Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) work with individuals, couples and families. Unlike other types of mental health professionals, they bring a family-centered perspective to treatment, even when treating individuals.
They evaluate family roles and development to understand how clients’ families affect their mental health.
They treat the clients’ relationships, not just the clients themselves and address issues such as low self-esteem, stress, addiction and substance use disorder.
Education Requirements
Typically, a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. Expect six years of coursework post-high school.
Work Environment
Individual and family services, state and local government, outpatient care centers, offices of other health practitioners, nursing and residential care facilities.
Projected Growth & Salary Range
Projected Growth: 15 percent (much higher than average).
Salary Range: $58,350 - $68,000
Specializations, Programs & Required License/Certificate
Specializations:
- Rural mental health
- Tele-mental health
Programs:
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln | Lincoln | 402.472.7211 | unl.edu
- Concordia University, Nebraska | Seward | 800.535.5494 | cune.edu
Required License/Certificate:
- Certified Marriage & Family Therapist (CMFT)
- Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP)
- Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP)