ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the practical aspects of becoming a couple therapist. The minimum level of training in order to practice as a couple therapist is a master's degree in one of the helping professions. One area of new practice opportunities attracting the attention of counselors is the realm of organizational consulting and executive coaching. Integrated Primary Care or Medical family therapy is the practice of family therapy in a medical setting, usually with couples or families dealing with a chronic condition and providing social and psychological support. Mental health professionals who are trained in integrated medical practice can serve as a resource for physicians, providing backup and sharing patient care when "medical providers delve into psychosocial issues without feeling that they will not know how to manage what they discover. Licensure or certification laws for couple therapists provide a mechanism for the public to identify qualified practitioners of marriage and family therapy.
