Choosing the right person to marry is a significant decision, and unfortunately, many people make mistakes in this area. This often leads to broken marriages, and the most heartbreaking part is the impact on children who may experience trauma from their parent's separation. Thankfully, Marriage and Family Therapists are available to help. These professionals diagnose and treat cognitive and behavioral disorders within the context of couple and family relationships. If you're interested in what Marriage and Family Therapists do, how to become one, or details about the salary for a Marriage and Family Therapist, Dreambound is ready to guide you.
On Dreambound, there is 1 Marriage and Family Therapy program, and the average class length is 6 months. To discover how Dreambound can help you achieve your dreams and support your family, listen to testimonials from those who have benefited from our services:
If you’re ready to pursue a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist, continue reading to learn more about this fulfilling profession. Let Dreambound assist you in transforming your life by achieving your dreams!
To become a Marriage and Family Therapist, individuals typically need to earn a master's degree in psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related mental health field from an accredited institution. This entails completing coursework focused on understanding the dynamics of relationships and families, along with supervised practical experience. Next, candidates must fulfill post-degree supervised clinical work requirements, gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of a licensed counselor. Following this, they need to pass a state-recognized licensing exam, such as the one administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards. Finally, to maintain licensure, therapists must engage in annual continuing education to stay updated on developments in the field.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for Marriage and Family Therapists was $58,510 as of May 2023. This figure represents the midpoint where half of the therapists earned more and half earned less. Those working in state government, excluding education and hospitals, tend to earn the highest median wage at $86,030, followed by therapists in outpatient care centers at $61,390. However, the salary can vary depending on factors such as industry, location, and level of experience. While most therapists work full-time, part-time positions are common, and some may offer evening and weekend appointments to accommodate their clients' schedules.
Deciding to become a Marriage and Family Therapist means you're ready to assist people and families with their emotions. If this resonates with you, take the first step by exploring accredited programs to start your journey. Remember, continuous learning is essential to excel in this role, and your dedication will make a positive impact in people's lives. Dreambound can provide guidance and resources to support you along the way. So, embrace your passion for helping others and begin your fulfilling journey today with Dreambound.
Jessa Guzon is a member of the School Growth and Customer Success Team in Dreambound. She finds joy in assisting both schools and students in reaching their goals by answering their queries and connecting them with the right people. Outside her professional role, Jessa is a happy-go-lucky person with a thirst for adventure.
Article continues after recommendations
A Marriage and Family Therapist is a professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating various mental and emotional disorders within the context of marital, familial, and other personal relationships. They use psychotherapy to address issues but place a strong emphasis on understanding and improving the ways in which family interactions and dynamics affect psychological well-being. Essentially, these therapists help individuals, couples, and families navigate and resolve conflicts and mental health challenges by focusing on the relationships that can influence these issues.
Marriage and Family Therapists help individuals, couples, and families navigate emotional challenges by evaluating needs, facilitating open discussions, and guiding through life changes like divorce. They craft personalized treatment plans, employing therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy to foster positive change. Alongside therapeutic work, they manage administrative tasks, maintain records, and coordinate care with other professionals. Ultimately, their goal is to enhance mental well-being within the context of relationships, addressing issues like low self-esteem and addiction to improve overall family dynamics and individual happiness.
Becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist typically takes about 6-8 years for full-time students. This includes earning a bachelor's degree in a related field like psychology or counseling (4 years), completing a master's degree program in marriage and family therapy or a similar field (2-3 years), and gaining supervised clinical experience (2 years). The process also involves meeting specific licensing requirements set by each state, which often includes passing a licensing exam and completing continuing education courses even after obtaining licensure.
Get courses selected just for you
Try our powerful search engine