Marriage and Family Therapists are in demand because they provide a vital service to people needing mental health support. MFTs are certified counselors who approach helping people by looking at their relationship dynamics. They work with individuals, couples, and families to help them communicate, relate and live better. Like Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors, and Psychologists, becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist requires training, testing, and supervised work experience. This process ensures that people working as MFTs have the tools and skills necessary to help those in need.
If you want to become an MFT in Texas, you can have a gratifying career helping people. Texas is an excellent place to live and work, and MFTs can live a comfortable life while having a fulfilling and purposeful career experience. This article will outline the necessary steps to receive your Texas MFT license and the cost and outlook for the MFT area.
Here are the steps on how to become an MFT in Texas:
- Complete a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy.
The degree must be from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). COAMFTE’s mission is to promote best practices for Marriage and Family Therapy educational programs through establishing, reviewing, and revising accreditation standards and policies and the accreditation of graduate and post-graduate educational programs.
A COAMFTE-accredited program must include coursework in the following areas:
- Human development
- Family systems
- Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Treatment planning and intervention
- Research methods
- Pass the national licensing exam.
The Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AAMFTRB) administers the national licensing exam for marriage and family therapists.
The exam is a multiple-choice test that covers the following areas:
- Human development
- Family systems
- Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Treatment planning and intervention
- Legal and ethical issues
- Complete two years of supervised clinical experience.
The supervised clinical experience must be under the supervision of a licensed marriage and family therapist. The experience must include a variety of settings, such as private practice, community mental health centers, and hospitals.
- Apply for licensure.
Once you have completed all the requirements, you can apply for licensure with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists. The application process includes submitting an application fee, transcripts from your graduate program, proof of passing the national licensing exam, and a completed application.
Here are some additional details about each step:
Master’s or doctoral degree:
The master’s degree is the most common for marriage and family therapists. However, some people choose to earn a doctoral degree. The degree program will typically include counseling, human development, family systems, and research coursework. You can apply to a graduate program after completing a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Related fields for bachelor’s degrees could be psychology, social work, sociology, public health, and mental health counseling.
Many master’s or doctoral degree programs require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for admission to their program. Students in their final semester of study for their bachelor’s degree take the GRE and begin applying to graduate MFT programs. When looking for MFT programs, it is best to consider only programs accredited by the COAMFTE. This accreditation ensures you receive the proper education and training to work successfully as an MFT in Texas.
AAMFTRB exam
The AMFTRB exam is a 200-item, multiple-choice exam that tests your marriage and family therapy knowledge. The exam is divided into three sections:
- Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy
- Clinical Interventions in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Professional Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy
Supervised clinical experience
Supervised clinical experience is a requirement for all LMFT licenses. The experience must be under the supervision of a licensed marriage and family therapist. The supervisor will help you develop your skills and knowledge as a therapist while ensuring you adhere to the ethical and moral standards for MFTs.
LMFT license
The LMFT license is Texas’s most basic license for marriage and family therapists. Once you have obtained your LMFT license, you can practice marriage and family therapy in Texas. You can also use the title “Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist” (LMFT).
If you are interested in becoming a marriage and family therapist in Texas, I encourage you to research and find a program that is right for you. Marriage and family therapy is a rewarding career that can help people improve their lives.
Here are some additional tips for becoming a marriage and family therapist in Texas:
- Get involved in professional organizations.
There are many professional organizations for marriage and family therapists in Texas. Getting involved in these organizations can help you network with other professionals, learn about new developments in the field, and stay up-to-date on the latest licensing requirements.
- Attend continuing education courses.
Continuing education is required for all licensed marriage and family therapists in Texas. Attending continuing education courses will help you stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in the field.
- Volunteer your services.
Volunteering your services as a marriage and family therapist can be a great way to gain experience and make a difference in your community. Many organizations could benefit from the services of a marriage and family therapist, such as domestic violence shelters, schools, and community health centers.
How to Maintain Your License as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Texas
Once you have obtained your license to practice marriage and family therapy in Texas, it is essential to take steps to maintain your license. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (TSBEMT) requires all licensed marriage and family therapists to complete continuing education, pay an annual renewal fee, and meet specific ethical standards.
Continuing Education:
Texas’s licensed marriage and family therapists must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years. The TSBEMT must approve the continuing education and include at least 6 hours of ethics and 3 hours of
cultural diversity or competency.
Annual Renewal Fee:
The annual renewal fee for a Texas MFT license is $150.
Ethical Standards:
Licensed marriage and family therapists in Texas are required to adhere to the ethical standards of the TSBEMT. These standards include maintaining confidentiality, providing informed consent, and avoiding conflicts of interest.
By taking steps to maintain your license, you can ensure that you can continue practicing marriage and family therapy in Texas.
Here are some additional tips for maintaining your license as a marriage and family therapist in Texas:
- Stay up-to-date on the latest research and trends in marriage and family therapy.
- Attend conferences and workshops to learn new skills and techniques.
- Network with other marriage and family therapists in your area.
- Seek supervision from a more experienced therapist.
- Be open to feedback and be willing to learn from your mistakes.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you are providing the best possible care to your clients and upholding the profession’s high standards.
Job Outlook for Marriage and Family Therapists in Texas
The job outlook for marriage and family therapists in Texas is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of marriage and family therapists will grow 14% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected due to increasing demand for mental health services and an aging population that is more likely to need counseling services.
Marriage and family therapists provide counseling and therapy to individuals, couples, and families. They work with clients to address a variety of issues, including relationship problems, mental health concerns, and life transitions. Marriage and family therapists can work in various settings, including private practice, hospitals, clinics, and schools.
Texas’s median annual salary for marriage and family therapists is $56,947. The highest-paying industries for marriage and family therapists in Texas are hospitals, individual and family services, and state government.
If you are looking for a rewarding career in mental health, then a marriage and family therapist career may be a good fit for you. Marriage and family therapists help people improve their lives by providing counseling and therapy.
Here are some additional tips for finding a job as a marriage and family therapist in Texas:
- Network with other marriage and family therapists in your area.
- Attend conferences and workshops to learn about new trends and opportunities.
- Build your online presence by creating a website and social media accounts.
- Be open to relocating for a job.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding a job as a marriage and family therapist in Texas.
The Cost of Becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist in Texas
The cost of becoming a marriage and family therapist in Texas can vary depending on several factors, including the school you attend, the length of your program, and the cost of living in your area. However, you can expect to spend anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 to become a licensed marriage and family therapist in Texas.
Here is a breakdown of the costs you can expect to incur as you pursue your MFT degree:
- Tuition: The cost of tuition will vary depending on the school you attend. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 per year for a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.
- Fees: In addition to tuition, you will also need to pay for fees associated with your education. These fees may include application, technology, and student activity fees.
- Books and supplies: You must also purchase books and supplies for your classes. The cost of books and supplies will vary depending on your courses, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per year.
- Living expenses: You will also need to factor in the cost of living when calculating the cost of becoming a marriage and family therapist. The cost of living will vary depending on where you live, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 monthly on housing, food, transportation, and other expenses.
If you cannot afford the cost of becoming a marriage and family therapist, a few options are available to you. You may be able to get financial aid, such as scholarships, loans, or grants. You may also be able to work part-time while in school to help offset the cost of your education.
The cost of becoming a marriage and family therapist is a significant investment, but it can be a rewarding career. If you feel strongly that this career is right for you, it can be an excellent investment in your future.
Here are some additional tips for reducing the cost of becoming a marriage and family therapist:
- Apply for scholarships and grants. Many scholarships and grants are available to help students pay for their education. You can find scholarships and grants online or by contacting your school’s financial aid office.
- Work part-time while you are in school. Working part-time while you are in school can help you offset the cost of your education. You can find part-time jobs on campus or in the community.
- Attend a less expensive school. The cost of tuition can vary depending on the school you attend. You can find less expensive schools by researching online or talking to your academic advisor.
- Live off-campus. Living off-campus can help you save money on housing costs. You can find affordable housing by searching online or talking to your school’s housing office.
- Take advantage of financial aid resources. Your school’s financial aid office can help you find and apply for financial aid. You can also get help with budgeting and managing your finances.
By following these tips, you can reduce the cost of becoming a marriage and family therapist and make your dream of becoming a therapist a reality. The required education and training will take about 2 to 3 years to complete. This worthwhile endeavor can lead to a fulfilling career that can supply you with purpose and the ability to live a comfortable life as an MFT in Texas.
