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How do you choose a family therapist?
Like other psychotherapists, family therapists are licensed mental health professionals. Although different states have different licensing or credentialing requirements, most require advanced training, including a master's or doctoral degree, graduate training in marriage and family therapy, and training under the supervision of other experts. Many marriage and family therapists opt to become credentialed by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), which sets specific eligibility criteria.
Most family therapists work in private practice. They may also work in clinics, mental health centers, hospitals and government agencies.
How do you find a family therapist who's right for you? The same way you'd find a psychiatrist, psychologist or other therapist: Ask lots of questions. Among them:
Are you a clinical member of the AAMFT or licensed by the state, or both?
What is your educational and training background?
What is your experience with my type of problem?
How much do you charge?
Are your services covered by my health insurance?
Where is your office, and what are your hours?
How long is each session?
How often are sessions scheduled?
How many sessions should I expect to have?
What is your policy on canceled sessions?
How can I contact you if I have an emergency?
Like other psychotherapists, family therapists are licensed mental health professionals. Although different states have different licensing or credentialing requirements, most require advanced training, including a master's or doctoral degree, graduate training in marriage and family therapy, and training under the supervision of other experts. Many marriage and family therapists opt to become credentialed by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), which sets specific eligibility criteria.
Most family therapists work in private practice. They may also work in clinics, mental health centers, hospitals and government agencies.
How do you find a family therapist who's right for you? The same way you'd find a psychiatrist, psychologist or other therapist: Ask lots of questions. Among them:
Are you a clinical member of the AAMFT or licensed by the state, or both?
What is your educational and training background?
What is your experience with my type of problem?
How much do you charge?
Are your services covered by my health insurance?
Where is your office, and what are your hours?
How long is each session?
How often are sessions scheduled?
How many sessions should I expect to have?
What is your policy on canceled sessions?
How can I contact you if I have an emergency?