AAMFT Awards 

2024 Call for Award Nominations

Each year, AAMFT and the Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems (FAHS) honors individuals for their unique contributions to MFT research and practice. We invite you to nominate or apply for the awards described below. Award recipients will be announced in the summer of 2024.  All nominations and applications are submitted online.  Applications are now closed.  Please contact the Awards Committee at [email protected] for any questions.

All award recipients must be members of AAMFT with the exception of:

  1. Those receiving the Excellence in Media award.
  2. At least one author of the Outstanding Research Publication award must be a member.

Note: The AAMFT Annual Conference registration fee will be waived for all award recipients. In order to avoid the perception of a conflict of interest, anyone who is on the AAMFT, the AAMFT Foundation, or AAMFT sponsored payroll is ineligible to be considered for an award so long as that financial relationship exists.  All award recipients must be members of AAMFT with the exception of those receiving the Excellence in Media award, and at least one author of the Outstanding Research Publication award must be a member.


AAMFT Awards

Organizational Contribution

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Description

Since 1991, the Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems (FAHS) has honored up to three members each year for distinctive organizational contributions to the Association.

Process

This award may be self-nominated by an AAMFT member or nominated by another AAMFT member. Nominators must submit a curriculum vita of the person being nominated and a written statement of ways that the nominee demonstrates distinctive organizational contributions.

Nominees must be an AAMFT member for at least five years and show significant leadership in two of the following criteria:

  1. As an association officer;
  2. As an AAMFT Board, committee, or commission member, or former division leader;
  3. By achieving passage of federal policies and programs which promote marriage and family therapists;
  4. By promoting marriage and family therapy on a national level;
  5. By promoting family well-being through public policies.

Letter of Recommendation

All self-nominations require a letter of recommendation to be submitted with materials.

Award

The award consists of:

  • An engraved plaque presented to the winners; and
  • The AAMFT Systemic Family Therapy Conference registration fee will also be waived for the award recipient(s). 

 

How to Apply: In order to qualify for this award, interested candidates must complete an online application   that will close on December 15. 

Award

The award consists of:

  • An engraved plaque presented to the winners; and
  • The AAMFT Systemic Family Therapy Conference registration fee will also be waived for the award recipient(s).
 

How to Apply: In order to qualify for this award, interested candidates must complete an online application   that will close on December 15.

Outstanding Contribution to Marriage and Family Therapy Award

Click here to view past recipients

Description

Since 1991, AAMFT has honored up to three members each year for outstanding contributions to the field of marriage and family therapy.

Process

All nominations need to be made by a third party; self-nominations will not be accepted. Nominators do not need to be AAMFT members. Nominators must submit a curriculum vita of the person being nominated and a written statement in the form of a letter of ways that the nominee demonstrates outstanding contributions to the field.

Nominees must have either:

  1. Made exceptional, outstanding, ongoing and cumulative contributions of an empirical or theoretical nature to the field; or,
  2. Made significant contributions to the field of marriage and family therapy as reflected in their meeting at least three of the following five criteria. Nominators must submit a curriculum vitae of the person being nominated and a written statement of ways that the nominee meets the criteria:
    1. Major plenary on the clinical practice of marriage and family therapy and related issues such as supervision at national/international conferences sponsored by a major professional mental health association;
    2. A distinguished record of publications/scholarly contributions inprofessional journals, both paper or web based, on topics related to marriage and family therapy;
    3. Editorship of a major professional marriage and family therapy journal, newspaper or magazine;
    4. Experience as a director of a nationally or internationally recognized marriage and family therapy training program that has had impact on the field; and
    5. A recognized leader in promoting the field of marriage and family therapy within the United States and Canada or internationally.

In addition to the Awards Committee soliciting nominations from the general membership, the Board of Directors may be collectively and individually involved in nominating qualified candidates.

Award

The award consists of:

  • An engraved plaque presented to the winners; and
  • The AAMFT Systemic Family Therapy Conference registration fee will also be waived for the award recipient(s).

 

How to apply: In order to qualify for this award, interested candidates must complete an online application   that will close on December 15.

Distinguished Leadership Award

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Description

Since 1983, the Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems (FAHS) has recognized persons who have provided outstanding contributions in promoting the development of the practice and the profession of marriage and family therapy within specific areas.

Process

This award may be self-nominated by an AAMFT member or nominated by another AAMFT member. Nominator must submit a written statement (500 words max) detailing how the nominee has provided outstanding contributions in promoting the development of the practice and the profession of marriage and family therapy within specific areas.

Letter of Recommendation

All self-nominations require a letter of recommendation to be submitted with materials.

Award

The award consists of:

  • An engraved plaque presented to the winners; and
  • The AAMFT Systemic Family Therapy Conference registration fee will also be waived for the award recipient(s).

How to Apply: In order to qualify for this award, interested candidates must complete an online application   that will close on December 15.

Outstanding Volunteer Service Award

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Description

AAMFT recognizes up to two members annually who exhibit exceptional leadership and commitment to the association through outstanding volunteer efforts, demonstrating generative contributions through areas such as engagement programs, mentoring, and association growth.

Process

This award may be self-nominated by an AAMFT member or nominated by another AAMFT member. Nominators must submit a curriculum vitae of the person being nominated and a written statement of ways that the nominee demonstrates exceptional leadership and commitment to the association.

Letter of Recommendation

All self-nominations require a letter of recommendation to be submitted with materials.

Award

The award consists of:

  • An engraved plaque presented to the winners; and
  • The AAMFT Systemic Family Therapy Conference registration fee will also be waived for the award recipient(s).

How to apply: In order to qualify for this award, interested candidates must complete an online application   that will close on December 15.

Excellence in the Media Award

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Description

AAMFT recognizes up to one member annually for this award which was established in order to recognize and encourage the use of media to:

  1. Effectively portray marriage and family therapists’ exceptional and substantive contribution to health and mental health care;
  2. Promote the profession of marriage and family therapy to the public; or
  3. Significantly contribute to family well-being.

Process

This award may be self-nominated or nominated by a third party and does not need to be a member of AAMFT. Submissions are encouraged from all popular media, including, but not limited to, newspapers, magazines, radio, television, blogs, and social media. Entries must have been published or broadcast in the previous year.

Letter of Recommendation

All self-nominations require a letter of recommendation to be submitted with materials.

Award

The award consis

  • An engraved plaque presented to the winners; and
  • The AAMFT Systemic Family Therapy Conference registration fee will also be waived for the award recipient(s).

How to Apply: In order to qualify for this award, interested candidates must complete an online application   that will close on December 15. 

Training Award

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Description

This award is granted by AAMFT and honors members and/or training programs for significant contributions to the advancement of the field of marriage and family therapy by encouraging and training the next generation of marriage and family therapy researchers and/or practitioners.

Process

This award may be self-nominated by an AAMFT member or nominated by another AAMFT member. Nominators must submit a written statement (500 words max) with a detailed description of member/training program being considered.

Letter of Recommendation

All self-nominations require a letter of recommendation to be submitted with materials.

Award

The award consists of:

  • An engraved plaque presented to the winners; and
  • The AAMFT Systemic Family Therapy Conference registration fee will also be waived for the award recipient(s).
 

How to apply: In order to qualify for this award, interested candidates must complete an online application   that will close on December 15.

Practice Award

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Description

This award is granted by AAMFT and honors members who make significant contributions in terms of access for marriage and family therapists within the healthcare delivery system, including third party payment and both private sector and insurance (including managed care) industries.

Process

This award may be self-nominated by an AAMFT member or nominated by another AAMFT member. Nominators must submit a detailed description of the person being considered, explaining why they should be honored. Description should be limited to 30 pages.

Letter of Recommendation

All self-nominations require a letter of recommendation to be submitted with materials.

Award

The award consists of:

  • An engraved plaque presented to the winners; and
  • The AAMFT Systemic Family Therapy Conference registration fee will also be waived for the award recipient(s).
 Announcements

Announcements of award winners will be distributed via the eNews and other platforms as they apply.

How to apply: In order to qualify for this award, interested candidates must complete an online application   that will close on December 15.

 

Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems Awards

Cumulative Contribution to Family Therapy Research Award

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Description

Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems (FAHS) honors one member each year for continuous, meritorious and generative contribution to research in family therapy.

Process

This award may be self-nominated by an AAMFT member or nominated by another AAMFT member. Nominators must submit a curriculum vitae of the person being nominated and a written statement (500 words max) of ways that the nominee demonstrates a cumulative contribution to family therapy research and meets one or more of the following criteria:

  1. Development of original theory that stimulates the systematic study of important issues in family therapy;
  2. Superior design and execution of research programs;
  3. Pioneering explorations of new research areas;
  4. Significant contribution to substantive knowledge in the field;
  5. Codification of a field of inquiry;
  6. Conceptual integration;
  7. New techniques of measurement, data collection and data analysis.

Letter of Recommendation

All self-nominations require a letter of recommendation to be submitted with materials.

Award

The award consists of:

  • An engraved plaque presented to the winners; and
  • The AAMFT Systemic Family Therapy Conference registration fee will also be waived for the award recipient(s).

How to Apply: In order to qualify for this award, interested candidates must complete an online application   that will close on December 15

Outstanding Research Publication Award

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Description

The Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems (FAHS) annually confers up to two awards to recognize a published article, monograph, book chapter or book that represents an outstanding scholarly achievement in family therapy research. Outstanding scholarly achievement is construed broadly to include a variety of methods and inquiry (quantitative, qualitative, or conceptual), and a variety of findings, including those that confirm previous work, challenge previous work, or generate new areas of inquiry.

Process

This award may be self-nominated or nominated by a third party and at least one applicant must be a member of AAMFT. Nominator must submit the article along with a written statement (500 words max) of why the article should be selected.

Letter of Recommendation

All self-nominations require a letter of recommendation to be submitted with materials.

Award

The award consists of:

  • An engraved plaque presented to the winners; and
  • The AAMFT Systemic Family Therapy Conference registration fee will also be waived for the award recipient(s).
 

How to apply:  In order to quality for this award, interested candidates must complete an online application   that will close on December 15.

Graduate Student Research Award

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Description

The Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems (FAHS) confers up to two cash awards annually to assist graduate students in the completion of their thesis or dissertation pertaining to couples and family therapy or family therapy training.

Process

This award may be self-nominated by an AAMFT member or nominated by another AAMFT member. Nominator must submit the nominee’s proposal and a written statement (500 words max) of why the proposal should be selected. Selection criteria for the award include:

  1. Significance of the topic for family therapy;
  2. Quality of the conceptualization and design;
  3. Feasibility;
  4. Availability of support to complete the topic.

In the case of equally meritorious applications, consideration will be given to applicants who have demonstrated active participation in an AAMFT activity. Examples, in addition to AAMFT membership, may include such activities as volunteering at a conference, being a presenter at a conference, or a poster presentation.

Letter of Recommendation

All self-nominations require a letter of recommendation to be submitted with materials.

Award

The award consists of:

  • A cash award up to $2,500 per recipient;
  • An engraved plaque presented to the winners; and
  • The AAMFT Systemic Family Therapy Conference registration fee will also be waived for the award recipient(s).

How to apply: In order to qualify for this award, interested candidates must complete an online application   that will close on December 15.  

Dissertation Award

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Description

The Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems (FAHS) recognizes scholarly achievement by recent graduates whose research study related to couples and family therapy or family therapy training.

Process

This award may be self-nominated by an AAMFT member or nominated by another AAMFT member. Nominator must submit the nominee’s proposal and a written statement (500 words max) of why the proposal should be selected.

Selection criteria for the award include:

  1. Dissertation completed in the preceding academic year;
  2. Applicant has been awarded the degree;
  3. Significance of the substantive issue for couples and family therapy;
  4. Conceptual and theoretical clarity;
  5. Soundness, sophistication, and appropriateness of the methodology, whether quantitative, qualitative, or conceptual;
  6. Importance of the substantive findings;
  7. Quality of the interpretation and discussion of the findings;
  8. Style and quality of the writings;
  9. Priority shall be given to clinical research.

In the case of equally meritorious applications, consideration will be given to applicants who have demonstrated active participation in an AAMFT activity. Examples, in addition to AAMFT membership, may include such activities as volunteering at a conference, being a presenter at a conference, or a poster presentation.

Letter of Recommendation

All self-nominations require a letter of recommendation to be submitted with materials.

Award

The award consists of:

  • An engraved plaque presented to the winners; and
  • The AAMFT Systemic Family Therapy Conference registration fee will also be waived for the award recipient(s).
  

How to apply: In order to qualify for this award, interested candidates must complete an online application   that will close on December 15.

Master's Thesis Award

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Description

The Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems (FAHS) recognizes scholarly achievement by recent graduates whose research study related to couples and family therapy or family therapy training.

Process

This award may be self-nominated by an AAMFT member or nominated by another AAMFT member. Nominator’s must submit a proposal with the following outline:

o  150-word abstract, statement of the problem, review of related theory and research, methodology, results, conclusions, and implications for the field of marriage and family therapy. In sum, you are to submit a paper ready for publication, with a maximum page limit of 30 pages DOUBLE-SPACED.

Selection criteria for the award include:

  1. Thesis completed in the preceding academic year;
  2. Applicant has been awarded the degree;
  3. Significance of the substantive issue for couples and family therapy;
  4. Conceptual and theoretical clarity;
  5. Soundness, sophistication, and appropriateness of the methodology, whether quantitative, qualitative, or conceptual;
  6. Importance of the substantive findings;
  7. Quality of the interpretation and discussion of the findings;
  • Title of the project.
  • Timeframe: when initiated, when completed. This award is for studies completed during the previous academic year.
  • Have you submitted a report of this study for publication? Where and when? What is the manuscript’s current status?
  • A paper based on your study, ready for publication, including the following:

  1. Style and quality of the writings.

In the case of equally meritorious applications, consideration will be given to applicants who have demonstrated active participation in an AAMFT activity. Examples, in addition to AAMFT membership, may include such activities as volunteering at a conference, being a presenter at a conference, or a poster presentation.

Letter of Recommendation

All self-nominations require a letter of recommendation to be submitted with materials.

Award

The award consists of:

  • An engraved plaque presented to the winners; and
  • The AAMFT Systemic Family Therapy Conference registration fee will also be waived for the award recipient(s).

How to apply: In order to qualify for this award, interested candidates must complete an online application    that will close on December 15.   

Diversity Scholarship for Emerging Leaders

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Description

The Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems (FAHS) awards scholarships to minority students. Eligible individuals include United States citizens and permanent visa residents, including, but not limited to, those who identify as Black/African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Asian American, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish origin, LGBT, bi/multilingual, or an individual with one or more disability. The scholarship is open to the following membership categories: Pre-Clinical Fellows, Student, and Clinical Fellows who have been members for less than five (5) years. COAMFTE students or graduates from a COAMFTE program are preferred, but it is not a requirement. The purpose is to support the recruitment, training, and retention of minorities in the field of marriage and family therapy.

Process

This award may be self-nominated by an AAMFT member or nominated by another AAMFT member. Nominators must submit:

  • A current resume;
  • A letter from the Director of the graduate training program or institute affirming the nominee’s academic status and including an assessment of the nominee’s commitment to the field of marriage and family therapy, as well as a statement of the nominee’s potential as a marriage and family therapist;
  • Two letters of reference (these are in addition to the letter from the Director);
  • A detailed personal statement including how the nominee’s diverse background has had an impact on them and their career decision; and
  • One official transcript.

Letter of Recommendation

All self-nominations require a letter of recommendation to be submitted with materials.

Award

The award consists of:

  • A cash award up to $3,000 per recipient;
  • An engraved plaque presented to the winners; and
  • The AAMFT Systemic Family Therapy Conference registration fee will also be waived for the award recipient(s).
 

How to apply: In order to qualify for this award, interested candidates must complete an online application   that will close on December 15.

Minority Stipends

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Description

Since 1990, cash awards have been given by the Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems (FAHS) to up to two minority supervisors-in-training to support the recruitment, training and retention of minorities as AAMFT Approved Supervisors for the field of marriage and family therapy.

Process

This award may be self-nominated by an AAMFT member or nominated by another AAMFT member. Nominators must submit:

Selection criteria for the award include:

  1. United States and Canadian minority citizens and permanent visa residents, including, but not limited to those who identify as Black/African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Asian American, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish origin, LGBT, bi/multilingual, or an individual with one or more disability. ;
  2. Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree program or post-degree training program in marriage and family therapy accredited by the AAMFT COAMFTE;
  3. Candidate must be licensed as an MFT in their state (if there is licensure in their state), or a PhD candidate in marriage and family therapy.
  • A current resume of the nominee;
  • A completed and signed Supervisor Candidate Verification Form (available on page 64 of the Approved Supervision Designation: Standards Handbook;
  • Two letters of reference; and
  • A detailed personal statement (500 words max).

In the case of equally meritorious applications, consideration will be given to applicants who have demonstrated active participation in an AAMFT activity. Examples, in addition to AAMFT membership, may include such activities as volunteering at a conference, being a presenter at a conference, or a poster presentation.

Letter of Recommendation

All self-nominations require a letter of recommendation to be submitted with materials.

Award

The award consists of:

  • A cash award of $2,000 per recipient;
  • An engraved plaque presented to the winners; and
  • The AAMFT Systemic Family Therapy Conference registration fee will also be waived for the award recipient(s).

How to apply: In order to qualify for this award,  interested candidates must complete an online application   that will close on December 15.

 

 

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