you can enroll in a Bachelor’s degree program majoring in Counseling or a related area of study like Psychology. A Bachelor’s degree program will take about 4 years to complete if you have no completed credits and you are enrolled in the program full-time. Resource: Top 25 Ranked Affordable Online Counseling Degrees (Bachelor’s) 2014 Upon completion of your undergraduate degree, you must then enroll in a Master’s degree program as most states require applicants to have a minimum of a Master’s to get licensed. A Master’s degree program does not include general courses, so the areas you study will be specific to counseling. You may take courses in family therapy, marriage counseling, counseling techniques, models, and research. The purpose of the Master’s program is to advance your knowledge so that you are an expert in the field and not just knowledgeable. Earning your M.S. will take about 2 years if you are enrolled in classes full-time.

Fulfilling the Clinical Experience Requirements

The professional experience requirements, which must be done in a clinical setting, will vary by state. It is very important to check with your state’s Board of Licensed Professional Counselors to find out how many hours of clinical supervision you need to sit for a state licensing exam. Many states require you to have between 2400 and 3000 clock hours of on-the-job experience under the supervision of a LPC. You must have face-to-face supervision for a majority of the time, and these requirements will be laid out in detail by the Board. It is important to check directly with the board for these requirements while you are still studying for a Bachelor’s degree.

Taking the National Licensure Exam

All Licensed Professional Counselors are required to sit for a national licensing exam before they are eligible to practice. You will need to schedule the date in advance, pay the testing fee, submit documentation to prove that you meet the requirements to sit for the exam, and pass the test. Once you pass the test and a background check, your license will be issued and you will officially be a Family Counselor. You can also take a certification exam through the National Board for Certified Counselors if you want a specialty certification. There will always be a need for Licensed Professional Counselors. If you would like to enter this field, the first step is enrolling in a reputable program. Be sure to choose an accredited program acknowledged by the American Psychological Association, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a family counselor.

Marriage and Family Therapists

Degree Level	Master’s degree
Degree Fields	Marriage and family therapy, psychiatry, clinical social work, psychology, or related field
Licensure	All states require licensure
Experience	2 years supervised clinical experience required for licensure
Key Skills	Good listening, critical thinking, problem-solving, and people skills; compassion; proficiency with medical software such as SOS Case Manager and Anasazi Software Client Data System
Salary	$50,090 (2018 median for marriage and family therapists)

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Occupational Information Network Marriage and family therapists help enhance communication and understanding among family members in order to remedy such problems as alcohol and drug abuse or marital stress. Treatment usually takes place over the course of anywhere from 12 to 50 sessions and combines individual and family therapy. Marriage and family therapists work at mental health centers, hospitals, treatment centers, government departments and postsecondary institutions. They deal with clients who suffer from severe familial conflicts, so the job is stressful and demanding. Some therapists travel to patient homes to administer treatment. Aspiring marriage and family therapists will need to be licensed in their state of residence. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the Occupational Information Network, typical requirements include a master’s degree in a field related to marriage and family therapy, like psychiatry, psychology, clinical social work or other fields. Two years of supervised clinical field experiences are also required, as are passing scores on a state-approved written exam. Key skills for marriage and family therapists include good listening and people skills, compassion, the ability to think critically and solve problems and computer skills, like proficiency with medical software, such as SOS Case Manager and Anasazi Software Client Data System. In May 2018, the BLS reported that the median salary for marriage and family therapists was $50,090 per year.

Step 1: Bachelor’s Degree

Individuals pursuing a career as a marriage and family therapist must first earn a bachelor’s degree in order to prepare for graduate school. Most marriage and family therapy graduate degree programs accept applicants with any major, provided they’ve completed prerequisite courses in such areas as human development, research methods and counseling fundamentals. These courses are often available in psychology programs. Curricula introduce students to such principles as how attitudes and opinions are formed and changed, how people think and learn, how memory works and how personality traits are identified. Other disciplines that might be beneficial to prospective marriage and family therapists include sociology, human studies, or another one of the social sciences.

Complete Field or Practical Experiences

In addition to counting toward course requirements for undergraduate psychology programs, these hands-on learning opportunities help students get into graduate school. Some universities report that successful program applicants have work experience in the field.

Step 2: Master’s Degree

Marriage and family therapists need at least a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field, such as psychology or clinical social work. Students should select a program that’s accredited by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, since this designation ensures that a program adheres to national standards. Course requirements for these programs cover such topics as couples therapy, human sexuality, developmental science, research methods and systems theory. Curricula will likely take two to three years of full time study, and includes an extensive clinical practicum and a research thesis.

Participate in Research Activities

Some master’s degree programs offer students opportunities to be members of faculty research teams. These experiences enable aspiring marriage and family therapists to identify an area of interest, whether it’s young adult behavior, treatment methods for domestic violence, or home-based therapy for couples.

Step 3: Clinical Experience

Aside from earning a master’s degree, all states require marriage and family therapists to complete two years of clinical experience. Marriage and family therapists can meet these requirements by volunteering their services or becoming employed by nonprofit, charitable organizations, colleges, private practices, or any other agency that provides mental health services. A licensed marriage and family therapist, psychologist, or social worker must supervise this type of work experience.

Step 4: Licensing Exam

Once they’ve completed their education and clinical experience, aspiring marriage and family therapists can sit for their state’s licensing exam. Some states issue their own exam, while others use the Examination in Marital and Family Therapy, which is administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards. This four-hour, multiple-choice exam evaluates candidates’ knowledge of such areas as client diagnosis, ethical standards, and the development of treatment interventions.

Step 5: Continuing Education

Marriage and family therapist licenses typically last for a two-year period. In order to renew these credentials, therapists need to accumulate enough continuing education credits (CEUs). These are available through state-approved workshops, courses, or online training programs. Marriage and family therapists can also earn CEUs for their supervising or teaching responsibilities. The steps towards becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist include earning a bachelor’s degree, completing a master’s degree program, acquiring clinical experience, passing the licensing exam, and completing continuing education requirements in order to maintain licensure.

Schools that offer Marriage And Counselling Degree

The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users. An admission advisor from each school can provide more info about:

• programs & curriculum
• career opportunities
• tuition & financial aid
• admissions & starting dates

• 1University of FloridaSchool InfoSchool locations:
  • Florida (1 campus)Program InfoAreas of study you may find at University of Florida include:
  • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
  • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
  • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
  • Medical and Health Professions
    • Communication Disorders Sciences
    • Dental
    • Health and Fitness
    • Medical Administrative Services
    • Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
    • Medical Residency Programs
    • Mental Health Services
      • Community Health Services
      • Marriage and Family Counseling
      • Mental Health Counseling
    • Nursing Professions
    • Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration
    • Public Health and Safety
    • Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Professions
    • Veterinary Medicine and Clinical SciencesGet Started with University of FloridaResearch University of Florida’s Programs

• 2University of LouisvilleSchool InfoSchool locations:
  • Kentucky (1 campus)Program InfoAreas of study you may find at University of Louisville include:
  • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
  • Non-Degree: Certificate
  • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
  • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
  • Medical and Health Professions
    • Communication Disorders Sciences
    • Dental
    • Health and Fitness
    • Medical and Health Preparatory Sciences
    • Medical Residency Programs
    • Mental Health Services
      • Marriage and Family Counseling
    • Nursing Professions
    • Public Health and Safety
    • Therapeutic and Rehabilitation ProfessionsGet Started with University of LouisvilleResearch University of Louisville’s Degree Programs

• 3Michigan State UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
  • Michigan (1 campus)Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Michigan State University include:
  • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
  • Non-Degree: Coursework
  • Undergraduate: Bachelor
  • Medical and Health Professions
    • Clinical Laboratory Science Professions
    • Communication Disorders Sciences
    • Health and Fitness
    • Medical and Health Preparatory Sciences
    • Medical Assisting
    • Medical Residency Programs
    • Mental Health Services
      • Marriage and Family Counseling
      • Medical Social Work
    • Nursing Professions
    • Nutrition Services
    • Osteopathic Medicine – DO
    • Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Professions
    • Veterinary Medicine and Clinical SciencesGet Started with Michigan State UniversityResearch Michigan State University’s Programs & Degrees

• 4University of IowaSchool InfoSchool locations:
  • Iowa (1 campus)Program InfoAreas of study you may find at University of Iowa include:
  • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
  • Undergraduate: Bachelor
  • Medical and Health Professions
    • Clinical Laboratory Science Professions
    • Communication Disorders Sciences
    • Dental
    • Health and Fitness
    • Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
    • Medical Residency Programs
    • Mental Health Services
      • Marriage and Family Counseling
      • Substance Abuse Counseling
    • Nursing Professions
    • Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration
    • Public Health and Safety
    • Therapeutic and Rehabilitation ProfessionsGet Started with University of IowaResearch University of Iowa’s Programs & Degrees

• 5Northwestern UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
  • Illinois (1 campus)Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Northwestern University include:
  • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
  • Non-Degree: Coursework
  • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
  • Undergraduate: Bachelor
  • Medical and Health Professions
    • Communication Disorders Sciences
    • Dental
    • Health and Fitness
    • Medical Administrative Services
    • Medical and Health Preparatory Sciences
    • Medical Informatics and Illustration
    • Medical Residency Programs
    • Mental Health Services
      • Genetic Counseling
      • Marriage and Family Counseling
    • Public Health and Safety
    • Therapeutic and Rehabilitation ProfessionsGet Started with Northwestern UniversityResearch Northwestern University’s Programs & Degrees

• 6Western Governors UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
  • Online LearningProgram InfoOnline ProgramsAreas of study you may find at Western Governors University include:
  • Graduate: Master
  • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
  • Undergraduate: Bachelor
  • Medical and Health Professions
    • Medical Administrative Services
    • Medical Informatics and IllustrationGet Started with Western Governors UniversityResearch Western Governors University’s Programs

• 7Florida State UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
  • Florida (1 campus)Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Florida State University include:
  • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
  • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
  • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
  • Medical and Health Professions
    • Communication Disorders Sciences
    • Health and Fitness
    • Medical Residency Programs
    • Mental Health Services
      • Marriage and Family Counseling
    • Nursing Professions
    • Nutrition Services
    • Public Health and Safety
    • Therapeutic and Rehabilitation ProfessionsGet Started with Florida State UniversityResearch Florida State University’s Degree Programs

• 8Texas Tech UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
  • Texas (1 campus)Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
  • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
  • Undergraduate: Bachelor
  • Medical and Health Professions
    • Health and Fitness
    • Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Professions
    • Mental Health Services
      • Marriage and Family Counseling
    • Nutrition ServicesGet Started with Texas Tech UniversityResearch Texas Tech University’s Programs & Degrees

• 9Portland State UniversitySchool InfoSchool locations:
  • Oregon (1 campus)Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Portland State University include:
  • Graduate: Doctorate, Master
  • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
  • Undergraduate: Bachelor
  • Medical and Health Professions
    • Communication Disorders Sciences
    • Medical Administrative Services
    • Mental Health Services
      • Marriage and Family Counseling
    • Nutrition Services
    • Public Health and SafetyGet Started with Portland State UniversityResearch Portland State University’s Programs & Degrees

• 10University of WisconsinSchool InfoSchool locations:
  • Wisconsin (1 campus)Program InfoAreas of study you may find at University of Wisconsin include:
  • Graduate: Master
  • Undergraduate: Bachelor
  • Medical and Health Professions
    • Mental Health Services
      • Marriage and Family Counseling
    • Nutrition Services
    • Therapeutic and Rehabilitation ProfessionsGet Started with University of Wisconsin

How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) help clients manage and improve their relationships by applying goal-oriented cognitive behavioral therapy. Sometimes referred to as marriage counselors, marriage and family therapists work with clients individually and in various family groupings to help root out issues with familial roles, life changes, and mental health struggles. What’s more, marriage and family therapy can be a rewarding career path with significant potential for growth. The demand for practicing marriage counselors External link  through 2026 is significantly higher than the national average for all occupations. The field is projected to grow by 23% over that span – well higher than the 7% average growth of the American workforce.

Steps to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist

Becoming a marriage and family therapist requires specific training and certification in order to practice legally in the United States. This typically means a master’s degree or higher along with thousands of hours of supervised fieldwork and passage of a state-approved exam.

Step One: Education

Most states require marriage and family therapists to hold a master’s degree in either marriage and family therapy or a relevant mental health field such as psychology. To start, those interested in a career in any psychological or mental health field should pursue a bachelor’s degree in a relevant area such as counseling, psychology, or social work. These degrees all provide a combination of strong educational foundations and introductory field experiences that pave the way for the demands of the required MFT post-baccalaureate work. When choosing a master’s degree program in pursuit of a MFT career, there are several options. Some master’s programs can be completed in two years or less (not including clinical fieldwork and internship requirements) either online, on campus, or through a hybrid of both. Furthermore, different schools offer different degree programs with varying names and titles. Some examples include:

• Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness

Despite the semantic differences and slight variations in curricula, these types of programs can typically each meet the requirements for state licensure. Relevant coursework in these programs include classes geared towards couples’ counseling, therapeutic theory and practice, and life span development. Whatever educational path you take on your way to an MFT career, the key is to make sure the program you choose is accredited by one of the following national organizations:

• the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education External link  (COAMFTE)
• the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs External link  (CACREP)
• the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council External link  (MPCAC)

This helps ensure that the work and financial commitments you make to your MFT education will indeed help move you toward your ultimate aims.

Step Two: Field Experience

While the amount varies by state External link , every marriage and family therapist is required to complete supervised internship hours in the field as a prerequisite to licensure. In most cases, this is a one-year clinical rotation whereby a certain number of hours are expected to be spent in very specific qualifying experiences. Most states impose strict minimums and/or limits on the number of hours spent in various types of field practice including:

• conducting one-on-one therapy
• conducting group, couples, and/or family therapy
• participating in research
• performing non-patient-contact services

Additionally, there are usually specific requirements for how many clinical hours must be conducted under one-to-one supervision by an experienced, licensed marriage and family therapist. Again, the specific internship requirements vary by state, but prospective marriage and family therapists can expect to spend anywhere from 1,500 External link –4,000 External link  hours in the field accruing work experience prior to receiving a license to practice.

Step Three: Certification and Licensure

Just like with the number and structure of marriage and family therapists’ internship hours, each state has its own licensing procedure. The Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards External link  (AMFTRB) offers a state-by-state roadmap for licensure External link  including requisite education, qualifying supervision, number and type of clinical hours, and testing requirements. Most states rely on the AMFTRB–developed MFT National Examination as their official licensing test. The exam covers a wide array of content including:

• therapeutic practice
• diagnostics
• treatment
• evaluating treatment
• crisis management
• professional ethics
• legal standards

More information about the MFT National Examination can be found here External link .

What does a Marriage and Family Therapist Do?

Once licensed, marriage and family therapists provide individual patients, couples, and families with a wide array of mental, emotional, cognitive, social, and behavioral support. While the title suggests that MFTs deal primarily with groups, individual care comprises a significant portion of the average MFT’s caseload External link . As far as what marriage and family therapists specifically treat, everything from simple disagreements and conflicts to divorce and abuse fall within an MFT’s purview. The ability to deliver a combination of individual and group therapy leads to a uniquely effective approach to solving a whole host of personal and relationship-based health needs. This type of care is commonly regarded as short-term care as most cases are addressed successfully in 20 sessions or less External link . At the root, marriage and family therapists guide patients through their interpersonal struggles while also addressing intrapersonal concerns. Becoming an MFT is an excellent career choice for one who is seeking to turn his or her strong listening abilities, a capacity to articulate observations, and general compassion for others into a positive and fulfilling livelihood.