Graduate Pathways Series - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)

Inside this issue:
👉 🧭 Theme of the Week: Grad Pathways Series - LMFT’s
👉 💬 Office Hours Interview: Janel, a recent graduate of an AMFT Program
👉 💼 Career Spotlight: Case Managers
👉 📚 Book Rec: Shift by Ethan Kross
👉 🌱 Mental Health Check-In
👉 📢 Free Webinar Announcement
👉 📱 Referral Gift
👉 📬 Give Us Your Feedback

🧭 Theme of the Week: Grad Pathways – LMFT

“Going to grad school to become a therapist” can be a variety of things. With so many ways to earn the title of “therapist”, it can be overwhelming knowing which one best fits your interests. The pathway we’ll explore today is becoming an Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

After earning a master’s degree in Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy, you will get certified as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), before full licensure as an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist). It’s ideal for those who want to provide therapy to couples and families.

Here’s what you should know:

What is an AMFT?
An AMFT is a pre-licensed therapist who works under supervision while gaining the 3,000 clinical hours required for LMFT licensure.

What is an LMFT?
An LMFT is a licensed therapist who has met the educational and licensing requirements to diagnose and treat mental health disorders, particularly in the context of relationships and family systems. 

What type of programs lead to this role?
Look for master’s programs in Marriage & Family Therapy. These are usually 2–3 years long and include both coursework and a practicum/internship component.

Why choose this path?

• It’s one of the quicker paths to becoming a licensed therapist (compared to Clinical PhD and PsyD programs).

• You'll gain exposure to family systems, couples work, trauma, and multicultural perspectives.

• LMFT is a great fit for students who enjoy the relational side of psychology and want to work in community or private practice settings.

What to expect:

• Supervised therapy sessions with individuals and families

• Ongoing training and education

• Emotional growth and self-reflection as part of the process

In Janel’s words (see below): “It’s ok to take time after your bachelor’s to figure out which master’s program is right for you… Becoming an AMFT is a step away from becoming fully licensed, so it’s important to learn the length of the process.”

The Bottom Line: LMFT work provides specialized training in providing therapy services for couples and families in particular. If working in relational systems is your passion, this pathway is for you!

If you're curious about clinical work, the LMFT route might be your calling. Stay tuned for more in my Grad Pathways series.

💬 Office Hours Interview: Janel’s Journey to Becoming an AMFT

Real interviews with real professionals and students.
This week: Janel, a recent Pepperdine University Masters graduate, shares her journey from trauma survivor to future licensed therapist.

What is an AMFT, and what kind of work will you be doing in this role?

An AMFT is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. Specifically, an AMFT is a therapist registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences who has completed their master’s program and is continuing to complete the requirements to become fully licensed as an LMFT(Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist). I just graduated from my online master’s program at Pepperdine University in March. I am currently job hunting and completing the interview process with a private practice. If I get accepted for this job, I will continue working one on one with youth, and gain experience working with couples and families under the supervision of an LMFT or LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker).

What first drew you to the field of clinical psychology, and what made you choose the Marriage & Family Therapy route in particular?

Overall, my former experience with therapy inspired me to pursue the field of clinical psychology. Four years ago, I was involved in a major car accident and I got diagnosed with PTSD. Sessions with my former therapist helped me heal and it’s the reason why I can drive today. I remembered my former therapist’s title was LMFT, and she inspired me to pursue this field. Therapy helped me so much and I want to give back to the field in this way.

What did a typical week look like for you in graduate school?

For the first two years of my master’s program, I was taking classes two days a week and working a part time job. During the last year of the program, I became a full time student since I took three classes per week. Each class was two hours long, and I usually attended classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. I worked as an intern counselor on Mondays and Fridays. On my free time, I’d find ways to work an extra job and to practice self care.

What was the most challenging part of your graduate experience?

The most challenging part of the program was challenging any thoughts I had related to imposter syndrome. I felt this the most when I started working as an intern counselor. It’s a stressful time because even though I had two years of studying to back me up, I realized I still have a lot to learn when it comes to supporting clients. I’ve learned to overcome those thoughts by trusting myself and realizing it’s ok to not have all the answers. That’s why it’s so important for therapists to learn from their clients, clinical supervisors, colleagues, and to stay up to date with current research. That’s the beauty of the work—there will always be opportunities to learn and grow.

How did you take care of your mental health while training to care for other people’s?

I had my own self-care plan that I continue to utilize. My self-care plan includes finding time throughout the day to practice deep breathing, stretching, listening to relaxing music, going on a walk, eating snacks, drinking water, taking breaks, spending time with my family and loved ones, and maintaining a routine for bedtime.

What will a typical day look like working as an AMFT?

Whenever I get hired, my work days will be a little similar to my days as an intern counselor. I will continue meeting with youth for one-on-one sessions in person or virtually. My goal is to expand this experience to working with younger kids, adults, as well as families and couples. I will be completing all of this work under supervision of an LMFT or LCSW. I will also schedule certain days of the week to complete trainings and also to have a meeting with my supervisor for supervision.

What settings can AMFTs work in?

There are a variety of different options of work settings for AMFTs. These work settings include private practices, hospitals, health care settings, schools, social service agencies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, employee assistance programs, substance abuse and addiction treatment centers, legal and correctional systems, churches and religious settings.

What advice would you give to psych majors who feel curious about becoming an AMFT?

I encourage you all to take your time with considering different career paths and master’s degrees (especially if you are earning your bachelor’s degree). It’s ok to take time after receiving your bachelor’s degree to figure out which master’s program you are interested in pursuing. Becoming an AMFT is a step away from becoming fully licensed (LMFT), so it’s important to learn the length of the process. A master’s program can take around three years to complete, after you graduate you complete the application to become a registered AMFT, then you work as an AMFT for a few years before you can meet the requirements to become fully licensed which also includes taking an exam. If all of this is manageable for you and you find yourself feeling passionate about learning how to support others’ mental health, this may be the career for you. It can be helpful to speak with academic counselors, admissions counselors, or anyone else you know who is working within the field of clinical psychology to have a better idea as well.

💼 Career Spotlight: Case Manager (Bachelor's Level)

Looking for a psychology-related job you can get right after undergrad? Consider becoming a case manager.

What it is: Case managers support clients in accessing services, managing treatment plans, and navigating mental health, housing, employment, or recovery systems. They work in community mental health agencies, homeless shelters and transitional housing, nonprofits and government programs, substance use recovery centers, and hospitals.

What you’ll do:

• Help clients connect with therapists, support groups, housing, food assistance, etc.

• Create and monitor individualized service plans

• Maintain case notes and coordinate with providers

• Advocate for client needs across systems (medical, legal, social)

Why it’s great for psych grads: It gives you real-world experience working with vulnerable populations, building rapport, and understanding how systems interact with mental health. Perfect preparation for graduate school or direct service roles.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or related field. Some roles require additional certifications or training, but many offer on-the-job training.

Salary range: $35,000–$50,000 depending on location and setting. Advancement possible with experience or additional education.

📚 Book Rec of the Week

"Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini

This classic book explores the science behind why people say “yes” and how to ethically apply that knowledge in everyday interactions. Cialdini breaks down six powerful principles of influence, from reciprocity to social proof, that shape human behavior more than we realize.

Why it’s good for psych students: Understanding influence is a must for anyone entering psychology, whether you’re working in therapy, research, business, or advocacy. Cialdini’s work blends real-world examples with psychological theory, making it a great introduction to applied social psych. You’ll also start to recognize how influence is used in marketing, politics, and even your daily conversations.

🌱 Mental Health Check-In

Here’s your reminder: Imposter syndrome does not mean you’re unqualified.
It often shows up when you step into a new role or take a big leap in your career, just like Janel described when she became an intern therapist.

Growth in psychology isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about staying open, curious, and committed to learning.

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📢 Coming Soon: Free Webinar on Careers in Psychology

We’re hosting a completely free live Zoom event on “Therapist Paths 101: Your Guide to Psych Grad School” We’d love to see you there!
🗓️ Date TBA—stay tuned!

Keep learning, keep asking questions, and remember, you can do anything you set your mind to.

With guidance,
The PsychMentor Team