Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and family therapists address a wide array of relationship issues and diagnose and treat mental and nervous disorders and problems within families. These therapists deal with a wide variety of issues, including those that stem from couple relationships, children, stepfamilies, and caring for elderly parents. They also treat and help families cope with specific disorders such as substance abuse, eating disorders, prolonged underachieving, depression, and other mental and emotional problems. The marriage and family therapist consults with all those involved in the problem, including parents, spouses, children, friends, school personnel, social services, community agencies, and the courts.

Work Environment
Marriage and family therapists work in clinics, agencies, hospitals, schools, family service centers, and private practice. Hours must be flexible to accommodate families in crisis and working people who must have evening or weekend appointments.

Job Outlook
The job outlook for this field is mixed. As more consumers, health professionals, and employers understand the skills, educational and training standards, and effectiveness of marriage and family therapy, the profession will gain clients.

Length of Training/
Requirements
A six-year, master's level degree is the minimum education required to enter this field. Doctoral education in family therapy emphasizes the training of supervisors, teachers, researchers, and clinicians in the discipline.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $42,000 - $65,000.

Educational Programs
Master's/Doctoral Degrees
Our Lady of the Lake University
Texas Tech University
Texas Woman's University
Trinity University
University of Houston - Clear Lake
The University of Texas at Tyler

Professional Associations
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
1133 15th St. NW, Ste. 300
Washington, DC 20005-2710
202/452-0109

Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists
Texas Department of Health
1100 West 49th St.
Austin, TX 78756-3183
512/834-6657
Fax: 512/834-6677