WHAT IS A MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST (MFT)?
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are specialists in relationships, not only one's relationship with others but one's relationship with oneself. Marriage and Family Therapists are psychotherapists and healing arts practitioners licensed by the State of California. Requirements for licensure include a related doctoral or two-year master's degree, passage of a comprehensive written and oral examination and at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience.

SIGNALS OF DISTRESS WIHEN AN MFT CAN HELP The services of a Marriage and Family Therapist can be useful if you are experiencing difficulties with your relationships and functioning in your daily life. Symptoms to look for include: Feelings of Sadness or Depression Moodiness Feelings of Loneliness, Isolation Emotional Stress or Anxiety Sexual Disturbances Unexplained Fatigue or Difficulty Sleeping Unusual eating patterns Unexplained injuries to family members Excessive drug or alcohol use Family conflict or tension Divorce or Separation Child Behavior Problems Difficulty Coping with Change Fear, Anger or Guilt Conflicts with co-workers or peers Grief or Emotional Pain

Individual Counseling and Psychotherapy with Adults, Adolescents and Children
MFTs traditionally provide both short and long-term help with a wide variety of issues and concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, life adjustment problems, personality disorders and more.

Marital and Couple Therapy
MFTs work with couples along the entire spectrum of their relationship, including premarital, marital, domestic partnerships, separation, divorce, and business partnerships.

Family Therapy
MFTs provide support and therapy for family problems that may require the attention and involvement of multiple generations to resolve.

Group Therapy
Where appropriate, many MFTs use a group setting for individuals, couples, and occasionally even families to provide support, insight, and modeling for problem resolution. SC-CAMFT professionals offer a wide variety of group offerings. See our Groups page for current listings.

Life Coaching
Some MFTs offer coaching as part of their practice. The goals of coaching, while often similar to those of therapy, focus on defining, motivating and assisting individuals to mobilize their personal and professional resources for work and life-related goals.

Critical Incident Debriefing
Some MFTs are specially trained to respond quickly to people in communities where severe trauma has occurred, such as a natural disaster, airplane or train accidents, school or work shootings, or other forms of violence. Often a team of therapists is sent to counsel survivors of tragedy and those who have witnessed devastating events.

QUALIFIED THERAPISTS:

• Are licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and bound by a professional code of ethics. Their license number should be made available upon request

• Welcome inquiries about methods, background, experience and fees.

• Are clear on office policies, clients' rights, fees and payment methods before treatment begins.

• Provide a comfortable, non-judgmental environment in which a trusting and understanding therapeutic relationship can develop.

• Keep informed and educated regarding the newest trends and advancements in the profession.

• Treat patients only within their scope of license and competence. Therapists often specialize in specific areas of treatment. Ask.

• Refer patients to other qualified practitioners when appropriate or necessary.

• Communicate with other professionals (i.e. physicians and psychiatrists) regarding treatment of patients after obtaining the patients' permission through a release of information.

• Keep client discussions confidential except as otherwise required or permitted by law.

• Have goals. Effective therapy is focused on a goal(s) that is discussed and agreed upon by client and therapist.

• Participate in a professional association such as California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist (CAMFT).

Competent therapists help clients find solutions for themselves within the individual's values and lifestyle, rather than take sides or recommend solutions. They do not allow their personal issues to interfere with the therapeutic process, and recognize that it requires personal honesty and courage to seek professional assistance.

Psychotherapy services of MFTs are often eligible for insurance reimbursement. Check with your health plan, as a doctor's referral may be necessary. Marriage and Family Therapists are providers under the CHAMPUS program and many are eligible providers under programs of Managed Care. If you are covered through a Managed Care Plan, pre-approval may be necessary and can usually be obtained by calling the intake number on your insurance card.

www.SantaCruzTherapist.org
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Santa Cruz Chapter
P.O.Box 7563
Santa Cruz, California 95061
Webmaster: Deborah Hawkins, Webmaster@SantaCruzTherapist.org   updated 2/10/08