How to Become a Family Counselor
Family counseling offers rewarding careers in a growing field. Find out how to become a family counselor and what to expect once you enter the field.
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Family counselors are in demand as more parents, children, and couples seek out their guidance to work through challenging situations. Explore our guide to learn more about this career and what educational and training requirements you need to enter the field.
Steps to Become a Family Counselor
To become a family counselor, you need a graduate degree in counseling. Depending on the state where you intend to work, you may also need to earn additional licensure and meet other requirements.
- Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree, which is required for admission to most graduate programs, builds a solid foundation for earning a master’s in marriage and family therapy (MFT) or a related field. If you are considering a career as a family counselor, an undergraduate major in psychology, sociology, counseling, or other social sciences can help you acquire the foundational knowledge and skills for graduate study.
- Step 2: Complete a Family Counseling Internship
Internships are an important component of family counseling training, allowing you to apply classroom learning to real-world experience. Master’s programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) meet the internship standards for family counselor licensure in most states.
Internships at COAMFTE-accredited programs require a minimum of 300 hours of direct client contact, providing therapy or counseling services under supervision. At least 100 hours must be relational, working with couples or family therapy.
- Step 3: Complete Post-Master’s Supervised Experience:
Once you have earned your MFT degree, you must complete a post-master’s supervised experience to prepare for the MFT licensing exam and gain practical skills for independent practice. The requirements for professional experience vary by state but typically range from 1,000-4,000 client contact hours, which must include a specific number of hours dedicated to supervision.
- Step 4: Pass the MFT Exam
All states require the National MFT Clinical Exam, developed by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB), except California, which administers its own exam.
Once you apply to your state board and receive authorization to take the test, the board issues an eligibility letter with a test approval code. This allows you to register for the exam through the Professional Testing Corporation. The four-hour, computer-based exam covers the major MFT practice areas, including systemic therapy, diagnosis, assessment, and ethical issues.
- Step 5: Obtain State Licensure
While each state board establishes specific criteria for licensed counselors, the requirements are similar in most states.
Prospective family counselors seeking licensure typically must have a COAMFTE-accredited master’s degree that includes at least 300 internship hours, complete 1,000-4,000 hours of post-master’s supervised experience, and pass the MFT exam. You also must pass a criminal background check and submit the required licensure application fees.
How Long Will Becoming a Family Counselor Take?
It typically takes 6-8 years to become a family counselor. However, the exact timeline depends on several factors, including specific state licensure requirements, whether you study full-time or part-time, and how long it takes you to complete supervised experience hours and exam preparation.
| Job | Time to Become |
|---|---|
| Substance Use and Addictions Counselor | 4-8 years |
| Mental Health Counselor | 6-8 years |
| School Counselor | 6-8 years |
| Pastoral Counselor | 6-8 years |
| Rehabilitation Counselor | ~8 years |
How to Continue Your Education as a Family Counselor
Family counselors need to stay current on best practices and new approaches. All family counselors must complete continuing education (CE) hours to maintain licensure. Earning a doctorate or pursuing post-graduate specializations also enhances professional development.
How Much Does a Family Counselor Make?
Family counselors earn an average annual salary of about $64,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, several factors determine a family counselor’s salary, including experience, specialization, and employer type. Geographical location also has an impact, with urban areas generally offering higher salaries than less populated areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Family Counselor
While traditional, campus-based master’s programs require a minimum of two years, you can finish an accelerated online master’s program in 24 months or less. However, to be eligible for licensure, you may need to complete additional coursework and supervised clinical experience hours.
