Child and Family Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In a world increasingly focused on mental health, the role of child and family therapists is growing more important.

As society evolves, so does the need for empathetic and skilled individuals who can guide, support, and nurture our familial relationships and dynamics.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a child and family therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of child and family therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable child and family therapist job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Child and Family Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Child and Family Therapists work with children, adolescents, and their families to diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues.

These professionals work in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, schools, and community agencies.

They are primarily responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct assessments and diagnostic evaluations to determine mental health conditions and defining treatment plans
• Facilitate individual, group, or family therapy sessions depending on the needs of the client
• Apply therapeutic techniques appropriate to the client’s age, interests, and needs
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals or team members involved in the patient’s care, such as teachers, social workers, and psychiatrists
• Teach children and their families about the nature of their conditions and guide them in managing mental health symptoms
• Monitor and document treatment progress and adapt treatment as necessary
• Develop coping mechanisms and strategies to handle crises or triggers
• Provide parental guidance and family therapy to improve family dynamics and relationships
• Refer clients to other resources or services, such as psychiatrists for medication evaluation and management

 

Child and Family Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Child and Family Therapist to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents and their families.

You’ll work with individuals and groups to address issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, behavior problems, and family relationships.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of child development and family dynamics, strong interpersonal skills, and experience with various therapeutic modalities.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and develop treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each client.
• Provide individual, family and group therapy sessions.
• Collaborate with other professionals, such as psychiatrists and social workers, to ensure the comprehensive care of each client.
• Monitor and document client progress and modify treatment plans as needed.
• Facilitate the development of coping skills and problem-solving strategies.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Provide education to families on mental health issues and therapeutic techniques.
• Adhere to ethical and professional standards as outlined by relevant regulatory bodies.

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.
• Current licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Social Worker, or Professional Counselor.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with children and families.
• Experience with cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, and/or family systems therapy.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and counseling skills.
• Good understanding of child development and family systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuous professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Child and Family Therapist
• Work Environment: Clinical or office setting. May include some remote or telehealth sessions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Clinical Director or Mental Health Services Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Child and Family Therapist Do?

Child and Family Therapists typically work in private practice, hospitals, schools, or social service agencies.

Their main role is to provide therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and their families.

They conduct regular therapy sessions where they use various therapeutic techniques to help the child express their feelings, identify their issues, and develop coping strategies.

Child and Family Therapists also work with the families of these children, helping them understand the child’s needs, improving communication within the family, and assisting the family in dealing with the child’s emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues.

They may also be involved in diagnosing mental health disorders and providing the necessary interventions and treatment plans.

Furthermore, Child and Family Therapists often work alongside other professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and school personnel, to coordinate care for their clients.

The ultimate aim of a Child and Family Therapist is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the child, and enhance the functioning of the family as a whole.

 

Child and Family Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A professional Child and Family Therapist should have the skills and qualifications that are important to this job role, including:

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field, as well as relevant certification or licensure in the state of practice.
• Proven experience working with children and families, addressing a variety of issues including behavioral problems, mental health disorders, substance abuse, trauma, and family conflict.
• Strong understanding of child development, family dynamics, and systems theory to provide effective therapy.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to establish trust and rapport with children and their families.
• Empathy and compassion to understand and respond to the emotional and mental needs of children and families.
• Strong problem-solving skills and creativity in developing therapeutic interventions tailored to each client’s unique needs and circumstances.
• Able to provide psychoeducation to clients, helping them understand their conditions and treatment options.
• Excellent observational skills to monitor progress and adapt treatment plans as necessary.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other professionals such as teachers, social workers, and medical professionals to provide comprehensive care.
• Resilience and stress management skills to manage the emotional demands of the job and maintain professional boundaries.

 

Child and Family Therapist Experience Requirements

Child and Family Therapists typically begin their careers by completing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.

This provides foundational knowledge and some practical experience through internships and supervised practicum courses.

After the Bachelor’s degree, an aspiring Child and Family Therapist should pursue a Master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy or a related field.

These programs often involve intensive fieldwork, internships, or residency programs where students gain hands-on experience working with children and families under supervision.

Beyond academic training, Child and Family Therapists are also required to obtain a state licensure, which typically requires a certain amount of supervised clinical experience.

The exact requirements vary by state, but in general, it requires at least 2-3 years of postgraduate experience in a clinical setting.

Entry-level therapists generally have 1 to 3 years of experience, often gained during their postgraduate supervised clinical work.

These professionals will have experience in conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing therapy to children and families.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience may have additional expertise in specific therapeutic approaches or working with certain populations, such as children with trauma or families in crisis.

Therapists with more than 5 years of experience may have gained supervisory or leadership experience, making them suitable for roles such as Lead Therapist or Clinical Supervisor.

They may also have experience in program development or policy implementation.

Continuing education is also important in this field, as it allows therapists to stay current with the latest research, therapy techniques and ethical standards.

Therapists may gain additional experience and expertise by pursuing certification in specialized areas such as play therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, or family systems therapy.

 

Child and Family Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Child and Family Therapists typically need a master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related mental health field.

Many programs require internships, so students can gain supervised experience in this specialized area of practice.

In addition to their degree, therapists must obtain state licensure to practice.

Licensure requirements vary by state, but they generally require a master’s degree and thousands of hours of supervised clinical experience.

After acquiring the necessary work experience, therapists must pass a state-recognized exam to be officially licensed.

Knowledge in child development and family systems is essential.

Therapists must also be skilled in various forms of therapy, including cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and other types of counseling.

While not always required, some therapists choose to become board certified.

The Board Certification comes from the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).

Candidates must have a doctoral degree, postdoctoral training, and specific work experience, plus they need to pass an examination.

Continued professional development through workshops, seminars, or professional courses is often necessary to keep up with the latest practices and research in the field.

This also demonstrates a therapist’s commitment to lifelong learning and their dedication to providing the best care possible.

 

Child and Family Therapist Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Child and Family Therapist is approximately $48,905 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate depending on factors such as the level of education, years of experience in the field, the geographical location, and the specific organization that the therapist is employed by.

 

Child and Family Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Child and Family Therapist need?

Child and Family Therapists should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as they will be working with both children and adults.

They should have an empathetic and patient nature, as therapy may take time and requires trust-building.

They should also be knowledgeable about various therapeutic techniques appropriate for different age groups and situations.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are also essential as therapists often need to diagnose mental and emotional disorders and develop treatment plans.

 

What qualifications does a Child and Family Therapist need?

Child and Family Therapists typically require a Master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.

Licensure is also required, which involves passing state-specific exams after graduation.

Some states may also require therapists to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours.

Furthermore, therapists who work with specific populations, like children with autism or victims of trauma, may need additional certifications.

 

What should you look for in a Child and Family Therapist resume?

A good Child and Family Therapist resume should highlight the candidate’s educational qualifications and licensure.

It should detail their clinical experience, particularly if they have worked with children and families.

Look for any additional certifications that may be relevant to your specific needs, such as trauma-informed care or play therapy.

Soft skills like empathy, patience, and strong communication skills should also be evident.

 

What qualities make a good Child and Family Therapist?

A good Child and Family Therapist should demonstrate empathy and understanding, as they will be working with individuals going through difficult situations.

They need to be patient and persistent, as progress in therapy can often be slow and requires consistent effort.

The ability to build rapport with both children and adults is crucial, as is maintaining confidentiality.

They should also be comfortable collaborating with other professionals, such as teachers, social workers, and medical professionals.

 

Is it difficult to hire Child and Family Therapists?

Hiring Child and Family Therapists can be challenging because the role requires specific educational qualifications, licensure, and often additional certifications.

The job also requires a unique blend of soft skills, including patience, empathy, and excellent communication skills.

However, with a clear job description and a thorough interview process, you can find the right professional for your needs.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we unveiled the reality behind being a child and family therapist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about listening.

It’s about building healthy relationships, one family at a time.

With our reliable child and family therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why end here?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to creating detailed job listings or perfecting your resume.

Keep in mind:

Every therapy session is a part of a bigger journey.

Let’s nurture those relationships. Together.

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