Marriage and Therapist DEBBIE A. MCKNIGHT

Area of Specialization-Marriage and Family Therapist couple relationships, ◦children, ◦step families, ◦and caring for elderly parents.

DUTIES Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists help people manage or overcome mental and emotional disorders and problems with their family and relationships. Cope with specific disorders such ◦as substance abuse, ◦eating disorders, ◦ prolonged underachieving, ◦ depression, ◦as well as other mental and emotional problems.

DUTIES The marriage and family therapist consults with all those involved in the problem, ◦ including parents, ◦spouses, ◦ children, ◦friends, ◦school personnel, ◦social services, ◦community agencies, ◦and the courts.

WORKING ENVIROMENT Marriage and family therapists work in clinics, ◦agencies, ◦ hospitals, ◦schools, ◦family service centers, ◦and private practice. Hours must be flexible to accommodate families in crisis and working people who must have evening or weekend appointments.

Length of Training Education requirements for licensure include a minimum of a Master’s degree from an accredited university. Doctoral education in family therapy emphasizes the training of supervisors, teachers, researchers, and clinicians in the discipline.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION Education requirements for licensure include a minimum of a Master’s degree from an accredited university. The Agency for Healthcare Administration also requires proof of three years of experience as a marriage and family therapist.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION In Texas, the applicant must complete two years of supervised work experience in direct individual, group, or family counseling and must pass an examination administered by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists, which licenses and regulates marriage and family therapists in Texas.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION Licensed therapists must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education every two years (including six hours of ethics). Marriage and family therapists may also be licensed by the state as licensed professional counselors (LPCs).

Education Programs in the Area Our Lady of the Lake University M St. Mary University M/D Trinity UniversityM

Job Outlook and Salaries Job Outlook Starting 47,559 5 years 54, years 63,680