The lack of licensing laws in most states that would require minimal standards of training and experience for marriage and family therapists make necessary this monograph, which provides consumers with the necessary information to help them find family counseling services that are most appropriate for their needs. Several questions concerning the selection of a qualified marriage and family counselor or therapist are discussed, including an examination of what marriage and family counseling is, why people seek such counseling, how family counseling differs from individual or group psychotherapy, and how to determine whether family therapy is needed. In a section on finding a therapist, a list of general recommendations is followed by discussions on where to look for a therapist, who does marriage and family therapy, what qualifications should be considered, what to ask prior to or during an initial session, and how to avoid charlatans. Several issues and concerns about marriage and family therapy are also addressed, including parenting skills, confidentiality, emotional involvement, goals of counseling, questions asked by therapists, counseling effectiveness, and finding help with sexual problems. Sources of additional information are provided. (NRB)