Need help?

Life is a journey and like every great journey, it has its ups and downs, certainties and uncertainties. If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, therapy with a marriage and family therapist (MFT) can help. MFTs are trained in systemic, or relational, therapy and believe that throughout life we exist in a number of relationships that directly and indirectly impact our well-being. Our relationships with family, friends, co-workers and neighbors influence and create our individual experience. Research and theory have shown that mental illness and family problems are best treated in the context of relationships.

Two great ways to find help!

Finding a marriage and family therapist to work with has never been easier.

Therapist Locator

  • Over 15,000 MFTs featured
  • All professionals trained in relational therapy and committed to positively impacting your life’s journey
  • All practice under the standards established by the AAMFT Code of Ethics

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Psychology Today

  • Detailed listings for mental health professionals
  • Search by location, issue, treatment orientation, insurance, and more to find a specialist
  • To find MFTs, add family systems or family/marital to your search criteria (look for “LMFT” in their listing!)

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Get to know the MFT difference!

  • MFTs are unique because they are trained in both psychotherapy and family systems, which allows them to focus on understanding client symptoms in the context of the relational interactions that influence behavior. The problem does not define the client but rather is a symptom of his or her system.
  • MFTs work with individuals, couples and families. Whoever the client, MFTs view problems from a relationship perspective.
  • Family-based therapy is a powerful model for change. Research has shown that family-based interventions such as those utilized by MFTs are as effective as– and in many cases more effective than– alternative therapies, often at a lower cost.
  • MFTs work with a wide range of clinical issues, including depression, relationship problems, anxiety, affective (mood) disorders, substance abuse, and more. Find out more about specific clinical issues by reviewing AAMFT’s Therapy Topics online.
  • MFTs apply a holistic perspective to health care; they are concerned with the overall, long-term well-being of individuals and their families.
  • MFTs practice short-term therapy; 12 sessions on average. Over 65% of cases are completed within 20 sessions and over 87% by 50 sessions.