How to Become a Family Counselor: A Step-By-Step Guide
- To become a family counselor, you need at least a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, thousands of hours of clinical experience, and a passing score on a national examination.
- After meeting your state’s requirements, you must apply to have your credentials reviewed and verified by your licensing board.
- You must renew your license by completing continuing professional education hours.
Steps to Become a Family Counselor
The process of becoming a licensed family counselor involves six main steps:
- Complete an Accredited Bachelor’s Degree Program
- Complete an Accredited Master’s Degree Program
- Complete Post-Master’s Supervised Experience
- Pass the National MFT Exam
- Apply for State Licensure
- Apply for Jobs and Maintain Credentials
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Bachelor’s Degree Program
Some schools specifically offer undergraduate degrees in behavioral science and pre-counseling, but many aspiring family counselors pursue a bachelor’s in psychology. You could also major in social work, human services, or another field in the social sciences.
Many graduate programs in counseling accept applicants from a diversity of academic backgrounds, but majoring in a related field can help you build a relevant foundation.
Step 2: Complete an Accredited Master’s Degree Program
State licensing standards usually require at least a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or counseling. Many states and employers also prefer or require that you get your degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
Full-time students typically take 2-3 years to complete their master’s degrees. Programs generally emphasize clinical skills and therapeutic techniques. Top-ranked family counseling programs also include clinical internships or other field-based components designed to help you meet state requirements.
Step 3: Complete Post-Master’s Supervised Experience
After earning your graduate degree, you must also meet your state’s post-master’s supervised experience requirements. During these experiences, you will hone your skills through direct client contact as you work under the supervision of a licensed family counselor.
Post-graduate supervision requirements vary by state but range from 2,000-4,000 hours.
Step 4: Pass the National MFT Exam
Your journey to licensure will also include the Examination in Marital and Family Therapy, a standardized exam issued by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Board and used nationally.
The 180-question multiple-choice exam covers six knowledge domains. As of September 2025, examinees must pay a $365 fee to sit for the test.
Step 5: Apply for State Licensure
After meeting your state’s requirements, you can submit a formal application to your state’s licensing board or agency. Specific license application requirements vary by state, but the process generally involves:
- Verifying your educational credentials
- Submitting documented proof that you have met your clinical training requirements
- Completing a criminal background check and/or undergoing fingerprinting
Some licensing boards may also review your history of professional conduct, especially if you have previously held a counseling or therapist license in your current state or another jurisdiction.
Step 6: Apply for Jobs and Maintain Credentials
Once you officially become licensed, you can launch your own practice or start applying for family counseling jobs. In addition to general job search services and websites, you can search for opportunities through specialized job boards available through local, state, or national professional organizations.
You must also complete continuing professional education (CPE) requirements to renew your license. Each state has different licensing cycles and CPE standards, but you must generally renew your license every two years and complete 30-36 CPE hours. Consult your state licensing board for exact requirements.
Family Counselor Salary and Job Outlook
Family counselor salaries can vary widely, depending on location, experience, setting, and employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), marriage and family therapists earn a median annual salary of nearly $64,000. Professionals at the 10th percentile earn less than $42,610 annually, while those at the 90th percentile earn more than $111,610 per year.
Common Work Settings
Typical employment settings for marriage and family therapists include:
- Health practitioners’ offices
- Family services centers
- Outpatient care centers
- State governments
Some family counselors offer services remotely, reflecting a growing trend among health practitioners. A 2022 study published in the Child Care Youth Forum academic journal found that remote therapy services can be effective, especially for clients who would otherwise face challenges accessing them.
Become a Counselor in Your State
The steps to become a family counselor can vary depending on the state where you plan to practice. Learn more about specific requirements in some of the top states for family counselors:
Frequently Asked Questions
You can expect to spend at least 6-8 years completing all your education, experience, and examination requirements, including earning a master’s degree and completing your state’s licensure requirements.
