How to Become a Family Counselor in 5 Steps
BestColleges.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for BestColleges.com as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
The need for family counselors and therapists who can diagnose and treat cognitive and behavioral disorders is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that family counselor jobs will grow 15% from 2022 through 2032—five times faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
Families were especially impacted by COVID-19 as shutdowns moved school and work into the home, according to researchers at The Chicago School. The divorce rate spiked as couples navigated new challenges around their health and well-being. And many parents struggled to balance the demands of work, family, and remote schooling.
If you want to help families thrive as they navigate life’s ups and downs, consider becoming a family counselor.
How to Become a Family Counselor Step by Step
Becoming a family counselor or family therapist requires a commitment to higher education and a passion for helping families through their most difficult times.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s in Counseling or Psychology
A bachelor’s degree will give you a solid foundation for your future career as a family counselor or therapist.
While no specific undergraduate degree is required, many aspiring family counselors study counseling, psychology, sociology, or human services.
Common classes for undergraduates intending to become family counselors include:
- Interpersonal communication
- Introduction to psychology
- Human behavior and the environment
- Prevention and crisis intervention
- Case management in human services
Counseling bachelor’s degree programs are available both in person and online.
Step 2: Earn a Master’s in Family Counseling
Marriage and family therapists typically need a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling.
When selecting a school, look for an accredited graduate program. Also, pay attention to your state’s counseling licensure requirements.
Some of the larger counseling accrediting agencies are:
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education
- Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
As a student of family counseling, you’ll learn how marriages, families, and relationships can impact mental health. Many programs require a supervised practicum or internship to deepen your understanding of counseling concepts.
Sample classes at the graduate level include:
- Elements of clinical psychology
- Statistical reasoning in psychology
- Psychological tests and measurements
- Abnormal psychology
- Lifespan human development
Step 3: Get Licensed
The most successful family counselors and family therapists are licensed.
Counseling licensure usually requires the following:
- A master’s degree in counseling or a related field
- Completion of 2-3 years of supervised clinical experience after graduation
- A passing board exam score
The Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) administers the MFT National Examination, one of the most common licensing exams for aspiring family counselors.
AMFTRB is a useful resource for prospective family counselors and family therapists. The organization offers a state-by-state list of licensure requirements and tools to compare license types and locations.
Step 4: Find a Counseling Job
Now that you’ve completed all the requirements to become a licensed family therapist or counselor, it’s time to find a counseling job.
Tap into all the contacts you’ve made along the way. Contact your clinical supervisors, professors, and academic advisors about opportunities.
There were more than 70,000 marriage and family therapist jobs in 2022, according to the BLS. Over half of those were at clinics and centers offering individual and family services or in the offices of healthcare providers.
Step 5: Consider Continuing Education
Most states require continuing education to keep your license up to date. AMFTRB offers a state-by-state breakdown of requirements.
While the number of hours needed varies widely, you must typically complete 15-40 hours of continuing education counseling coursework every two years.
Consider earning a doctorate in psychology or doctorate in counseling. You must have a doctorate to work as a clinical psychologist.
According to Payscale, licensed marriage and family counselors earned an average salary of $65,440 as of April 2024, while psychologists earned an average of $89,370.
A doctoral degree can also open up job opportunities beyond direct patient services, such as teaching and research.
What Does a Family Counselor Do?
Assess clients’ mental health and their emotional, behavioral, and psychological needs.- Help clients navigate changing family dynamics by asking questions and discussing emotions, challenges, and experiences.
- Create treatment plans to enhance coping strategies and decision-making
- Refer clients to specialists, resources, and community services and coordinate their care
Family Counselor Salary
Annual median pay for family counselors and family therapists typically ranges from $39,090 to $104,710, according to 2023 BLS data.
Your education level and where you work can significantly affect how much money you earn.
Here’s how much you can expect to make as a family counselor or family therapist based on your worksite:
| Workplace | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | $86,030 |
| Outpatient care centers | $61,390 |
| Individual and family services | $50,700 |
| Offices of other health practitioners | $49,190 |
Family counselors also tend to make more money than other counselors, according to 2024 Payscale data:
| Counselor Type | Avg. Annual Salary (2024) |
|---|---|
| Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | $65,440 |
| School Counselor | $56,600 |
| Licensed Professional Counselor | $56,520 |
| Mental Health Counselor | $51,110 |
| Certified Addiction Drug and Alcohol Counselor | $41,910 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Family Counselor
While “family counselor” and “family therapist” are often used interchangeably, there are slight differences.
Master’s level counselors are therapists and the differences lie in their educational credentials. In some mental health fields, such as substance use, a counselor can practice with a bachelor’s degree, while a therapist must hold a master’s degree.
Explore More College Resources
Types of Counseling Degrees: How to Find Your Specialization
Explore master’s in counseling degrees to see if the job duties match your preferences and kickstart your career as a counselor.
Updated August 19, 2024
How to Become a Counselor Without a Degree: Is It Possible?
Curious about how to become a counselor without a degree? You’ll need a graduate degree — but you can still find fulfilling counseling-adjacent jobs.
Updated September 12, 2024
How to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor
The path toward becoming a licensed professional counselor can lead to a fulfilling career. Explore degree and fieldwork options for LPCs.
Updated September 17, 2024