Marriage counselors, also known as marriage and family therapists (MFTs), are licensed mental health professionals within the broader field of psychology. They provide guidance and support to couples and families who are facing crises or confronting challenges, such as grief, trauma, sibling conflicts, marital distress, or substance abuse. If you feel passionate about helping couples and families forge happier, healthier relationships with each other and themselves, this rapidly growing field may be a perfect fit for you.
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
- Step 2: Pursue a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
- Step 3: Obtain State Licensure
- Step 4: Gain Work Experience
- Step 5: Consider Specializations and Certifications
- Master’s and Doctorate Programs in Marriage and Family Therapy
This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step overview of the process and requirements to become a licensed marriage counselor, including:
- Required degrees and licensing
- How and where to get relevant work experience
- State-specific licensing requirements
- Optional specializations and certifications
We’ll also offer tips on choosing the right degree program, review some coursework you can expect to complete, and discuss the importance of continuing your education after graduation.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Before becoming a licensed marriage counselor, you must complete a master’s program. And before you can complete a master’s program, you are required to earn your bachelor’s degree.
Educational Requirements
Earning a bachelor’s degree is the first step toward becoming a licensed marriage counselor. Undergraduate programs in fields like psychology, sociology, social work, or human development provide the foundational skills and knowledge needed for this career. For instance, National University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology offers coursework in developmental psychology, behavior and cognition, psychopathology, and research analysis. This curriculum is developed to align with the standards set by the American Psychological Association (APA), ensuring students gain a strong academic foundation.
Most bachelor’s degree programs take students between four and five years to complete, depending on factors like the program’s credit requirements, studying full-time vs. part-time, and whether the program offers an accelerated study option. Bachelor of Science (BS) programs tend to emphasize quantitative research, science, mathematics, and profession-specific skills. Conversely, Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs are broader in scope and place a greater focus on social sciences, general education, and the humanities.
Gaining Relevant Experience
It’s important to start gaining hands-on experience working with individuals or families as early as possible. For example, you can explore relevant internships, peer counseling opportunities at your school, volunteer work opportunities at mental health clinics, or part-time jobs in mental health settings, such as assisting researchers.
Step 2: Pursue a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
After completing your undergraduate studies, the next step is earning your master’s or doctorate degree. A master’s degree program typically takes one to two years to complete, while doctoral degree programs can range from around three to eight years.
Learn more about doctorate degree programs and continue reading for tips on choosing the right graduate degree program, including an overview of core coursework, field experience requirements, and how MFT practicums work.
Choosing the Right Graduate Program
If you’re interested in becoming a marriage and family therapist, earning a graduate degree is a key step. Many students pursue a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) or a similar degree in counseling or psychology. When researching programs, make sure the one you choose is properly accredited by a recognized body, such as the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
It’s also worth considering how a program fits into your life and goals. Some students may prefer online or hybrid programs that offer greater flexibility, shorter timelines to graduation, or reduced costs compared to on-campus options.
Core Coursework
While every MFT program follows a different curriculum, they typically cover subject matter like ethics in therapy, human development, counseling theory, and family system dynamics, along with a range of therapeutic approaches and techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and solution-focused therapy (SFT). Students who enroll in the MAMFT degree program at National University have opportunities to take courses like:
- State Law and Professional Ethics
- Cultural Diversity, Gender, and Family Development
- Families in Crisis
- Family Therapy with Children
- Psychopathology, Diagnosis, and Systemic Treatment
- Sex Therapy in MFT
Students in the MAMFT also have the option to specialize in a wide range of MFT tracks, including:
- Child and Adolescent Family Therapy
- Couple Therapy
- LGBTQ Couple and Family Therapy
- Medical Family Therapy
- Military Family Therapy
- Systemic Sex Therapy
- Trauma-Informed Systemic Therapy
Field Experience and Practicum
Most MFT programs include a practicum and internship component that allows students to gain hands-on experience in real-world clinical settings. These placements are crucial for building skills and confidence while preparing for licensure after graduation.
At National University, MAMFT students complete a two-part practicum and internship, along with a capstone project that applies systems theory to clinical cases. Practicum settings may include mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, and private practices.
Step 3: Obtain State Licensure
Before we dive into the next part of this guide, it’s important to emphasize that licensure and certification requirements vary by state. The information presented below is an example that is specific to California and may not apply to other locations. Be sure to check your state’s licensing regulations for the most relevant and up-to-date guidance on certification.
Licensure Requirements
In California, practicing as a marriage and family counselor requires a license. The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) oversees the licensing process. There are two key types of licenses to understand:
- Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT): Registering as an AMFT is part of the process of earning your LMFT
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): To earn your LMFT license in California, you must complete the following BBS requirements, in addition to several other BBS criteria:
- Earn a relevant master’s degree, such as a Master of Arts in MFT, from a BBS-approved institution like National University
- Pass various exams, including the California Law and Ethics Exam, the LMFT Clinical Exam, and the Marriage and Family Therapy National Exam, which is administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB)
- Complete 3,000 supervised experience hours over a 104-week period or longer
The BBS grants multiple types of licenses in addition to the AMFT/LMFT, including the Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). If you know that you want a career in mental health but aren’t sure whether marriage and family counseling is the right specialty for you, consider exploring the LEP, LPCC, or LCSW as alternatives.
Continuing Education
Continuing education is required to maintain your licensure and stay up-to-date on the latest and best practices in the field of marriage and family therapy. There are various industry organizations that provide opportunities for continuing education and professional development, such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). This organization offers workshops, seminars, and other resources to aid your professional development.
Step 4: Gain Work Experience
Gaining practical work experience is required to become a marriage counselor in any state. In this guide, you’ll find information about professional development resources, opportunities for aspiring MFTs, and a look at common entry-level roles that can help you kickstart your career.
Entry-Level Positions
In order to earn an entry-level role as a marriage and family counselor, you’ll need to obtain an advanced degree, have acquired thousands of hours of work experience, and maintain an active license to practice. With these rigorous requirements, this isn’t your typical entry-level role. So, where (and how) do new MFTs normally start their careers? Some of the most common types of employers and workplace settings include:
- Community counseling centers
- Mental health clinics
- Private practices
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 28% of MFTs work in “offices of other health practitioners,” 27% for “individual and family services,” 13% for outpatient care facilities, and 6% for government organizations, with the remaining 13% self-employed.
No matter what type of setting you want to work in, some of the best ways to find job opportunities include:
- Networking with members of your industry
- Attending job or career fairs
- Joining professional organizations like the AAMFT
Professional Development
As a new marriage and family counselor, engaging in ongoing professional development is essential for refining your skills, expanding your knowledge, and staying updated on the latest industry regulations, research, and events. Take initiative in building strong connections with colleagues, joining relevant professional networks, and seeking mentorship opportunities from experienced MFTs who can provide valuable guidance and support. Some of the most popular professional organizations to consider joining include the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR).
Step 5: Consider Specializations and Certifications
Though not mandatory for obtaining your license to practice as an MFT, there are various optional certifications that can expand your skill set, increase your earning potential, and distinguish you from other candidates applying for competitive positions. Some examples are becoming a Certified Gottman Therapist or an Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) practitioner, discussed in more detail below. You may also wish to explore specialized areas within the broader field of marriage counseling, such as:
- Multicultural counseling
- Premarital counseling
- Sex therapy
- Substance addiction counseling
- Trauma-focused therapy
Certified Gottman Therapist
The Gottman Method, developed during the 1980s, is an evidence-based method for helping couples improve their communication and conflict resolution skills. This certification, awarded by the Gottman Institute, signifies that the holder has successfully completed a master’s or doctorate degree program, at least 1,000 hours of post-graduate experience, three levels of training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and additional training specific to infidelity and substance abuse.
Earning this certification also allows you to join the Gottman Referral Network, which, as the Institute explains, “provides credibility to your practice, helps to channel new clients your way, and allows you to promote and market yourself as certified by The Gottman Institute.”
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Certifications
The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, better known as ICEEFT, awards various certifications related to couples and family therapy. Some examples include:
- Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) Certification: EFCT is a short, impactful series of between eight to 20 sessions designed to equip participants with skills needed to help couples through a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, and forgiveness. Becoming EFCT certified involves multiple two-day modules, 24 hours of online or in-person training, at least eight hours of EFCT supervision, and several additional steps.
- Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) Certification: Earning an EFFT certification gives applicants training in stabilizing negative interaction patterns, rebuilding parent-child relationships, and helping build a stronger sense of connectedness by helping others establish new, healthier relationship patterns. The ICEEFT’s multi-step EFFT certification process features a 6.25-hour workshop, 24-hour training course, and minimum 8-hour supervised experience requirement, among other components.
Master’s and Doctorate Programs in Marriage and Family Therapy
Becoming a marriage and family therapist is a rigorous, multi-stage process that involves earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, completing thousands of hours of supervised work experience, and passing various professional exams. Beyond the academic requirements, aspiring marriage and family therapists must also submit to a criminal background check, agree to be fingerprinted, and register as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) while pursuing their license. As a BBS-approved school, National University offers accredited online programs that prepare and support you at every step of the way.
Explore programs like the Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT), the Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy (PhD-MFT), or the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT), the first virtual MFT program to earn accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). With convenient online learning, flexible night and weekend classes, and accelerated study options, NU empowers students to hit the ground running with industry-ready skills.
Learn more about NU’s accredited programs in marriage and family therapy. Request detailed program information from our admissions office, or apply online today.
This content has been reviewed and approved by the National University Editorial Advisory Board. Learn more about our editorial process.
