Marriage and Family Therapy

Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of the family. They also evaluate and resolve relationship problems, behavioral problems, health issues and other conflicts that impact trust, love, communication and general well-being within family relationships.

These professionals focus on how people interact within marriage and family units, rather than the traditional emphasis on the individual. A marriage and family therapist takes a holistic approach in their aim to secure the long-term well-being of partnerships and families.

Marriage and family therapists perform the following duties:

• Meet several members of a family at the same time for therapy sessions
• Diagnose psychological disorders
• Guide clients through interactional/transitional crises, such as divorce or the death of a loved one
• Highlight problematic relationship and behavior patterns that need to be changed
• Enhance communication and understanding among loved ones
• Help clients address dysfunctional behaviors and replace them with constructive alternatives

Work Environment

Many marriage and family therapists are employed in private practice. However, these professionals can also be found working in social service agencies, universities, research centers, courts, prisons, inpatient facilities, community mental health centers and businesses, and consulting companies. Some MFTs conduct family research and public policy projects, while others lead therapy sessions at rehabilitation centers that focus on family recovery from an individual's substance abuse.

Training

Those who are preparing for graduate MFT studies often begin by getting clinical experience. Volunteering at local teen shelters, crisis hotlines or mental health centers are great opportunities to interact with clients. Meanwhile, undergraduate degrees in psychology, biology or sociology are a great way to gain research experience. While in undergraduate school, it's also a good idea to volunteer to help professors with their research projects.

Becoming a marriage and family therapist involves completing a two- to three-year master's program or a three- to five-year doctoral program in this field. Another option is to earn a master's or doctoral degree in another mental health field. Those who complete graduate degrees in similar mental health fields, such as psychiatry or psychology, have the chance to study MFT at an accredited post-graduate degree clinical training program.

Currently, 48 states require licensing or certification for MFTs—86 percent of MFTs are licensed, according to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Eligibility for this process hinges on completion of an accredited higher education program followed by supervised clinical experience. However, requirements for certification/licensure vary from state-to-state; contact your state licensure board for specifics.