What
Is An MFT?
Marriage
and
Family
Therapist
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 Marriage
and
family
therapists
are
mental
health
practitioners
who
have
extensive
and
rigorous
graduate
training
in
the
theory
and
practice
of
psychotherapy.
MFTs
are
recognized
as
a
core
mental
health
profession,
along
with
psychiatry,
psychology,
social
work
and
psychiatric
nursing.
Insurance
companies
are
increasingly
recognizing
MFTs
and
providing
reimbursement
for
their
services.
MFTs
are
trained
and
licensed
to
independently
diagnose
and
treat
mental
health
and
substance
abuse
problems.
Family
therapists
are
trained
in
various
modes
of
therapy,
including
psychodynamic,
cognitive/behavioral
as
well
as
family
systems
theory
in
order
to
prepare
them
for
work
with
individuals.
The
training
of
MFTs
includes
live
supervision
by
experienced
MFTs,
which
is
unique
among
the
mental
health
disciplines.
Marriage
and
family
therapists
focus
on
understanding
symptoms
and
interaction
patterns
within
their
existing
environment
as
well
as
reflecting
on
influences
from
the
past.
Research
has
shown
that
this
holistic,
systems
based
treatment
is
as
effective-and
in
many
cases
more
effective-
than
alternate
interventions,
whether
individual,
couple,
or
family.
Studies
demonstrate
family-based
therapy
is
a
preferred
method
of
treatment
for
depression,
anxiety,
substance
abuse,
marital
and
relationship
problems,
sexual
problems,
child
problems,
including
weight
problems
in
children,
pre-marital
counseling
and
couple
enrichment.
Studies
also
show
that
clients
are
highly
satisfied
with
services
of
marriage
and
family
therapists.
Clients
report
marked
improvement
in
emotional
health
and
general
sense
of
well
being,
partner,
family,
social
and
work
relationships,
work
productivity,
overall
health
and
community
involvement.
In
a
recent
study,
consumers
report
that
marriage
and
family
therapists
are
the
mental
health
professionals
they
would
most
likely
recommend
to
friends.
Over
98
percent
of
clients
of
marriage
and
family
therapists
report
therapy
services
as
good
or
excellent. |
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©
2010
Linda
Charnes
New
York,
psychotherapist,
therapist,
counseling,
individual,
couple,
family,
weight,
loss,
eating
disorder,
bulimia,
overeating,
parenting.
Linda
Charnes,
Psychotherapy,
Therapy,
212.772.1695
Updated on 12.24.2009
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