• Make a Difference: Help people strengthen their relationships and improve their lives.

• Diverse Work Settings: Opportunities in private practices, hospitals, schools, and more.

• Continuous Learning: Engage in ongoing education to stay current in the field.

• Flexible Schedules: Many MFTs have the ability to set their own hours.

• Growing Demand: The need for MFTs is increasing, offering job stability.

Embarking on a career as an MFT allows you to support others while enjoying a dynamic and rewarding profession.

With a master's degree or higher:

• Marriage & Family Therapist

A Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT) supports people in improving their emotional well-being and the quality of their relationships. MFTs work with individuals, couples, and families to address challenges like conflict, communication problems, stress, trauma, or mental health concerns. What makes them unique is their focus on how relationships and family dynamics impact a person’s overall health. Whether guiding a couple through a tough time or helping a family navigate a crisis, MFTs play a vital role in creating lasting, positive change.

• Crisis Therapist

A Crisis Therapist helps people during  mental health emergencies, like when someone is thinking about harming themselves or others. They stay calm, listen, and work quickly to make sure the person is safe. They also help create a plan for recovery and support.  [Learn more about Crisis Response Careers→]

• Primary Care Behaviorist

A Primary Care Behaviorist works in a doctor’s office to help patients with mental health, stress, or behavior problems. They’re part of the healthcare team and work closely with doctors and nurses. If someone is feeling anxious, depressed, or having trouble sleeping, the behaviorist can step in to help right away—often during the same visit! They also help people make healthy changes, like quitting smoking, managing weight, or dealing with chronic illnesses.

• Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant

Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants work with adults who care for young children, such as  parents,  teachers and child care workers. They help adults understand how to support children’s emotions, behavior, and development. If a child is having a hard time with big feelings or changes, the consultant provides tools and suggestions to help. They don’t usually work one-on-one with children, but they help create safe, caring places for kids to grow.  [Learn more about Early Childhood Mental Health careers →]

• Clinical Case Manager

A Clinical Case Manager helps people manage their mental health treatment. They connect clients to services, check on their progress, and make sure all parts of their care are working together. They support clients every step of the way on their recovery journey.  [Learn more about careers in Care Coordination →]

• Clinical Supervisor

A Clinical Supervisor is a key leader in the counseling profession, responsible for mentoring less experienced counselors. Clinical supervisors provide feedback, consultations, and evaluations to help develop the skills and knowledge of the counselors they oversee. They review casework to ensure that therapeutic practices meet the ethical and legal standards of the State of Ohio. Clinical supervisors build strong teams, encourage collaboration, and handle conflicts. They also help shape the culture of their organization while making sure that diversity and cultural differences are respected in every part of the process. In Ohio, clinical supervisors need a special supervisory endorsement for their professional license. .[Learn more about Clinical Supervision careers →]

• Chief Clinical Officer (CCO)

Chief Clinical Officers (CCOs) in behavioral health are top leaders who ensure that people receive high-quality mental health and addiction care. In Ohio, CCOs can work in hospitals, clinics, or community programs. They oversee the provision of services, ensuring they meet state laws and professional standards. They also lead teams of therapists, doctors, and support staff, helping create treatment plans, guide staff training, and make sure patients are treated with respect and safety. CCOs often collaborate with other leaders to develop new programs, manage budgets, and enhance services. [Learn more about Clinical Supervision careers→]

• Program Manager

A Program Manager plays a vital role in helping to transform the lives of patients. They oversee the day-to-day operations in mental health and/or addiction treatment programs. They collaborate with staff to plan services, manage personnel, and ensure the program meets clients’ needs. In behavioral health, they also track program results and ensure the programs comply with ethical standards and state rules.  [Learn more about Management careers→]

• Agency Director

An Agency Director provides the leadership and vision for the organization. They enforce best practices, accreditation, and ethical standards in all aspects of the work— from hiring staff and managing budgets to ensuring clients receive the care they need. They oversee clinical services, office operations, and work with local mental health and recovery boards to advance the mission of the agency to serve the community in the best way possible. [Learn more about Management careers→]

• Client’s Rights Officer

A Client’s Rights Officer makes sure people receiving mental health or addiction services are treated fairly and with respect. They help protect client rights, listen to complaints, and work to solve problems. They stand up for clients when something feels wrong.  [Learn more about careers in Advocacy →]

• Policy Advocate/ Analyst

A Policy Advocate/Analyst works to change laws or rules to make mental health care better for everyone. They study problems, suggest solutions, and speak up to leaders and lawmakers. Their work helps improve services and support for people across Ohio.  [Learn more about careers in Advocacy →]

Other job titles you may see:

• Psychotherapist

• Couples Therapist

• Family Therapist

• Intensive Home-Based Therapist 

A career in MFT offers diverse opportunities to specialize and grow professionally.

• Assess and Diagnose: Help figure out what emotional or relationship problems a person or family is facing.

• Develop Treatment Plans: Create a plan that fits each client’s needs and goals for better mental health and relationships.

• Provide Therapy: Lead therapy sessions with individuals, couples, or families to talk through challenges and build healthier connections.

• Teach Skills: Help clients learn better ways to handle stress, solve problems, and communicate with each other.

• Support Life Transitions: Guide people through tough times like divorce, grief, parenting struggles, or major life changes.

• Promote Healing and Growth: Encourage personal and family growth by building trust and understanding.

• Collaborate with Other Professionals: Work with doctors, social workers, school staff, and others to give clients the best care possible.

• Advocate for Clients: Help connect clients to community resources and speak up for their needs when needed.

Marriage & Family Therapists help people strengthen their relationships, feel more supported, and live healthier emotional lives.

[Learn more about Therapy careers →]

• Schools and Universities

• Psychiatric and General Hospitals

• Primary Care Physician’s Offices

• Community Mental Health Centers

• Rehabilitation and Recovery Centers

• Nonprofit Organizations

• Residential Treatment Facilities

• Telehealth Services

• Correctional Facilities

• Faith-Based or Cultural Centers

• Private Practices

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

• Military and Veterans Programs

• Mobile Crisis Teams

• Home Based Services

• Child Care Centers

MFTs have the flexibility to work in various environments, reaching clients where they are.

• Couples: Help partners improve communication, rebuild trust, and work through challenges like conflict, infidelity, or life changes. 

  • They may also offer premarital counseling to prepare for a healthy future together.

• Families: Support families dealing with stress, parenting issues, major life changes, or conflict—helping them grow stronger and more connected.

• Individuals: Work with people facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions that are affecting their relationships and emotional well-being.

• Children and Teens: Help young people cope with emotional or behavioral difficulties, family problems, bullying, or trauma in a safe and supportive environment.

• Groups: Lead group therapy sessions where people with shared experiences—like divorce, grief, or family conflict—can find support, learn skills, and heal together.

• Blended and Multigenerational Families: Guide families navigating step-parenting, co-parenting, or caring for elderly relatives.

• LGBTQ+ Individuals and Families: Provide affirming support for individuals and families exploring identity, relationships, and acceptance.

• People Impacted by Addiction or Mental Illness in the Family: Help families understand and cope with a loved one’s behavioral health challenges while building healthy boundaries and support systems.

MFTs assist a wide range of clients, emphasizing the importance of healthy interpersonal connections.

To become an MFT in Ohio, you'll need:

• Bachelor's degree: Preferably in psychology, social work, or a related field.

• Master of Marriage and Family Therapy or a closely related area from an accredited program and including an internship and practicum experience:

  • Practicum (Early Training): About 100 hours of supervised experience during your coursework.

  • Clinical Internship: At least 500 hours of supervised direct client practice.

• Supervised Clinical Experience: Complete a practicum and internship during your graduate studies.

Advanced education equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to support clients effectively.

In Ohio, you need a license to work as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. The following types of licensure is offered by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board: 

• Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT): This is the first license you can get after finishing your master's degree. With an LMFT license, you can start working as a counselor, but you must be supervised by a more experienced professional.

• Licensed Independent Marriage & Family Therapist (LIMFT): This is the next level of licensure once you have an LMFT. As an LIMFT you can work independently without a supervisor, open your own practice, and diagnose and treat mental health disorders.

Licensed Independent Marriage & Family Therapist - Supervisory Designation (LIMFT-S):This is a special title for IMFTs who want to supervise and train other counselors. With this license, you can supervise MFTs who are working toward their IMFT and help new counselors build skills, stay on track, and follow ethical rules.

Click here to learn more about licenses, credentials, and certifications.