Find Meaningful Work as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
In the world of counseling, marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) hold a special place. They help individuals, couples, families, and larger groups work together more harmoniously. These counseling professionals assist their clients in repairing relationships, as well as gracefully extricating themselves from harmful patterns and connections. LMFTs help clients view their relationships as part of a greater system of interconnections, assisting them in strengthening and improving human interactions. That’s why graduates of the M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota report high levels of job satisfaction. Their work is demanding, but LMFTs find fulfillment in assisting clients to grow and nurture healthy relationships.
How to Become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
In most cases, a master’s degree in a mental health field is required to apply for licensing as a marriage and family therapist. The School of Health and Human Services at Saint Mary’s includes several programs, including the M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy.
After engaging with coursework and completing a supervised practicum, graduates of a master’s degree program in a mental health specialty are ready to complete the licensing requirements of the state in which they want to work. The curriculum for the M.A. in Marriage and Family program at Saint Mary’s is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure with the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy.
Graduates must apply to take the national examination, and it must be completed within two years of the initial application approval. In Minnesota, after passing an initial national examination and other regulations, graduates can begin to accumulate a minimum of 4,000 hours of post-graduate supervised experience in the practice of marriage and family therapy. This must be completed under the supervision of a Minnesota State Board-approved LMFT supervisor. A final state licensure exam is required after completing the supervised MFT experience.
Our Master’s Degree Program for Marriage and Family Therapists
The M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Saint Mary’s is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). This accreditation provides our graduates with greater flexibility to pursue licensure in several states, including Minnesota. This program is held at our Minneapolis campus and can be completed in three years.
Our master’s degree program in marriage and family therapy is designed to support graduates over the long term of their careers. Students focus on current research regarding family relationships and crises, as well as statistical methods and research methods. They learn how to assess couples, individuals, and family groups. They are invited to explore a wide choice of contemporary issues in the field.
During the practicum year, students complete 300 hours of supervised clinical work. This provides them with an opportunity to choose where and with whom to continue their postgraduate requirements for licensure. A capstone paper and oral examination end the program.
High Demand for LMFTs
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, marriage and family therapists are in high demand, with a projected 15% job growth through 2032. These highly skilled professionals work in many different settings, including:
- Individual therapy practices
- Group therapy practices
Businesses and companies - Educational institutions
- Healthcare organizations
- Offices of physicians and other healthcare practitioners
- Outpatient clinics
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Government service providers
In other words, marriage and family therapists are needed throughout communities and sectors, where they may work alone or with other practitioners, helping people from throughout society find more peaceful ways of interacting, and becoming more comfortable with their own needs and talents.
Benefit From Our Tradition of Lasallian Catholic Education
Another important benefit students gain within this master’s degree program comes from our foundation of Lasallian Catholic education. Saint Mary’s both inherits and transmits this tradition in educational programs that are focused on ethical living and leadership. Our campus welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and cultures and is dedicated to helping every student choose fulfilling work, expand their level of knowledge, and explore both art and culture.
Explore Your Future Role in Marriage and Family Therapy at Saint Mary’s
Are you searching for work that helps others and is personally fulfilling? Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) report that they love their jobs. They make a difference by helping people sort out communication problems, discover personal motivations, and settle into productive lifestyles. The challenges of our lives can be eased with the skillful knowledge of marriage and family therapists. Apply for admission at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota or request information today.
