What does a marriage and family therapist do?
A marriage and family therapist (LMFT) has a master's degree and provides talk therapy for couples, families, and individuals. They look at how relationships affect mental health.
Last updated November 11, 2026
Find marriage and family therapists near you
When people see one
- You and your partner want help with communication or conflict.
- Your family is dealing with a major change or a child's struggles.
- You want therapy focused on relationships.
How it differs
Licensed professional counselor: A licensed professional counselor often works one-on-one. A marriage and family therapist is trained to work with couples and families.
Clinical social worker: A clinical social worker also treats families and can connect you to community services.
On 2027 Colorado plans
Do you need a referral? Not on most plans. Kaiser Permanente plans need a referral for some specialists, so ask the insurance company before you book. The other plans don't require one for outpatient mental health care, according to each plan's 2027 summary of benefits.
What a visit costs (the plan's filed "Office Visit - Mental/Behavioral Health" benefit, in network, before any extra savings on silver plans):
- Bronze: $0 to $80 a visit on 25 of 56 plans; on the other 31, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Silver: $0 to $85 a visit on 35 of 58 plans; on the other 23, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Gold: $0 to $90 a visit on 26 of 30 plans; on the other 4, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
In-network care costs less. Out-of-network visits on an HMO or EPO usually aren't covered except in an emergency.
In Colorado
Public records list 1,630 marriage and family therapists at 1,130 Colorado locations. Colorado shows 3,323 active licenses of this kind, including people who don't see patients or work out of state.
- Denver County: 198 locations
- El Paso County: 187 locations
- Arapahoe County: 122 locations
- Larimer County: 118 locations
- Jefferson County: 106 locations
- Boulder County: 95 locations
Counties with the fewest: San Miguel (1), Saguache (1), Rio Blanco (1), Ouray (1), Moffat (1). 25 counties have none.
Questions to ask the office
- Are you taking new patients, and do you see couples or families?
- Do you bill my 2027 plan? Which plan and network name do you use?
- Do you offer telehealth sessions?
- How long is the wait, and do you bill insurance or take self-pay only?