Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Letter from the President
Dear LAMFT Community,
I’m excited to share that we are officially gearing up for our upcoming LAMFT Conference — and the energy behind the scenes is already building!
Our planning team is hard at work creating a conference experience that is meaningful, engaging, and (yes!) genuinely fun. From thoughtful clinical content to opportunities to connect with colleagues who truly get this work, we’re designing a space where learning and community go hand in hand.
Even more exciting — our Call for Proposals is now open! If you have an idea, an area of expertise, or a passion you’re eager to share, we would love to hear from you. This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to our professional community and help shape the conversations that matter most to marriage and family therapists across Louisiana.
And while we love connecting in all the ways, there’s something special about being together in person. Attending the conference live means richer conversations, spontaneous connections, hallway laughs, shared meals, and the kind of professional rejuvenation that just hits differently when you’re in the room. Not to mention hands-on learning, networking opportunities, and a chance to step away from daily routines to refocus on your growth as a clinician.
We can’t wait to share more details with you soon, and we’re truly looking forward to gathering together for another memorable LAMFT conference. Thank you for being such a vibrant, dedicated community — it’s an honor to serve alongside you.
See you soon (and hopefully 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
