Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Jobs & Career Guide

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By psychologyjobs.com Staff Writer

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What is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist?

A licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) helps individuals, couples, and families to overcome a variety of emotional and psychological issues.

LMFTs typically hold a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field, and have completed additional training and clinical experience.

LMFTs help individuals and families improve their communication, resolve conflicts, and develop healthier relationships. They may also provide support and guidance during major life transitions, such as divorce, loss, or significant changes in family structure.

Where do Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists work?

Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) work in a variety of settings, including:

  1. Private Practice: Many LMFTs operate their own private practices, where they provide individual, couples, and family therapy to clients.
  2. Mental Health Clinics: LMFTs may work in mental health clinics, where they provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families who are dealing with a range of emotional and psychological issues.
  3. Hospitals: LMFTs may be employed by hospitals to provide therapy to patients and their families who are dealing with medical issues or chronic illnesses.
  4. Schools: LMFTs may work in schools, providing counseling services to students and their families, as well as working with teachers and administrators to create supportive environments for students.
  5. Community Agencies: LMFTs may work for community agencies, such as non-profit organizations, providing therapy and support to individuals and families who are experiencing economic, social, or other challenges.
  6. Government Agencies: LMFTs may be employed by government agencies, such as child welfare agencies or family court systems, to provide therapy and support to families who are involved in the legal system.

Overall, LMFTs have a wide range of employment options, and may work in settings that align with their personal interests and career goals.

What does an LMFT do day to day?

The day-to-day tasks of a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) can vary depending on the setting in which they work. However, some common tasks that an LMFT may perform include:

Conducting assessments

LMFTs may meet with clients individually or as a couple or family to assess their emotional and psychological needs and develop a treatment plan.

Providing therapy

LMFTs may provide therapy to clients using a range of evidence-based techniques and interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, or solution-focused therapy.

Documenting client progress

LMFTs may keep detailed records of client progress, treatment goals, and any significant events or milestones that occur during therapy sessions.

Consulting with other professionals

LMFTs may consult with other mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, counseling psychologists, or social workers, to coordinate care and ensure that clients are receiving the best possible treatment.

Attending continuing education

LMFTs are required to stay up-to-date on the latest research and techniques in the field of marriage and family therapy, so they may attend continuing education courses, workshops, or conferences.

Networking and marketing

If they run a private practice, LMFTs may spend time networking with other mental health professionals, marketing their services, and managing their business operations.

Overall, the day-to-day tasks of an LMFT are focused on providing high-quality therapy and support to individuals, couples, and families, helping them to overcome emotional and psychological challenges and improve their overall well-being.

How do you become an LMFT?

Generally, it takes between 6 and 8 years to become an LMFT in the US. The length of time can vary depending on the educational path you choose, the state you live in and how long it takes you to complete the required clinical hours.

Education

You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. While there is no specific major requirement for this degree, it is recommended that you pursue a degree in a related field such as psychology, sociology, or social work.

You must have a master’s degree in counseling, family counseling, psychology, or a related field from an accredited program. The program must include coursework in marriage and family therapy, psychotherapy, human development, and assessment.

Clinical Experience

You must complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 hours depending on the state.

Here are some general guidelines for the required clinical experience for LMFT licensure:

  1. Supervision: You must complete your clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional who meets your state’s requirements for supervision. Your supervisor will provide guidance and feedback on your work with clients and help you develop your clinical skills.
  2. Population: Your clinical experience must involve working with individuals, couples, and families. You may also be required to work with specific populations, such as children, adolescents, or people with substance abuse disorders.
  3. Setting: Your clinical experience may take place in a variety of settings, such as a mental health clinic, hospital, or private practice. The specific setting may depend on your state’s requirements and the availability of supervised clinical positions.
  4. Duration: The amount of clinical experience required varies by state, but typically ranges from 1,500 to 4,000 hours. You may be required to complete your clinical experience within a certain time frame, such as 2-3 years.
  5. Documentation: You must keep detailed records of your clinical experience, including the number of hours you have completed, the clients you have worked with, and the interventions you have used. You will need to submit this documentation to your state’s licensing board or regulatory agency when you apply for licensure.

Licensing

You must pass a state-administered licensure exam. The exam typically covers topics such as clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and professional ethics.

The specific exam required for LMFT licensure varies by state.

Many states use the National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination (NMFTE), which is administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). The NMFTE is a standardized exam that assesses knowledge and skills in the areas of marriage and family therapy, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and ethical practice.

Other states use a different exam or a combination of exams. For example, California uses the California Law and Ethics Exam for LMFTs, as well as the Clinical Exam, which is also administered by the AMFTRB.

It’s important to check the specific requirements for LMFT licensure in your state, including the exam(s) you need to pass and any other requirements, such as supervised clinical experience or continuing education.

You must obtain a state license to practice as an LMFT. Each state has its own requirements for licensure, so it’s important to check the specific requirements in your state.

To learn more about licensing of LMFTs in your state visit this page on the AMFTRB website and locate the board of your state.

How much do you earn as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist?

The average annual salary for marriage and family therapists in the United States is $51,340.

It’s worth noting that LMFTs who operate their own private practices have the potential to earn higher salaries, but may also have higher overhead costs and may need to spend time marketing their services and managing their business operations.

See our LMFT Salary Guide for more insights.

Latest LMFT Job Listings

PositionCompanyLocationPosted
Mental Health Therapist – Multiple MS locations availableYouth Villages Brookhaven, Mississippi US09/09/2024
Who is Youth Villages? Youth Villages is a nonprofit organization striving to help troubled youth and families live successfully. We are a team of 2,900 individuals whove come together across 12 states to change the landscape of child welfare and juvenile justice across the country. Our work involves providing an array of counseling and treatment services to youth with severe emotional and behavioral problems. Program Overview Youth … More
Mental Health Clinical Supervisor – HOSTDowntown Emergency Service Center Seattle, Washington US09/09/2024
Description:Days Off: Saturday, SundayShift: Office Day Insurance Benefits: Dental, Life, Long-term Disability, Medical (no premiums/payroll deductions for employee coverage)Other Benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), ORCA card subsidy, Paid Time Off (34 days per year), Retirement PlanAbout DESC:DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center) is a nonprofit organization … More
Field-Based Behavioral Health Care Advocate in State of LouisianaUnitedHealth Group Shreveport, Louisiana US09/08/2024
Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us … More
Licensed Mental Health CounselorLifeStance Health Spokane, Washington US09/08/2024
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly healthy society where mental and physical healthcare are unified to make lives better. Our mission is to help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives by improving access to trusted, affordable, and personalized mental healthcare. Everywhere. Every day. It’s a lofty goal; we know. But we make it happen with the best team in behavioral health. Thank you for taking the time to explore a career with us. As the fastest growing behavioral health … More
Licensed Mental Health CounselorLifeStance Health Bothell, Washington US09/08/2024
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly healthy society where mental and physical healthcare are unified to make lives better. Our mission is to help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives by improving access to trusted, affordable, and personalized mental healthcare. Everywhere. Every day. It’s a lofty goal; we know. But we make it happen with the best team in behavioral health. Thank you for taking the time to explore a career with us. As the fastest growing behavioral health … More
Mental Health Professional Expert (Therapist)Irvine Valley College Irvine Valley College, California US09/08/2024
Application Instructions : Complete all sections and fields on the application and attach all required documents – incomplete applications may not be considered. Include all relevant education, training, and/or experience on the application. Do not include any personally identifiable, confidential, or otherwise unrequested information that does not pertain to job related factors (e.g., social security … More
Behavioral Health Provider for Primary CareHarbor Health Services Inc Hyannis, Massachusetts US09/07/2024
Harbor Health is seeking for a talented Behavioral Health Provider for Primary Careto join our Behavioral Health team! The Behavioral Health Provider for Primary Care provides direct psychotherapy services to Behavioral Health patients and assists the Behavioral Health Director in clinical functions of the department; developing and implementing policies and procedures; collecting data and developing reports; and other responsibilities as assigned. … More
Behavioral Clinical Program Manager – National RemoteUnitedHealth Group Minneapolis, Minnesota US09/07/2024
Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us … More
Position
Mental Health Therapist – Multiple MS locations available
Who is Youth Villages? Youth Villages is a nonprofit organization striving to help troubled youth and families live successfully. We are a team of 2,900 individuals whove come together across 12 states to change the landscape of child welfare and juvenile justice across the country. Our work involves providing an array of counseling and treatment services to youth with severe emotional and behavioral problems. Program Overview Youth … More
Company
Youth Villages
Location
Brookhaven, Mississippi US
Posted
09/09/2024
Position
Mental Health Clinical Supervisor – HOST
Description:Days Off: Saturday, SundayShift: Office Day Insurance Benefits: Dental, Life, Long-term Disability, Medical (no premiums/payroll deductions for employee coverage)Other Benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), ORCA card subsidy, Paid Time Off (34 days per year), Retirement PlanAbout DESC:DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center) is a nonprofit organization … More
Company
Downtown Emergency Service Center
Location
Seattle, Washington US
Posted
09/09/2024
Position
Field-Based Behavioral Health Care Advocate in State of Louisiana
Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us … More
Company
UnitedHealth Group
Location
Shreveport, Louisiana US
Posted
09/08/2024
Position
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly healthy society where mental and physical healthcare are unified to make lives better. Our mission is to help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives by improving access to trusted, affordable, and personalized mental healthcare. Everywhere. Every day. It’s a lofty goal; we know. But we make it happen with the best team in behavioral health. Thank you for taking the time to explore a career with us. As the fastest growing behavioral health … More
Company
LifeStance Health
Location
Spokane, Washington US
Posted
09/08/2024
Position
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly healthy society where mental and physical healthcare are unified to make lives better. Our mission is to help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives by improving access to trusted, affordable, and personalized mental healthcare. Everywhere. Every day. It’s a lofty goal; we know. But we make it happen with the best team in behavioral health. Thank you for taking the time to explore a career with us. As the fastest growing behavioral health … More
Company
LifeStance Health
Location
Bothell, Washington US
Posted
09/08/2024
Position
Mental Health Professional Expert (Therapist)
Application Instructions : Complete all sections and fields on the application and attach all required documents – incomplete applications may not be considered. Include all relevant education, training, and/or experience on the application. Do not include any personally identifiable, confidential, or otherwise unrequested information that does not pertain to job related factors (e.g., social security … More
Company
Irvine Valley College
Location
Irvine Valley College, California US
Posted
09/08/2024
Position
Behavioral Health Provider for Primary Care
Harbor Health is seeking for a talented Behavioral Health Provider for Primary Careto join our Behavioral Health team! The Behavioral Health Provider for Primary Care provides direct psychotherapy services to Behavioral Health patients and assists the Behavioral Health Director in clinical functions of the department; developing and implementing policies and procedures; collecting data and developing reports; and other responsibilities as assigned. … More
Company
Harbor Health Services Inc
Location
Hyannis, Massachusetts US
Posted
09/07/2024
Position
Behavioral Clinical Program Manager – National Remote
Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us … More
Company
UnitedHealth Group
Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota US
Posted
09/07/2024