Evaluate which type of graduate program suits your needs. Marriage and family counselors, often referred to as marriage and family therapists or MFTs, come from a wide range of educational backgrounds such as social work, nursing and pastoral counseling. One tie that binds all practicing MFTs, however, is their level of education. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), as of 2010, all 50 states plus the District of Columbia require a marriage and family therapist to hold a minimum of a master's degree in a social service-related field. Generally, three options are available: a master's degree (two to three years), a doctoral degree (three to five years) or post-graduate training program (three to four years).
The educational route you choose is largely based on your own personal and professional needs, desires and flexibility. However, keep in mind that the approximate number of years spent in each program reflects full-time enrollment. Some programs allow part-time enrollment, but many still require full-time enrollment in order to maximize not only classroom time, but supervised field work as well.
Research your graduate program's credentials. Although it may be tempting to assume that a master's degree from School X weighs the same as one from School Y, this is not always the case. Colleges and universities that confer graduate degrees to health professionals are often overseen by specialized accrediting organizations, and marriage and family therapy is no exception. These organizations aim to foster quality assurance for students, consumers and the health professions they govern.
Established in 1978, the most widely recognized governing body for marriage and family counselors is the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
When choosing a graduate program, it is to your benefit to choose one that has current COAMFTE accreditation. You will be assured that your training is current, thorough and extensively evaluated. It also suggests to potential employers that you have received rigorous and supervised training in the field. Consult COAMFTE's website for a current list of approved programs.
Familiarize yourself with the state licensing requirements for marriage and family therapists. According to AAMFT, as of July 2010, all 50 states plus the District of Columbia support and regulate marriage and family therapists by offering either state licenses or certifications to practice in their respective states. Although most regulating states share similar laws and requirements, there is some variety from state to state. Keep current on your home state's regulations while still in graduate school to ensure you meet the educational requirements necessary to earn licensure. Check out the AAMFT website for a state directory list.
You've earned your degree and have kept current on on state laws. So are you a MFT yet? In most states, no. State licensure laws vary, but most still require you to pass a comprehensive state-issued written or oral examination as well as put in additional supervised face-to-face clinical hours. For example, according to New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs, after you've earned a master's degree, you are required to provide proof of three years of full-time supervised employment as a marriage and family therapist. Two of those three years must have occurred after you received your master's degree. You must also pass a written exam. Once you meet this criteria, you may apply for a license. It is the state's discretion whether you receive that license.
Join the AAMFT or a similar professional membership association. If you're serious about a career as a marriage and family therapist, membership can have its privileges. As of 2010, the annual membership in AAMFT for a student is $55. Membership offers access to exclusive on line content related to the profession such as networking, current research and legislation. It also offers a quarterly journal subscription, information about professional liability insurance and an wealth of guidance for any student considering a career in the field.