Marriage and Family Therapists are mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy with a family systems influence, and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders that affect individuals, couples, and families. The Federal government has designated marriage and family therapy as a core mental health profession along with psychiatry, psychology, social work and psychiatric nursing. The State of California support and regulate the profession by licensing MFTs.

Educational requirements

Marriage and Family Therapists have graduate training (either a masters or doctoral degree) in counseling psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy. Prior to a rigorous exam process leading to licensure, LMFTs must complete at least 3,000 hours of post-graduate clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional. LMFTs are employed in a variety of private and public settings including private practice, community mental health centers, and behavioral managed care organizations.

Do LMFTs only work with clients who are having problems in their marriages and families?

No. While LMFTs are qualified to do couples and family therapy, most LMFTs work with individual adults to not only enhance the quality of their relationships, but also decrease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.

How can a LMFT help me?

Like other mental health professionals such as social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, LMFTs help clients by diagnosing and treating common emotional and behavioral difficulties that interfere with functioning at an optimal level. LMFTs use empirical-supported counseling techniques to help their clients achieve desired goals.

Licensed Psychologists provide psychotherapy services for clients dealing with a variety of mental health issues or disorders. They are also trained in performing psychological assessments for conditions that are difficult to diagnose and many are engaged in teaching and research. Psychologists work in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to: hospitals, clinics, private practice, academic institutions, Veterans Affairs Health Care System, county clinics, corporations, etc.

Educational requirements

Psychologists are the only mental health professionals required to hold a doctorate degree.  Obtaining a doctorate degree requires 4-6 years of coursework, the completion of a dissertation project, and a predoctoral internship. Licensed Clinical Psychologists cannot prescribe medication – a function limited to Psychiatrists and other medical doctors. Normally, after obtaining the degree, Psychologists must fulfill a certain number of supervised postdoctoral hours (usually taking 1 to 2 years), and passing the national and state board exams.