Marriage and Family Therapist

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  Career Profile

Marriage and Family Therapist

What they do

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.

Also Called: Clinical Therapist, Counselor, Family Therapist, Human Relations Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Marriage and Family Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Outpatient Therapist, Play Therapist, Clinical Therapist, Counselor, Family Therapist, Human Relations Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Marriage and Family Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Outpatient Therapist, Play Therapist

$39,090
Starting Salary (2023)
$58,510
Median Salary (2023)
14.9%
Projected Job Growth
63,340
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Confer with other counselors, doctors, and professionals to analyze individual cases and to coordinate counseling services.
Encourage individuals and family members to develop and use skills and strategies for confronting their problems in a constructive manner.
Maintain case files that include activities, progress notes, evaluations, and recommendations.
Counsel clients on concerns, such as unsatisfactory relationships, divorce and separation, child rearing, home management, or financial difficulties.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior, and other personal issues.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Social
Working with people
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Artistic
Conceptual, Creative Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Concern for Others
Integrity
Self-Control
Dependability
Stress Tolerance
Social Orientation

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking
Writing
Reading Comprehension
Service Orientation

Expected Knowledge

Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Common Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

More Info

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