Marriage and Family Therapy in the People's Republic of China: Current Issues and Challenges

Abstract

China's rapid social and economic developments over the last decade have prompted many changes across the population. The stigma associated with counseling and therapy is beginning to fade. With rich cultural traditions of multigenerational family connections, marriage and family therapy has emerged as a popular modality of mental health service. This article provides a review of the available literature regarding the development of mental health services in China, noting the recent transformations relevant to the practice of therapy. The implications for the future of clinical practice, education, and curriculum development are also discussed.