Information via accrediting organization American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Marriage and family therapists (typically referred to as MFTs or family therapists) are recognized by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, as one of the five core mental health professions along with psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers and psychiatric nurse specialists.
Marriage and family therapists are mental health professionals with a minimum of a master’s degree, two years’ supervised clinical experience and are licensed to independently diagnose and treat mental health and substance abuse problems.
MFTs treat individuals, couples and families. The unique feature you will find during treatment with an MFT is the therapist will focus on understanding your symptoms and diagnoses within interactions and relationships.
The existing environment and context is given careful examination paying particular attention to the family system – as defined by you. MFTs treat predominantly individuals but always from the perspective that “relationships matter.”
Research has shown that family-based interventions are as effective—and in many cases more effective—than alternative interventions, often at a lower cost.
Studies suggest that family therapy is a preferred method of treatment for depression, substance abuse, alcoholism, relational discord problems, and child/adolescent challenges including suicide and high risk behavior.
Family therapy outcomes for severe mental illness include improved well-being, fewer medical illnesses, decreased medical care utilization, and increased self-efficacy.
Family-based interventions are also effective for persons with medical problems. Treatment outcomes show improvement in the identified patient, as well as in other family members.
Family therapy is particularly effective with families who are providing care to elders and to a child with a chronic illness (e.g., asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, cancer).
The training of of MFTs includes live supervision by experienced MFTs, which is unique among the behavioral health disciplines.
This highly accountable training focuses on the unique attribute of MFT treatment which is the heightened sensitivity between you and those in your environment (family members, coworkers, friends) and how these relationships can help or challenge you and your experienced problem areas.
While MFTs work with individuals, couples and families, they also have extensive training working with, and thinking about, problems in the context of our relationships.
Locating an MFT is as easy as visiting AAMFT’s Therapist Locator. It is recommended that you interview several family therapists to ensure compatibility. It is important to understand that seeking services from an MFT will require a high degree of comfort and confidence.
Discussing personal matters is very sensitive and you should feel comfortable and confident with your therapist. Therefore, AAMFT suggests that you do your research. Some things to consider:
Information via accrediting organization American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
