Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Letter from the President
Dear LAMFT Community,
I am thrilled to share that the conference schedule for this year’s gathering of the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy is officially set! We could not be more excited about what’s in store!
First and foremost, we are incredibly grateful to our presenters. Their willingness to share their knowledge, experience, and passion is what makes this conference so meaningful. This year’s lineup reflects the depth, diversity, and heart of our field, and we cannot wait for you to experience it.
A few important (and fun!) reminders:
Book your hotel soon: rooms are going quickly, and we would love for you to stay close to all the action.
Be sure to register before April 1st to take advantage of our early bird discount.
We’ll be offering free professional headshots on Friday, so come ready to update that website, LinkedIn profile, or Psychology Today photo.
Free lunch will be provided each day, because learning is better when you’re well-fed.
And of course, we’re planning an evening networking event at a local restaurant, giving everyone the chance to connect, unwind, and enjoy some time together outside the conference space.
There is something truly special about gathering in person — the conversations between sessions, the laughter, the new connections, and the shared commitment to strengthening our profession. This year’s conference is shaping up to be one of our best yet, and I genuinely cannot wait to see you there.
Thank you for being such a dedicated and vibrant community. Let the countdown begin!
Warmly,
See you soon and in person,
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
