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See Tennessee salary details

$43.1K

$77.2K

$145.2K

How much do mft jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for mft in Tennessee is $77,152.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $89,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Marriage and Family Therapist?

To thrive as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), you need a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field, state licensure, and a strong understanding of psychological theory and family systems. Familiarity with electronic health records, teletherapy platforms, and evidence-based therapeutic modalities is also important. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build trust help MFTs connect with diverse clients and navigate complex emotional dynamics. These competencies ensure effective treatment, client engagement, and ethical practice in supporting individual and family well-being.

What are some common challenges Marriage and Family Therapists face when working with couples or families, and how can they effectively address them?

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) often encounter challenges such as managing conflicting perspectives among family members, navigating sensitive or deeply rooted issues, and maintaining a neutral, supportive environment. Effective MFTs use strong communication skills, evidence-based therapeutic techniques, and establish clear boundaries to help clients feel heard and respected. Regular supervision and ongoing professional development also support therapists in handling complex situations and preventing burnout. Collaborating with other mental health professionals can provide additional insights and resources, enhancing the overall support for clients.

What is the difference between Mft vs Mft Therapist?

AspectMftMft Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or related fieldRequires a master's degree, state licensure, and clinical hours in marriage and family therapy
Work EnvironmentClinics, private practices, hospitals, community agenciesProviding therapy in similar settings, often with direct client interaction
Industry UsageUsed as a job title and credential in mental health servicesCommonly used to specify licensed professionals providing therapy

Both Mft and Mft Therapist refer to professionals trained in marriage and family therapy, often with similar educational backgrounds and work environments. The term Mft is often used as a credential or job title, while Mft Therapist emphasizes the role of providing therapy services. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify job descriptions and licensing requirements in mental health fields.

Can an MFT work in a hospital?

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) can work in hospital settings, often providing mental health counseling, crisis intervention, and family therapy. They typically need relevant licensure and may collaborate with medical staff, using skills in psychotherapy and assessment within a multidisciplinary team.

Is marriage and family therapy a good career?

Marriage and family therapy (MFT) is a growing mental health profession that involves providing counseling to individuals, couples, and families. It typically requires a master's degree, supervised clinical hours, and licensure, offering opportunities in private practice, clinics, and healthcare settings. The field is considered rewarding for those interested in helping relationships and mental health, with job growth driven by increased awareness of mental health issues.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mft jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Mft jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Mft jobs in Tennessee?

For Mft jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mft jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Mft jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Mft jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Mft job openings:

Mft jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mft job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,152 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Marriage and Family Therapist (Readjustment Counselor)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Clarksville, TN

$61K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: The basic requirements for employment as a VHA Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) are prescribed by statute in 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(10), as amended by section 239 of Public Law 114- 223, enacted Sept 29, 2016. To qualify for appointment as an MFT in VHA, all applicants must meet the following:
  • Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.)
  • Education: Candidates must meet one of the following:
    • Hold a master's degree or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a program approved by COAMFTE, OR
    • Hold a master's degree or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a MFT program from a regionally accredited institution, OR
    • Hold a master's degree or doctoral degree in a comparable mental health degree (Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, Psychology, and Psychiatry) that meets the current VA qualification standard of that profession.
  • Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to MFT positions in the GS-0182 series in VHA must hold a full, current and unrestricted MFT license to independently practice marriage and family therapy in a State.
    • Exception: The Secretary, or his/her designee, may waive the licensure requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of State prerequisites for licensure examinations for a period not to exceed three years from the date of employment on the condition that MFTs appointed on this basis provide care only under the supervision of a fully licensed MFT with an AAMFT approved license. This exception only applies at the entry grade level (GS-9). For grades at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be licensed.
  • English Language Proficiency: MFTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3j.
  • Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a MFT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education that is part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
    • Such employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, demoted, but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
    • MFTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
    • Employees who are retained as a MFT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a MFT.
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade level for each candidate.
Marriage and Family Therapist, GS-09 (Entry Level):
  • Experience, Education and Licensure: The entry level grade is used for non-licensed MFTs or for MFTs (master's or doctoral level) who are graduates not yet licensed at the independent practice level. Unlicensed MFTs at the GS-9 grade level have completed the required education listed above and are working toward completion of prerequisites for licensure.
AND
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition, candidates must demonstrate the KSAs below:
    • Knowledge of human development throughout the lifespan, interventions based on research and family systems theory and therapy, formal diagnostic criteria, risk assessment, evidence-based practice and assessment tools.
    • Ability to assess, with supervision, the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members.
    • Knowledge to formulate, implement, and re-evaluate a treatment plan through continuous assessment identifying the Veteran's challenges, strengths, readiness to change, external influences and current events surrounding the origins and maintenance of the presenting issue, and interactional patterns within the client system.
    • Ability to provide counseling and/or psychotherapy services, under supervision, to individuals, groups, couples and families in a culturally competent manner that facilitates change through restructuring and reorganizing of the client system.
    • Basic knowledge and understanding of existing relevant statutes, case law, ethical codes, and regulations affecting professional practice of marriage and family therapy.
    • Ability to draft documents, manage data, maintain accurate, timely and thorough clinical documentation, and track quality improvements.
Marriage and Family Therapist, GS-11 (Full Performance Level):
  • Experience, Education and Licensure: In addition to the basic requirements, the GS-11 full performance level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-master's degree experience in the field of marriage and family therapy work (VA or non-VA experience) and must be licensed in a State at the independent practice level.
OR
  • Experience, Education and Licensure: In addition to the basic requirements, a doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or comparable degree in mental health that meets the current VA qualification standard of that profession (Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, Psychology, and Psychiatry) may be substituted for the required one year of marriage and family therapy experience in a clinical setting and must be licensed in a State at the independent practice level.
AND
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to meeting the KSA's for the GS-09 grade level, candidates must demonstrate the GS-11 KSAs below:
    • Skill to independently assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members.
    • Ability to provide counseling and/or psychotherapy services to individuals, groups, couples and families in a culturally competent manner that facilitates change through restructuring and reorganizing the client system.
    • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Veterans and their families, colleagues, and other professionals in collaboration throughout treatment regarding clinical, ethical and legal issues and concerns.
    • Knowledge and understanding of existing relevant statutes, case law, ethical codes, regulations and VA policies affecting the practice of marriage and family therapy. This includes the ability to assist Veterans and their families in making informed decisions relevant to treatment to include limits of confidentiality.
    • Ability to provide orientation, training and consultation to new MFTs including clinical oversight of MFT graduate students, and/or provide clinical supervision to pre-licensure MFTs.
    • Skill in the use of computer software applications for drafting documents, data management, maintaining accurate, timely and thorough clinical documentation, and tracking quality improvements.
Physical Requirements: The work does not inherently include physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with a workplace accommodation.
References: VA Qualifications Standards - Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO)Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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