MFT Demographics
MFT vs LPCC
So it appears that we are in this odd predicament:
- We are the largest, masters-level mental health professional organization IN THE COUNTRY!
- We represent a license that is losing ground in the national recognition contest with LPCC's.
For the moment - according to Jill Epstein - the 400 LPCC's in California are almost entirely MFT's. But that will no doubt change over time.
Some experts believe that in the long term universities will likely offer LPCC preparation grad programs and phase out their MFT counterparts.
Booming Boomers
Some folks suggest that we are not a young group, that a sizable chunk of us are reaching retirement age.
A survey conducted about 5 years ago indicated that the average age was indeed above 55.
One person who presented her findings at the Marin pow-wow crunched the numbers and debunked this idea altogether.
My own very anecdotal evidence shows me that when I get together with other CAMFT'ers in chapters - they are generally a few years ahead of my own 52.
Discussion Ideas
- So what do we want to do about this?
- How do we maintain relevance 10, 15, 20 years from now?
- Is it even important to consider?
- Are you interested in moving to another state?
- Should CAMFT be working on making sure the MFT license is recognized more widely without forcing those of us who move to get relicensed?
- Are we really an aging community? Is that a problem?

The LA Times states, "The number of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow to 14,900 by 2020, according to state projects. That's a growth rate of 39%. The mean annual salary for these types of therapists is $49,270, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics." (Nov. 29, 2012).
ReplyDeleteIt lists LMFTs as one of the ten fastest growing jobs in California.
Link: http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-top-10-fastestgrowing-jobs-20130703,0,4163231.photogallery?index=la-fi-mo-top-10-fastestgrowing-jobs-20130703-004
Laura Strom, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist MFC 49174
Santa Rosa, CA