Marriage and family therapy & social work degrees: How to tell the difference.

Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

Social Work (SW)

FIELD OVERVIEW

A clinical profession that focuses on the mental health and well-being of individuals, couples and families within the context of relationships

A behavioral health profession and a mental health profession that provides a wide range of services for individuals, families, groups and communities through various treatment methods

Train in evidence/practice-based models and clinical interventions grounded in family systems theory

Follow an evidence-based practice toward intervention

Approach from a systemic perspective, recognizing the impact of relationships on individual, couple and family; address issues from a systemic perspective, recognizing the impact of relationships on individual, couple, and family well-being

Focus on providing treatment and intervention from a person-in-environment perspective

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
This is a high-level overview of the state licensure requirements;
this list is not comprehensive.

A master’s-level education in the field or, in some states, a related field

A master’s-level education in the field or, in some states, a related field

Supervised clinical practice; post-master’s experience

Supervised clinical practice; post-master’s experience

Many states require completion of a degree program equivalent to or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

CLIENT BASE

Some MFTs choose to specialize in couples therapy or work with children; however, most work across the lifespan and all family configurations

Master of Social Work (MSW) career opportunities cover the developmental lifespan: infants, children, young adults, seniors

SERVICES PROVIDED

With a primary focus on clinical therapeutic models, family systems, multicultural practice and the family life cycle, MFTs are able to diagnose and treat emotional and behavioral disorders and relational concerns

Social workers are trained to provide services to a broad population, working to facilitate the welfare of communities and the individuals within them

Services may include:

• Therapy with individuals, couples and families
• Assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders
• Premarital and couples therapy
• Leading group therapy

Services may include:

• Case management
• Counseling and psychotherapy with individuals, groups, couples and families
• Assessment and diagnosis of mental disorders
• Protection of the elderly and vulnerable communities

SKILL SETS NEEDED

Training in clinical psychotherapy methods and family systems concepts

Training in assessment and intervention services for individuals, families, groups and communities

Active listening, empathy, among many other skills

Active listening, empathy, among many other skills

Good communication and engagement skills

Good communication and engagement skills

Collaborative, ethical problem-solving

Application of ethical model of problem-solving

Social perceptiveness

Social perceptiveness

A desire to help others

A desire to help others

PRACTICE SETTINGS*

MFTs can also be found in settings such as medical settings, universities, private clinical practice, residential treatment centers, nonprofits and schools

Settings may include schools, private practices, hospitals, mental health agencies and primary care agencies, among others

Only fully licensed professionals should advertise their role as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. MFTs who are in training or working toward full licensure under supervision may have a provisional license (title and requirements vary by state); check your state’s requirements for details on licensure

There are various levels of licensure for clinical social work. Please check your state’s requirements for details regarding advanced generalist practice, clinical social work, etc.