Welcome to

Marriage and Family Therapy Services

Welcome to Marriage and Family Therapy Services - MFTS. We are looking forward to working with you. The following will explain the patient portal system, online intake forms, as well as remote therapy session and in-person procedures.

Patient Portal System:

MFTS uses an Electronic Medical Records system called TherapyZen, which provides our patient portal system. This system allows patients to access valuable information such as upcoming appointment dates and times, session history, statements (which can be used to file for out of network insurance benefits), prepayment options and a secure messaging system between therapist and client. It is important to bookmark the login page to the portal, so that you will have access to this page whenever you want to log in. Please have anyone who will be participating in therapy with you contact us so that we may create an account for them and set up their portal as well. Everyone attending therapy must have their own patient portal. 

Free 30 Minute Remote Consults:

The link to your secure online meeting room will be available in the patient portal prior to your meeting time. Make sure you log in to the portal with plenty of time before your appointment, since you may need to install a small, free software application (Zoom) and/or may want to acquaint yourself with the Video Conferencing Platform prior to the meeting time. You do not have to complete our intake forms prior to participating in a free consult, however, if you decide to work with your therapist, all participants will be required to complete the intake forms prior to their initial assessment (see below).  

Intake Forms:

Completing Intake forms is required for everyone who will be participating in therapy. If all participants have not completed and submitted their forms at the time of the appointment, they will have the opportunity to do so at the start of the appointment, however this will cut into the therapy time. If the appointment is for a minor, we may request that all custodial parents complete intake forms and/or be involved in therapy. All participants can find intake forms in their client portal. 

Insurance Information:

MFTS is not in network with any insurance companies, however many of our clients use their out of network benefits and receive reimbursement, and we highly recommend that our clients use these benefits if they are available! At the following link, there is a document entitled 'Insurance 101.' This document gives detailed information on how to find out about out of network benefits and, if applicable, how to file for reimbursement with your insurance company. The document can be found at https://powertothrive.com/new-clients

Remote Therapy:

For remote therapy sessions, the link you will use to access our remote conferencing platform will always be in your patient portal. If more than 1 participant is attending therapy, both/all participant's portals will have the link, which allows multiple people to Zoom in from different locations. If there is a problem with connecting via the link in the portal, your therapist may choose an alternative video conferencing platform. If this occurs, you will receive a text from your therapist and you may be required to download an additional small application to your device prior to being able to access the remote meeting.

In-Person Sessions:

We only offer in-person therapy appointments at the MFTS - East office, located at 703 Ocean Blvd. Carolina Beach, NC 28428. All clients who request in-person sessions will be required to participate in at least 1 online assessment, so that the therapist can determine rightness of fit for in-person appointments. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all clients who will be attending therapy in-person will be required to complete an additional/optional form entitled 'OPTIONAL: Informed Consent for In-Person Services During COVID-19 Pandemic'. We have very strict protocols for safety and sanitation. This is to ensure that all participants understand the importance of following the COVID-19 Guidelines we have put in place. This optional paperwork is included in this new client intake packet.  

Thank you again for your interest in working with one of our Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists.   

Get started by scheduling an appointment or contact us with questions: +1 828-302-2978
  • Liza
    Liza Shaw

    Liza is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has been practicing since 1999. She is also the Director of Marriage and Family Therapy Services. Liza specializes in working with couples on the brink of divorce, as well as clients/family members with chronic illnesses such as Lyme Disease and PANS/PANDAS.

    Clients of Liza's are encouraged to move their lives and relationships beyond the limitations from the past, to breakthrough levels. Her style is respectful, directive, compassionate, and challenging. She takes a stand that all people deserve extraordinary lives, and she understands what it takes to help them achieve this. Liza received her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Appalachian State University in 1999 and began her private practice at that time. She also served as past-chairperson of the Public Relations Committee for the NCAMFT (North Carolina Association of Marriage and Family Therapy) from 2010-2012. 


    Online scheduling not currently available. Please contact Liza by phone or email for availability

Office locations and telehealth options

For questions about in-person sessions or telehealth services, please refer to our website or call us today at +1 828-302-2978