Mission and Core Purpose
Recognizing that relationships are fundamental to the health and well-being of individuals, couples, families, and communities, AAMFT exists to advance the profession and the practice of marriage and family therapy.
Who We Are
The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) is the
professional association for the field of marriage and family therapy. We
represent the professional interests of more than 50,000 marriage and family
therapists throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.
Since our founding in 1942, AAMFT has been involved with the problems, needs
and changing patterns of couples and family relationships. The association
leads the way to increasing understanding, research and education in the field
of marriage and family therapy, and ensuring that the public's needs are met by
trained practitioners. AAMFT provides individuals with the tools and resources
they need to succeed as marriage and family therapists.
Our members meet rigorous standards for education and training and are held
to the highest ethical standards of the profession. Clinical Fellows and Members
have met the highest standards of their profession for education and clinical
experience. Pre-clinical Fellow and Associate members are individuals in
training for clinical practice. Student members are those that are enrolled in
a graduate marriage and family therapy program, or an equivalent graduate
mental health program. Affiliate members are individuals who are interested in
marriage and family therapy but are not licensed or working toward MFT or other
mental health licensure.
What We Do
Our association facilitates research, theory development and education. We
develop standards for graduate education and training, clinical supervision,
professional ethics and the clinical practice of marriage and family therapy.
AAMFT offers opportunities to earn continuing education hours through the annual
conference, advanced clinical training institute, and online courses. We
publish the scholarly research journal, Journal of Marital and Family
Therapy, articles about the field in Family Therapy Magazine, and a
variety of brochures and pamphlets that inform the public about the field of
marriage and family therapy. Also, we offer a range of professional and
practice development products, including recordings, books and brochures.
Become a Member Today! See how to begin the process here .
Contact Us
The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
277 S. Washington Street
Suite 210
Alexandria Virginia 22314
Customer Service: (703) 838-9808 or central@aamft.org
Meet the AAMFT Staff