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MORE THAN 16,000 MFTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR MENTAL
HEALTH NEEDS
San Diego, July 18, 2006 – When searching
for a mental health expert, consider a Marriage
and Family Therapist
(MFT). Commonly known
as “relationship experts,” MFTs go beyond marriage
and family
counseling and are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals
with depression,
anxiety, addiction and other serious mental illnesses.
In California, there are more than 16,000 licensed members of California
Association of Marriage
and Family Therapists who practice
early crisis intervention and brief, focused psychotherapy
to
resolve problems or reduce symptoms. These MFTs also have the skills necessary
to provide more
intensive, long-term treatment to heal or relieve mental
and emotional conditions.
Marriage and
Family Therapy is highly effective because of the "systemic" orientation
that its therapists bring to treatment. MFTs believe that
an individual's emotional concerns or issues can be more meaningful
and productive when treated within the context of his or her current
or prior relationships.
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists offers
guidelines on how to choose a therapist:
• www.TherapistFinder.com is California’s online resource for
valuable advice about
mental health challenges. Locate a licensed
therapist
in its comprehensive directory
of mental health professionals
using a zip code, name, location or clinical issue.
• Word of mouth is a great way to obtain referrals. If someone you know
and respect
has had success with a particular therapist, it is possible
that you might, too.
• Referrals from other professionals. Doctors, lawyers, massage therapists,
clergy members
and teachers commonly hear about the therapists
in their areas and can often assist in your search.
•
Interview more than one possible therapist and be wary of any therapist
who discourages
you to shop around. Inquire about the
potential therapist’s education,
training, licensure
and memberships
• Check to see if your therapist is a member of a professional organization
such as the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Therapy can help ease common sources of stress, including
family problems, heavy workloads or having to provide extensive care for
a loved one or aging parent. To learn more about Marriage and Family Therapists
and to locate one in your area, visit California’s online mental
health resource, www.TherapistFinder.com.
About CAMFT
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists,
with 27 chapters throughout the
state, is an independent professional
organization, representing the interests of licensed Marriage
and
Family Therapists. CAMFT provides www.TherapistFinder.com as
a resource to the public
looking for Marriage and Family Therapists
located
in California. For more information about CAMFT, please call (858)
292-2638 or visit www.camft.org.
Media Contact: Tricia Whittemore
Porter Novelli
Phone: (619) 687-7018 or (603) 219-6088
E-mail: tricia.whittemore@porternovelli.com
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