FAQ’s About Marriage and Family Therapists

What is Marriage and Family Therapy?

Marriage and Family Therapists are trained to deal with people and their relationships, specifically in their family and their marriage.  It is important to note that the way a person is in the world is largely dependent on how their family operated while they were growing up – how they communicated, how their parents related to the individual and to each other.  Generally Marriage and Family Therapy is brief, solution-focused with specific and attainable therapeutic goals.

Do MFT’s Treat Only Couples and Relationship Issues?

It is worth saying that even though the therapist is called a “Marriage and Family Therapist,” often the therapy is for one individual.  MFT’s are trained to treat individual adults, teens and children as well as couples and whole families together.

What Kinds of Problems do MFT’s Treat?

In addition to helping people with communication, MFT’s help individuals become aware of where their behaviors come from, and help them explore their history with their family.  Marriage and Family Therapists are also trained to treat depression, anxiety, phobias and a wide range of psychological problems including mood disorders, drug abuse and alcoholism, schizophrenia,  eating disorders, dissociative disorders, autism spectrum disorders, developmental disorders, chronic pain and illness and a range of other issues. 

What Qualifications Do MFTs Have?

Licensing varies from state to state, but in general, and in California specifically, an MFT has a graduate degree – a Master’s of Arts or Science – from a university, in either counseling psychology or Marriage and Family Therapy.  The course of study is regulated by the state licensing board.  In California, the Board of Behavioral Science regulates Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers.   Some of the universities that offer this degree are private and some are public.  Before becoming licensed, a MFT must have 3000 hours of supervised clinical practice.  During this time, the therapist is called a MFT Intern.  Interns have between 2 and 6 years to get these 3000 hours.  Interns see clients one on one, or families, couples, etc., but must meet weekly with a supervisor – a licensed MFT – who oversees their case load and offers suggestions and advice about the therapy they are doing.  MFTs are qualified to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the contest of marriage and family systems.  MFTs take two exams to become licensed. 

What is the difference between an MFT, an LCSW, a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

As stated above, an MFT has two years of graduate school, and 3000 hours of supervised training during their internship.  Course work counseling and psychotherapy is required. An LCSW has a Master’s of Social Work degree (MSW), and requires 3200 hours of internship, and a licensing exam. However, the LCSW’s course of study does not mandate course work in counseling and psychotherapy.  A psychologist has a Ph.D. or Psy.D. (Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Psychology) degree and usually has a 4 year course of study.  Also, course work in counseling and psychotherapy is not necessarily required.  The psychologist also has 3000 hours of supervised clinical work prior to becoming licensed.  A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with an M.D. degree from a medical school, and a 4 year residency program in psychiatry.  Psychiatrists tend to deal more with medication prescribing, although a number of psychiatrists also do psychotherapy. 

Why Should I Use an MFT?

Research studies demonstrate the effectiveness of MFTs in treating the full range of mental and emotional disorders and health problems, from adolescent drug use to children from divorce or children who have been traumatized, to the problems of the elderly.  And of course, MFTs are specifically trained to help couples and families deal with marital distress and conflict.  Studies also show that clients are highly satisfied with the services of MFTs.  For more about the qualifications and reasons to use an MFT, please visit AAMFT.org or CAMFT.org.

How Much Will it Cost, and Can I use Insurance?

The cost for therapy varies from geographical area to area.  In Agoura Hills, where I practice, the cost for a 50 minute session with a MFT runs anywhere from $100.00 to $200.00.  Some therapists have sliding scale fees, based on need.  My fee is $140.00, with some lower-fee time slots available for those who cannot afford the full fee.  A psychologist will usually charge more than an M.F.T., but not always.  Licensed Clincial Social Workers fees are usually, but not always, comparable with an MFTs.

You can often use your medical insurance benefits for therapy.  You would need to check with your specific insurance plan to find out what the benefits for mental health, or "Behavioral Health" are.  Some plans do not pay for providers that are out of that plan's network; some allow you to submit a bill to be reimbursed.  I am a provider for Aetna and Magellan insurance.  For all other plans, I gladly provide a "superbill" for the client to send in to their insurance company so that they can be reimbused their out-of-pocket expenses that they have paid to me for therapy.

I accept cash, check and credit cards for payment.