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Marriage and family therapists help people learn
to solve family problems by managing close relationships in productive,
cooperative, and satisfying ways. They address a wide array of relationship
issues and diagnose and treat mental and nervous disorders and problems
within the family system.
Individuals, couples, and families benefit from
the unique perspective and skills of marriage and family therapists,
whether the presenting concern is a couples relationship, children,
blended or stepfamilies, elder care, or if the issue is a specific
disorder, such as eating disorders or depression. The marriage and
family therapist will consult with all involved in the problem including
parents, spouses, children, friends, school personnel, social services,
community agencies, and the courts.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Areas of Specialization
Marriage and family therapists specialize in understanding their
clients’ symptoms and interaction patterns within their existing
environment as they treat individuals, couples, families, and groups
of individuals.
Work Environment
Marriage and family therapists work in clinics, agencies, hospitals,
schools, and private practice. Hours must be flexible to accommodate
families in crisis and working people who require evening or weekend
appointments.
Job Outlook
Florida currently has 1500 licensed Marriage and Family therapists.
Factors pointing to expansion are Florida’s fast population
gain, recent legislation making MFTs eligible providers of mental
health care under the VA, and the 2006 FL state approval of parity
for the Baker Act. Therefore, employment opportunities should grow.
Advancement
With experience and advanced educational credentials, supervision
of other clinicians, teching at the post-graduate level, or working
with a professional association could become feasible
Length of Training/Requirements
Training in family therapy begins at the master's level. Students
holding a bachelor's degree are admitted to the program in marriage
and family therapy. The length of a master's program is generally
two years full-time. The course sequence includes classroom studies
in clinical theory, diagnosis, and assessment, as well as clinical
practicum time. Doctoral education in family therapy emphasizes
the training of supervisors, teachers, researchers, and clinicians
in the discipline.
Licensure/Certification
Educational requirements for licensure include a minimum of a master's
degree from an accredited university with major emphasis in marriage
and family therapy. Three years of experience as a marriage and
family therapist, two of which must be post-master's level under
the supervision of a qualified marriage and family therapist, are
required for licensure. The examination is given by the Board of
Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health
Counseling.
Salary
The average hourly wage for marriage and family therapists was $20.18
in 2009.
Updated: 2009 |
