Whats an MFT?
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) 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 lives. The psychotherapeutic practice also includes pre-marital counseling, child counseling, divorce or separation counseling and other relational types of counseling. Marriage and Family Therapists are psychotherapists licensed by the state of California. Requirements for licensure include a doctorate or a two-year master’s degree, the passage of a comprehensive written examination, and the completion of 3000 hours of supervised experience. (Courtesy of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists) There are three other types of licensed professionals who provide psychotherapy in California: • Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who have specialized in psychiatry. They are the only mental health practitioner