Marriage And Family Therapist Job Description Template

Marriage and family therapy is a rewarding and challenging profession that focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families navigate through difficult times and improve their relationships. As the demand for mental health services continues to rise, recruiters are searching for qualified therapists who can meet the needs of their clients.

What Is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)

A marriage and family therapist (MFT) is a mental health professional who specializes in providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families to address relationship issues and emotional or behavioral problems. They work in private practices, clinics, hospitals, or community agencies and play a crucial role in promoting healthy and functional relationships within families.

Where to Find Them?

• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) member directories
• State or regional MFT associations
• Specialty interest groups (e.g., trauma, couples work)
• Partner with MFT or counseling programs, offer internship/practicum opportunities
• Post on university career centers’ boards
• Niche boards: PsychologyJobs, TherapyJobs, GoodTherapy, Mental Health America
• General professional boards: LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, etc.
• Telehealth & remote therapy platforms
• Use professional groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram, targeting therapists
• Share content (e.g., articles, webinars) to attract practitioners
• Partner with agencies familiar with clinical roles

Marriage And Family Therapist Job Description

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and licensed marriage and family therapist to provide evidence-based therapy to individuals, couples, and families. This role encompasses clinical assessment, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, and coordination with other care providers. The ideal candidate will contribute to improving relational functioning, mental wellness, and systemic resilience across family units.

Marriage And Family Therapist Responsibilities

• Conduct therapy sessions for individuals, couples, and familiesto help clients address their emotional, psychological, and relationship concerns. They assess clients' needs, develop treatment plans, and utilize evidence-based therapeutic techniques to facilitate positive changes.
• Establish a collaborative and supportive relationship with clients, providing a safe and non-judgmental space to explore emotions, experiences, and relationship dynamics. They actively listen, validate feelings, and offer guidance and support.
• Conduct thorough assessments to identify the underlying issues within the family or relationship. They utilize various assessment tools and techniques to diagnose mental health disorders or relationship difficulties.
• Based on their assessments, MFTs create personalized treatment plans tailored to each client's needs. They set goals, determine intervention strategies, and collaborate with clients to monitor progress and adjust treatment as necessary.
• Educate clients about healthy relationship dynamics, effective communication skills, conflict resolution techniques, and stress management strategies. They equip clients with the necessary tools to improve their relationships and enhance overall well-being.
• Trained to handle crises effectively. They assist clients in managing crises, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, grief, or child custody disputes.
• Keep accurate and up-to-date records of client sessions, treatment plans, progress notes, and any legal or ethical documentation required by their organization or licensing board.
• Engage in continuing education and stay current with the latest research and therapeutic techniques in the field. They attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to enhance their professional knowledge and skills.

Marriage And Family Therapist Required Skills

• Must possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with clients and their families. They should be able to convey complex psychological concepts in simple, understandable language.
• Need to exhibit empathy and compassion towards clients, demonstrating an understanding of their struggles and emotions, and creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.
• Must be able to attentively listen to clients, understand their underlying concerns, and provide appropriate interventions.
• Have strong problem-solving skills to analyze complex relationship dynamics and develop effective treatment strategies. They need to think critically and adapt their approaches based on individual client needs.
• Have an understanding of diverse cultures and be able to work with clients from different backgrounds, respecting their beliefs, values, and practices.
• Must adhere to strict ethical guidelines and maintain client confidentiality. They should demonstrate professionalism and ethical decision-making in their practice.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field is required. The degree program should be accredited by a recognized accrediting body.
• Must be licensed to practice in their jurisdiction. The requirements for licensure vary by state but typically include completion of supervised clinical hours and passing a licensing examination.
• Should have practical experience in conducting therapy sessions, preferably in a supervised clinical setting. Internships or supervised placements during their graduate program are valuable.
• Expected to engage in ongoing professional development by attending relevant workshops, conferences, or training to stay updated with the latest research and therapeutic approaches.
• Must possess a strong ethical foundation and adhere to ethical guidelines set by their respective licensing boards or professional associations.

Challenges in Hiring a Marriage and Family Therapist

• Each state or region has its own licensing requirements (e.g., number of supervised hours, exams). Some candidates may be licensed in one state but not eligible in another, complicating mobility.
• Some highly qualified therapists may remain in associate or provisional roles while completing licensure requirements, limiting their full practice scope.
• MFTs often face heavy caseloads, administrative burdens (documentation, insurance), and emotional stress, which can lead to burnout and turnover.
• Recruiting must offer not only a competitive salary but also support systems: supervision, manageable caseload, work-life balance, professional development, and mental health support.
• In 2025, demand for mental health services, relational therapy, and integrated care models continues to push the need for more qualified MFTs, straining the available talent pool.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire?

Salary

• According to ZipRecruiter data in 2025, the average salary for a marriage and family therapist in the U.S. is about $85,006 per year (approx. $40.87/hour).

Benefits & Overheads

Benefits and overhead can add ~20–30% on top of base salary (depending on region and benefit levels). So if the salary is $85,000, the total cost might be $100,000–$110,500 or more.

• Health insurance, dental, vision, disability, retirement/pension contributions
• Liability insurance/malpractice coverage
• Continuing education, license renewal, and supervision costs
• Office space, telehealth infrastructure, administrative support, software, and documentation systems
• Recruitment costs: advertising, agency fees, background checks, interviews
• Onboarding, training, and supervision costs

Recruitment Costs

• Job board fees, targeted ads, and association listings
• Headhunting/recruitment agency fees (often 15–25 % of first-year salary)
• Time invested by HR/clinical leadership in screening, interviewing, and vetting

Conclusion

In conclusion, the role of a marriage and family therapist is a crucial one in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the challenges and complexities of their relationships. This job description template provides a comprehensive overview of the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities required for this position. By utilizing this template, both employers and potential candidates can gain a clear understanding of the role and ensure a successful match between therapist and client. By providing guidance, support, and therapeutic interventions, marriage and family therapists play a vital role in promoting healthy and thriving relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should a marriage and family therapist job description include?

A: A strong marriage and family therapist job description should detail core responsibilities (intake, therapy, case management), qualifications (degree, licensure), preferred skills, work environment, benefits, supervision structure, and mission of the employer.

Q: How do I write a compelling marriage and family therapist job description to attract top candidates?

A: Use clear language, highlight growth opportunities, emphasize support (supervision, professional development), include unique perks, show mission alignment, and outline realistic caseload expectations.

Q: What minimum qualifications should I require in the marriage and family therapist job description?

A: Common minimums: master’s degree in MFT or related field, eligibility or possession of license (e.g., LMFT), completion of supervised clinical hours, proficiency in evidence-based modalities, and strong relational skills.

Q: How many candidates typically respond to a marriage and family therapist job description posting? ‍

A: It varies widely by location, compensation, and visibility of posting. In competitive markets, you might receive dozens of applications; in rural or underserved areas, responses may be limited.

Q: Can I hire an MFT who is not yet fully licensed? ‍

A: Yes, you can hire an associate or provisional MFT if local regulations permit. The job description should clarify expectations for supervision, licensure progression, and scope of practice until full licensure.