A Family Therapist is someone who works directly with individuals, families and couples to tackle problems that are facing everyone in the family unit. These kinds of issues can range from divorce, to marital problems, to a serious illness or any chance in the family dynamic. Family Therapists are highly skilled mental health professionals who have received extensive training in how to assess issues that face families, how to create a plan to promote positive change and to teach couples and families to work together more effectively.
What Are The Degree Options To Become a Family Therapist?
There are a number of degree options for those hoping to work as a family therapist. At the undergraduate level students can pursue either their bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in psychology or counseling to start on the path towards this rewarding career. In order to complete their training, students must earn a minimum of a master’s degree in order to pursue licensure. There are a number of degree options for those who plan to work in this field. Some of them include:
- Master of Family Therapy
- Master of Arts in Counseling
- Master of Arts or Science in General Psychology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling
- Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
- Doctor of Psychology
Can I Earn a Family Therapy Degree Online?
There are many fully accredited colleges and universities that now offer these excellent degree options online. Students can choose from the fully online or the hybrid online and on-campus format. Some of the top schools offering online degrees include:
Capell University – Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling
Northcentral University – Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
Walden University – Master of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
How Much Do Family Therapists Earn?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook (2016), the average national annual salary for marriage and family therapists is $48,040. With the top 75 percent earning $62,750, and the top 90 percent earning $78,920.
Is The Field of Family Therapy Growing?
The BLS predicts that this field will see a job growth rate of at least 19 percent, which is considered much higher than average. This means that those students pursuing their graduate degree in family therapy will have an ample supply of positions to pursue.
Those people who feel drawn to the helping profession of family therapy can earn their degree either online, on-campus or a combination of both to suit the needs of their busy life. With a rise in the field in terms of both jobs and salary, it is an excellent career path. By earning a degree in family therapy you can be on your way to a rewarding career working with individuals, families and couples.
