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Take care when choosing a marriage counselor or therapist.
Not all are licensed or certified, or have specialized training
in couples counseling.
Look for a marriage counselor who is a licensed mental health
professional. Many marriage counselors are specifically designated
as licensed marriage and family therapists (L.M.F.T.s). Licensing
and credentialing requirements can vary by state. But most
states 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 choose to become credentialed
by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
(AAMFT), which sets specific eligibility criteria.
Most marriage counselors work in private practice. They may
also work in clinics, mental health centers, hospitals and
government agencies. Ask your health care provider for a referral
to a marriage counselor. Family and friends also may give
you recommendations based on their experiences. Your health
insurer, employee assistance program, clergy, or state or
local agencies also may offer recommendations. You can also
look up marriage counselors in your phone book.
Click here to find
a recommended therapist close to you.
What questions should you ask when choosing
a marriage counselor?
Before choosing a new marriage counselor, you can ask lots
of questions to see if he or she is the right fit for you.
Consider asking questions like these:
- 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?
Making the decision to go to marriage counseling can be tough.
But marriage counseling can help you cope better with a troubled
relationship - rather than trying to ignore it or hoping it
gets better on its own.
Click here to find
a recommended therapist close to you.
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