FAQ

What is a Marriage and Family Therapist?

Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) are psychotherapists and healing arts practitioners licensed by the state of California. MFTs assist with a wide variety of issues ranging from addictions, depression, child behavior and elder concerns. They also believe that an individual's emotional issues and concerns must be treated within the context of his or her current or prior relationships if the gains are to be meaningful and productive for the patient.

What is the difference between a MFT, LCSW, Psychologist, and Psychiatrist?

MFT or LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a master’s degree in psychology, counseling psychology, clinical psychology, or marital and family therapy. Emphasis is on primary service in counseling and psychotherapy from a variety of therapeutic orientations with individuals, couples, families, and groups.

LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a master’s degree in clinical social work. Emphasis on primary service in psychosocial diagnosis, assessment and treatment, client advocacy, consultation, evaluation and research.

Psychologist: Possesses a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field with a license to practice therapy and conducts psychological testing and research.

What are the qualifications for a California licensed marriage and family therapist?

Marriage and family therapists are licensed by the State of California. MFTs have completed extensive education, training, clinical fieldwork, and successful completion of two rigorous exams to demonstrate professional competency. Requirements for licensure include a related two-year master's or doctoral degree passage, of comprehensive examinations, and completion of at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience.

What should I ask myself?

What do I hope to gain from therapy? Will this therapist help me do that?
Am I comfortable with this therapist? Would I want to come back?
Remember: The most important factor in securing effective therapy is a good relationship between you and your therapist.
Do I feel assured that the therapist is qualified to help me with the issues or concerns that have motivated me to seek therapy at this time?
Am I willing to do the work necessary to participate in therapy?.

What should I ask a potential therapist?

Inquire about the therapist's training, licensure status, and commitment to his or her professional development. Ask what type of therapy is utilized. How is this different from other types of therapy? What should you expect? Does the therapist have a treatment agreement? The treatment agreement will likely cover fees, appointments, cancellations, limits of confidentiality, etc.

How confidential are the sessions?

Information disclosed by patients is generally held as confidential except for disclosure required or permitted by law.

I tried therapy before and it didn’t work, why should I try it again?

Sometimes the chemistry between the therapist and client or the therapeutic modality just isn’t a good fit. Just as you sometimes have to switch medication, you may need to switch therapists or treatment moralities to achieve success. Therapy works best when you are open to it and are actually willing to participate in your own healing