What does a family therapist do? – Tasks and work environment
A family therapist works to support individuals, couples, and families who are experiencing difficult life situations or relationship problems. Tasks include talk therapy, counseling, crisis management, and helping clients develop effective communication and cooperation patterns within the family. Family therapists are often employed by municipal, county, or private clinics, and collaborate closely with other professionals such as psychologists, social workers, and doctors. Work may take place in consultation rooms or digitally, requiring high levels of empathy, responsiveness, and the ability to handle sensitive situations professionally.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary of a family therapist has shown steady and positive growth. In 2022, the average salary was 37,500 kronor per month, increasing to 38 800 kronor in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 40100 kronor, representing a total increase of approximately 7% over the period. This trend reflects an increasing demand for qualified family therapists and a growing need for psychosocial support in both public and private sectors. Salaries have also been influenced by improved collective agreements and a greater focus on work environment and professional development. The trend indicates that the profession remains attractive and competitively paid, especially for those with specialization or further training.
Family Therapist salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 40100 kr/month
- Lowest salary: 36,200 kr/month (female, public sector, pre-high school education)
- Highest salary: 49,200 kr/month (male, municipal sector, research degree)
- Hourly wage: 241 kr
- Women/men: Women 40 200 kr, men 40100 kr – no salary differences
- Regional differences: Slight variations, but higher salaries are often found in metropolitan regions
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a family therapist typically involves an undergraduate degree in social work, psychology, or similar, followed by advanced training in family therapy. Many employers also require experience from social work or treatment, as well as a relevant professional degree. Continuing education and staying updated on new methods and approaches are important for working as a family therapist.
- Basic education: Degree in social work or psychology (3–5 years)
- Further training: Advanced training in family therapy (1–2 years, often part-time)
- Certification: Sometimes certification from relevant industry organizations is required
- Internship: Practical experience or supervised work within social work or treatment is common
- Prerequisites: Basic university education in behavioral sciences
- Tips for choosing: Select programs with good supervision and internship opportunities
Family therapists often meet clients during very sensitive and critical phases of life. The ability to build trust and quickly adapt to different family constellations is central, and many report deep satisfaction from seeing families find new ways forward together.
Common benefits and compensations
Family therapists are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness grants, and opportunities for professional development. Many employers also provide flexible working hours, supervision, and options for further specialization or training in different therapeutic methods. Holiday pay and insurance coverage are other common employment conditions.
Competition and challenges
Competition for positions as a family therapist varies depending on the region and employer, but demand is generally strong thanks to the increasing focus on mental health and preventive work. A challenge in the profession is managing high emotional demands, especially in complex or urgent family situations. There are also requirements for continuous professional development and the ability to work across disciplines. The job market is influenced by political decisions and changes in the healthcare system, which can affect resource allocation and the number of available positions. At the same time, the broad scope of the profession offers good opportunities to change work areas or develop own practices.
Tips for those who want to become a family therapist
To succeed as a family therapist, it is good to be attentive, as this facilitates understanding clients' needs and building trust quickly. Engagement is important to cope with the emotional challenges of the profession and to contribute to positive change for the families seeking help. A structured approach helps manage complex cases and maintain good documentation. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial when different family constellations require individual solutions, and a willingness to continually develop your skills provides security and career opportunities. The ability to collaborate with other professionals is also central, as is working independently when needed.
Key facts about Family Therapist
- Education level: Degree in social work or psychology with additional training in family therapy
- Work environment: Often municipal or private clinics, as well as digital consultations
- Common work form: Individual, couple, and family sessions
- Demand: Good, with 237 job openings within the profession
- Special skills: Conflict management and systemic methods
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a family therapist, there are opportunities to develop into roles such as supervisor, team leader, or to specialize in specific therapy forms like CBT or systemic family therapy. It is also common for experienced family therapists to start their own practice or combine clinical work with education and lectures. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's job forecasts for social workers, including family therapists, it is difficult to give an exact outlook due to limited data, but the number of vacancies indicates stable demand. The profession is influenced by the overall development within social work and mental health, and demand is expected to remain strong in the future.
Frequently asked questions about Family Therapist
- What does a Family Therapist earn?
- A family therapist has an average salary of 40100 kronor per month.
- How does the salary of a Family Therapist compare between women and men?
- Women and men earn approximately the same; women 40 200 kr and men 40100 kr.
- What is required to become a family therapist?
- A degree in social work or psychology, along with further training in family therapy, is usually required.
- Where can a family therapist work?
- Family therapists work in municipal and private sectors, at clinics, within healthcare, or own their own practices.
- Are there regional differences in salary?
- Salary levels can vary depending on the region, with somewhat higher salaries in larger cities.
- What is the job market like for family therapists?
- There is strong demand, with 237 job openings within the profession.
