While a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) might sound like two ways of saying the same thing, each occupation is, in fact, distinct. LMFTs and LCSWs perform different functions, have unique qualifications, and receive varying compensation. Below, we review these distinctions and the similarities between the two professions.

Table of Contents:

• What Is an LMFT?
• What Is an LCSW?
• Differences and Similarities Between LMFTs and LCSWs
• How to Become an LMFT
• How to Become an LCSW
• So, Which Degree Is Better?

A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is a state-licensed mental health professional who assists individuals, couples, and families in addressing problems in their relationships through talk therapy, guidance, referrals, and other techniques. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, there were 77,800 LMFTs employed in 2024. BLS projects 13% job growth for LMFTs from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. BLS further predicts that about 7,700 openings for marriage and family therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade from 2024 to 2034. 

LMFTs help their clients address problems in their relationships. Many LMFTs apply cognitive behavioral therapy, which the American Psychological Association describes as a form of treatment that involves clients recognizing problematic patterns of thinking and gradually changing them through better coping techniques. According to the BLS, LMFTs were employed in the following work environments in 2020:

A licensed clinical social worker is a state-licensed professional who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, behavioral, and emotional issues in accordance with state law. LCSWs are a specialized group of social workers who can diagnose and create treatment plans. While the BLS does not collect statistics on LCSWs, it does collect them for social workers in general.

According to the BLS, in 2020, there were 715,600 social workers employed in individual and family services, local and state government, walk-in health-care services, and hospitals. Social workers typically work full-time and sometimes in the evenings, on weekends, and on holidays to meet clients’ needs.

LCSWs diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues among individuals, couples, groups, and families. They provide therapy, develop treatment plans, and refer clients to other resources. LCSWs must earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) and seek state clinical licensure, which distinguishes them from entry-level social workers. According to the BLS, in 2024, social workers are mostly employed by:

LMFTs and LCSWs differ in the nature of their work, with the former concentrating on relationship issues and the latter on mental health disorders. But the two professions have some similarities, too, such as their use of therapy and references and similar work environments. Other differences and similarities include the necessary education, job outlook and salaries.

LMFTs and LCSWs require master’s degrees. An LMFT must hold a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy (MFT), which trains graduates in cognitive behavioral therapy and other therapeutic techniques, or another field accepted by the state licensing board. An LCSW must hold an MSW, which prepares students to diagnose and treat mental health, behavioral and emotional disorders. Prospective students should confirm that any program meets their state’s education and licensure requirements.

Learn more about marriage and family therapy programs and master’s in social work programs.

LMFTs and LCSWs enjoy positive job prospects. According to the BLS, employment of marriage and family therapists should grow by 16 percent from 2020 through 2030, while employment of social workers should grow 12 percent.

LMFTs and LCSWs are compensated better than the average for all occupations, but LMFTs earn slightly more. According to the BLS, LMFTs earned a median annual wage of $49,880 as of May 2021. The BLS estimates LCSWs earned $50,390 during the same period.

According to the BLS, requirements to become an LMFT include:

Learn more about how to become a marriage and family therapist.

According to the BLS, requirements to become a LCSW include:

Learn more about how to become a social worker.

It’s impossible to say which degree, a master’s in MFT or an MSW, is better in absolute terms. Students must decide for themselves what they want from their careers, which will help them determine which degree to pursue. Those interested in helping clients with their relationships may wish to pursue their master’s in MFT. Those looking to help people with mental health disorders may be more interested in an MSW.

If compensation is the deciding factor, a master’s in MFT may help you earn slightly more than an MSW. The decision ultimately rests with the student’s priorities.

Information Last Updated: March 2026