You will want your academic reference to be able to discuss your character, your motivation, your love for the field, etc. There are two places where you can get to know a college professor well. One place is in an upper level course in your major. These classes tend to be smaller and allow for more interaction between you and the professor. Another place to get to know a professor is to volunteer to be a research assistant.
Many colleges offer college credit or tuition waivers for research assistantships.
If you are currently in a master's degree program, you will also want one of your references to be an academic reference. Choose one of your graduate professors that is familiar with all elements of your academic career including your didactic, research and clinical skills. You will also want this reference to be able to discuss your character, your motivation, your love for the field, etc. If you have not attended college recently and do not have a good academic reference, you will want one of your references to be from a supervisor or manager who is familiar with your skills, motivation and character. If this person is unfamiliar with the field of marriage and family therapy, be sure to educate him or her about the field so that he or she write an informed reference for you.