Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) is a specialized form of psychotherapy that focuses on treating emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues that arise within the context of relational systems.
CFTs use various systemic and relational approaches to help clients understand and navigate the complexities of their relationships, often considering the broader social and cultural context. CFT is effective in treating a range of issues, including marital problems, family conflicts, child and adolescent behavioral problems, and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Couple & Family Therapy Q&A
- Is there a difference between a Couple and Family Therapist and a Marriage and Family Therapist?
- Do CFTs only treat couples and families?
- What is the average salary for an LMFT?
- What is the job outlook for LMFTs?
- What is the job outlook for LMFTs in the state of Georgia?
- How do you become a licensed Couple (Marriage) and Family Therapist?
- Is there a difference between a Couple and Family Therapist and a Marriage and Family Therapist?
The terms 'Couple and Family Therapy' (CFT) and 'Marriage and Family Therapy' (MFT) are often used interchangeably, as they are the same discpline. The title "Marriage and Family Therapist" is officially recognized by licensure boards. This title is standardized for licensing purposes and ensures consistency in professional qualifications and practice standards. However, there is a growing movement within the field to adopt titles like "Couple and Family Therapist" or "Systemic Therapist." Such shifts in lanuage aim to be more inclusive of the diverse family structures and relationships beyond just marriage and emphasize the systemic approach of the profession.
- Do CFTs only treat couples and families?
Due to the name of the profession, a common misconception is that CFTs only provide therapeutic services to couples and families experiencing relationship issues. While CFTs are highly qualified to do so, CFTs do not only provide therapy to couples and families; they also work with individual clients. Regardless of the modality (couple, family, or individual), CFTs treat all clients from a systemic, relational perspective, taking into account their surrounding context when treating emotional and behavioral issues. This systemic approach to therapy is what sets CFTs apart from other mental health professionals.
- What is the average salary for an LMFT?
LMFT salaries can vary significantly depending on location and work setting. Learn more about the average income of LMFTs across different states here.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for marriage and family therapists was $58,510 in May 2023. This means that half of the professionals in this field earned more and half earned less than this amount. The top 10% of earners made over $104,710.
In Georgia, the annual mean wage for marriage and family therapists was $69,570 as of May 2023.
- What is the job outlook for LMFTs?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for marriage and family therapists will grow by 15% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for other occupations. This growth is driven by a rising demand for integrated care which addreses multiple issues simultaneously.
- What is the job outlook for LMFTs in the state of Georgia?
In 2022, Georgia introduced a bill, HB 1013, aimed at improving mental health care across the state. The bill's goal is to ensure mental health services are just as available and covered by insurance as physical health services. It also aims to train more mental health professionals, help first responders deal with mental health crises, and make information about mental health care more transparent. With support from both the Senate and the House, Governor Kemp signed the bill into law on April 4, 2022. This demonstrated Georgia's commitment to enhancing mental health care accessibility and underscored the need for more mental health professionals in the state. UGA's master's program in Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) aligns with the objectives of HB 1033, which also seeks to bolster the number of mental health professionals in Georgia.
- How do you become a licensed Couple (Marriage) and Family Therapist?
Visit out CFT Licensure page for more information about licensure.