What can you do with an MFT degree for 2025?

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Many students interested in marriage and family therapy often face uncertainty regarding the practical career applications of a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). This article aims to clarify the diverse professional pathways available to those considering or pursuing this degree. The employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 16% from 2023 to 2033, significantly exceeding the average growth rate for all occupations. This indicates a robust demand for qualified professionals.

Drawing upon Research.com's team expertise in career planning, developed over ten years, and utilizing only credible sources, this article provides a comprehensive overview of potential career trajectories. By reading this guide, undergraduates and bachelor’s degree holders interested in pursuing a master’s in MFT will gain clarity on the various professional opportunities and the skills required to succeed in these roles.

Key Things You Should Know About Getting an MFT Degree

Career Opportunities – An MFT degree provides various career paths, including roles in couples therapy, addiction counseling, telehealth, and clinical supervision.
Job Market Outlook – The MFT field is projected to grow by 16% from 2023 to 2033, with around 7,500 annual job openings driven by rising mental health needs and workforce turnover.
Emerging Specializations – New areas such as digital relationship counseling, multicultural therapy, and geriatric family therapy are expanding opportunities for MFT professionals.
Impact of Technology – Telehealth and digital tools are transforming therapy practices, increasing accessibility, and requiring new technical and ethical competencies.
Non-Traditional Applications – MFT skills are valuable in corporate settings, healthcare integration, and employee assistance programs, broadening career possibilities beyond traditional therapy roles.

What jobs can you get with an MFT degree for 2025?
What are the most common therapy roles for someone with an MFT degree?
Is an MFT degree worth it for career growth?
What is the job outlook for MFT graduates?
What are the emerging and specialized areas within marriage and family therapy for 2025?
How are technology and telehealth changing career paths for MFT professionals?
How can an MFT degree be used in healthcare settings and integrated models?
How can MFT skills be used in corporate and organizational settings?
Can integrating behavior analysis enhance MFT practice?
How long does it take to obtain a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy?
What are the continuing education and professional development options for MFT professionals?
How Can Integrating Faith-Based Counseling Benefit MFT Professionals?
What factors should be considered when choosing an affordable MFT program?
How can I expedite your transition to a counseling career?
What certifications complement an MFT degree?
What is the financial impact and return on investment of an MFT degree?
What is the difference between an MFT degree and an LPC degree?
Other Things You Should Know About Getting an MFT Degree

What jobs can you get with an MFT degree for 2025?

An MFT degree opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities. Here are some career options available for 2025 for individuals with an MFT degree:

Marriage and Family Therapist

An MFT specializes in helping couples and families resolve conflicts and improve relationships. Therapists address issues like marital problems, parent-child conflicts, and mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression.

Average Salary: $85,006 /year

Couples Therapist

A couple therapist focuses on counseling couples to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their relationship. They often work in private practice or clinics.

Average Salary: $90,572 /year

Child and Adolescent Therapist

These professionals provide therapy to children and teenagers dealing with emotional, behavioral, or psychological issues. Understanding the specific child psychologist education requirements is also crucial for those interested in this career path.

Average Salary: $87,702 /year

Addiction Counselor

Individuals and families facing addiction issues find support from addiction counselors in substance abuse treatment centers. These counselors provide therapy sessions, develop recovery plans, and support long-term sobriety. For those aspiring to this career, exploring the cheapest online substance abuse counseling degree options can offer a convenient and cost-effective route to qualification.

Average Salary: $54,226 /year

Community Mental Health Counselor

These professionals are employed in community health centers to offer accessible mental health services. They work with diverse populations on issues like trauma, depression, and family dynamics.

Average Salary: $44,572 /year

Clinical Supervisor

A clinical supervisor oversees other therapists or interns in clinical settings. They are responsible for ensuring ethical practices and high-quality care delivery.

Average Salary: $79,349 /year

Outpatient Therapist

An outpatient therapist treats clients in outpatient care centers for issues like depression, anxiety, or relationship problems. They often provide short-term therapy with specific goals.

Average Salary: $63,449 /year

Inpatient Mental Health Therapist

These professionals work in hospitals or inpatient facilities to provide therapy for patients in crisis. They are often part of a multidisciplinary team addressing complex mental health needs.

Average Salary: $63,943 /year

School-Based Family Counselor

A school-based family counselor collaborates with schools to support students and families dealing with academic or personal challenges. They focus on improving family dynamics to enhance student well-being.

Average Salary: $58,372 /year

Telehealth Therapist

A telehealth therapist offers therapy sessions via online platforms, making mental health services more accessible to remote or underserved populations.

Average Salary: $63,943 /year

What are the most common therapy roles for someone with an MFT degree?

MFT graduates commonly pursue roles that focus on improving relationships and addressing mental health challenges within families, couples, and individuals. For students exploring related fields, understanding clinical psychology vs counseling psychology programs what to expect can provide valuable insight into how these paths differ from marriage and family therapy in terms of training focus, licensure, and career outcomes. Key therapy roles for MFTs include:

Couples Therapy: MFTs help couples navigate relationship challenges such as communication issues, infidelity, and intimacy concerns. They use approaches like emotion-focused or integrative behavioral therapy.
Family Therapy: Therapists address family dynamics and systemic issues, such as parenting challenges, divorce, grief, or behavioral problems in children. They often use structural or strategic family therapy methods to improve family functioning.
Individual Therapy: MFTs provide one-on-one counseling for clients dealing with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or stress. They focus on how familial relationships influence individual behavior and mental health.
Crisis Intervention: MFTs assist clients in coping with life transitions or crises, such as layoffs, loss, or domestic abuse. They guide clients in developing coping strategies and decision-making skills.
Community-Based Roles: MFTs work in schools, hospitals, or community centers to provide accessible mental health services and referrals to external resources such as support groups or inpatient care.

Meanwhile, the chart below shows the top skills to develop as marriage and family therapists:

Is an MFT degree worth it for career growth?

An MFT degree is worth it for career growth. It presents a strong career investment, opening diverse professional avenues. Increased mental health awareness fuels a rising demand for therapy and counseling services. Such demand is underscored by the fact that at least 8.4 million individuals in the U.S. provide care for adult family members with mental or emotional health challenges, dedicating an average of 32 hours weekly to unpaid care. This shows the significant need for qualified professionals to support both individuals and their caregivers.

An MFT degree equips graduates with vital systemic thinking skills, enabling them to navigate complex interpersonal relationships. Such skill is crucial when dealing with the realities of working with caregivers. Furthermore, the profession offers flexibility, allowing practitioners to work in private practices, hospitals, or multidisciplinary teams, with opportunities for career advancement. However, achieving success necessitates meeting licensure requirements and aligning personal career aspirations with the degree's potential.

For those MFTs wanting to pursue private practice, acquiring practical business skills is essential. Many find that pursuing the cheapest online business degree provides a flexible and affordable way to gain this knowledge.

How many jobs are available to LMFTs and LMFTAs in the U.S.?

What is the job outlook for MFT graduates?

The key points below indicate a healthy and expanding job market for those pursuing a career in marriage and family therapy:

Significant Growth: The field is expected to expand by 16% from 2023 to 2033, exceeding the average growth rate for all occupations.
Consistent Openings: Approximately 7,500 job openings are anticipated annually over the next decade.
Replacement Demand: A substantial portion of these openings will stem from the need to replace therapists who change careers or retire.

While MFTs often earn more than professionals in related care-based fields, such as early childhood education, it’s still useful to understand broader salary benchmarks—for instance, knowing how much do early childhood educators make can offer helpful context for those comparing career paths in human services and mental health.

Meanwhile, the chart below shows the largest employers of marriage and family therapists in 2023:

What are the emerging and specialized areas within marriage and family therapy for 2025?

In 2025, emerging and specialized areas within marriage and family therapy include:

Emerging Areas

Technoference and Digital Literacy

MFTs are increasingly addressing the impact of technology on relationships, helping families establish healthy boundaries around technology use to improve communication and relationship satisfaction. This includes strategies to manage technoference and enhance face-to-face interactions.

Cultural and Societal Adaptations

Therapists are adapting their practices to address societal pressures, cultural expectations, and generational differences affecting family dynamics. This involves helping families navigate diverse cultural norms and societal challenges.

Single-parent and Blended Family Support

In the U.S., more than 23 million children live in a single-parent family. MFTs work with single parents to manage parenting duties and loneliness, and with blended families to smooth transitions and build strong bonds among step-siblings and step-parents.

Support for Diverse Family Structures

Therapists are sensitive to the challenges faced by same-sex couples and families, providing support in building resilience and navigating societal pressures.

Online Therapy and Digital Tools

The use of technology in therapy is expanding, including online sessions and digital tools to enhance accessibility and engagement. The market is projected to grow from $15.21 billion in 2025 to $40.14 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 27.5%.

Specialized Areas

Child and Adolescent Mental Health: MFTs often focus on child counseling, addressing issues such as stress and anxiety exacerbated by family dynamics and societal changes. This specialization is especially relevant for those choosing between early childhood education and elementary education degrees, as understanding mental health needs across developmental stages can inform both career paths.
Addiction Counseling: Specializing in addiction can be beneficial as it affects family relationships and requires comprehensive family support during recovery.
Geriatric Family Therapy: With aging populations, there is a growing need for therapists who can address the mental health needs of older adults and their families.
Multicultural Competence: As societies become more globalized, MFTs must develop multicultural competence to effectively support diverse family structures and cultural backgrounds.

How are technology and telehealth changing career paths for MFT professionals?

Technology and telehealth significantly reshape career paths for MFT professionals, similar to shifts seen in behavior analysis—a field where questions like how much do behavior analysts make often reflect growing interest in flexible, tech-enabled careers. Here are the key impacts:

Expanded Career Opportunities

Telehealth Growth: In 2022, nearly 47% of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) primarily used telehealth, with 96% planning to continue offering it in some capacity.
Increased Accessibility: Telehealth allows MFTs to reach underserved populations, including those in rural areas or with mobility challenges, overcoming logistical barriers like travel and scheduling conflicts.

Changing Skill Requirements

Technological Proficiency: MFTs now require skills in using telehealth platforms, managing technological issues, and maintaining therapeutic alliances in virtual settings.
Adapting Therapy Techniques: Therapists must modify traditional techniques to suit virtual environments, such as ensuring engagement through experiential approaches and addressing challenges like limited nonverbal cues.

Ethical and Legal Considerations

Guidelines for Technology Use: The integration of technology has led to evolving ethical codes and legal requirements for MFTs, though comprehensive guidelines are still lacking.
Privacy Concerns: MFTs must navigate issues related to confidentiality and client safety when conducting therapy remotely, particularly in cases involving domestic violence or other sensitive topics.

Training and Education

How can an MFT degree be used in healthcare settings and integrated models?

An MFT degree can be effectively utilized in healthcare settings through various roles and integrated models, enhancing patient care by addressing both physical and mental health needs. Here are some ways MFTs contribute to healthcare:

Roles in Healthcare Settings

Inpatient Therapists: MFTs work in hospitals and healthcare facilities as part of multidisciplinary teams, providing therapy to patients and their families dealing with chronic illnesses, terminal diagnoses, or traumatic injuries.
Case Management: They develop treatment plans for patients in crisis and support families caring for elderly parents or children with chronic conditions.
Mental Health Support: MFTs help patients manage mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), promoting holistic care by integrating emotional well-being with physical health.

Integrated Models of Care

Collaborative Care Model (CCM): This model involves MFTs working alongside primary care clinicians and care managers to provide comprehensive care for patients with co-occurring physical and mental health issues.
Medical Family Therapy (MedFT): MedFT integrates family therapy principles into healthcare settings, focusing on biopsychosocial-spiritual care. It emphasizes collaboration among healthcare providers to address the holistic needs of patients and their families.
Integrated Behavioral Health Care (IBHC): MFTs contribute to IBHC models by embedding behavioral health services within primary care settings, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses both physical and mental health needs.

Training and Education

Programs like the Annual Intensive on Integrated Care and Medical Family Therapy provide training for professionals interested in healthcare and mental health collaboration, focusing on skills necessary for integrated care environments. For those seeking leadership roles in these settings, a healthcare administration degree can further enhance their qualifications.

How can MFT skills be used in corporate and organizational settings?

MFT skills can be effectively applied in corporate and organizational settings to enhance workplace dynamics and foster a healthier work environment. MFTs are trained to resolve conflicts and improve communication, skills that are invaluable in managing workplace disputes and improving team cohesion. They can help employees develop active listening skills and constructive communication strategies to reduce misunderstandings and enhance collaboration. Additionally, MFTs can facilitate workshops on building healthy team dynamics, similar to family dynamics, to promote a positive work environment.

MFTs can also contribute to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), providing counseling services to support employees dealing with personal issues that impact work performance. They can assist leaders in developing emotional intelligence, empathy, and effective communication skills, which are crucial for managing diverse teams and fostering a supportive organizational culture.

Furthermore, by understanding the interconnectedness of personal and professional life, MFTs can help organizations develop policies and programs that support employees in achieving better work-life balance, reducing burnout, and improving overall well-being. To further enhance their expertise in this area, pursuing an affordable online master's in organizational psychology can provide specialized knowledge.

How many social workers and MFTs have a master's degree?

Can integrating behavior analysis enhance MFT practice?

Some professionals are broadening their scope by combining systemic family therapy strategies with evidence-based behavior analysis techniques. This integrated approach addresses relational dynamics while also targeting specific behavioral challenges, thereby offering a more comprehensive treatment plan. Pursuing advanced training, such as obtaining complementary credentials through masters in applied behavior analysis online, allows therapists to expand their service offerings and foster interprofessional collaboration.

How long does it take to obtain a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy?

Completing a Master’s in MFT degree typically takes 2 to 3 years, including coursework and clinical practicum. Some programs offer accelerated 2-year tracks, while others may take up to 6 years if pursued part-time. After earning the degree, candidates must complete 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, which typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 years, followed by passing a state licensure exam.

Becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist can be a rewarding career path, but it also presents several challenges. A 2022 American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) study revealed the top frustrations of therapists under 40.

What are the continuing education and professional development options for MFT professionals?

Continuing education (CE) and professional development are critical for MFT professionals to maintain licensure and enhance their expertise. States set different requirements. Meanwhile, approved providers include organizations such as the AAMFT, the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and accredited universities offering graduate-level coursework related to MFT practice.

Professional development options include live workshops, online courses, and self-study programs, with many states now allowing all CE hours to be completed through distance learning. Training covers clinical methods, ethics, trauma, and proven practices. Some states require specialized training, such as veteran mental health. These opportunities keep MFTs updated and meet license renewal needs.

How Can Integrating Faith-Based Counseling Benefit MFT Professionals?

Integrating a faith-based counseling approach can broaden the therapeutic framework for MFT professionals by incorporating spiritual and cultural dimensions into relationship dynamics. For practitioners working with clients for whom religion is a significant factor in their life decisions, specialized training through a master's degree Christian counseling program provides additional tools for building trust and aligning therapy with clients’ values. This approach enhances cultural sensitivity and offers alternative interventions that support holistic healing, ultimately contributing to improved client engagement and treatment outcomes.

What factors should be considered when choosing an affordable MFT program?

When selecting an MFT program, evaluating program accreditation, curriculum depth, and state-specific licensure preparation is essential. Prospective students should assess tuition costs, flexibility in scheduling, and the integration of clinical practicum with theoretical training. Reviewing alumni outcomes and networking opportunities can also reveal the program’s effectiveness in launching a successful practice. For instance, exploring the cheapest online MFT program can provide insight into programs that balance affordability with rigorous, quality education.

How can I expedite your transition to a counseling career?

For professionals targeting a swift entry into mental health services, leveraging accelerated training options and focused professional development is imperative. Candidates should consider intensive, practice-based internships and condensed coursework that emphasize core counseling competencies. Networking with established clinicians and participating in specialized workshops—such as crisis intervention and digital therapy—can provide accelerated hands-on experience while fulfilling licensure requirements. Integrating these strategies with the quickest path to becoming a counselor ensures a robust foundation for rapid career advancement.

What certifications complement an MFT degree?

Certifications that complement an MFT degree provide specialized skills and enhance career opportunities for professionals in the field. Here are some notable options:

Specialized MFT Certifications: Certifications in niche areas like LGBTQ family therapy, systemic sex therapy, or addiction treatment provide targeted skills for working with specific populations or issues.
Advanced Clinical Training: Certificates focusing on systemic theories and relational approaches emphasize evidence-based techniques for working with couples and families. These often include supervised clinical hours to meet licensure requirements.
Dual Licensure Certificates: Some programs combine MFT training with preparation for additional licenses, such as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), broadening career prospects.

What is the financial impact and return on investment of an MFT degree?

Prospective students should evaluate the comprehensive financial commitment of an MFT program, including tuition, fees, living expenses, and costs related to licensure examinations and required materials. It is essential to compare these expenses against projected earnings and consider the opportunity cost associated with various study formats, such as full-time versus part-time enrollment. An informed approach involves investigating available financial aid, scholarships, and loan options to mitigate upfront costs. For insights on accelerating career progression and potentially reducing overall training costs, consider exploring the fastest way to become a licensed therapist.

What is the difference between an MFT degree and an LPC degree?

Many students exploring a career in mental health counseling often wonder whether to pursue a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) or a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) degree. While both degrees prepare professionals to provide mental health services, they differ in scope, training, and career focus. MFT programs emphasize systemic and relational approaches, training students to work with families, couples, and groups. In contrast, LPC programs typically focus more broadly on individual mental health, often covering areas like career counseling, trauma, and general psychopathology.

Understanding the difference is key for students aligning their educational path with career goals. For a detailed breakdown of this degree path, including coursework and career opportunities, visit our guide on What degree is LPC?. This comparison helps prospective therapists determine which degree better matches their interests—whether that’s addressing interpersonal dynamics in families or supporting individuals through broader psychological challenges.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say about Getting an MFT Degree

Working as an MFT allows me to witness families rebuild their connections, which is incredibly rewarding. The ability to apply systemic thinking to real-world problems and see positive changes unfold is a powerful motivator. I'm grateful for a career that aligns with my passion for helping others. - Sandra

The flexibility of this profession has been a major advantage. I've been able to balance my work with my personal life, and I appreciate the diverse settings in which I can practice, from private clinics to community centers. Seeing clients make progress in their relationships is a constant source of satisfaction. - Christine

Pursuing an MFT degree opened doors to specialized areas like trauma therapy, giving me the tools to help those who need it most. The ongoing training and continuing education keep the work engaging. It’s a career that offers both intellectual stimulation and a strong sense of purpose. - Veronica

Key Findings

The MFT field is projected to experience a 16% growth from 2023 to 2033, significantly outpacing the average for all occupations, indicating strong career prospects.
Approximately 7,500 MFT job openings are expected annually, driven by both industry growth and the need to replace retiring professionals.
An MFT degree offers diverse career paths, including roles as couples therapists (average salary $90,572), child and adolescent therapists (average salary $87,702), and telehealth therapists (average salary $63,943).
In 2022, nearly 47% of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) primarily used telehealth, with 96% planning to continue offering it in some capacity, reflecting the growing impact of technology on the field.
The U.S. employed 26,365 MFTs in 2022, with a significant gender distribution of approximately 77.5% women and 22.5% men.

Other Things You Should Know About Getting an MFT Degree

Is an MFT the same as a psychotherapist?

An MFT is a type of psychotherapist, but not all psychotherapists are MFTs. Psychotherapy is a broad field encompassing various professionals who provide mental health treatment, including psychologists, clinical social workers, and counselors. MFTs specialize in addressing relational and systemic issues within families, couples, and individuals, often focusing on how family dynamics influence mental health. While MFTs use psychotherapy techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or emotion-focused therapy (EFT), their training emphasizes a systemic approach to relationships, setting them apart from other types of psychotherapists.

What is the highest salary for an MFT?

The highest-paying MFT job in the U.S. is relationship consultant with a salary ranging from $72,000 to $100,000 per year. Other high-paying positions include marriage counselor, with a salary ranging from $67,500 to $82,000 per year, and work and family life consultant, earning between $64,000 to $78,500 annually.

How can I start a private practice or other business with an MFT degree?

Starting a private practice with an MFT degree involves several steps. First, establish a business structure, such as a sole proprietorship, and obtain necessary licenses. Initial costs can be minimal, with expenses like office space and liability insurance being manageable. Develop a business plan that includes marketing strategies and financial projections. Consider specializing in a niche area to differentiate your practice. Utilize resources from professional organizations like AAMFT for guidance on legal and financial aspects. Building a strong online presence through a website and social media can also help attract clients.

How many MFTs are there in the U.S.?

In 2022, the United States employed 26,365 MFTs, revealing a significant gender disparity within the field. Women dominated the profession, representing approximately 77.5% of the workforce, while men constituted the remaining 22.5%. This data highlights the strong female presence in MFT, a profession focused on addressing complex relationship dynamics and mental health within families. This demographic distribution may reflect societal trends and perceptions regarding caregiving roles and the therapeutic professions. The overall number of MFTs indicates a substantial workforce dedicated to supporting individuals and families across the nation.