Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Letter from the President
Hi everyone,
Thank you to those who have registered for the 2026 Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapists Conference, Recentering the System: Connecting in a Complex World.
We’re so excited to have you join us next week, April 16–18. This conference feels especially meaningful as we come together in person, creating space to reconnect, learn, and support one another in the important work we do every day.
Over the conference days, you can expect opportunities for meaningful learning, thoughtful conversations, and connection with colleagues who truly understand the complexity of this field. Whether you’re here for the CEUs, the networking, or simply a chance to reset and be inspired, we’re really glad you’re here.
The full conference schedule is available under the Conference tab.
A few quick logistics to help your arrival go smoothly:
Registration begins at 8:30 AM on Thursday, April 16
Registration begins at 7:30 AM on Friday and Saturday
There is plenty of parking available at the hotel for all attendees
Professional headshots will be available on Friday. Come dressed in your best if you’d like to have your photo taken.
A lunch buffet will be provided daily and is included in your registration
WiFi will be available to all attendees and presenters, and login information will be provided upon arrival at the conference
CEU Information:
Each session will include a QR code at the end, this must be scanned in order to receive credit and obtain your CEU certificate. If you have any trouble, volunteers will be available to walk attendees through the QR code process.
Sessions are first-come, first-served. No advance room reservations are needed, simply arrive at the session you plan to attend.
We also have a couple of opportunities to connect outside of sessions:
Supervisor/Supervisee Meet-Up (open to all licensures, including LPCs, LMFTs, and Social Workers) on Thursday evening at 6:30 PM
Professional Networking Event on Friday evening at 6:30 PM
If you have any questions leading up to the conference, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re truly grateful you’re here and can’t wait to see you next week.
Warmly,
Madelynn Fellon, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-SC, NCC
LAMFT President
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
