MFT Programs in Austin, Texas

The picture of mental health in Austin, Texas is gray and dark. Anxiety and depression rates are on the rise. Access to mental health care is limited by lack of resources and a shortage of qualified professionals. According to AustinTexas.gov, residents reported double the amount of poor mental health days in 2021 than in 2011. The global pandemic likely impacted this rise in mental health concerns. In addition, Texas has a shortage of mental health professionals. If you are considering becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist, the residents of Austin, Texas could use your help. 

Marriage and Family Therapy is growing nationwide as the demand for this counseling specialization is increasing. People often seek counseling to cope with the stressors in their lives, and most times, those stressful situations are due to our relationships. Marriage and Family Therapists are trained counselors specializing in relationships and healthy versus unhealthy relationship patterns. 

Students in a Marriage and Family Therapy program must learn the foundations of counseling theory and practice while examining the impact a person’s mental health can have on their relationships. The intersection of our relationship with ourselves and our relationships with key people in our lives is commonly difficult to manage and where most people tend to suffer. 

If you live in Austin, Texas or the surrounding area and want to pursue a fulfilling career as an MFT, we will list several options for MFT programs that will provide you with the knowledge and training you need to build a successful career.

Online MFT Programs in Austin

Online programs offer great flexibility, which can be ideal for working students or those with other commitments. Before starting any degree-seeking program, you must first ensure that the program can meet your needs. Other aspects you need to consider are the cost of the program, the time it will take to complete it, and if you have the necessary resources. You will need a working desktop or laptop computer and possibly some specific software programs if you will use an online program.

Here is one online program from a Texas University that Austin residents can take advantage of:

Other online programs, not in the Austin area, but still available to Austin residents are:

Accredited MFT Programs in Austin

Austin COAMFTE-accredited Programs

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education is a national accrediting body for marriage and family therapy programs. The programs that COAMFTE accredits meet high-quality standards and are recognized by state and national professional organizations.

There is no university within the city-limits of Austin that has a COAMFTE-accredited program in Marriage and Family Therapy. However, listed below is a program in the nearby town of Killeen, Texas. Here are some critical components of this program:

Austin CACREP-accredited Programs

CACREP is another counseling program accreditation that prepares students to become Marriage and Family Therapists. These programs may be in related areas such as Clinical Mental Health Counseling but allow for students to specialize in Marriage and Family Therapy. CACREP stands for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. It is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that accredits counseling programs in the United States and Canada.

CACREP standards are designed to ensure that counseling programs are of high quality and that their graduates are prepared to practice counseling in a competent and ethical manner. The standards cover many areas, including curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical experiences, and assessment procedures.

CACREP accreditation is a valuable asset for counseling programs. It demonstrates to students, employers, and the public that the program meets high-quality standards. CACREP accreditation can also help programs attract qualified students and faculty, making it easier for graduates to obtain licensure and employment.

CACREP accredited programs in Austin and the surrounding area are:

No GRE-Required MFT Programs in Austin

Many colleges and universities require a standardized test called the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for admission into graduate-level programs. The GRE is similar to the SAT, often required for entry into bachelor’s degree programs. In recent years, many colleges and universities have moved away from requiring standardized admission tests. You can find many Marriage and Family Therapy programs that do not require the GRE for admission. However, some may require it under certain circumstances.

What Will You Learn in an Austin MFT Program?

Marriage and family therapy (MFT) programs in Austin, Texas typically cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Human development: Students learn about the stages of human development, from conception to death. They will also learn about the signs of developmental disabilities.
• Family systems theory: Students learn about how families function and how they can be affected by stress and conflict.
• Counseling theories and techniques: Students learn about different counseling theories and techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, talk therapy, client-centered therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
• Clinical skills: Students learn how to assess and diagnose mental health problems and how to develop and implement treatment plans. These skills are essential for success as an MFT.
• Ethics and professional practice: Students learn about the ethical guidelines and standards of practice for MFTs.

In addition to these core courses, MFT programs in Austin may also offer specialized courses in areas such as:

• Couples therapy: Students learn about the different types of couples therapy and how to work with couples to improve their relationships.
• Family therapy: Students learn about the different types of family therapy and how to work with families to improve their functioning.
• Child and adolescent therapy: Students learn about the various types of treatment that can be used to help children and adolescents with a variety of mental health problems.
• Addictions counseling: Students learn about the types of counseling that can be used to help people with addictions and how to spot the signs and symptoms of substance abuse.
• Grief and loss counseling: Students learn about the multiple types of counseling that can help people grieving the loss of a loved one or experiencing a change in a family dynamic.

How to Become an MFT in Austin, Texas

If you live in the Austin area and want to be a licensed MFT, you must abide by the process set forth by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists. This governing body is responsible for issuing professional licenses in the state of Texas and requires 4 steps in the process. 

Here are the steps on how to become an MFT in Austin, Texas:

1. Complete a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy.

The degree must be from a program accredited by COAMFTE or CACREP. These accreditation groups 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.

2. 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

3. 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.

4. Apply for licensure.

When 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.

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 TSBEMT requires all licensed marriage and family therapists to complete continuing education, pay an annual renewal fee, and meet specific ethical standards.

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.

Career and Salary Opportunities for MFT’s in Austin

The job outlook for marriage and family therapists in Austin, 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.

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.

Here are some additional tips for finding a job as a marriage and family therapist in Austin:

• 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.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding a job as a marriage and family therapist in the city of Austin. Use the steps outlined in this article to embark on a rewarding career helping people in the beautiful city of Austin, Texas.