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Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are relationship specialists who treat persons involved in interpersonal relationships. They are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families and groups to achieve more adequate, satisfying and productive marriage, family and social adjustment. The practice also includes premarital counseling, child counseling, divorce or separation counseling and other relationship counseling. Marriage and Family Therapists are psychotherapists and healing arts practitioners licensed by the State of California. Requirements for licensure include a related doctoral or two- year master's degree, passage of comprehensive examination, and at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience. Psychotherapy services of licensed marriage and family therapists are, in many instances, eligible for insurance reimbursement. Many Marriage and Family Therapists are participating providers with major insurance company as well as preferred provider organizations. A physician's referral is usually unnecessary. The terms "marriage, family and child counselors" (MFCCs) and "marriage and family therapists" are used interchangeably. All states who regulate the profession use the title, "marriage and family therapist." What is the difference between a MFT, LCSW, Psychologist, and Psychiatrist? • MFT or LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a master’s degree in psychology, counseling psychology, clinical psychology, or marital and family therapy. Emphasis is on primary service in counseling and psychotherapy from a variety of therapeutic orientations with individuals, couples, families, and groups. • LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a master’s degree in clinical social work. Emphasis on primary service in psychosocial diagnosis, assessment and treatment, client advocacy, consultation, evaluation and research. • Psychologist: Possesses a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field with a license to practice therapy and conducts psychological testing and research. • Psychiatrist: A medical doctor who specializes in psychiatry. Emphasis on primary service in prescribing and monitoring psychotropic medications and sometimes offers psychotherapy. Fee & Payment Does Insurance Cover Therapy? If you’re struggling with a life-changing challenge, therapy offers a very cost- effective solution that can help you better manage your life. Some therapists offer a variety of payment options that include credit cards, cash, or insurance. In California, therapists typically charge an hourly fee that ranges from $90-$125, although some therapists do charge more. If you are in a low-income bracket and don’t have insurance, ask your therapist if she or he provides a sliding-fee scale. The hourly sliding-fee scale ranges from $60-$90. Before you start therapy, you and your therapist should discuss his or her payment policies and options. Medical Insurance If you have health insurance, it pays to be fully informed about what your insurance company does and does not cover. Many insurance plans cover or reimburse for mental health care. Often, therapists will provide you with a “super bill” that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, providing the treatment and provider meet your insurance company’s requirements. Some therapists will bill your insurance company directly. It is your responsibility to make sure your therapy is covered. Here are a few tips for doing so:
your insurance coverage. Get the name and title of the person with whom you speak. 2. Ask your insurance company if you need a referral from your primary care physician to work with a MFT. If you do, be sure you get a referral for therapy. 3. Ask your insurance company about what your policy will cover. 4. Find out from your insurance company how many visits are covered. 5. Confirm the amount of your deductible and co-pay. 6. Ask your insurance company if it requires the therapist to be part of a preferred provider network or if there are any limitations on who you choose to receive therapy from. Myths about Counseling Counseling is something that is misunderstood by many people. These are some common myths about counseling: MYTH 1: Counseling is only for people who have serious emotional problems. FACT: While counseling does deal with people who have emotional problems it can also help:
MYTH 2: Seeking counseling is a sign of weakness. FACT: There is nothing weak about a person who seeks counseling. In fact, it takes courage to explore sensitive, painful or confusing thoughts and feelings. People who enter counseling are taking the first step in resolving their difficulties. MYTH 3: The counselor will tell you what to do and how to "fix" your problems. FACT: Counseling is not a "quick fix" cure to your problems. The counselor is there to help you explore your feelings, thoughts, and concerns, to examine your options, and to assist you in achieving the goals you have set. MYTH 4: The counselor cannot understand you unless he/she has had similar experiences or is of the same background. FACT: Counselors are trained to be sensitive to and respectful of individual differences, including the specific concerns of gender, race/ethnicity, culture, religion, age, sexual preference/orientation, and socioeconomic issues. Source: usfweb2.usf.edu/counsel/self-hlp/what.htm California Department of Insurancewww.insurance.ca.gov Consumer contact within the State of California Department of Insurance. Department of Managed Health Care www.dmhc.ca.gov |
