The marriage and family therapist: graduate preparation of a mental health professional.

To better acquaint mental health professionals with the educational background of marriage and family therapists, this study examined degree-objective programs offered by 55 academic units in US colleges and universities. Through mailed questionnaires supplemented by telephone follow-ups, information was obtained regarding location of units, enrollment, faculty, admission requirements, program requirements, and therapy models taught. In addition to describing available programs, units with and without accreditation by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy's Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education were compared.