Defining Who We Are and What We Do: Clinical Practive Patterns of Marriage and Family Therapists in Minnesota

The clinical practice patterns of a representative sample of marriage and family therapists (MFTs) were studied. AAMFT clinical members from Minnesota (N = 76) were surveyed for demographic characteristics, educational beckground, and practice‐related issues. subjects also reported empirical data from 119 treatment cases involving 351 clients, a first in the MFT field. Among the major findings were: (a) MFTs practic relatively short‐term therapy with the average case involving 11 sessions over a 4‐month period; (b) therapy with families (average of 8 sessions) and couples (10 sessions) is briefer than individual therapy (14 sessions); and (c) NFTs treat a wide range of serious problems. Overall, MFT clinical practice patterns were comparable to those of other established mental health professions.