Marriage and Family Therapists are relationship specialists who treat persons involved in interpersonal relationships. They are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families and groups to achieve more adequate, satisfying and productive marriage, family and social adjustment. The practice also includes premarital counseling, child counseling, divorce or separation counseling and other relationship counseling. Marriage and Family Therapists are psychotherapists and healing arts practitioners licensed by the State of California. Requirements for licensure include a related doctoral or two-year master’s degree, passage of a comprehensive written and oral examination and at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience.
A Competent Marriage and Family Therapist Will…
- Be licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Be bound by a professional code of ethics
- Participate in a professional association such as The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
- Engage in activities to keep up-to-date in a changing professional environment
- Treat patients only within the scope of their license and competence
- Refer patients to other qualified practitioners when appropriate or necessary
- Welcome inquiries about methods, background, experience and fees
- Clients can expect that discussions will be kept confidential, except as otherwise required or permitted by law.
Competent therapists do not offer solutions or take sides. They help clients work out solutions according to individual values and lifestyles. Seeking professional assistance is a sign of courage and a willingness to deal with life’s many changes.
(Courtesy of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists)
