Family Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s complex and rapidly changing family dynamics, the need for family therapists has never been more essential.

As society evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, enhance, and protect the emotional health of family units grows stronger.

But what’s truly expected from a family therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of family therapy,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Family Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Family Therapists work with families and couples in a therapeutic setting to help them overcome mental and emotional disorders.

They use their knowledge of psychotherapy and family systems to improve communication and resolve conflicts.

Family Therapists are primarily responsible for directly assisting their clients, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Assessing individual family members and their roles within the family unit
• Developing tailored treatment plans based on the family’s needs and individual capabilities
• Conducting therapy sessions with individuals, couples, or family groups
• Utilizing therapeutic techniques to address mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or trauma
• Helping family members understand and manage specific mental health conditions
• Facilitating open communication between family members to improve relationships
• Guiding families through transitional crises such as divorce or death
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists or social workers, to coordinate care
• Maintaining confidential client records, including session notes and treatment plans
• Keeping up-to-date with current research and practices in family therapy

 

Family Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Family Therapist to join our team.

The Family Therapist will be responsible for meeting with families, couples and individuals to provide therapeutic services, facilitate open communication, and develop coping strategies.

The ideal candidate should be able to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, manage crises, and create treatment plans.

Experience with a variety of therapeutic techniques including cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal and solution-focused therapy is preferred.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate family dynamics and mental health needs through interviews, observations and psychological testing
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on clinical observations and data
• Conduct therapy sessions with individuals, couples, and families
• Teach families effective communication techniques and coping strategies
• Document and maintain thorough clinical records
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals as necessary for patient treatment
• Stay updated with current literature, new treatment techniques and attend professional conferences

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Family Therapist or similar role
• A valid license to practice therapy
• Experience with various therapy models, specifically for families
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of the principles of psychological diagnosis and treatment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Adept at crisis management
• Master’s degree in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related field

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Family Therapist
• Work Environment: Clinical setting with options for remote sessions. Some travel may be required for home visits or conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Clinical Director or Head of the Therapy Department.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 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, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and any relevant licenses or certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Family Therapist Do?

Family Therapists, also known as Marriage and Family Therapists, provide counseling services to individuals, couples, and families.

They work in a variety of settings such as private practice, mental health centers, and community health organizations.

They help clients navigate and cope with problems or conflicts in their relationships, from interpersonal communication issues to mental health disorders.

They use a range of therapeutic techniques and theories tailored to the specific needs and dynamics of the family.

Family Therapists conduct sessions with the whole family, as they believe that problems are best treated by involving every family member.

They facilitate open communication, help family members understand each other’s experiences and perspectives, and foster problem-solving skills.

They also work with couples to help them strengthen their relationships.

This might include guiding them through issues like infidelity, anger, financial problems, or communication breakdowns.

Family Therapists are responsible for creating a safe, supportive, and confidential environment.

They also provide resources and strategies for clients to use outside of therapy sessions.

Moreover, they are expected to maintain detailed records and notes, and to collaborate with other health professionals if necessary, to provide comprehensive care to their clients.

 

Family Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Family Therapist should possess a unique blend of interpersonal skills, professional expertise, and core therapeutic competencies, which include:

• Strong understanding of family dynamics and systems theory to address issues in the context of familial relationships and social environments.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with diverse families, helping them feel safe and understood during therapy sessions.
• Effective communication skills to clearly convey insights and therapeutic strategies to families, and empathetically listen to their concerns.
• Advanced problem-solving skills to identify underlying issues, manage conflicts, and facilitate the development of coping strategies and solutions.
• Ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and confidentiality, respecting the privacy and dignity of families.
• Patience and compassion to support families through challenging times and guide them toward positive change.
• Adaptability to modify therapeutic approaches according to family needs, cultural contexts, and treatment outcomes.
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate and timely case notes, treatment plans, and reports.
• A strong ethical compass and adherence to professional standards and codes of conduct.

 

Family Therapist Experience Requirements

In order to become a Family Therapist, it typically requires a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, or a related field.

This provides an understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of family therapy.

The student experience is often enhanced by an internship or practical application role, which provides direct exposure to family therapy under the guidance of a licensed professional.

These internship roles typically last for 1 to 2 years and are considered crucial in gaining real-world experience.

After graduation, a significant amount of post-degree clinical experience is usually required, often around 2,000 to 4,000 hours under the supervision of an experienced therapist, depending on state licensure requirements.

This experience is paramount in providing practical skills and experience in dealing with a variety of familial and relationship issues.

For those with more than 5 years of experience, they are typically well-versed in a variety of therapy methods and approaches.

These experienced therapists may be ready to take on supervisory or managerial roles in a clinic or may decide to open their own private practice.

It’s also worth noting that continuing education is often required to maintain licensure, ensuring that therapists stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices in their field.

 

Family Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Family Therapists are typically required to have a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, psychology, social work, or a related field.

These programs provide a strong foundation in therapeutic theories and techniques, as well as supervised clinical experience.

After obtaining their master’s degree, Family Therapists must complete a significant amount of supervised clinical experience, often two years or more, before they can be licensed to practice.

Every state requires Family Therapists to be licensed, and the specific requirements for this license can vary but generally include a master’s degree and a certain amount of clinical experience.

Family Therapists must also pass a state-recognized exam to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

Continuing education is often required for Family Therapists to maintain their license.

Some Family Therapists may choose to earn additional certifications in specific therapeutic approaches or to work with certain populations.

These certifications can demonstrate a therapist’s specialized skills and knowledge, and may enhance career opportunities.

 

Family Therapist Salary Expectations

A Family Therapist can expect to earn an average salary of $50,090 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can significantly vary based on factors such as years of experience, level of education, certification, and location.

 

Family Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Family Therapist need?

Family Therapists should have strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact with clients of different age groups and understand their concerns effectively.

They should have good problem-solving skills to recommend solutions and strategies to help families overcome their problems.

Additionally, they must have a deep understanding of human behavior, family dynamics, and psychological theories.

 

Do Family Therapists need a degree?

Yes, Family Therapists need to hold a Master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, psychology, social work, or a related field.

They must also complete a certain number of supervised clinical experience hours and pass a state-licensed exam to gain licensure for practicing as a Family Therapist.

 

What should you look for in a Family Therapist resume?

A Family Therapist’s resume should highlight their educational qualifications, licensure, and experience in the field.

Look for specific therapy techniques they are trained in, and any experience working with families, couples or children.

Any additional certifications, like in cognitive behavioral therapy, can be a plus.

Their ability to handle crisis situations and work with diverse populations should also be evident from their resume.

 

What qualities make a good Family Therapist?

A good Family Therapist is empathetic and patient, as they deal with emotional and often complex family issues.

They should be good listeners, to understand the problems accurately and provide appropriate solutions.

They also need to be non-judgmental and maintain confidentiality, respecting clients’ privacy.

Additionally, they should be resilient, as the job can be emotionally demanding.

 

What are the daily duties of a Family Therapist?

A Family Therapist’s daily duties may include scheduling and conducting therapy sessions, assessing clients’ mental health, developing treatment plans, and maintaining client records.

They may also liaise with other professionals, such as psychiatrists or social workers, to provide a comprehensive approach to client care.

Therapists also spend time staying updated with the latest research and therapeutic techniques in their field.

 

What is the career progression for a Family Therapist?

Family Therapists can progress in their careers by specializing in a particular area, such as addiction or child and adolescent therapy.

They can also opt for roles with more responsibility, such as supervisory or managerial roles within a mental health facility or private practice.

Pursuing a doctoral degree can lead to positions in research or teaching.

Family Therapists can also gain different certifications to add to their skill set and enhance their career prospects.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate workings of being a family therapist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about listening and giving advice.

It’s about weaving the fabric of familial harmony, one therapy session at a time.

With our trustworthy family therapist job description template and relatable examples, you’re all set to advance your career.

But why halt here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your subsequent step to creating meticulously tailored listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Bear in mind:

Every therapy session is a piece of the broader family tapestry.

Let’s weave that tapestry. Together.

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