Marriage and Family TherapistSalary

There is a wide range of positions a marriage and family therapist can hold, which often dictates how much income they can expect to make. Those employed by state and local government can do very well for themselves, making between $50k-$60k annually on average. Slightly less for therapists working in outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers – around $45-$50k, and still less for the majority, who work in mental health offices or in individual and family services (in the $40-$45k range). Those who work out of converted lemonade stands and greatly undervalue their own professional services may make more in the range of $10-$15 a year.

If you work in an urban area and are able to accumulate a clientele consisting of high-profile patients, you may be able to make $100k or more. Another nice way to spring into a higher tax bracket is to write a book or publish articles about your specific area of expertise. You are very knowledgeable about a specific topic that interests a great many people – take advantage of that fact and get yourself a book deal. If you’re multi-talented enough, you can even do your own illustrations. Sadly, Maurice Sendak has passed, so it’s up to you now.