As a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), you'll help individuals, couples, and families manage emotional, psychological, and interpersonal problems. The entry point is a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related field. Over four years, these programs provide foundational knowledge in mental health theories, research methods, and counseling techniques.

To become licensed, you'll need a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling, or a similar field. Master's programs last around two years and involve coursework on theories of family systems, ethical and legal issues, and diversity in family dynamics. Most programs also include supervised clinical experience, typically ranging from 300 to 500 hours.

Post-master’s, you must complete two years (about 2,000 to 4,000 hours) of supervised clinical experience to qualify for the licensure exam. Each state has its requirements, and licensure is generally necessary to practice independently. Additionally, continuing education and periodic license renewal are standard requirements.

Specialized training or certifications, such as Gottman Method Couples Therapy or Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), can provide additional skills and marketability.

This article was generated by Open AI with human guidance and editing along the way.