O*NET-SOC 21-1013.00

Marriage and Family Therapists

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

Preparation

ItemValue
Preparation zoneZone 5 – Extensive preparation needed
What O*NET says the zone requiresExtensive skill, knowledge, or experience is needed
Broad occupation in O*NETTrue (Yes)
Skills listed for this occupation6
Abilities listed for this occupation6
Tasks listed for this occupation5
Interest scores given for this occupation6

Skills

The 6 skills with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

SkillO*NET elementImportanceDate
Active Listening2.A.1.b4.8808/2020
Social Perceptiveness2.B.1.a4.3808/2020
Speaking2.A.1.d4.2508/2020
Complex Problem Solving2.B.2.i4.008/2020
Judgment and Decision Making2.B.4.e4.008/2020
Reading Comprehension2.A.1.a4.008/2020

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Abilities

The 6 abilities with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

AbilityO*NET elementImportanceDate
Oral Comprehension1.A.1.a.14.2508/2020
Oral Expression1.A.1.a.34.2508/2020
Deductive Reasoning1.A.1.b.44.008/2020
Inductive Reasoning1.A.1.b.54.008/2020
Problem Sensitivity1.A.1.b.34.008/2020
Speech Clarity1.A.4.b.54.008/2020

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Tasks

The tasks O*NET records for this occupation, with the type, respondent count and date each record carries.

TaskTypeIncumbents respondingDate
Encourage individuals and family members to develop and use skills and strategies for confronting their problems in a constructive manner.Core7208/2020
Ask questions that will help clients identify their feelings and behaviors.Core7208/2020
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior, and other personal issues.Core7208/2020
Maintain case files that include activities, progress notes, evaluations, and recommendations.Core7208/2020
Counsel clients on concerns, such as unsatisfactory relationships, divorce and separation, child rearing, home management, or financial difficulties.Core7208/2020

Work interests

The interest scores O*NET gives this occupation, on the six interest types.

InterestScoreDate
Social6.3211/2023
Investigative5.2511/2023
Artistic3.5811/2023
Conventional2.8311/2023
Enterprising1.8611/2023
Realistic1.4911/2023

More occupations in preparation zone 5

Source: O*NET 29.1 Database (Occupation Data, Job Zones, Skills, Abilities, Task Statements, Interests), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Data fetched 2026-10-31. See about and sources.