Capitalization Rules for "Family and Marriage Counseling"

When to Capitalize This Professional Title

Capitalization depends on whether the phrase functions as a proper noun (formal title/credential) or a common noun (generic description).

Capitalize When:

• Part of a formal degree, license, or certification name:
  • Master of Arts in Family and Marriage Counseling
  • Licensed Family and Marriage Counselor (LFMC)
  • Board-Certified Family and Marriage Counselor
• In a program or department name:
  • Department of Family and Marriage Counseling
  • Family and Marriage Counseling Program
• As a professional identity in a directory, signature, or bio:
  • Jane Doe, Family and Marriage Counselor

Do Not Capitalize When:

• Used generically as a common noun phrase:
  • She is studying family and marriage counseling.
  • We offer family and marriage counseling services.
  • The family and marriage counselor helped us.
• In general descriptions not tied to a specific credentialed title.

Quick Test

Can you put "the" before it and it still makes sense as a general category? → lowercase.
Is it a specific, named credential/program? → Capitalize.

Related Terms

• Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) — capitalize as formal field/credential (LMFT).
• Couples counseling — usually lowercase (generic).
• Family therapy — lowercase unless part of a formal program name.

Style guides (APA, AMA, Chicago) follow this proper vs. common noun distinction.