Partnering with partners

Marriage and family therapists have always helped couples work out their differences but multiply those differences by 10 straight months by various degrees of home confinement and all of a sudden, a marriage counselor may look like one of today’s most essential workers. Here’s a quick look at the field:

Job duties: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, marriage and family therapists help people manage and overcome mental and emotional disorders and problems with their family and relationships. They listen to clients and ask questions to help the clients understand their problems and develop strategies. They also guide clients through the process of making decisions about their future. “We still think of the profession like we see it on TV — couples yelling at each other, airing their grievances — but the most effective marriage counselors focus on the future and teach strategies on not just coping, but also changing behavior,” says Ryan Smith, 67, a retired family counselor in Oakland, California.

Job growth: Employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 22 percent through 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected due to increasing use of teams for treatment, in which these therapists work with other counselors to address patients’ needs.

Education and requirements: Marriage and family therapists must be licensed. They require a master’s degree and 2,000 to 4,000 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Counselors and therapists must also pass a state exam and complete annual classes.

Salary: In 2019, the median annual wage for marriage and family therapists was $49,610 per year and $23.85 per hour.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics