How to Become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
If you have an interest in helping individuals, families, and other groups resolve problems and create safe, sound homes where they can thrive, a career as a licensed couple and family therapist is a great path to pursue. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we offer an accelerated master’s program designed for adult learners seeking additional education and certification to become licensed marriage and family therapists. Learn more about the M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy and how Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota can help you achieve your career goals.
What Does It Mean to Be a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist?
A licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) is a mental health professional who works with individuals of many backgrounds, including individuals, couples, families, and groups, helping them to resolve relational problems. Their training and experience give them the capability to understand complex relationship dynamics and address a range of issues. Holding an LMFT license means these therapists can diagnose the individuals they serve with mental, behavioral, or emotional disorders and provide treatment.
LMFTs work in various settings, from doctor’s offices to outpatient care centers to government agencies. Some LMFTs choose to become their own bosses and open private practices. Regardless of the work environment, common tasks expected of LMFTs include:
- Listening to individuals as they share their emotions and experiences
- Guiding clients through difficult phases of life that affect the whole family, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one
- Assisting couples and families as they make decisions for their future
- Providing individuals with techniques to cope with challenging situations and positively alter their behavior
- Referring individuals to community health resources if needed
- Managing files and records and ensuring their confidentiality
Obtaining Licensure as an LMFT
As the name suggests, becoming an LMFT requires proper licensure. An LMFT license allows these professionals to diagnose clients with disorders and recommend treatment. All states require couple and family therapists to hold a license, but the exact requirements may differ somewhat depending on the state. General prerequisites include:
- Earning a master’s degree in couple and family therapy
- Completing a certain number of hours of clinical experience (internship or residency)
- Passing the Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) MFT exam, as well as a state-recognized exam
You can find more information about licensure in Minnesota from the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy.
Why Become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist?
In addition to the rewarding aspect of helping individuals thrive amid challenges, aspiring therapists may also consider becoming LMFTs because of the growing demand. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for couple and family therapists are forecasted to increase 15% from 2022 to 2032 — significantly faster than the 3% average growth rate for all occupations. That equates to about 5,900 openings every year through the decade.
The median annual earnings for couple and family therapists are higher than the average for all jobs at $56,570. Salaries may vary depending on one’s work environment. With additional training and certification, LMFTs also can explore careers in related fields, such as social work, psychology, and psychiatry.
An Accelerated Master’s Program for Aspiring LMFTs
The right education is vital to pursuing a career as an LMFT, and that begins with a master’s degree in couple and family therapy. Many working adults already have a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field of study but went right into the workforce after completing an undergraduate program. Or, life got in the way, and they couldn’t seek a master’s degree. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we offer the ideal program for adult learners who wish to fulfill lifelong career dreams.
Provided at our Minneapolis campus, the M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy features courses taught by experienced and practicing professionals. That gives students the most up-to-date knowledge and skills in the field. Students also gain hands-on experience with 300 hours of clinical work.
What’s more, the master’s degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Completing a COAMFTE-accredited program enables students to pursue licensure in many states, as COAMFTE standards are a common basis for state educational requirements.
Adult learners can explore other master’s programs in our School of Health and Human Services, such as the M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services and Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology.
Advance Your Career With Our Master’s Degree Program
Adult online learners who wish to become LMFTs will find a great program for continuing their education at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Committed to the principles of Lasallian Catholic education, our mission is to meet learners with different needs where they are and help them develop professionally and personally to lead ethical lives grounded in service and leadership.
Request information to learn more about the M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy. You can also apply for admission today.
