How to Get a Job as a Marriage and Family Therapist
- jrs7530
- Oct 21
- 3 min read
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) help individuals, couples, and families improve communication, resolve conflicts, and build stronger emotional connections. They use therapeutic techniques to address issues like relationship struggles, anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems within the family context. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average, resulting in about 10,800 job openings each year【source: BLS】.
Entry-Level Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapists
To launch a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist, you typically need:
Education: A master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, counseling, or a related field from an accredited institution. Coursework includes human development, family systems theory, psychotherapy, and ethics.
Certifications & Licenses: All states require MFTs to be licensed. Common credentials include Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Licensure requires supervised clinical experience—typically 2,000–4,000 hours—and passing a state-recognized exam, such as the Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam.
Experience: Practicum and supervised internships during graduate study are essential for developing therapy skills and meeting licensure requirements.
Expected Salary for Marriage and Family Therapists
Entry-Level: $50,000–$60,000 annually
Mid-Level: $60,000–$75,000 annually
Senior-Level: $75,000–$95,000+ annually
The median annual wage for Marriage and Family Therapists in the U.S. is $56,570【source: BLS】.
Skills and Abilities Needed to Excel
Deep understanding of family systems and interpersonal dynamics
Empathy and active listening
Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
Is This Role Better for Introverts or Extroverts?
This career is generally a better fit for introverts. Marriage and Family Therapists spend much of their time in focused one-on-one or small group sessions, requiring deep listening, empathy, and thoughtful analysis rather than high social stimulation. Introverts often excel in providing calm, reflective, and emotionally attuned support to clients.
Top 5 Degree Programs with Best ROI for Marriage and Family Therapists
Can You Become a Marriage and Family Therapist Without a Degree?
No. To become an MFT, you must hold a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field, complete supervised clinical hours, and earn state licensure. However, individuals can work in supportive roles—such as case managers or behavioral health technicians—while pursuing their degree.
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Top Ten Recruitment Agencies for MFT Roles
Top Ten Employers Hiring Marriage and Family Therapists
Top Startups and Organizations Hiring MFTs
BetterHelp (virtual therapy platform)
Headway (mental health provider network)
Cerebral (telehealth psychiatry and counseling)
Lyra Health (employee mental health programs)
Spring Health (mental wellness programs)
Mindpath Health (outpatient mental health care)
Charlie Health (virtual intensive therapy for youth)
Talkiatry (telepsychiatry and therapy services)
Brightside Health (teletherapy and medication management)
Amwell (telehealth platform offering therapy services)
Marriage and Family Therapists help people build stronger, more resilient relationships. The field offers a meaningful and stable career path for those who value empathy, reflection, and emotional insight—making it particularly well-suited to introverts who excel in thoughtful, client-centered work.
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