FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hillary Angel
Phone: (909) 390-1239
E-mail: hangel@wilkinguge.com

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.