Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) vs Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
Both licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) use counseling best practices to help people overcome challenges and improve their communities' well-being. To achieve these goals, they each apply a different but complementary skill sets. LCSWs typically work with patients in hospitals and other healthcare settings (e.g., physical therapists, at-home care). LMFTs, on the other hand, often help married couples and families identify problems and propose solutions.
In this article, you can learn how to become an LMFT or LCSW, the professions' salary and job outlooks, and licensure requirements. Although this article presents the most up-to-date information, be sure to confirm it with your state's licensure board before planning your career.
Learn more online degrees in social work and marriage and family therapy:
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
Renowned in California, Pepperdine prepares students to become licensed professional counselors (LPCs) in 19 states. No GRE is required to apply to the MA in Clinical Psychology, and you can complete the program in 27 months. Graduate ready to help diverse clients in a variety of settings. Learn more today.
- No GRE required
- Bachelor degree required
- Complete as few as 27 months
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
The online MFT from The Family Institute at Northwestern University allows students to complete the program in as few as 24 months. Students learn from expert faculty in courses with live and asynchronous components and during six consecutive quarters of intensive clinical training in or near their own communities. Upon program completion, students have the prerequisite graduate-level elements needed to pursue state licensure as LMFTs.
- COAMFTE-accredited program
- Convenient 24-month option
- No GRE required to apply
- Full- and part-time tracks available
Master of Social Work (MSW)
The University of Denver’s top-ranked school of social work offers two online MSW tracks: Online MSW and Online Advanced-Standing MSW. Students with a BSW can earn an MSW in as few as 12 months; students without a BSW can earn an MSW in as few as 21 months. GRE scores are not required.
- Complete the online MSW program in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the program may be completed in as few as 21 months.
- GRE scores are not required to apply.
- Customize your own Pathway to your interests.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
A top ranked private institution for veterans by the Military Times, Syracuse University offers a CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program that does not require GRE scores to apply. Students can choose to concentrate their degrees in integrated practice or clinical practice. Learn more.
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- No GRE required
- Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Aspiring clinical social workers can earn their CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work from Simmons University in as few as 9 months, no GRE scores required. The program offers full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks, as well as an advanced standing track for BSW graduates. Optional certificates available in Mental Health Practice, Trauma Practice, and Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families.
- Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW
- Accredited by the CSWE
- No GRE scores required for admission
- Minimum completion time: 9 months
LMFT vs LCSW: At a Glance
LMFT | LCSW | |
|---|---|---|
Job Description | LMFTs talk to clients about problems that strain family relationships. After identifying the underlying cause(s), LMFTs offer strategies and outside resources that clients can use to make adjustments. | LCSWs spend much of their time talking to clients one-on-one in clinical settings. Much of their responsibilities involve determining which social services their clients need. |
Salary | ||
Degree Requirements | Master's degree | Master's degree |
How to Become an LMFT
Start by researching your state's requirements for licensure. Licensure requirements include earning a master's degree in marriage and family therapy. Some universities offer these programs entirely online. Many online and on-campus master's programs take about two years to complete and use cohort learning models so that students can forge valuable professional relationships; program length varies by school.
In class, students analyze child and adolescent development, trauma and crisis counseling, and family systems therapy, among other topics. LMFT master's programs usually include at least two practical experiences wherein students work under an experienced LMFT.
After earning their degrees, graduates must meet their states' licensure requirements. Once professionals gain licensure, they can explore career opportunities that maximize their earning potential.
How to Become an LCSW
LCSWs earn a master's degree in social work or clinical social work. Typical master's programs include coursework, practica, and internships. During internships earn experience hours that LCSWs need for licensure. Program length varies by school, though full-time students commonly complete these programs in about two years.
Earning a master's degree is the first step. Next, counselors must earn licensure. You can learn more about licensure requirements in the last section of this article
After earning licensure, LCSWs can pursue positions in more than just clinical settings. Some LCSWs who specialize in children and young adults work in schools.
LMFT Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, $66,940 was the national median annual wage for BLS Marriage and Family Therapists (SOC 21-1013). Salary varies considerably by state, metropolitan area, employment setting and experience. The BLS publishes current state-level and metro-area wage data through its OEWS wages-by-area tool, which is the most reliable way to check pay expectations in a specific location before relocating or choosing a program.
LCSW Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 OEWS survey, $67,880 was the national median annual wage for BLS Healthcare Social Workers (SOC 21-1022) — a broader occupational category that is not specific to the LCSW credential, since OEWS does not separately track licensed clinical social workers. Reported LCSW compensation can exceed the average for social work occupations more broadly, reflecting the rigorous education, supervised experience, examination and recertification requirements the license carries. As with LMFTs, pay varies by state, setting and experience; the BLS OEWS wages-by-area tool provides current state and metro-level figures.
LMFT and LCSW Licensure Requirements
Post-degree supervised experience and examination requirements for LCSW licensure vary by state — always confirm current rules with your state's licensing board. Tennessee, for example, requires 3,000 hours of clinical experience and 100 hours of supervision — at least 60 of them one-to-one — completed over no less than two years. Tennessee also requires candidates to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Exam, though your state may require a different or additional exam.
LMFTs typically follow a similar path toward licensure. After earning master's degrees, they must satisfy their states' licensure requirements. In California, for example, the Board of Behavioral Sciences requires a qualifying master's or doctoral degree, 3,000 hours of supervised work experience completed over 104 weeks, and passing the LMFT California Clinical Exam (California's prior two-exam structure, which included a Clinical Vignette Examination, has since been replaced by this single clinical exam). Like many states, California allows candidates to start gaining experience hours during their master's programs.
Information last updated: September 2026