The job market for marriage and family therapists in the United States

There are currently an estimated 41,500 marriage and family therapists in the United States. The marriage and family therapist job market is expected to grow by 23.4% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are marriage and family therapists?

CareerExplorer rates marriage and family therapists with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 16,200 marriage and family therapists. That number is based on 9,700 additional marriage and family therapists, and the retirement of 6,500 existing marriage and family therapists.

Are marriage and family therapists in demand?

Marriage therapy is currently one of the most in-demand health professions. Since society has overcome the stigma that was once linked with therapy, more people are seeking professional help from counselors than in the past. As federal regulations in the United States now require insurance plans to cover the costs of treatment for mental and emotional health concerns, there will be a need for more marriage therapists. Job prospects are expected to be considerable, especially in rural communities that have traditionally been underserved by mental health practitioners. Practitioners with a Master’s Degree and at least two years of supervised field experience in a counseling setting may seek the National Certified Counselor designation offered by the National Board of Certified Counselors, Inc. Marriage therapists, particularly those who have earned a Doctorate Degree, may become supervisors, researchers, administrators, advanced clinicians, or college instructors in the discipline.

What’s the supply of marriage and family therapists?

The marriage and family therapist industry is concentrated in California, New Jersey, Florida

Marriage and Family Therapist job market by state