How to Become a Family Counselor in 5 Steps

Beth Walton
By
Updated on September 5, 2024
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Learn how to become a family counselor or family therapist and help couples, children, and parents improve their lives.

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.

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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:

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
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Step 3: Get Licensed

The most successful family counselors and family therapists are licensed.

Counseling licensure usually requires the following:

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?

  • check-circle Assess clients’ mental health and their emotional, behavioral, and psychological needs.
  • check-circle Help clients navigate changing family dynamics by asking questions and discussing emotions, challenges, and experiences.
  • check-circle Create treatment plans to enhance coping strategies and decision-making
  • check-circle Refer clients to specialists, resources, and community services and coordinate their care
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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:

Counselor Salaries by Workplace
WorkplaceMedian 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
Source:BLS

Family counselors also tend to make more money than other counselors, according to 2024 Payscale data:

Comparison of Counselor Salaries
Counselor TypeAvg. 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
Source: Payscale

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.

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