How much does a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist make?
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) play a vital role in helping individuals and families improve their relationships and mental health. On average, LMFTs earn around $94,826 each year. This salary can vary based on several factors.
Several elements can influence an LMFT's income. Experience is a big factor. Therapists with more years in the field often earn more. Location also matters. Urban areas tend to pay higher salaries. Therapists who specialize in certain types of therapy, like trauma or addiction, may also earn more.
Overall, LMFTs enjoy a rewarding career with good earning potential. As mental health becomes more important, the need for skilled therapists continues to grow. This means more opportunities for those in the field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist?

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Green Bay, WI
Average Salary: $203,000
In Green Bay, WI, mental health professionals enjoy a supportive community. Many therapists work with local healthcare systems, including Bellin Health and Aurora BayCare Medical Center. Opportunities exist for private practice and various non-profits.
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Fayetteville, AR
Average Salary: $194,714
Fayetteville, AR, offers a welcoming environment for mental health therapists. Northwest Arkansas Behavioral Health partners with many therapists. This area provides ample opportunities for those wanting to work in both clinical and community settings.
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Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $194,250
Stamford, CT, is a vibrant city with plenty of options for mental health professionals. Stamford Health and the Stamford Hospital system provide many opportunities. Therapists can also find work with private practices and non-profit organizations in the area.
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Little Rock, AR
Average Salary: $186,156
Little Rock, AR, has a growing demand for mental health services. Therapists can work with Arkansas Children’s Hospital or in private practices. The city supports a variety of therapeutic approaches and community outreach programs.
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Jackson, MS
Average Salary: $183,070
In Jackson, MS, mental health therapists can find work with St. Dominic’s Hospital and various community health centers. This city values mental wellness and offers a range of opportunities in both private and public sectors.
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Springfield, MO
Average Salary: $178,154
Springfield, MO, offers a stable environment for mental health professionals. CoxHealth and Mercy Health are prominent employers. The city supports a diverse range of therapeutic practices and community services.
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Salem, OR
Average Salary: $176,173
Salem, OR, is a great place for mental health professionals. The area has several opportunities with organizations like Willamette Family and Kaiser Permanente. Therapists can find work in various settings, from clinics to schools.
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Savannah, GA
Average Salary: $167,014
In Savannah, GA, mental health therapists can work with Candler Hospital and various private practices. The city’s focus on mental wellness creates a demand for skilled professionals. Opportunities exist in both urban and suburban settings.
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Tulsa, OK
Average Salary: $166,750
Tulsa, OK, offers many opportunities for mental health therapists. Saint Francis Health System and various private practices provide openings. The city’s growing focus on mental health creates a need for skilled professionals.
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New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $166,385
New Haven, CT, is a vibrant city with many opportunities for mental health professionals. Yale-New Haven Hospital and private practices offer many positions. The city supports a diverse range of therapeutic approaches and community services.
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What are the best companies a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist can work for?

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Brightside Health
Average Salary: $179,067
Brightside Health offers top pay for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. The company operates in several states including New York, California, and Florida. Brightside Health focuses on mental health and wellness, providing comprehensive care.
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Legacy Personnel Inc
Average Salary: $149,763
Legacy Personnel Inc provides a competitive salary for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. They serve clients across multiple locations such as Texas, Arizona, and Washington. The company specializes in healthcare staffing solutions.
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Telemynd
Average Salary: $140,000
Telemynd offers attractive salaries for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. They work with patients in various states including Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida. Telemynd focuses on delivering mental health services through telehealth.
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Alliant Personnel Resources
Average Salary: $136,386
Alliant Personnel Resources pays well for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. They operate in states like California, New York, and Texas. The company provides staffing solutions for behavioral health services.
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TEEMA
Average Salary: $128,000
TEEMA offers a strong salary for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. They serve clients in California and Virginia. TEEMA focuses on providing behavioral health services and supports for children and families.
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County of Santa Clara
Average Salary: $113,990
The County of Santa Clara offers a competitive salary for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. They operate in Santa Clara County, California. The county provides a range of mental health services to the community.
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The Stepping Stones Group
Average Salary: $110,125
The Stepping Stones Group provides a good salary for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. They serve clients in Florida and other states. The company focuses on behavioral health staffing and recruiting.
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CHE Behavioral Health Services
Average Salary: $106,730
CHE Behavioral Health Services offers a decent salary for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. They operate in several states including California, Florida, and New York. The company provides behavioral health services.
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California Correctional Health Care Services
Average Salary: $99,192
California Correctional Health Care Services offers a good salary for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. They work within California’s correctional facilities. The company provides mental health services to inmates.
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The Center for Children and Families
Average Salary: $98,958
The Center for Children and Families pays a solid salary for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. They operate in Virginia and offer services to children and families. The center focuses on mental health and wellness.
How to earn more as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist?
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), there are several ways to increase earnings. Experience, specialization, and location are key factors. Expanding skills and knowledge can lead to higher pay. Building a strong reputation can attract more clients. Joining a private practice or working in a high-demand area can also boost income.
Here are some factors to consider for earning more:
- Gain Experience: Working longer in the field can lead to higher pay. Experienced therapists often charge more.
- Specialize: Focusing on a specific area like child therapy or couples counseling can increase demand and rates.
- Location: Working in areas with higher living costs or less competition can lead to higher pay.
- Advanced Degrees: Obtaining a master's or doctoral degree can open up higher-paying opportunities.
- Private Practice: Starting a private practice can allow for higher earnings by setting your own rates.



