How much does a family therapist make?

In the U.S., experienced therapists and those with extra credentials or sought-after skills may earn more. Pay also changes by location and employer setting, while full-time versus part-time hours—and evening or weekend appointments—can affect total earnings.

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders. Excludes “Psychologists” (19-3032 through 19-3039) and “Social Workers” (21-1020).

What's a typical day like?

Family therapists listen to a person, couple, or family, ask questions, and help them make a plan for handling feelings or relationship problems. Between sessions, they write private notes and may coordinate care with other specialists.

In the U.S., the usual path is a bachelor’s degree, then a master’s in marriage and family therapy or a related field with a supervised internship. Afterward, complete supervised clinical hours and pass your state’s licensing exam.

Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)

Good for people who like helping and teaching and figuring things out.

Surprise: About half of the care marriage and family therapists provide is one-on-one, not a whole family sitting together.