Becoming a family therapist requires obtaining several key qualifications. Here is an overview of the education, licensing, experience and skills needed to start a career as a family therapist.
Earn a Master’s Degree
The minimum education requirement for family therapists is a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy (MFT) or a related mental health field like counseling or social work. Graduate programs in MFT provide training in therapy techniques specifically for helping couples and families. A master’s degree program takes 2-3 years to complete. Some schools offer accelerated online MFT programs that can be finished more quickly.
Coursework covers topics like family systems theory, family violence, marriage counseling skills, child and adolescent therapy, ethics, research methods and clinical practicum experiences. A master’s thesis or capstone project is usually required to graduate. Students also receive clinical supervision from licensed therapists.
Get Licensed
After earning a master’s degree, prospective family therapists must pursue licensure in their state. Each state has its own requirements, but in general you must complete 2-4 years or 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience after graduation. Some states allow you to begin accruing supervised hours during your master’s program.
Most states use the national Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) exam through the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). Passing this exam is required for licensure. Some states may also require taking a jurisprudence exam on laws and ethics. Maintaining licensure requires completing regular continuing education.
Gain Relevant Experience
In addition to supervised clinical hours for licensure, experience working with families is essential. During your master’s program, you’ll complete practicum hours in a clinic setting. Seek practicum sites at family counseling agencies or clinics.
After graduation, look for a job as a registered family therapy intern to continue accumulating supervised clinical experience for licensure. Work settings providing experience include private family therapy practices, community mental health centers, hospitals, schools and clinics. Volunteer experience at family crisis centers is also valuable.
Develop Key Skills
Family therapists must have exemplary interpersonal skills to work with diverse clients of all ages. Patience, empathy, and cultural competence are all vital. Communication skills like active listening, speaking clearly and questioning tactfully are essential. Problem-solving, crisis intervention and de-escalation abilities are also critical for handling family conflicts.
Other important skills include assessing family dynamics and power structures, designing treatment plans, and managing caseloads professionally. Being able to work collaboratively with other mental health professionals is also beneficial. Staying current on evidence-based family therapy models through ongoing professional development is key.
Consider Earning a Doctorate
A doctoral degree in family therapy or mental health counseling is advantageous for advancing in the field. A PhD or PsyD enables you to work in private practice, teach and supervise other clinicians. Extensive research skills and clinical expertise are required for doctoral programs, which take 4-6 years to complete. Doctoral graduates qualify for higher-level leadership roles counseling families.
Becoming a family therapist requires a master’s degree, licensed clinical experience, strong interpersonal abilities and systems skills. A doctorate can elevate your career potential even further. With passion for helping families and dedication to attaining the proper qualifications, a rewarding career awaits as a licensed family therapist.