If you have an interest in clinical psychology with a focus in marriage and family therapy (MFT), your options for career paths are plentiful. MFT centers on the family unit and the dynamics between parties within that family.
If you’re pursuing this field and are wary of where you might land following your licensure, fear not. We’ve compiled this list to illustrate the different landscapes you could possibly work in as a clinical psychologist focusing on marriage and family therapy.
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Family service agencies
Family service agencies tend to be either nonprofit organizations or government-sponsored entities that focus on the welfare of families. As a clinical psychologist with an MFT focus, your expertise will guide you in assisting families in moments of crisis or difficulty or in helping them achieve goals they’ve set for themselves.
Child Welfare Information Gateway states “family support programs may address the general population or target particular groups such as ethnic and cultural minorities; adolescent parents; kindship caregivers; or families facing health, mental health, or substance abuse issues.”
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Social services
Social services are a collection of organizations run by the government, nonprofits, or private organizations. In the domain of social services, a clinical psychologist with an MFT focus will be able to work with children, their parents, or the family as a unit to improve their quality of life. You might work as a psychologist or as a social worker depending on your employer.
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Hospitals, clinics, and medical centers
Medical centers, hospitals, and clinics offer a more traditional landscape for clinical psychologists with an MFT specialization. Much like other careers listed, the goal and trajectory of working with families either jointly or individually to improve their lives is the same. Perhaps you’re helping a family work through the mental and emotional challenges of a new diagnosis of their child or you’re emotionally assisting a family that’s lost a loved one. The work of a clinical psychologist is dependent upon the person(s) they’re working with and the day.
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Schools
Clinical psychologists may also work in schools with students, parents, administrators, and educators, teaching them about mental health, wellness, behavioral issues, substance abuse, and more. The National Association of School Psychologists details the importance of school psychologists and how, amongst other things, they work to “unlock each child’s potential for success.”
In practice, an MFT specialist in clinical psychology may work alongside students who experience issues with peers, their education, or home life. They may, additionally, work alongside student’s parents (depending on the student’s age).
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Private practice
A study conducted by the American Psychological Association’s Center for Workforce reported more than half of psychologists who deliver health services are primarily independent practitioners. This popular option for psychologists still requires a career working for others in order to gain experience.
While starting your own practice might not be a viable option following the completion of your education, it can be a great way to proceed in your career with more autonomy. You’ll be able to explore the more entrepreneurial aspects of psychology while developing your business and tending to the health of your patients. Even more, you’ll be able to open a private practice that focuses on your specialty of marriage and family psychology.
Clinical psychologists for children, families, parents, and marriages play an important role in helping improve people’s quality of life. Pursuing a career in this field with an MFT background offers a great job landscape with different avenues to explore as you grow into your career.
Learn more about The Chicago School
Interested in starting your career in marriage and family therapy? Learn more to begin your MFT journey!
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