Salary Range for Marriage & Family Counselors
Demand for marriage and family counselors is rising as people become more aware about the benefits of therapy. These counselors work with couples and families on a short-term basis. In addition, addressing mental health issues with loved ones can be more effective than individual therapy in some cases, according to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Be sure to find out your state's particular practice requirements if you're interested in pursuing a career in this counseling specialty.
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Job Description
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The primary function of a marriage and family counselor is to work with individuals with a range of mental health problems. What makes this specialty unique is that you help people address these issues in relation to their familial or romantic relationships. Some of the concerns a counselor can expect to face include depression, alcoholism, marital conflict and teen drug use, according to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. An important goal of the counselor's work is to help clients improve their relationship dynamics.
Salary Information
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The national salary range for marriage and family counselors is $29,270 to $73,610 per year, with the average annual salary being $49,020, according to 2009 employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those working in states with a low number of marriage and family counselors tend to earn higher incomes. Hawaii, for example, had just 40 counselors as of May 2009 and their annual salary came to $74,070, more than $25,000 more than the national average. Counselors working for state government earn the highest salaries.
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Practice Regulation
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Every state in the nation requires that marriage and family counselors obtain licensure, although requirements vary. In general, you should expect to complete a master's degree in marriage and family therapy and obtain two years of experience in the field in preparation for licensure. You will be required to pass an examination and complete continuing education to keep your license active. Earning a doctoral-level degree may be required to advance into administrative or post-secondary teaching positions.
Career Opportunities
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The majority of marriage and family counselors work in individual and family services, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Opportunities are also available in local and state government in addition to health care facilities. Although substance abuse counselors are expected to enjoy the highest employment growth in the field, marriage and family therapists are still expected to see a solid increase in opportunities through 2018. Employment in rural areas should be favorable as a limited number of counselors work in these locations.
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References
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