Marriage and Family therapists help individuals and families heal and transform their relationships. Unhealthy patterns in relationships can damage a person’s mental health. MFTs help their clients recognize any mental health disorders contributing to these patterns. You can become an MFT by first studying in a related field as an undergraduate and then getting a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or Mental Health Counseling.
If you are interested in becoming an MFT in West Virginia, consider looking for accredited programs of study. COAMFTE is the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education and is the highest national accrediting body for MFT programs. You can also find CACREP-accredited programs. These are programs certified by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
As part of your studies, you must complete a practicum and internship supervised by a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). The internship hours are a requirement of your degree and qualify you to sit for the licensing exam, but also, these courses provide you with real-world practice and learning experiences as an MFT.
Finally, you must pass a national licensing exam. The West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling accepts the Commission on Rehabilitative Counseling exam (CRC) or the National Mental Health Counseling Exam (NHMCE).
The process of becoming an MFT in West Virginia can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. Most programs allow full-time and part-time options and can take 2-3 years to complete. If you are passionate about helping families, becoming an MFT is a great career choice.
This article will discuss the steps involved in becoming an MFT in West Virginia. We will also provide information on the requirements for licensure, the employment outlook for LMFTs in West Virginia, and the different work settings available to LMFTs.
This article will help you on your journey to becoming an MFT in West Virginia!
Online MFT Programs in West Virginia
Before starting any degree-seeking program, you must first ensure that the program can meet your needs. Online programs offer a great deal of flexibility, which can be ideal for working students or those with other commitments. 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 to complete the program. You will need a working desktop or laptop computer and possibly some specific software programs if you are going to use an online program.
Here are a few online programs that West Virginia residents can take advantage of:
- Capella University: offers an online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MSMFT) program designed to prepare students to become licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs). The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and offers a variety of specializations, including couples therapy, family therapy, and child therapy.
- Pepperdine University: offers an online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MA in MFT) program designed to prepare students to become licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs). The program is accredited by the COAMFTE and offers a variety of specializations, including couples therapy, family therapy, and child therapy.
- University of Wisconsin- Superior: offers a 100% online Masters in Counseling with Marriage and Family Therapy track. The program is designed to prepare students to become licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) by passing the national exam.
Accredited MFT Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia COAMFTE Accredited MFT Programs
COAMFTE is the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. It is a national accrediting body for marriage and family therapy programs. The programs that COAMFTE accredits meet high standards of quality and are recognized by state and national professional organizations.
There are no COAMFTE-accredited programs in West Virginia. However, there are several COAMFTE-accredited programs in neighboring states that are accessible to West Virginia residents. These programs include:
- University of Maryland, College Park :
- COAMFTE accredited program
- Masters in Couple and Family Therapy
- Non-Thesis option: 48 credits, Thesis option : 51 credits
- Drexel University (PA)
- Master of Family Therapy
- COAMFTE accredited program
- Full-time, two-year program that provides 900 hours of direct clinical experience.
- Thomas Jefferson University (PA)
- This is a full-time, two-year, 66-credit program, which is modeled on the core curriculum developed by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), focusing on key areas of contemporary practice.
CACREP Accredited Marriage and Family Therapy Programs in West Virginia
CACREP is another accreditation for counseling programs that prepare 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.
Here is a list of CACREP-accredited marriage and family therapy master’s degree programs in West Virginia:
Two of the largest universities in West Virginia, Marshall University and West Virginia University, offer multiple CACREP-accredited programs.
- West Virginia University
- School Counseling
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- Marshall University
- School Counseling
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
No GRE Required MFT Programs in West Virginia
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.
Here are some marriage and family therapy programs in West Virginia that do not require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for admission:
- Marshall University:
- Admissions Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accepted, accredited institution (transcript required from degree-granting institution only).
- A 2.75 overall Undergraduate GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale on the final degree transcript; or
- A Graduate GPA of 3.0 on any previously completed advanced degree.
- A writing sample expressing career goals and estimation of personal suitability for the profession of counseling.
- Two written references (from current or former professors, if possible). These should be completed by professionals with knowledge of the applicant’s suitability for graduate work (e.g., supervisors, undergraduate professors) in helping professions.
- Admissions Requirements:
- West Virginia University:
- Admissions Requirements:
- A baccalaureate degree with coursework in appropriate areas
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8
- Complete graduate application
- Résumé
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Admissions Requirements:
What Will You Learn in a West Virginia MFT Program
Here are some of the things you will learn at a West Virginia MFT program:
- Theoretical foundations of MFT: You will learn about the different theories and models of MFT, including systems theory, structural family therapy, and strategic family therapy.
- Assessment and diagnosis: You will learn how to assess and diagnose family problems, using a variety of tools and techniques.
- Intervention strategies: You will learn how to intervene in family systems, using a variety of techniques, such as communication skills training, problem-solving skills training, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- Ethics and professional standards: You will learn about the ethical and professional standards that govern the practice of MFT.
- Research and evaluation: You will learn how to conduct research and evaluate the effectiveness of MFT interventions.
- Clinical supervision: You will receive clinical supervision from experienced MFTs, which will help you develop your skills and knowledge.
In addition to these core areas, you may also learn about specialized topics such as:
- Couples therapy: You will learn how to work with couples to improve their communication, resolve conflict, and build intimacy.
- Family therapy: You will learn how to work with families to address a variety of problems, such as child behavior problems, adolescent drug abuse, and marital conflict.
- Systems theory: You will learn about the principles of systems theory and how they apply to MFT.
- Cultural competence: You will learn how to work with families from diverse cultures.
The specific courses and topics that you will learn will vary depending on the program you choose. However, all West Virginia MFT programs will prepare you with the knowledge and skills you need to become a licensed MFT.
After completing an MFT program in West Virginia, students are eligible to sit for the licensure examination for MFTs. Once they have passed the test, they are eligible to become licensed MFTs and practice MFT in West Virginia. If you are interested in a career in MFT, I recommend that you research MFT programs in West Virginia and contact the programs to learn more about their curriculum, requirements, and costs.
How To Become an LMFT in West Virginia:
Here are the steps on how to become an LMFT in West Virginia:
- Earn a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) or a related Counseling field from an accredited or reputable program.
- Complete 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised clinical experience.
- Pass a national licensing exam.
- Apply for licensure with the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling.
Step 1: Earn a Master’s degree in MFT or a related field.
A Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related counseling field is necessary to prepare you to work as an MFT. Some examples of related fields of study are: Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, Counseling, Rehabilitation Therapy and Couples Counseling. Before starting a program in a related field, ensure that the program will prepare you to sit for a National Licensing Exam.
COAMFTE and CACREP-accredited programs are best when considering which program to enroll in. These accreditations ensure the program has passed quality assessments and will properly prepare you for a career as an MFT in West Virginia.
Step 2: Complete 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised clinical experience.
Once you have completed your Master’s degree, you must complete 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised clinical experience. This experience must be in a setting that provides direct clinical services to individuals, couples, and families.
Your supervisor must be a licensed MFT or a licensed psychologist. You must also receive 1,600 hours of direct supervision from your supervisor.
Step 3: Pass a licensing exam.
The West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling accepts two licensing exams. You can take either the CRC or the NCMHCE exam and pass it to become an MFT in West Virginia.
The CRC exam is the Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling exam. It is 175 questions and focuses on counseling, rehabilitation and disabilities.
The NCMHCE exam is the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination. It is required by many states.
Step 4: Apply for licensure with the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling.
Once you have met all of the requirements, you can apply for licensure with the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling. The Board will review your application and determine if you are eligible for licensure. You can find the application on their website.
If you are approved for licensure, you will be issued an LMFT license. You will then be able to practice MFT in West Virginia.
Career and Salary Opportunities for LMFTs in West Virginia
Marriage and family therapy (MFT) is a growing field, and there are many career opportunities available for LMFTs in West Virginia. Here we will discuss some of the different career paths that LMFTs can take, as well as the average salary for LMFTs in West Virginia.
Career Opportunities for LMFTs
There are many different career paths available for LMFTs in West Virginia. Some of the most common career paths include:
- Private practice: LMFTs can open their own private practices and see clients individually, couples, or families.
- Inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities: LMFTs can work in inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities, providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families.
- Schools: LMFTs can work in schools, providing therapy to students and their families.
- Community mental health centers: LMFTs can work in community mental health centers, providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families.
- Government agencies: LMFTs can work for government agencies, providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families.
Salary for LMFTs in West Virginia
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics did not have data on the median annual wage for LMFTs in West Virginia. However, we can consider the median annual wage in the neighboring states of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia to give us a picture of what an LMFT in West Virginia might earn. However, salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and the setting in which you work.
Here are the median annual wages in neighboring states:
- Ohio: $54,810
- Pennsylvania: $57,570
- Virginia: $75,990
Here are some factors that can affect your salary as an LMFT in West Virginia:
- Experience: LMFTs with more experience typically earn higher salaries.
- Location: LMFTs in urban areas typically earn higher salaries than LMFTs in rural areas.
- Setting: LMFTs who work in private practice typically earn higher salaries than LMFTs who work in other settings.
If you are interested in a career in MFT, West Virginia is a great place to start. There are many career opportunities available. If you are looking for a rewarding career in mental health, MFT is a great option.
Marriage and family therapists can work in various settings, and salaries can vary based on the employer. LMFTs work in mental health centers, hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, nursing homes, residential care facilities, and as private practitioners.
A career as a Marriage and Family Therapist can be gratifying. As an MFT in West Virginia, you can work in various settings and earn a decent salary while helping people live more fulfilling lives. You will be able to show people how enriching their relationships can improve their mental health and overall enjoyment of life. Explore one of these MFT programs and start your path to becoming an LMFT in West Virginia today!
