How much money does a marriage and family therapist make

Relationship counselors are licensed marriage and family therapists (MFTs). They guide clients in resolving interpersonal conflicts within the context of couple and family relationships. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), 90 percent of clients see an improvement in their emotional well-being. Although MFTs earn less than psychologists, most live comfortably on a relationship therapist salary, especially in states that pay well above average.

Marriage and Family Counselor Description

Marriage and family counselors are experts in relationship difficulties. Emphasis is placed on determining the root of the problem and identifying possible solutions. Instead of spending years in psychoanalysis, clients set short-term goals and typically resolve their issues in 12 sessions, according to AAMFT.

Issues that arise might include problems related to parenting style, spending money, depression, substance abuse, dementia and child-parent power struggles. The MFT may involve several family members in the discussion to better understand the conflict.

Other duties may include writing case notes, submitting insurance claims and keeping up with new therapeutic techniques in their field. In small offices, they may schedule their own appointments.

Marriage and Family Therapist Education Requirements

The journey to becoming an MFT involves extensive training and supervision. An undergraduate degree in psychology is generally not required for admission to a master of family therapy program. The course of study should be accredited by an organization such as the Commission on the Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

Graduate students take courses like family systems theory and gain experience through practicums and internships. After finishing their master’s degree, graduates need two years of paid or unpaid supervised clinical practice to qualify for most state board licensing exams. All states require an MFT to be licensed, according to the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS).

Relationship Therapist Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average marriage and family therapist salary in 2019 was $54,590. The median income in May 2019 was $49,610, meaning half of these professionals made more and half earned less.

The lowest-paid 10 percent, such as entry-level MFTs in lower-paying states, earned less than $32,070. The highest-paid 10 percent earned upwards of $87,700.

Salaries varied significantly by geographic location. Utah topped the list of highest-paying states where MFTs averaged $76,240 per year. Those living in the Provo-Orem metropolitan area earned $85,240. Other examples of high-paying states include New Jersey, $75,930; Maine, $71,730; and Colorado, $70,800. Examples of the lowest-paying states for MFTs included Kentucky, Alabama, Michigan and Kansas, where the average marriage counselor salary in 2019 was between $37,170 and $45,280.

Marriage and Family Therapist Industry

Most MFTs work in marriage and family services earning an average annual salary of $50,780. They can also find jobs in social services, mental health centers, treatment programs and government agencies. The work can be stressful at times when helping individuals and families in crisis.

They might work evenings and weekends and be on call. Clients may be resistant to therapy and resent being pressured by family members to participate. Those who manage their own private practice may run into problems with billing, insurance and delinquent bills.

Years of Experience

Like most jobs, experience correlates with higher salaries. For example, PayScale reports that entry-level MFTs with one to four years of experience earn $51,448 on average, based on 191 self-reported salaries. More experienced MFTs with 10-19 years in the field average $61,689 per year based on 153 self-reports.

Some later pursue a doctorate and become licensed psychologists earning a BLS reported average annual salary of $87,450. Psychologists living in Oregon, California or the District of Columbia earn over $100K on average.

Marriage and Family Therapist Growth Trend

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that between 2019 and 2029 demand for MFTs will grow 22 percent, which is much faster than average. The change will result in the creation of 14,800 new jobs. The increase will be driven by an integrated team approach to therapy that brings together different types of specialists to provide patient and family care.


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Where do marriage and family therapists make the most money?

The best city in America for marriage and family therapists with the highest pay is Bensalem, PA. 76.6% of people in the field are White, while 10.8% are Hispanic or Latino. ... 1. Pennsylvania..

What type of therapist makes the most money?

Psychiatrist positions are by far the highest-paying jobs for psychology majors. The average salary is $217,798, according to PayScale. A psychiatrist should be licensed as a board-certified psychologist.

How much does a licensed marriage and family therapist make in Texas?

The average salary for a family and marriage counselor in Texas is $43,000 per year. Family and marriage counselor salaries in Texas can vary between $18,500 to $80,500 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.

How much do marriage and family therapists make in Oklahoma?

The average Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Oklahoma is $56,826 as of August 29, 2022, but the range typically falls between $48,080 and $72,379.