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. 

Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) are mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy and family systems who diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders in the context of relationships, including couples, marriages, and families. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy AAMFT, they look beyond the individual alone to consider how family dynamics and primary relationships affect a person’s well-being, and they help address both mental health concerns and relationship problems using a holistic, systems-based approach. 

According to the BLS, LMFTs were employed in the following work environments in 2024:

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 2024, there were 810,900 social workers employed in the U.S. 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 somewhat in the nature of their work, with the former typically using a family systems and relationship-focused approach, and the latter focusing on clients’ mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being through a person-in-environment framework. However, the two professions share important similarities, including their use of therapy, referrals, and similar work environments. LMFTs and LCSWs both provide psychotherapy and treatment for mental and behavioral health conditions, but LMFTs are typically trained with a family-systems and relationship focus, while LCSWs may combine clinical assessment and therapy with case management, advocacy, and resource coordination, subject to state law. Other differences and similarities include education requirements, job outlook, and salaries. 

According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), marriage and family therapists are trained in psychotherapy and family systems and diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage, couples, and family systems. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), clinical social work focuses on clients’ mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being and includes assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.

LMFTs and LCSWs typically need master’s degrees to qualify for clinical licensure. An LMFT must hold a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field accepted by the state licensing board. An LCSW must hold an MSW, typically from a CSWE-accredited program, and then meet the state’s clinical licensure requirements. Prospective students should confirm that any program meets their state’s education and licensure requirements. 

According to AAMFT, marriage and family therapists have, at minimum, a master’s degree and supervised clinical experience. According to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), most jurisdictions require a degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program for licensure eligibility or to take a licensing exam.

Prospective students should confirm that any program meets their state’s education and licensure requirements. The Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) maintains state-by-state resources on licensure, practicum, and post-degree supervision requirements. Similarly, the Association of Social Work Boards maintains a number of resources for aspiring and practicing LCSWs on state licensure and continuing education. 

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 13 percent from 2024 through 2034, while employment of social workers should grow by 6 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 $63,780  as of May 2024. The BLS estimates LCSWs earned $61,330 during the same period.

LMFT licensure requirements vary by state, but generally include: 

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

LCSW licensure requirements vary by state, but generally 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.

Information Last Updated: March 2026