SR589: SR589 Marriage and Family Therapy Day; recognize February 11, 2026

26 LC 112 3715 Senate Resolution 589 By: Senators Walker III of the 20th, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Hatchett of the 50th, Echols of the 49th and Albers of the 56th A RESOLUTION Commending the marriage and family therapists of Georgia and re cognizing February 11,1 2026, as Marriage and Family Therapy Day at the Capitol; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, strong families and healthy relationships are foundati onal to the civic,3 economic, and social vitality of Georgia, fostering responsibility, resilience, and respect for4 others while embodying the shared values of perseverance, integrity, and neighborly care that5 define Georgia's proud heritage and continue to guide its progress; and6 WHEREAS, marriage and family therapy is one of the five essenti al mental health7 professions licensed in Georgia, requiring graduate education, multiple years of supervised8 clinical training, and adherence to rigorous professional and ethical standards enforced by9 the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and10 Family Therapists; and11 WHEREAS, licensed marriage and family therapists apply systems-focused clinical training12 in mental health care and psychotherapy to deliver effective, e vidence-based evaluation,13 diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, beha vioral, addiction, and14 relationship challenges across the lifespan for Georgia's famil ies, children, individuals,15 couples, and communities; and16 S. R. 589 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3715 WHEREAS, marriage and family therapists serve Georgia's diverse regions—including rural17 and underserved communities—by helping families overcome barriers to access, reducing18 strain on other systems, and promoting resilience across generations; and19 WHEREAS, these practitioners collaborate with schools, courts, other healthcare providers,20 community organizations, and public agencies to strengthen indi viduals and families and21 contribute to safer, healthier, and more stable communities throughout Georgia; and22 WHEREAS, the gathering of marriage and family therapists at the state capitol underscores23 their commitment to public policy engagement and their dedication to improving the quality24 of and access to mental health care for all Georgians; and25 WHEREAS, it is fitting to commend the marriage and family therapists of Georgia for their26 professionalism, compassion, and lasting contributions to the well-being of this state.27 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body28 commend the licensed marriage and family therapists of Georgia for their vital contributions29 to the mental, relational, and community health of this state and recognize February 11, 2026,30 as Marriage and Family Therapy Day at the Capitol.31 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed32 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to the Georgia33 Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.34 S. R. 589 - 2 -