How to become a marriage and family therapist

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.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require graduate school. for example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a ph.d., m.d., or j.d. (law degree)..Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What marriage and family therapists do

• Ask questions that will help clients identify their feelings and behaviors.
• Encourage individuals and family members to develop and use skills and strategies for confronting their problems in a constructive manner.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior, and other personal issues.
• Maintain case files that include activities, progress notes, evaluations, and recommendations.
• Counsel clients on concerns, such as unsatisfactory relationships, divorce and separation, child rearing, home management, or financial difficulties.
• Determine whether clients should be counseled or referred to other specialists in such fields as medicine, psychiatry, or legal aid.

Skills that matter most

• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning
• Monitoring
• Learning Strategies

Is marriage and family therapist a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 31% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Hawaii $141,960
• New Jersey $92,150
• Oregon $91,520
• Connecticut $86,250
• Utah $84,980

Marriage and Family Therapists salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.