Student and Alumni Perspectives

"As a graduate of this program, I want to sincerely recommend USD to future students considering Marital and Family Therapy.  This school truly offers the highest quality professors as well as students, making our education – and our reputation – superior in this community.  Its national COAMFTE accreditation has personally proven invaluable, as I now accompany my military husband from state to state.  Working with other MFT communities in the country, it seems my coursework and my practicum experience surpass those of other programs, and I credit USD for making me a more marketable therapist and better prepared.  And I must admit, our classroom window’s view of Mission Bay didn't hurt either!"
- Natalie Smith, Class of 2009

"I was initially drawn to USD’s MFT program due to the warm and inviting atmosphere fostered by the faculty. I was further intrigued by the program’s emphasis placed on medical family therapy and the frequent reinforcement and application of the “biopsychosocial” model of care. The education I received from the rigorous coursework in conjunction with a stimulating and challenging practicum site within a medical setting exceeded all of my expectations. I am consistently reminded of the strength of this program through the incredible work graduates are involved in around the world and the strong ongoing reputation alumni have built within San Diego and beyond. The variety of challenging coursework and practicum placements, opportunities for international work, and the dedication of the faculty to the program and students are all reasons I feel lucky to be an alumna of such a fine program."
- Shannon Sampson, Class of 2008

"I believe the Marital and Family Therapy program at USD provides a culture that balances academic rigor and personal development. For me this meant a healthy balance of learning the technical aspects of “practicing” therapy coupled with ample space to learn what “being” a therapist means for me as a person. I can confidently say, as an alumnus, this balanced culture is due to the caliber of faculty, the requirements outlined by AAMFT accreditation, unparalleled supervision and commitment to the Self of the Therapist."
- Charles Westfall, Class of 2008

"In January 2005, after 15 years in corporate America, I enrolled in the USD MFT program with one goal. My goal was to become a competent marriage and family therapist treating individuals, couples and families in a private setting. In August 2007, after a packed curriculum with classes and practicum hours, I saw my first client as an MFT intern in private practice. Today, as I continue to see clients and build up my clientele base, I realize how well the USD MFT program prepared me for my new career.  Most every class I took while a student and every case I saw during my practicum turned out to be invaluable. Hard work, excellent teaching, and a highly regarded, accredited program were well worth the effort."
- Nada Zein, Class 2007

"What strikes me as most impressive about the MFT Program at USD are the constant, untiring efforts put forth by faculty, staff, alumni, and students to ensure that the program continues to improve.  In the four years since I have graduated, the program has broadened its practicum site options, further developed and strengthened its partnerships within the local and national communities, and expanded its courses that play an increasingly important role in family therapy today, such as Human Diversity.  Having worked for the MFT Program for three years after graduating, I developed a deep appreciation for the level of commitment and passion that it takes to maintain and improve this outstanding, nationally-accredited program.  The MFT Program at USD has everything one would hope for - the prospective students are excited, the current students are inquisitive, the alumni are well-prepared and ambitious, the staff are dedicated and attentive, and the faculty are perseverant in their drive to continually improve as professors, clinicians, and mentors.  While the MFT Program is constantly evolving to better prepare each class with the skills necessary to succeed after graduation, the mission behind and ethos within the program remain the same."
- Brandina Morrison, Class of 2006

“There are many credible MFT programs out there. What sets USD apart is its AAMFT accreditation, which is more vital than most prospective students realize; its broad-ranging and innovative curriculum; and most importantly, the sheer number and variety of its practicum sites. When I started the program, I had no idea my practicum placement would be in a pediatric medical setting. This was incredibly novel, challenging, and fortunate, as medical family therapy is arguably the frontier of the field, and USD is among the few programs in the country offering students these opportunities. I consider my experience at USD pivotal in getting admitted to an MFT doctoral program post graduation.”
- Christian Jordal, Class of 2006

“My experience in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at USD can be summarized in one word - "invaluable." During my two years of coursework and training, I was provided with all the necessary tools and confidence to begin my career as a successful, young therapist. I attribute the success of the program to the amazing faculty. Each professor was personally invested in my growth as a therapist, and showed constant support and guidance.”
– Lindsey Mahy, Class of 2006

"The University of San Diego MFT Masters program not only provided me with a strong foundation in MFT theories, law and ethics, and clinical training, but it also guided my career aspirations. After learning about the field of MFT in the USD program, I decided to pursue a Doctorate in MFT. The USD MFT Masters program is a treasured experience in my education, training, and career development."
- Jamie Banker, Class of 2004

"The University of San Diego has given me a solid foundation for my future career as a Marriage Family Therapist. USD is one of only four MFT programs in California that is nationally accredited. Because the classes are small, individual attention is possible. The warm and friendly faculty consists of psychologists, MFT's and psychiatrists who work in their fields and bring their expertise and experience to their students."
- Donna Alpner, Class of 2003

"The clinical training and supervision I received through USD has been invaluable. As a student continuing on to a PhD program in MFT, I strongly feel that this experience will both complement and enhance my future schooling in research."
- Asyem Karahan, Class of 2002

"In addition to a faculty that is dedicated to our development and always available for assistance, USD's MFT program offers many intangibles. As students, we are provided with an opportunity to work in an environment that values diversity and promotes unity. USD has a reputation of producing excellent clinicians that is upheld because our academic work is reinforced with strong clinical experiences."
- Armann Heshmati, Class of 2002

"The MFT program at USD provides students with excellent training and resources in family system theories. Faculty in the MFT department are highly knowledgeable and provide hands-on examples and information that engage students not only in understanding theory, but also in practicing real life situations and role playing potential therapy experiences. USD's program addresses many different characteristics of the therapy experience, including gender, spiritual and cultural aspects that emerge in treating clients. These experiences and the welcoming, supportive professors allow me to feel excited and ready to embark on my career as a therapist."
- Phaedra Scoortis, Class of 2003

"The MFT program has a supportive and well-educated faculty who I feel has prepared me to succeed in the clinical field. They provided me with the skills to be an effective therapist."
- Neena Golki, Class of 2003

"One of the reasons that I chose USD's MFT program is for their comprehensive curriculum and the national accreditation. Of course the location did help slightly. I'm glad that I have chosen USD because I feel that I have received an excellent training, experience, and unforgettable supervision from both USD faculty and from my practicum site."
- Erica Kim, Class of 2002, Erica_s_kim@yahoo.com