Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Letter from the President-Elect
Dear LAMFT Members,
My name is Madelynn Fellon, and I’m honored to serve as the new President of the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, having officially stepped into the role on July 1, 2025. I’m deeply grateful to Jennifer Rush for her continued support during this leadership transition—her guidance and dedication to LAMFT have been invaluable.
I’m excited about the journey ahead as we focus on connection, accessibility, and growing awareness of systemic and relational therapy throughout our state.
One of our major goals this year is planning a hybrid 2026 conference in Lafayette, LA. We’re working hard to create an event that’s both flexible and enriching—designed to bring us together in person and online to learn, grow, and be inspired. We also welcome your ideas and suggestions to help make this conference as valuable and engaging as possible for our members.
Another key focus for us is strengthening our legislative advocacy efforts. We want to ensure that MFTs have a strong voice in the policies that impact our work and our clients. Our lobbyist plays a vital role in this process, and we need your support—whether through donations, staying informed, or volunteering to help amplify our message at the Capitol.
We’ll be announcing the new members of the LAMFT board soon, and I’m excited for the energy and vision they’ll bring to our organization.
Thank you for being part of this vibrant community. I look forward to all we’ll accomplish together.
Warmly,
Madelynn Fellon, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-SC, NCC
President, LAMFT
About LAMFT: Advancing Marriage & Family Therapy in Louisiana
The Louisiana Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (LAMFT) has been a steadfast advocate for the profession and practice of Marriage and Family Therapy across the state since its inception in 1976. Originally incorporated as a state division of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), LAMFT has grown to become a vital voice for licensed professionals dedicated to strengthening individuals, couples, and families through systemic therapy.
In 2001, under the leadership of Lane Brigham and Carol Kacer, LAMFT achieved a major legislative milestone: the successful passage of licensure for Marriage and Family Therapists in Louisiana. This landmark effort led to the creation of the Marriage and Family Therapy Advisory Committee (MFTAC) to the LPC Board, and the grandfathering of nearly one thousand licensees into the profession.
By 2009, licensure for MFTs had been established in all 50 states, following a national model law template. Louisiana continued to shape its own path with key legislative victories. In 2010, LAMFT played a pivotal role in expanding MFTAC and defending the profession against an omnibus licensing board initiative. This led to a compromise that temporarily added “serious mental illness” (SMI) language to the law.
In 2016, LAMFT launched a collaborative, grassroots campaign alongside the Louisiana Counseling Association (LCA) to address this language. Partnering with State Senator Jean-Paul Morrell, the organizations successfully removed the SMI clause, while also securing permanent recognition of LMFTs' and LPCs’ right to independently diagnose and treat—a defining moment for the profession in Louisiana.
Between 2017 and 2021, LAMFT partnered closely with AAMFT to further develop and expand its reach. In 2022, LAMFT officially established itself as an independent organization, redefining its bylaws and structure to better serve the unique needs of Marriage and Family Therapists in Louisiana. Since then, LAMFT has continued to grow its membership, host impactful conferences, and elevate public awareness of the essential role MFTs play in mental health care.
Today, LAMFT remains committed to supporting and advancing the practice of Marriage and Family Therapy in Louisiana through advocacy, education, and community-building. We are proud of our history—and even more excited about the future.
“We are born in relationship, we are wounded in relationship, and we can be healed in relationship.”
— Harville Hendrix, Ph.D.,S
