Occupation AtlasMarriage and Family Therapists
O*NET · 21-1013.00
Marriage and Family Therapists
Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.
Also called ABA Behavior Therapist · ABA Behavior Therapist (Applied Behavior Analysis Behavior Therapist) · Child and Adolescent Therapist · Child and Family Counselor · Child and Family Therapist · Clinical Therapist · Couple and Family Therapist · Couples Therapist
18 more
Family Counselor · Family Service Counselor · Family Services Counselor · Family Specialist · Family Therapist · LCMFT · LCMFT (Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist) · Licensed Clinical Therapist · Licensed Therapist · LMFT · LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) · Marriage and Family Counselor · Marriage Counselor · Marriage Therapist · Military and Family Life Counselor · Multisystemic Therapist · Play Therapist · Therapist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SIASocial · Investigative · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social6.22
- I Investigative5.32
- A Artistic3.58
- C Conventional2.90
- E Enterprising1.78
- R Realistic1.49
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (43%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (33%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (33%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 4.4Level 5.6Level 6 looks like: Counsel patients who are depressed during a crisis period
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Service OrientationImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- WritingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- NegotiationImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
Show the other 23
- CoordinationImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- PersuasionImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- InstructingImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
- Time ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- SciencebasicImportance 2.4Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Technology DesignImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.0Level —
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
17 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Ask questions that will help clients identify their feelings and behaviors.Importance 4.8
- Encourage individuals and family members to develop and use skills and strategies for confronting their problems in a constructive manner.Importance 4.8
- Maintain case files that include activities, progress notes, evaluations, and recommendations.Importance 4.8
- Develop and implement individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior, and other personal issues.Importance 4.8
- Counsel clients on concerns, such as unsatisfactory relationships, divorce and separation, child rearing, home management, or financial difficulties.Importance 4.7
- Determine whether clients should be counseled or referred to other specialists in such fields as medicine, psychiatry, or legal aid.Importance 4.5
- Supervise other counselors, social service staff, and assistants.Importance 4.4
- Confer with other counselors, doctors, and professionals to analyze individual cases and to coordinate counseling services.Importance 4.2
- Diagnose mental and emotional disorders in clients.Importance 4.2
- Collect information about clients, using techniques such as testing, interviewing, discussion, or observation.Importance 4.1
- Confer with clients to develop plans for posttreatment activities.Importance 4.1
- Gather information from doctors, schools, social workers, juvenile counselors, law enforcement personnel, and others to make recommendations to courts for resolution of child custody or visitation disputes.Importance 3.7
Show the other 5
- Provide family counseling and treatment services to inmates participating in substance abuse programs.Importance 3.6
- Follow up on results of counseling programs and clients' adjustments to determine effectiveness of programs.Importance 3.5
- Provide public education and consultation to other professionals or groups regarding counseling services, issues, and methods.Importance 3.5
- Write evaluations of parents and children for use by courts deciding divorce and custody cases, testifying in court if necessary.Importance 3.5
- Provide instructions to clients on how to obtain help with legal, financial, and other personal issues.Importance 3.3
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 4.9Level 6.9Level 7 looks like: Counsel an abused child
- PsychologyImportance 4.8Level 6.7Level 7 looks like: Treat a person with a severe mental illness
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.9Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- English LanguageImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.5Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- AdministrativeImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
Show all 33
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.5Level 2.9
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.4Level 2.8
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- BiologyImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- MathematicsImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- GeographyImportance 1.4Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.3Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.1Level —
- DesignImportance 1.1Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.1Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.1Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.0Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.3Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Show all 52
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Information OrderingImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- OriginalityImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Near VisionImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- MemorizationImportance 3.0Level 2.9
- Speed of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Far VisionImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.3Level —
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.3Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.7Level 5.9
- Getting InformationImportance 4.6Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.6Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.5Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.5Level 5.9
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.4Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.3Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 4.2Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
Show all 41
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.1Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.7Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Processing InformationImportance 3.7Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.3Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.2Level 2.6
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.2Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.2Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
32 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (2)
- Zoomhot
- Google Meet
Hot (8; 1 more marked hot above)
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (22)
- Advantage Software Psych Advantage
- American Medical Billing Software PMA
- Anasazi Software Client Data System
- Beaver Creek Software The THERAPIST
- Blueberry Harbor Software Clinical Record Keeper
- Care Paths eRecord
- Casamba Smart
- Cornucopia Software Practice MAGIC
- DocuTrac QuicDoc
- eMDs Medisoft
- EZ2Bill Confidant
- EZClaim medical billing software
- Hypertext preprocessor PHP
- Mdansby The PsychReport
- Netsmart Technologies Helper
- PM/2 Clinical Planner
- PracticePRO Software Systems QuickPractice
- Saner Software ShrinkRapt
- SumTime Software SumTime
- Synergistic Office Solutions SOS Case Manager
- TheraManager
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −0.9, Programming +0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
School Psychologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.2, Mathematics +0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +1.0, Quality Control Analysis +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Mental Health Counselors
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination −0.8, Negotiation −0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Average difference 0.3 points · Operations Analysis −1.4, Science −0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Healthcare Social Workers
Average difference 0.3 points · Management of Material Resources +0.8, Active Listening −0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Average difference 0.3 points · Operations Analysis −1.2, Reading Comprehension +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Psychiatrists
Average difference 0.3 points · Science +1.2, Management of Financial Resources +0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.