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Clinical therapist vs family therapist

The differences between clinical therapists and family therapists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a clinical therapist has an average salary of $57,864, which is higher than the $50,774 average annual salary of a family therapist.

The top three skills for a clinical therapist include social work, patients and crisis intervention. The most important skills for a family therapist are social work, patients, and rehabilitation.

Clinical therapist vs family therapist overview

Clinical TherapistFamily Therapist
Yearly salary$57,864$50,774
Hourly rate$27.82$24.41
Growth rate17%14%
Number of jobs136,898106,982
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeMaster's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4141
Years of experience-4

What does a clinical therapist do?

A Clinical Therapist works with patients to help identify, examine, and treat mental health and emotional issues or disorders. They counsel individuals or groups regarding psychological or emotional problems, as well as observe clients to detect indications of abnormal physical or mental behavior.

What does a family therapist do?

A Family Therapist works with couples and families to help ameliorate marital and family issues. They can work in hospitals, treatment programs, government agencies, health organizations, and private practices.

Clinical therapist vs family therapist salary

Clinical therapists and family therapists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Clinical TherapistFamily Therapist
Average salary$57,864$50,774
Salary rangeBetween $42,000 And $77,000Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying CityLos Angeles, CARochester, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaOregon
Best paying companyCVS HealthDignity Health
Best paying industryGovernmentHealth Care

Differences between clinical therapist and family therapist education

There are a few differences between a clinical therapist and a family therapist in terms of educational background:

Clinical TherapistFamily Therapist
Most common degreeMaster's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorSocial WorkPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Clinical therapist vs family therapist demographics

Here are the differences between clinical therapists' and family therapists' demographics:

Clinical TherapistFamily Therapist
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 23.4% Female, 76.6%Male, 25.8% Female, 74.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 11.2% White, 72.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 4.6% White, 68.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage12%6%

Differences between clinical therapist and family therapist duties and responsibilities

Clinical therapist example responsibilities.

  • Provide clinical consultation to consumers and clients regarding manage care services and other benefits available to them through their EAP programs.
  • Provide direct treatment services such as individual/group therapy and intervene in crisis situations when patients exhibit acute psychiatric symptoms.
  • Direct patients to designate residential or supportive living options, community base placement/ treatment or other resources as necessary.
  • Provide training for federal and public organizations regarding the psychological aspects of veterans having experience combat or military sexual trauma.
  • Work closely with a license orthotist/prosthetist to obtain orthotics for children who require them.

Family therapist example responsibilities.

  • Complete documentation to medicaid standards.
  • Create maximum billable Medicaid hours and submitting necessary paperwork for Medicaid billing.
  • Apply behavioral analysis instruction for a student with autism concentrating on communication, socialization, self-help skills and community skills.
  • Receive and process referrals from DCF and community-base case managers for individuals suspect as substance abusers.

Clinical therapist vs family therapist skills

Common clinical therapist skills
  • Social Work, 26%
  • Patients, 12%
  • Crisis Intervention, 8%
  • Mental Health, 4%
  • Discharge Planning, 4%
  • Community Resources, 3%
Common family therapist skills
  • Social Work, 27%
  • Patients, 6%
  • Rehabilitation, 4%
  • Community Resources, 4%
  • Mental Health Issues, 4%
  • Group Therapy, 3%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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