Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists help people manage and overcome mental and emotional disorders and problems with family and other relationships. They listen to clients and ask questions to help the clients understand their problems and develop strategies to improve their lives.

Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists work in a variety of settings, such as private practice and mental health centers. Most work full time.

Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists typically are required to have a master's degree and a license to practice.

The median annual wage for mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists was $43,190 in May 2015.

Employment of mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected in both occupations as more people have mental health counseling services covered by their insurance policies.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists with similar occupations.

Learn more about mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.