| Aspect | Per Diem Amft | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist |
|---|
| Credentials | Amateur Marriage and Family Therapist (Amft) credential, often temporary or provisional | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) license, requires full certification |
| Work Environment | Typically temporary, per diem assignments in clinics, hospitals, or community settings | Full-time or part-time private practice, clinics, or healthcare facilities |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Used by agencies hiring on a per diem basis for mental health support | Used by licensed professionals providing ongoing therapy services |
The main difference is that a Per Diem Amft is often a temporary or provisional role requiring less experience, while a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is fully licensed, offering ongoing, full-time therapy services. The Per Diem Amft typically works on short-term assignments, whereas the LMFT provides continuous care in various settings.