6 Unique MFT Career Opportunities for Recent Graduates 

Those interested in marriage and family therapy (MFT) may have trouble brainstorming available careers. Some believe this degree strictly leads to a marriage or family therapist job. However, that isn’t always the case. The field can open roads to a variety of MFT careers and salary opportunities. 

The need for counselors and therapists specializing in marriage and family dynamics has never been greater. They play a crucial role in helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of interpersonal relationships, cope with loss, and manage life’s challenges. Their work helps alleviate a patient’s immediate distress and contributes to their long-term mental and emotional health. 

The opportunities available in the field give those who aspire to positions in this critical and growing field the opportunity to specialize in areas that suit their skills and interests. The following provides an overview of six MFT careers that many future counselors may have yet to consider. 

Crisis Intervention Specialist 

A crisis intervention specialist is vital for individuals and families experiencing acute distress. These specialists handle emergencies such as domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health crises. They provide immediate support and stabilization, helping people cope and connect with resources. 

Crisis intervention specialists work in various settings, including hospitals, social service agencies, and crisis hotlines. They play a crucial role in preventing further harm and promoting recovery. 

Grief Counselor 

Grief counselors support those who are coping with loss. This loss can include the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or other life-changing events. They help clients process emotions, understand the stages of grief, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. They also provide a safe and supportive environment where people can express their feelings, an essential part of the healing process. 

These counselors work in various settings, including hospitals, hospice care, private practice, and community organizations. Their empathetic approach and specialized training enable them to offer the sensitive guidance that clients need during vulnerable times. 

University Counselor 

University counselors play a crucial role in supporting students’ mental health and well-being. They offer free counseling services as part of university programs, addressing issues such as academic stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. University counselors provide a confidential and safe space for students to discuss their concerns and develop strategies for managing their mental health. 

Their work helps individual students and contributes to a healthier and more productive academic environment. By addressing students’ mental health needs, university counselors enhance their academic and personal success. 

Religious-Based Therapist 

Religious-based therapists integrate spiritual beliefs and practices into their counseling approach. They provide therapy that aligns with clients’ religious values, offering spiritually and emotionally meaningful support. Religious-based therapists often work in churches, synagogues, and faith-based counseling centers. 

Their unique approach appeals to clients seeking therapy that respects and incorporates their religious beliefs. These therapists offer a holistic approach to mental and emotional well-being by blending psychological and spiritual support. 

Adolescent Counselor 

Adolescent counselors specialize in working with teenagers, addressing issues such as peer relationships, academic pressures, and family dynamics. They provide a supportive environment where adolescents can explore their feelings, develop coping skills, and make positive choices. Adolescent counselors are adept at engaging with young people and understanding the unique challenges they face. These counselors work in schools, community organizations, private practice, and juvenile detention centers. Their ability to connect with adolescents and provide age-appropriate guidance is essential in helping young people navigate this critical developmental stage. 

TUW offers an entire course based on assisting adolescents. This course covers how problems affect young people differently and how counselors can use different techniques to work through issues alongside them. 

University Professor 

University professors play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of counselors. They provide advanced education and training in therapeutic techniques, ethics, and research. These professors inspire and mentor students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their careers. 

Professors work in academic institutions, conducting research and contributing to the advancement of the field. Their expertise and dedication to education ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of their clients. 

Touro University Worldwide’s Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy 

Students in the Touro University Worldwide online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy degree program gain the skills to successfully manage the challenges in these six career fields and many more. Graduates learn how to empathize with patients, becoming a guide for those they serve. 

Students train in several different practices and disciplines, giving them the flexibility they can later use to specialize in. While some focus on couples, others may work with young adults or students. Graduates from the program are well-rounded professionals who are prepared for success in many different MFT careers.