MFCC and a Comparison with MSW

Psy 301

MARRIAGE, FAMILY, AND CHILD COUNSELING (MFT)

A Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor is trained to intervene with families and individuals who are experiencing distress and are in need of counseling. Typical problems treated include depression, relationship difficulties, parent-child conflict, self-esteem issues, anxiety, and drug and alcohol abuse. The MFT's work is similar to that of clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, and clinical social workers. The principles and methods used include, but are not limited to, psychotherapeutic techniques and diagnosis. Moreoever, MFTs work in th same settings as other mental health professionals. Many work in private practice while others work for government mental health agencies, the courts, psychiatric hospitals, or consulting firms.

The MFT is a California license requiring at least a Master's degree(about 20% of MFTs have doctoral training), including supervised field placement during and after the Master's program. Licensure is required for an individual to work independently as an MFT. Upon licensure, MFTs have the freedom to establish their own private practices. Without licensure, a person can only do counseling while under the supervision of other psychologists, MFTs, LCSWs, or psychiatrists.

EDUCATION

Schools usually offer a terminal MA or MS degree program in a specific field of psychology such as Clinical or Counseling Psychology. These programs usually offer a Marriage, Family & Child Counseling or similar option. The option provides the academic training required for licensure as an MFT. There are many programs offered throughout the state at both public and private universities. (A program in offered at CSULB through the Educational Psychology Department.) In order for an individual to qualify to take the licensing exam, the program and its curriculum must be approved by the state board. However, there is no organization which specifically accredits master's programs in the way that APA accredits Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs. There is a national organization for marriage and family therapy which approves both doctoral and masters level training, but only a limited number (about 60) are approved nationally. There is information available in the Peer Advising Offices (PSY 206) about a wide range of MFT programs. (Literature is also available about many MSW programs nationwide.)

PREPARATION FOR MFT PROGRAMS

To apply for most Counseling programs, a BA in Psychology or some minimum number of psychology units (like 18 or 24) is required. Courses most frequently suggested or required include: statistics, psychological testing, abnormal psychology, child and adolescent development, experimental psychology, and physiological psychology. A GPA of 3.0 is the average requested and some schools require GRE scores. For the requirements of any specific school, consult its literature.

How does the MFCC differ from the LCSW?

CHARACTERISTIC MFT LCSW

Nature of Work Specialize in direction intervention (psychotherapy) with the focus on the family as the treatment unit Intervention in many different areas including public policy, community work, as well as therapeutic intervention

National Recognition The MFT is a California license. Some states offer a similar license or certification, but there is no reciprocity between states. Licensure in one state does not guarantee an MFT can practice in another state. Offered in all states. Licensure inone state does not automatically give license in other states.

Licensure
Must work under supervision until license is obtained. Must complete education, 3000 supervised hours, and pass exam in order to be licensed. Can work independently as a social worker, but must obtain license if focus is on clinical work.

Starting Salary (approximate) Licensed MFT -- $2500 to 3000/month LCSW--$2700 to 3200/month

Average Salary Licensed MFT--$45,000/year LCSW--$53,000/year

Job Opportunities MFTs often work part-time in independent practice and part-time for an agency. At present, there are many licensed MFTs in California so obtaining a job requires creativity and networking. At present there are more jobs than LCSWs available to fill them. Some jobs result in high burnout, so there is much turnover.

Status/Prestige In the field of psychology, the MFT has less prestige than the Clinical Psychologist. Among members of the public, the status differential may not be as great as they often do not make fine distinctions amoung counseling fields. In the field of social work, the LCSW degree is the highest degree obtained by most in the field, though some few do go on to earn a Ph.D. (primarily for jobs in academia or administration). As stated for the MFT, the public may not make fine distinctions, though some may think of social worrkers as "little old ladies" or "baby snatchers."

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CHARACTERISTIC	MFT	LCSW
Nature of Work	Specialize in direction intervention (psychotherapy) with the focus on the family as the treatment unit	Intervention in many different areas including public policy, community work, as well as therapeutic intervention
National Recognition	The MFT is a California license. Some states offer a similar license or certification, but there is no reciprocity between states. Licensure in one state does not guarantee an MFT can practice in another state.	Offered in all states. Licensure inone state does not automatically give license in other states.
Licensure	Must work under supervision until license is obtained. Must complete education, 3000 supervised hours, and pass exam in order to be licensed.	Can work independently as a social worker, but must obtain license if focus is on clinical work.
Starting Salary (approximate)	Licensed MFT -- $2500 to 3000/month	LCSW--$2700 to 3200/month
Average Salary	Licensed MFT--$45,000/year	LCSW--$53,000/year
Job Opportunities	MFTs often work part-time in independent practice and part-time for an agency. At present, there are many licensed MFTs in California so obtaining a job requires creativity and networking.	At present there are more jobs than LCSWs available to fill them. Some jobs result in high burnout, so there is much turnover.
Status/Prestige	In the field of psychology, the MFT has less prestige than the Clinical Psychologist. Among members of the public, the status differential may not be as great as they often do not make fine distinctions amoung counseling fields.	In the field of social work, the LCSW degree is the highest degree obtained by most in the field, though some few do go on to earn a Ph.D. (primarily for jobs in academia or administration). As stated for the MFT, the public may not make fine distinctions, though some may think of social worrkers as "little old ladies" or "baby snatchers."