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The world of mental healthcare is changing fast. Between the rise of online therapy platforms and the emerging presence of stories highlighting artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots鈥� user bases leaning on the tools for so-called therapy, it鈥檚 easy to wonder what role traditional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) play today.

The reality? LMFTs are more important than ever, offering the human connection, clinical expertise, and ethical care that no app or algorithm can replicate. To that end, if you鈥檙e considering a career as a family therapist, understanding the shift towards digital alternatives to therapy is crucial to entering the industry and can help demonstrate the importance of earning your LMFT credential.

 

The Rise of Online Therapy and Its Limitations

Over the past few years, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace have surged in popularity. These services promise affordable, convenient access to licensed therapists through apps and messaging platforms, and had an easy introduction into the market thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, when many mental health services transitioned to telehealth.

While they鈥檝e increased awareness of therapy and reduced stigma for some, these services are not without controversy. Critics have raised concerns about:

• Inconsistent quality of care and therapist training.
• Limited oversight and lack of long-term therapeutic relationships.
• Business models that can prioritize profit over patient well-being.

For clients with mild or situational stress, these platforms may offer temporary help. But for families or couples dealing with deep-seated relational patterns or trauma, nothing replaces the depth and professionalism of working with a licensed LMFT in a more structured, ethical setting.

 

The Emergence of AI 鈥淭herapy鈥� 

Following the rise of these new, digitized therapy platforms and their ultimate market success, in  2023 and beyond, artificial intelligence entered the mental health conversation in a big way. Apps and chatbots powered by AI, given their 鈥渁sk me anything鈥� openness, have begun to be seen by some as a tool to provide emotional support and even therapeutic advice.

, these Large Language Models (LLMs), including platforms advertised as AI-therapy, offered stigmatized, and at times, dangerous responses to mental health questions and concerns. While AI can mimic conversation and provide generic advice, it simply can鈥檛 replace the nuance and empathy of a trained professional. LMFTs bring something no machine can replicate: a deep understanding of human relationships, cultural context, and the ability to adjust treatment plans dynamically based on real human feedback.

For clients navigating complex family dynamics, grief, or trauma, a chatbot simply isn鈥檛 equipped to respond appropriately, and could even risk harm. That鈥檚 why the demand for LMFTs continues to grow despite advances in technology.

 

Why LMFTs Still Matter鈥� and Always Will

Marriage and family therapists are uniquely trained to look at clients鈥� lives in context, seeing how relationships, family history, culture, and community influence mental health. Unlike individual-focused approaches, LMFTs bring a systems perspective to their work, helping not just individuals but entire families heal and thrive.

This kind of work requires emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and professional judgment that can鈥檛 be replaced by an app. LMFTs are also bound by strict ethical and legal standards designed to protect client confidentiality and safety, something online platforms and AI tools can鈥檛 fully guarantee, as their development has outpaced legislation moderating their behavior.

As more people seek therapy, they鈥檙e also realizing the limits of quick-fix solutions. LMFTs offer sustainable, meaningful care that addresses root causes rather than just surface symptoms.

 

What This Means for Future LMFTs

If you鈥檙e thinking about becoming an LMFT, now is an exciting and meaningful time to enter the field. The increased awareness of mental health challenges, combined with the shortcomings of purely digital solutions, means clients are looking for qualified professionals who can provide real human support.

As an LMFT, you鈥檒l have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including private practice, schools, healthcare systems, and community organizations. You鈥檒l help families and couples navigate some of life鈥檚 toughest challenges and make a lasting impact in your community.

At Our Lady of the Lake University, we prepare LMFT students to meet this need with strong clinical training, ethical grounding, and cultural competence. If you鈥檙e ready to build a career in one of the most rewarding fields in mental health, now is the time to get started.

Learn more about our LMFT and counseling programs here.