An MFT stands for Marriage and Family Therapist, which is a mental health practitioner trained in psychotherapy and family systems, and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage, couples, and family systems. MFTs provide psychotherapy and related change process services with individuals, couples, families, and groups. They are recognized as a "core" mental health profession, along with psychiatry, psychology, social work, and psychiatric nursing. MFTs distinguish themselves from other mental health providers in how they conceptualize and treat mental health issues.

MFTs are regulated by state law, which regulates many professions to protect the consumer from incompetent, negligent, and exploitative service providers. The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) is the state agency that regulates the practice of MFT. The MFT field is one profession (along with the psychotherapy professions of psychology and social work) that the state regulates in terms of educational and clinical training requirements and safe, fair practice.

MFTs work in several settings, including private practice, government agencies, psychiatric hospitals, outpatient centers, and other institutions. They use different types of therapy to help a clients condition, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). MFTs handle a wide array of serious clinical problems, including depression, anxiety, marital issues, individual psychological problems, and complications surrounding the parent-child relationship.

In summary, an MFT is a mental health practitioner trained in psychotherapy and family systems, and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage, couples, and family systems. They are recognized as a "core" mental health profession, and they work in various settings to help clients with different types of therapy.