Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s demanding world, the need for Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapists has never been more crucial.

As society progresses, the call for compassionate professionals who can guide, support, and heal our veterans and their families grows louder.

But what does it mean to be a Military and Veterans Marriage and 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 fascinated by the field of family therapy for military and veterans,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapists are specialized professionals who work with military personnel, veterans, and their families to address and resolve relational, mental, and emotional issues.

They often deal with issues such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and the stress of military life.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Providing individual, couple, and family therapy to military personnel, veterans, and their families
• Assessing and diagnosing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders
• Developing and implementing treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge
• Helping clients develop skills and strategies to deal with their problems and improve their relationships
• Working closely with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists and social workers, to provide comprehensive care
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date client records, including session notes and treatment plans
• Providing crisis intervention as needed
• Staying updated on current research and best practices in the field of marriage and family therapy
• Advocating for the mental health needs of military personnel, veterans, and their families
• Facilitating support groups or educational sessions for families dealing with deployment, reintegration, or other military-related stressors

 

Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist to provide quality mental health services to military members, veterans, and their families.

The candidate should be well-versed in dealing with issues such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and family and marriage problems that are often prevalent in this population.

The therapist will utilize therapeutic techniques, provide counseling, and develop and implement treatment plans to help clients navigate personal and interpersonal issues, reintegrate into civilian life, and enhance their overall wellbeing.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and diagnose mental health disorders.
• Develop personalized treatment plans based on the specific needs of each client.
• Provide individual, couples, and family therapy sessions.
• Help clients develop skills to manage symptoms of mental health disorders.
• Work closely with other mental health professionals and healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care.
• Maintain accurate client records and ensure confidentiality of client information.
• Stay current with latest research and best practices in the field of mental health and family therapy.
• Advocate for client needs and liaise with relevant agencies and support networks.

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, or a related field.
• State-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
• Experience working with military members, veterans, and their families.
• Knowledge of military culture and the unique mental health challenges faced by this population.
• Proficient in various therapy techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), etc.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and maintain cultural sensitivity.
• Strong ethical guidelines and respect for client confidentiality.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist
• Work Environment: Clinical setting with potential for home visits if needed. Some travel may be required for conferences or continued education.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Clinical Director or designated supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $80,000 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 Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist Do?

Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapists primarily work with individuals, couples, and families associated with the military or veteran communities.

These specialized therapists have a deep understanding of the unique stresses, challenges, and experiences related to military life, such as deployments, relocations, and the impacts of combat-related mental health issues like PTSD.

Their primary role is to provide therapeutic services designed to address these specific issues, which can include anxiety, depression, marital difficulties, family conflict, and other mental health problems.

The therapy sessions are often focused on improving communication, resolving conflicts, strengthening relationships, and promoting a better understanding of each family member’s feelings and experiences.

In addition to direct therapy, they also provide educational resources, support groups, and referral services.

They may work in military bases, VA hospitals, private practice, or community mental health centers.

Being aware of the unique ethical, legal, and professional issues related to the military and veterans, these therapists are highly skilled at facilitating mental and emotional healing in a culturally sensitive manner.

They also work collaboratively with other professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, to provide holistic support to their clients.

 

Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist should possess the skills and qualifications that align with the job requirements, such as:

• Deep understanding of military culture, protocols, and the unique stressors that military personnel, veterans, and their families face.
• Knowledge in various therapeutic models and techniques that are effective in dealing with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), trauma, and other mental health issues related to military service.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to build trust and rapport with clients, and to effectively convey therapeutic methods and strategies.
• Ability to provide individual, group, and family therapies to clients with diverse needs and backgrounds.
• Skills in assessing the mental health needs of clients and creating appropriate treatment plans.
• Patience and resilience to handle emotionally intense situations and discussions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and crisis management abilities to handle emergencies or severe mental health situations.
• Advanced understanding of confidentiality laws and ethical guidelines in therapy, particularly those that pertain to military and veteran clients.
• Ability to maintain detailed client records and documentation to track progress and guide therapy sessions.

 

Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist Experience Requirements

Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapists generally require a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or related field.

They usually gain their foundational experience through their internships and practicums during their graduate study.

Entry-level candidates may have up to 2 years of experience, often through an internship or a residency program at a military medical treatment facility or a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital.

These professionals might also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as a Clinical Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, or Social Worker in a military or veteran-focused healthcare setting.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have developed their therapeutic skills and knowledge in clinical settings, helping service members, veterans and their families cope with issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other mental health conditions.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have supervisory or leadership experience in their background, and may be ready for a senior therapist or clinical supervisor role.

They may also have substantial experience in managing group therapy sessions, developing treatment plans, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to their clients.

Furthermore, certification from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) or a similar body, which often requires a certain amount of supervised clinical experience, is highly desirable for these roles.

Some roles may also require specific experience or training in military culture and the unique challenges faced by military families.

 

Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist Education and Training Requirements

To become a Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist, individuals typically need a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, psychology, or a related field.

These programs focus on family dynamics, psychotherapy techniques, and counseling strategies for various age groups.

It is crucial for therapists to have a deep understanding of the military culture, veteran issues, and the unique challenges faced by military families.

Some universities offer specializations or courses focusing on military and veterans’ mental health.

Almost all states require marriage and family therapists to be licensed.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but most require graduation from an accredited program, a certain amount of supervised clinical experience, and passing a state-recognized exam.

Many therapists also choose to obtain certification from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

This certification process involves meeting educational and experiential requirements and passing a national exam.

In addition, therapists working with military personnel and veterans must be culturally competent and sensitive to the specific needs of this population.

This may involve additional training or certification programs.

Continuing education is also important in this field to keep up with the latest research and therapeutic techniques.

Therapists may attend workshops, conferences, or take additional courses to continue their professional development.

 

Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist Salary Expectations

A Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist earns an average salary of $49,610 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can significantly vary depending on the level of experience, qualifications, and the location where the therapist is practicing.

Therapists working in private practices or metropolitan areas may have higher earning potentials.

It’s also important to note that those employed by the military may receive additional benefits such as housing and medical coverage.

 

Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications are necessary to become a Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist?

A Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist typically needs a master’s degree in counseling or marriage and family therapy.

They must also complete clinical experience hours under the supervision of a licensed therapist.

The exact amount of hours varies by state.

Additional certifications specific to working with military populations, such as training in trauma-focused therapy techniques, can also be beneficial.

 

What skills are important for a Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist?

Key skills for a Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist include excellent listening and communication skills, high emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of the unique stresses and challenges faced by military personnel and their families.

They must be adept at building trust with clients and have the ability to help clients articulate their feelings and confront difficult issues.

 

What does a typical day look like for a Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist?

A typical day for a Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist may involve individual and group therapy sessions with service members, veterans, and their families.

They may also spend time documenting session details, consulting with other health care professionals, and conducting assessments to evaluate the mental and emotional health of their clients.

 

What challenges are commonly faced by a Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist?

Some common challenges for a Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist include dealing with the intense emotional and psychological issues presented by their clients, maintaining professional boundaries, and managing the stress of hearing about traumatic experiences on a regular basis.

They may also face challenges in coordinating care with other health professionals and navigating the military healthcare system.

 

What makes a good Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist?

A good Military and Veterans Marriage and Family Therapist is empathetic, patient, and able to handle high-stress situations.

They should have strong problem-solving skills and the ability to help clients develop effective coping mechanisms.

Knowledge of military culture and the specific issues faced by veterans and their families is also vital.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve gone behind the scenes to uncover the true essence of a military and veterans marriage and family therapist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about counselling sessions.

It’s about constructing the framework for healthy relationships and stable homes, one therapy session at a time.

With our definitive military and veterans marriage and family therapist job description template and real-life instances, you’re all equipped to make your mark.

But why halt your journey there?

Embark further with our job description generator. It’s your next mission in formulating meticulous job listings or sharpening your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every therapy session is a step towards a more resilient homefront.

Let’s create that change. Together.

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