Becoming a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in Utah

The dynamics of the family unit may have changed over the years but what remains the same is that with love and respect a family can prosper. A marriage and family therapist is an individual who is trained in the dynamics of how family interact. When such family is challenged with mental or emotional disorders a marriage and family therapist in Utah can help. As the title implies, he or she can treat, couples, families and individuals. According to Rule R156-160b Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing Act Rule, it takes certain qualifications before one can call him or herself a marriage and family therapist.

Education Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Licensing in Utah

In order to qualify for licensure in Utah, an applicant must be able to provide transcripts for completion of a master's degree or doctorate program in marriage and family therapy accredited by the COAMFTE or its equivalent.

For a program to qualify it must include:

• Theoretical foundations of marital and family therapy (six semester hours)
• Assessment and treatment (nine semester hours)
• Course work in human development (six semester hours)
• Professional ethics (three semester hours)
• Data analysis and research methodology (three semester hours)
• Electives in marriage and family therapy (three semester hours)
• Clinical practicum of no less than 600 hours (100 hours of face to face supervision; at least 250 direct contact hours of couple or family therapy

Read more about Utah MFT degrees.

Supervised Postgraduate Work Experience Requirement for a Marriage and Family Therapist

In order for an applicant in Utah to qualify for licensure, he or she must also accrue 4000 hours supervised training experience while working for a mental health facility. He or she must be under the supervision of a licensed marriage and family therapist. This training must be completed within two years. Of the required training hours, 100 hours must be direct contact with the supervisor. In addition, minimum training hours of at least 1000 in a mental health facility of which at least 500 hours has to be face-to-face contact with the clients in group, couples, or family therapy.

Marriage and Family Therapists Examination Requirements in Utah

Aside from the education and training experience requirements, all Utah applicants must also satisfy the examination requirement for licensure. He or she must pass the test for marriage and family therapy put forth by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Board.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Career Outlook In Utah

Those considering a career as a marriage and family therapist in Utah will be pleased to know that there is an expected employment growth of 14% according to the Occupational Outlook handbook between 2021 and 2031. Since insurance companies favor visits to marriage and family therapists over psychiatrists, it is predicted that more people with seek out service providers in this area increasing the demand for treatment.

As of 2022, according to the occupational employment statistics Utah has approximately 1,530 marriage and family therapists. The yearly average income in this field is approximately $88,980.

Research Additional Psychology Professional Licenses Granted by Utah:

• Utah Psychologist Licensing
• Utah Counselor Licensing
• Utah Social Work Licensing
• Learn More About The Career of an LMFT

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures for marriage and family therapists are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2023.

Schools with MFT Degree Programs Accepting Students from Utah