5 Career Options with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy

Hey there, folks! Are you tired of being asked, "What are you going to do with that degree?" every time you tell someone you're studying Marriage and Family Therapy? Fear not, because we are here to provide you with 5 potential career options for individuals with a Masters in MFT!

First things first, for those who don't know, a Masters in MFT is a degree that trains individuals to work with couples and families to help them overcome challenges and improve their relationships. It's an incredibly important field in today's society because let's be honest, who doesn't have some sort of family drama? cue laugh track

Now, onto the good stuff! You may be thinking, "So, I can be a Marriage and Family Therapist...and that's it?" Nope! We've got 5 career options that you may not have considered:

Let’s get started!

Career Option 1: Marriage and Family Therapist

As a Marriage and Family Therapist, you will assist families and couples in improving their relationships and addressing any difficulties they may encounter. You will play a pivotal role in helping them with communication, resolving conflicts, and managing significant life changes. By guiding them toward a brighter and healthier future, you can make a substantial impact on their lives.

Regarding salary and job prospects, the average annual income for an MFT is roughly $59,660. Nonetheless, this amount can vary depending on your location and level of expertise. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that the field of Marriage and Family Therapy will grow between 14-19% from 2021 to 2031, far exceeding the national average for all occupations.

To become an MFT, you must meet specific licensure prerequisites. This usually necessitates completing a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, fulfilling a specified number of supervised clinical hours, and passing a licensure examination. The specific criteria may vary by state, so it is essential to check with your state's licensing board for additional information.

Career Option 2: School Counselor

The role of School Counselors is to support student's academic, social, and emotional needs. They provide counseling services, assess students' needs, and collaborate with teachers and administrators to ensure students' well-being.

With a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, you'll have a strong foundation in counseling skills that can be directly applied to a school counseling setting. You'll work with students individually or in groups to overcome challenges and develop life skills. Additionally, you may provide support and resources to families for issues that may impact a student's academic success.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, School Counselors earn an average salary of $60,510 per year, with a job growth projection of 10% between 2021 and 2031, resulting in approximately 32,400 job openings in the field.

Becoming a School Counselor can be a great way to make use of your MFT skills to positively impact the lives of young people. You'll have the opportunity to assist students in various ways and aid them in acquiring the skills necessary to succeed academically and beyond.

Career Option 3: Substance Abuse Counselor

To pursue a career as a Substance Abuse Counselor, you will work with individuals who are dealing with drug or alcohol addiction. Your primary responsibility will be to provide counseling and guidance to aid in their recovery process and make positive changes in their lives. This may involve conducting individual and group counseling sessions, providing crisis intervention, and connecting clients with additional resources for support.

If you have a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, your counseling skills will be directly transferable to substance abuse counseling. You can work with clients to identify the root causes of their addiction, such as relationship or family issues, and help them find solutions. Additionally, you may work with clients' families to provide support and resources during the recovery process.

In terms of salary and job outlook, Substance Abuse Counselors can earn between $30,870 to $77,980 per year, according to BLS. The job growth in this field is projected to be much faster than average, with a 22% increase in employment opportunities between 2021 and 2031.

Becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor is a fulfilling way to apply your MFT skills and make a positive impact in the lives of those struggling with addiction. You will have the opportunity to offer essential support to clients and their families and assist them on their journey toward recovery.

Career Option 4: Clinical Social Worker

Clinical Social Workers are professionals in the field of mental health who offer counseling and assistance to individuals, families, and groups experiencing various issues, such as mental illness, substance abuse, and relationship problems. They help clients connect with resources and support systems in their communities as well.

If you hold a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, you will possess the necessary abilities to provide effective counseling and support to clients as a Clinical Social Worker. You will be able to work with clients individually or in group settings, as well as with families, to offer assistance and resources to individuals in need of mental health and well-being support.

In terms of salary and job outlook, according to Salary.com, the average salary for a Clinical Social Worker - LCSW in South Carolina as of February 27th, 2023, was $72,400. Job growth in this sector is projected to be much faster than average, with a 9-12% increase in employment opportunities from 2020-2030.

If you choose to become a Clinical Social Worker, you will be able to use your MFT abilities to make a positive impact on people's lives. You will have the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life, providing them with the support and resources necessary to achieve their goals.

Career Option 5: Family Services Director

Family Services Directors are responsible for managing programs and services that provide support to families and individuals in need. They may work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. They oversee staff, create programs, and ensure that services are tailored to meet the needs of the community.

With a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy, you'll have the necessary skills to manage and provide services effectively as a Family Services Director. You'll have an understanding of the needs of families and individuals and will be able to create programs that address those needs. You'll also be able to provide counseling and support to staff members who work directly with clients.

According to Zippia, the average salary for a Family Services Director is $73,391 per year. The job outlook for this field is projected to be much faster than average, with a 12% increase in employment opportunities from 2018 to 2028.

Becoming a Family Services Director is a great way to use your MFT skills to make a positive impact on your community. You'll have the opportunity to create and implement programs that help families and individuals in need and provide support to staff members who work directly with clients.

Read more to learn how to become a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT).

Few Final Suggestions

Congratulations! You made it to the end of our blog post on 5 Career Options with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. We hope that this post has given you some valuable insight into the many career paths available to those with a degree in marriage and family therapy.

Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, there are plenty of opportunities for you to use your skills and expertise in the field of mental health and family therapy. From working as a therapist to managing programs and services, the possibilities are endless.

At the end of the day, what matters most is finding a career that aligns with your passions and interests. With a degree in marriage and family therapy, you'll have the skills needed to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others and to help families and individuals overcome the challenges they face.

So don't be afraid to explore your options and take on new challenges. With hard work and dedication, you can build a rewarding and fulfilling career in the field of marriage and family therapy. Best of luck to you on your journey!