MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS REMIND CALIFORNIANS THAT HEALTHY MINDS MATTER
MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

There are more than 200 classifications of mental health disorders, and 1 in 5 Californians will experience some form of a mental disorder during their lifetime. To mitigate debilitating impact of mental illness, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) reminds Californians to recognize any warning signs or marked personality changes that may lead to serious health conditions.

A mental health professional, such as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), also known as a psychotherapist, is licensed and trained to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with common mental health conditions, such as stress, anxiety, depression, or addiction. Individuals experiencing one or more of the following symptoms are encouraged to seek the help of an MFT:

- Inability to cope with daily activities

- Extreme anxiety

- Abuse of drugs or alcohol

- Loss of energy and fatigue

- Lack of social support and sense of isolation

- Excessive anger, irritation or violent behavior

- Changes in sleeping or eating patterns

- Overwhelming feeling of sadness and grief

If you are experiencing any of these conditions, therapy is a cost-effective solution to help manage your mental health issues. It can help mitigate common sources of stress, including care-giving for a loved one or an aging parent, financial worries, family problems, and heavy workloads. To learn more about Marriage and Family Therapists or to locate one in your area, visit California's online mental
health resource, www.CounselingCalifornia.com.

About CAMFT
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, with 27 chapters throughout the state, is an independent professional organization, representing the interests of Marriage and Family Therapists. CAMFT provides CounselingCalifornia.com as a resource to the public looking for Marriage and Family Therapists located in California. For more information about CAMFT, please call (858) 292-2638 or visit www.CounselingCalifornia.com.

Media Contact: Amber Albrecht
Porter Novelli
Phone: (619) 687-7015 or (949) 500-2535
E-mail: amber.albrecht@porternovelli.com