How much does a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist make?
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) provide valuable services to individuals, couples, and families. They earn a respectable salary for their work. The average yearly salary for LMFTs stands at around $96,460. This means that LMFTs can expect to make a good living in their chosen field.
The salary for LMFTs can vary based on several factors. These factors include experience, location, and the type of employer. Those with more years of experience and those working in urban areas tend to earn more. LMFTs who work for private practices or hospitals may see different pay scales compared to those working for schools or government agencies. Despite these variations, the overall salary range for LMFTs remains attractive and rewarding.
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, therapists find a strong community with several local practices. They have many opportunities to collaborate with other mental health professionals. Notable organizations include Bellin Health and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.
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Fayetteville, AR
Average Salary: $196,200
Fayetteville offers a welcoming environment for therapists. The city has growing needs in mental health services. Places like Arkansas Children's Hospital and NWA Counseling Center provide excellent opportunities.
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Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $195,846
Stamford has a dynamic job market with many private practices and clinics. Therapists can expect a diverse client base. Companies like Stamford Health and Connecticut Children’s offer strong support.
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Little Rock, AR
Average Salary: $187,869
Little Rock presents a growing need for skilled therapists. The city offers a mix of private practices and non-profits. Organizations such as Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield and Arkansas Center for Child and Family Enrichment are key players.
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Springfield, MO
Average Salary: $180,786
Springfield is a city on the rise, with increasing demand for mental health services. Therapists here benefit from a supportive community. Mercy Health and CoxHealth are prominent employers in the area.
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Jackson, MS
Average Salary: $177,560
Jackson provides a mix of urban and community settings for therapists. The city is home to several non-profits and private practices. Organizations like The Council on Aging and Alliance Health Center are well-regarded.
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Salem, OR
Average Salary: $176,173
Salem offers a peaceful setting with a strong community focus. Therapists here find plenty of opportunities with organizations such as Oregon State Hospital and Willamette Family Therapy.
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Savannah, GA
Average Salary: $174,123
Savannah combines a historic charm with modern needs. Therapists can find work in various settings, from private practices to community health centers. Savannah Behavioral Health Services is a notable employer.
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Baton Rouge, LA
Average Salary: $170,160
Baton Rouge offers a vibrant job market with many opportunities. Therapists can work in a variety of settings, from schools to private practices. Key organizations include Our Lady of the Lake and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana.
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New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $169,857
New Haven provides a rich environment for mental health professionals. The city is home to several academic institutions and private practices. Yale New Haven Health and the New Haven Mental Health Center are key employers.
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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: $175,794
Brightside Health provides mental health services with a focus on innovative care delivery. The company operates across the United States, helping people manage their mental health through online therapy and psychiatry services.
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Legacy Personnel Inc
Average Salary: $151,313
Legacy Personnel Inc offers specialized staffing solutions, including mental health professionals. They serve clients in various states, aiming to connect patients with top-notch therapists for effective treatment.
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Alliant Personnel Resources
Average Salary: $136,372
Alliant Personnel Resources focuses on placing mental health professionals in rewarding positions. They serve clients across the country, ensuring therapists find positions that match their skills and career goals.
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TEEMA
Average Salary: $118,770
TEEMA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting people with developmental disabilities. They offer Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist positions in various locations across California, providing a supportive and inclusive environment.
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County of Santa Clara
Average Salary: $112,968
The County of Santa Clara offers a range of mental health services through its public health department. They have positions for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in multiple locations, dedicated to improving community health.
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The Stepping Stones Group
Average Salary: $112,525
The Stepping Stones Group places therapists in schools and clinics. They operate throughout the United States, focusing on providing quality mental health services to children and families.
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CHE Behavioral Health Services
Average Salary: $107,584
CHE Behavioral Health Services provides comprehensive behavioral health services. They have locations across the country, offering therapists the opportunity to work in a supportive environment.
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California Correctional Health Care Services
Average Salary: $99,192
California Correctional Health Care Services offers healthcare, including mental health services, in correctional facilities. They provide positions for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists throughout California.
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The Center for Children and Families
Average Salary: $98,958
The Center for Children and Families provides mental health services to children and families. They have various locations in California, focusing on community-based care and support.
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LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $96,994
LifeStance Health is a leading mental health care company. They offer a wide range of services and have locations across the United States, providing Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists with diverse opportunities.
How to earn more as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist?
To earn more as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), one should focus on several key areas. These efforts not only enhance professional skills but also open up more lucrative opportunities. Gaining specialized skills in areas like trauma, addiction, or child therapy can make an LMFT more valuable to clients and employers. Continuing education helps maintain licensure and increases marketability.
Networking with other professionals builds a support system and can lead to referrals. Attending workshops, conferences, and seminars provides learning and networking opportunities. Marketing oneself through a professional website or social media can also attract more clients. Building a strong reputation as a reliable and skilled therapist earns trust and can result in higher pay. Working in high-demand areas or for private practices that offer competitive salaries also impacts earning potential.
Leveraging technology to offer online sessions can reach a broader audience. This flexibility allows therapists to manage their time better and potentially increase their client base. Here are some specific steps to consider:
- Pursue specialized training and certifications.
- Network with peers and join professional associations.
- Market services through personal websites and social media.
- Seek employment in high-demand areas or private practices.
- Consider offering online therapy sessions.



