1. What is a Marriage and Family Therapist?

Marriage and family therapists are mental health professionals who are relationship specialists who treat people involved in interpersonal relationships.  They are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families and groups to achieve more adequate, satisfying productive relationships.

Marriage and Family therapists (commonly referred to as MFTs of family therapists) are trained to diagnose and treat mental health and substance abuse problems. 

2. Who are Marriage and Family Therapists?

• Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
• Educated with a Masters or Doctorate Degree Trained with a minimum of two (2) years of Supervised clinical experience or 3000 hours in front of patients/clients.
• One of the five core mental health professionals (along with psychiatrists, psycho social workers, and psychiatric nurses).

3. What Disorders are Commonly Treated by MFT’s?  

  - Depression

 - Anxiety Disturbances

 - Marital and Relationship Problems

 - Conduct Disorder and Delinquency

 - Substance Abuse

 - Alcoholism

 - Domestic Violence

 - Severe Mental Illness

 - Physical Illness

4. What distinguishes MFT’s from other mental health professionals?

A family orientation coupled with rigorous training requirements make MFT.s uniquely qualified to provide mental health services. 

Research shows that marriage and family therapy is a cost-effective, short-term oriented form of treatment.  In a recent study, researchers found that client satisfaction with marriage and family therapies, with significant improvements in their physical health, functioning, and relationships.

5. Do I have to be married to go to an MFT?

No.  Individuals often seek marriage and family therapy for help with behavior issues, relationship issues or mental and emotional disorders.  Marriage and Family Therapists provide services as other mental health professionals with a different orientation.

6. What is the cost for an MFTs ‘ Services?

• MFT fees are 60% of psychiatrists and 80% of psychologists’ fees.
• 68% of Private Practice MFTs reduce fees based on an individual’s ability to pay
• Therapy has been shown to reduce health care use by 21%