Marriage and Family Therapists
Marriage and family therapists diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of family systems and relationships. They work in private practices, hospitals, community mental health centers, and clinical settings, applying psychotherapeutic techniques to help individuals, couples, and families resolve emotional and behavioral issues.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against marriage and family therapists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes conducting individual therapy sessions, couples counseling, and family meetings. Therapists may spend time reviewing client histories, developing treatment plans, and documenting session notes. They often consult with other healthcare providers about client care. Sessions typically last 50 minutes to an hour, with therapists often seeing multiple clients throughout the day or week.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIA. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this work if you're drawn to understanding human behavior and relationships (Investigative) and motivated by helping people solve personal and interpersonal problems (Social). Success requires patience, strong listening skills, and the ability to remain objective when clients discuss sensitive issues.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Marriage and Family Therapist (Program Manager) · Veterans Health Administration · Multiple Locations · $90925–$118924
- Marriage and Family Therapist · Veterans Health Administration · Multiple Locations · $64438–$132701
- Marriage and Family Therapist - Veterans Readjustment Counselor · Veterans Health Administration · Cincinnati, Ohio · $77785–$101126
- Marriage and Family Therapist (Advanced) · Veterans Health Administration · Multiple Locations · $89508–$116362
- Marriage and Family Therapist - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program/Substance Use Disorders · Veterans Health Administration · Lafayette, Louisiana · $61722–$97087
- Marriage and Family Therapist (Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program) w/EDRP · Veterans Health Administration · Multiple Locations · $64111–$100844
- INTERDISCIPLINARY - SOCIAL WORKER (FAMILY ADVOCACY) / LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST · Air Combat Command · Grand Forks, North Dakota · $89508–$116362
- Substance Use Disorder Services (SUD) Advanced Marriage and Family Therapist · Veterans Health Administration · Johnson City, Tennessee · $89508–$116362
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $59,220 | $141,960 | $166,400 | 220 |
| New Jersey | $74,070 | $92,150 | $101,090 | 4,040 |
| Georgia | $67,320 | $91,550 | $101,460 | — |
| Oregon | $69,140 | $91,520 | $138,320 | 850 |
| Connecticut | $58,990 | $86,250 | $164,740 | 260 |
| Utah | $59,390 | $84,980 | $116,600 | 2,390 |
| Virginia | $52,000 | $79,900 | $91,250 | 930 |
| Delaware | $66,730 | $76,580 | $82,510 | 400 |
| Minnesota | $61,060 | $72,470 | $83,720 | 4,870 |
| Maine | $69,120 | $71,680 | $74,990 | 180 |
| New Mexico | $58,950 | $70,630 | $80,950 | 160 |
| Ohio | $41,840 | $70,240 | $146,210 | 460 |
All 45 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Examination in Marital and Family Therapy — Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards
- Certified Sex Therapist (CST) — American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
- Certified Sex Therapist Supervisor — American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
- Board Certified Specialist in Couple and Family Psychology — American Board of Professional Psychology
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against marriage and family therapists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 21-1013.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.