In California, record numbers of people are seeking help for mental and emotional issues that affect their work performance and personal lives. Personal and family stresses are greater, expectations for quality of life are higher, and access to qualified mental healthcare providers has improved as society has come to recognize the impact of mental health on physical well being.
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) work in private practice as well as in various other settings with individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents, and the elderly, providing support and perspective as patients struggle with life's challenges.
Marriage and family therapists practice early crisis intervention and brief, focused psychotherapy to resolve problems or reduce symptoms in the shortest time possible. They also have the expertise and skills to work with persons where more intensive, long-term treatment is necessary to cure or relieve mental or emotional conditions.
Distress signals where Marriage and Family Therapists can help
-
Emotional stress or anxiety
-
Child behavior problems
-
Feelings of loneliness, isolation
-
Depression
-
Moodiness
-
Sexual disturbances
-
Unexplained fatigue
-
Unusual eating patterns
-
Unexplained injuries to family members
-
Excessive alcohol or drug use
-
Family conflict or tension
-
Divorce or separation
-
Difficulty coping with changing lifestyles
-
Fear, anger or guilt
-
Grief or emotional pain
Marriage and family therapists are mental health practitioners educated and trained to help with relationship difficulties, and diagnose and treat mental and emotional problems of individuals, couples, families and groups.
Marriage and family therapists are licensed by the State of California. They must undergo extensive education, training, clinical fieldwork and pass two rigorous exams to demonstrate professional competency.
A Competent Marriage and Family Therapist in California will...
-
Be licensed by the Board of Behavioral Science
-
Be bound by a professional code of ethics
-
Abide by the laws and regulations affecting the profession
-
Participate in a professional association such as the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
-
Engage in activities to keep up-to-date in a changing professional environment
-
Treat patients only within the scope of their license and competence
-
Refer patients to other qualified practitioners when appropriate or necessary
-
Welcome inquiries about methods, background, experience and fees
-
Do not tell clients what to do but rather help clients work out solutions according to individual values and lifestyles.