All About Marriage and Family Therapists
Career Description Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.
A Day in the Life of a Marriage & Family Therapist
- Encourage individuals and family members to develop and use skills and strategies for confronting their problems in a constructive manner.
- Provide family counseling and treatment services to inmates participating in substance abuse programs.
- Counsel clients on concerns, such as unsatisfactory relationships, divorce and separation, child rearing, home management, or financial difficulties.
- Write evaluations of parents and children for use by courts deciding divorce and custody cases, testifying in court if necessary.
- Gather information from doctors, schools, social workers, juvenile counselors, law enforcement personnel, and others to make recommendations to courts for resolution of child custody or visitation disputes.
- Collect information about clients, using techniques such as testing, interviewing, discussion, or observation.
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Skills Needed to be a Marriage & Family Therapist
Below is a list of the skills most Marriage and Family Therapists say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Related Job Titles
- Family Counselor
- Counselor
- Play Therapist
- Marriage and Family Counselor
- Licensed Staff-MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 41,500 jobs for Marriage and Family Therapist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 23.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 9,700 new jobs for Marriage and Family Therapist by 2026. There will be an estimated 5,700 positions for Marriage & Family Therapist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Marriage & Family Therapist are Utah, Arizona, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, South Dakota, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Marriage & Family Therapist Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Marriage & Family Therapist ranges between $31,850 and $82,240.
Marriage and Family Therapists who work in Maine, Hawaii, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Marriage and Family Therapists make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $40,540 |
| Alaska | $64,200 |
| Arizona | $48,390 |
| Arkansas | $48,610 |
| California | $51,950 |
| Colorado | $74,900 |
| Connecticut | $61,750 |
| Delaware | $51,540 |
| District of Columbia | $49,750 |
| Florida | $50,680 |
| Georgia | $68,470 |
| Hawaii | $79,660 |
| Idaho | $52,150 |
| Illinois | $47,200 |
| Indiana | $47,110 |
| Iowa | $54,030 |
| Kansas | $42,390 |
| Kentucky | $41,280 |
| Louisiana | $37,530 |
| Maine | $75,460 |
| Maryland | $49,650 |
| Massachusetts | $57,020 |
| Michigan | $53,680 |
| Minnesota | $57,770 |
| Mississippi | $38,910 |
| Missouri | $50,840 |
| Montana | $45,310 |
| Nebraska | $48,850 |
| Nevada | $54,290 |
| New Hampshire | $43,400 |
| New Jersey | $72,380 |
| New Mexico | $49,500 |
| New York | $49,420 |
| North Carolina | $54,320 |
| North Dakota | $45,210 |
| Ohio | $46,180 |
| Oklahoma | $54,850 |
| Oregon | $58,050 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,400 |
| South Dakota | $40,000 |
| Tennessee | $39,920 |
| Texas | $45,820 |
| Utah | $70,960 |
| Virginia | $54,250 |
| Washington | $47,470 |
| West Virginia | $43,460 |
| Wisconsin | $51,070 |
| Wyoming | $63,690 |
What Tools & Technology do Marriage and Family Therapists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Marriage and Family Therapists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Anasazi Software Client Data System
- Blueberry Harbor Software Clinical Record Keeper
- DocuTrac QuicDoc
- Mdansby The PsychReport
- TheraManager
- eMDs Medisoft
- Advantage Software Psych Advantage
- Beaver Creek Software The THERAPIST
- PracticePRO Software Systems QuickPractice
How do I Become a Marriage & Family Therapist?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Marriage and Family Therapist?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
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