Family therapist

What does a family support therapist do? – Tasks and work environment

Family support therapists work to support and guide individuals who are close to someone with illness, dependency issues, or mental health problems. Tasks include talk therapy, counseling, and designing and implementing support programs for relatives. The role often involves collaborating with social services, healthcare providers, and other actors to create a functioning network around the family member. The work environment is varied and can include individual conversations, group meetings, and training sessions. Family support therapists are primarily found within municipal services, but also within regional authorities, non-profit organizations, and private providers.

Salary development over time

The salary for family support therapists has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,200 SEK per month, increasing to 34 800 SEK in 2023. The latest recorded salary level for 2024 is 36 100 SEK, representing an overall increase of approximately 8.7% over the three-year period. This development reflects an increased demand for qualified psychosocial support and a growing focus on the role of relatives in care and support. Salary increases have also been influenced by higher demands for formal education and specialization, as well as general wage trends within social work.

Family support therapist salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 36 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK (female, government sector)
• Highest salary: 41,500 SEK (female, municipal sector, doctoral degree)
• Highest male salary: 39,200 SEK
• Lowest male salary: 32,400 SEK
• Hourly wage (average): 217 SEK
• Women earn: 35 900 SEK (98% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 36 500 SEK

Education and qualifications

To work as a family support therapist, a post-secondary education in social work, behavioral sciences, or psychology is usually required. Many employers prefer applicants with additional training in talk therapy or specific family support skills. Practical experience from healthcare, social services, or support work is often advantageous and can be supplemented with courses in supervision or crisis support.

• Formal education: University degree in social work, behavioral sciences, or psychology (3–4 years)
• Further training: Courses in talk therapy, crisis support, and family support
• Internships: Field studies or internships within social services, healthcare, or support organizations
• Certifications: Certification in CBT, MI, or similar methods is advantageous
• Prerequisites: Broad experience working with people in vulnerable situations

Common benefits and compensations

Family support therapists are often offered collective agreements, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development. Other common benefits may include flexible working hours, occupational pension, and supervision, especially within the municipal sector. Some employers also provide support for further training and options for remote work if needed.

Challenges and competition

The job market for family support therapists is characterized by balance, with moderate opportunities to find employment nationwide. Challenges include managing emotionally demanding situations and working with limited resources in some municipalities. The role is often broad and requires both specialist knowledge and flexibility. Despite steady demand, competition for positions can be high in certain regions, especially where the population is smaller. Continuing professional development and networking are important to strengthen one's position in the job market.

Tips for aspiring family support therapists

To succeed as a family support therapist, it’s important to be empathetic and attentive, as the work is based on understanding and meeting relatives' feelings and needs. A structured approach helps handle complex cases, so developing good routines for documentation and follow-up early is wise. Flexibility and adaptability are key, as no two days are the same and different families require different types of support. Further training in counseling methods and crisis support increases chances of employment and making a difference. Building networks within social services and healthcare is also beneficial, as collaboration is often a central part of the work. Finally, resilience and the ability to handle difficult situations without taking work home are important qualities, which can be trained through supervision and reflection.

Key facts about family support therapists

• Education level: University degree in social work or psychology
• Work environment: Municipal sector, often in teams with other professionals
• Demand: Moderate and stable, 237 job openings within the profession
• Special skills: Talk therapy and family support

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a family support therapist, there are opportunities to move into more specialized roles, such as coordinator for family support, method developer, or supervisor for colleagues. Some choose to further their education to become therapists in other fields, such as family therapy or addiction therapy. The Employment Service's prognosis for the group of treatment assistants and social pedagogues, which includes family support therapists, indicates that demand will remain unchanged over the next five years. Nationally, the job market is balanced, and opportunities for employment are considered moderate. Continued professional development and specialization in counseling methods can further improve career prospects.

Common questions about family support therapists

• What does a family support therapist earn?
  - The average salary is 36 100 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What education is required to become a family support therapist?
  - A university degree in social work, behavioral sciences, or psychology is most common, often supplemented with courses in talk therapy.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 35 900 SEK and men 36 500 SEK, meaning women earn 98% of men's salaries.
• What is the job market like for family support therapists?
  - Opportunities for employment are considered moderate, and the labor market is balanced according to the Employment Service.
• What is the highest salary for a family support therapist?
  - The highest salary is 41,500 SEK and belongs to a woman in the municipal sector with a doctoral degree.
• What personal qualities are important in this profession?
  - Empathy, attentiveness, flexibility, and the ability to handle emotionally demanding situations are crucial.
• What benefits are usually offered?
  - Common benefits include collective agreements, wellness allowances, supervision, and opportunities for professional development.