MFT stands for Marriage and Family Therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on treating individuals, couples, and families. MFTs are mental health professionals who are trained in psychotherapy and family systems, and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage, couples, and family systems. They take a holistic perspective to health care and are concerned with the overall, long-term well-being of individuals and their families.
MFTs treat predominantly individuals but always from the perspective that “relationships matter” . During treatment, the therapist will focus on understanding the symptoms and diagnoses within interactions and relationships, and the existing environment and context is given careful examination paying particular attention to the family system – as defined by the patient. MFTs have websites where you can learn about their education, training, experience, and their clinical specialties.
MFTs work at all levels of the school system – from treating families with troubled elementary school students to counseling parents on how to understand and cope with an out-of-control teenager. According to the BLS, professionals with an MFT degree are hired as mental health counselors at establishments that provide therapy to individuals, families, and groups, such as married couples dealing with drug addiction. They often counsel families dealing with severe mental illnesses and address a wide range of relationship issues that affect the family dynamic and communication between loved ones.
