Family Therapist

Explore This Path

Help families overcome challenges and strengthen their relationships.
Make a positive impact by guiding families through emotional and mental struggles.
Use unique therapeutic techniques to foster family growth and healing.

💰 Earn $37K-$50K

📚 Master Degree

⏱️ 48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 1.8% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll 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.

Encourage individuals and family members to develop and use skills and strategies for confronting their problems in a constructive manner.
Ask questions that will help clients identify their feelings and behaviors.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior, and other personal issues.
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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Master Degree

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

Over 4 years

Job Openings

8,000 Annually

Median Earnings

$43,890 in California

$44,040 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Being creative or artistic
Relating with or serving others
Thinking and problem solving

You are skilled in 💫

Active Learning
Active Listening
Learning Strategies
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking
Writing

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Family Therapist

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years