20 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
A typical day starts with intake or follow-up sessions—usually weekly or biweekly—with couples, individuals, or families. You’ll assess mental health, run risk assessments for safety or suicidal ideation, and develop or update systemic treatment plans.
Between sessions you document clinical activity in the EHR (for example Anasazi Software Client Data or Psych Advantage), write progress notes in Microsoft Word or Excel, manage the appointment schedule in Outlook or the practice’s calendar, and sometimes coordinate care with other providers.
You need a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, counseling, or a related field, then supervised clinical hours required by your state. That supervision often includes supporting interns and pre-licensed associates once you’re licensed.
While training, learn to do intake assessments, risk assessments, and clinical documentation in systems like Anasazi or Psych Advantage and get comfortable writing reports for courts when needed.
A marriage and family therapist (MFT) focuses on relationships and family systems—treatment plans use systemic frameworks and sessions often involve multiple family members. An MFT’s tasks include facilitating communication between partners and helping develop relationship skills.
A clinical psychologist may focus more on individual diagnosis and broader mental disorders and often uses different testing tools. Both can diagnose and treat mental disorders, but training and typical caseloads differ.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were about 66,740 employed MFTs and the median wage was $66,940 per year. The lowest tenth earned about $44,650, and the top tenth earned about $123,730.
Pay varies by setting (private practice, clinic, hospital), region, and experience. Private practice income also depends on client load, rates, and marketing effectiveness.
Common systems named in job listings include EHRs like Anasazi Software Client Data and Psych Advantage for clinical records, Microsoft Word and Excel for reports and spreadsheets, and Outlook for scheduling. Telehealth uses Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
You’ll document progress notes, court evaluation letters, and treatment plans in those systems and coordinate referrals and care with other providers through email and calendar tools.
You can use AI as a drafting tool—for example, to outline treatment plans or summarize session themes—but you must verify accuracy, clinical judgment, and confidentiality. Never paste identifiable client data into public AI tools. Use only HIPAA-compliant tools your employer allows.
Final clinical documents, risk assessments, and court evaluations must come from you. Keep full responsibility for diagnostic decisions, safety planning, and anything submitted to court.
Strong listening and facilitation skills for managing conflict and improving partner communication are essential. You must competently perform intake assessments, risk assessments, and write clear progress notes and evaluations.
Organizational skills matter: keep confidential records, schedule clients in Outlook, document activity in the EHR, and be ready to coordinate care or write court statements when required.