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Marriage and Family Therapy

What Is Marriage and Family Therapy?

Marriage and Family Therapy is the field of psychotherapy aimed at treating individuals, couples, and families within a relational context.

Marriage and Family Therapy Programs at The Chicago School

We train marriage and family therapists (MFTs) to provide psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and families in need. As mental health service providers, marriage and family therapists work within the context of the relational system to address a variety of mental, emotional, and relational issues. In addition, MFT’s may provide programs for relational enrichment, premarital preparation, and parent education. At The Chicago School, you will train to work in a variety of settings with the guidance of practitioner-scholar faculty who actively participate in the MFT field.

Whether you are pursuing a marriage and family therapist degree at the master's or doctoral level, both paths prepare you to work within a relational, systems-based model of therapy.

Degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy offered at The Chicago School
M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy
Anaheim
Los Angeles
Online
Psy.D. Marital and Family Therapy
Anaheim
Los Angeles

Careers in Marriage and Family Therapy

The Chicago School’s master’s program in marriage and family therapy equips graduates with the skills and knowledge required for licensure as a marriage and family therapist in the state of California. Our doctoral programs in marriage and family therapy also prepare graduates to assume leadership positions in the mental health field and to teach in higher education.

Learn more about the differences between MFT master’s and Psy.D. programs to see which degree aligns most with your academic needs and career goals.

Public and Private Sector Employers:
  • Hospitals and community-based clinics
  • Substance abuse treatment centers
  • Mental health centers
  • Social service agencies
  • Private practice
  • Higher Education
Marriage and Family Therapy Job Titles:
  • Marriage and family therapist
  • Marriage and family counselor
  • Mental health counselor
  • Clinical director
  • Grant writer
  • Senior administrator

Marriage and Family Therapy Programs FAQs

Which marriage and family therapy programs are available online?

Our master’s in marriage and family therapy degree is available online. Both the MFT Psy.D. and master’s programs are available in -person at our Anaheim and Los Angeles campuses.

What is the average salary for a marriage and family therapist?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for marriage and family therapists is $63,780.

Is there a growing demand for marriage and family therapists?

Yes. The U.S. is currently facing a mental health crisis, with a growing demand for qualified professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for marriage and family therapists is projected to grow by 13% from 2024 to 2034, with about 7,700 openings projected each year.

Learn how to become a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of California.

What degree do I need to become a marriage and family therapist?

Most marriage and family therapists hold a master's degree that, meets the minimum educational requirement for licensure in most states.

Some professionals pursue a doctoral degree, such as a Psy.D., to move into supervisory, leadership, or teaching roles beyond direct clinical practice.

The Chicago School offers a marriage and family therapist degree at both levels: a COAMFTE-accredited M.A. for licensure-track students, and a Psy.D. for pre-licensed or licensed professionals.

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Friday, 18 September
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Dr. Christopher Chaffin: Introduction to Existential Concepts

Join us for a brief exploration of the history of how existential phil...

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Nazila Amighi, M.A., LMFT Graduate, Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program

Nazila Amighi, M.A., LMFT

Graduate, Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program
When I come to work, I honestly don’t feel like I’m going to work. I’m excited about seeing my clients. What are we going to talk about—where are we going today?”

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