What is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist?

While mental health professionals also list marriage and family counseling or therapy as a service they provide, only professionals who meet state requirements can legally identify themselves as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). A licensed marriage and family therapist provides assessment and treatment of affective, cognitive and behavioral disorders that disrupt family relationships, including marital/couple, pre-child, premarital and other relationships. They utilize assessment tools, and often work collaboratively with other caregivers, including physicians, psychiatrists and other medical professionals. 

LMFTS are trained in individual psychotherapy and family systems to assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. The psychotherapeutic and systems approach is what makes Marriage and Family Therapy unique and effective for many people. Marriage and family therapists consider gender, culture, and religious orientation. They pay close attention to family constellations, structure, birth order, family patterns, roles, transitions, and losses. For more information visit the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy website:

http://www.aamft.org

http://www.aamft.org/iMIS15/AA...