Program mission
The mission of the Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) Program is to help lead the transformation of family therapy by creating, educating and actively supporting a community of future professionals who embody the philosophy and practice of a biopsychosocial, system approach to family-oriented mental health care.
Program goals
The educational goals of the MFT program, graduates:
- are able to integrate research into their clinical work effectively.
- are able to successfully apply clinical knowledge to the practice of therapy.
- uphold the legal, ethical and professional standards of the MFT profession.
- are effective in working with diverse populations.
Learning outcomes
Students will graduate from the program with the ability to do the following:
Critically analyze field-related research and its applications to practice.
Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:
- know the major concepts in research so that they can evaluate an empirical study.
- can identify the key strengths and limitations in empirical research.
- know what are the key empirically supported treatments for a variety of issues that MFTs frequently encounter.
- know how to access and use information from research to inform one’s clinical work.
- value using research to inform one’s clinical work.
Conduct a clinical assessment that is grounded in theory and integrates a biopsychosocial perspective.
Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:
- know the key concepts used by major models of family therapy for understanding individual and relational well-being.
- can use theory to guide assessment.
- know the key DSM IV-TR disorders encountered by MFTs.
- can effectively assess and diagnose DSM IV-TR disorders.
- can recognize the role that biology/physical illness may have on individual and relational well-being.
- are familiar with commonly used instruments in the MFT field.
- can conduct an assessment from a biopsychosocial perspective.
- value using a biopsychosocial perspective for assessment, with particular emphasis put on assessing and conceptualizing from a systemic perspective.
Use theory and current treatments to develop effective treatment plans.
Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:
- know the key concepts and interventions used by major models of family therapy.
- can develop an effective treatment plan or treatment focus.
- can use theory to guide treatment and development/use of interventions.
- know the current treatments used to treat DSM IV-TR disorders, including psychosocial and pharmacological treatments.
Apply individual and family development in the assessment and treatment of cases.
Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:
- know the key life cycle issues that families face.
- are able to recognize the role of life cycle issues in the conceptualization and treatment of cases.
- know the key stages of individual development from childhood through adulthood.
- are able to effectively use knowledge of development in the assessment and treatment of cases.
Demonstrate commitment to the legal and ethical standards of the MFT profession.
Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:
- know the key ethical principles and laws relating to the practice of MFT.
- are able to recognize when a legal or ethical issue exists.
- are able to effectively respond to when an ethical or legal issue exists.
- are committed to following the legal and ethical standards of the MFT profession.
Demonstrate professionalism in their role as therapists.
Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:
- are dependable in carrying out their overall clinical responsibilities.
- are reliable in completing clinical documentation.
- effectively collaborate with other professionals.
- do not demonstrate behavioral or emotional issues that interfere with therapy.
Demonstrate competence in working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:
- know the key concepts and ideas that are necessary when working with clients from diverse backgrounds (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation).
- observed competence in working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
- value looking at contextual factors to understand individuals and relational systems.
In addition to the central student learning outcomes, the Marital and Family Therapy program expects graduates who:
- are able to develop an effective client-therapist relationship.
- are able to effectively structure therapy, including setting appropriate boundaries.
- recognize when and how to make appropriate referrals for assessment and/or treatment.
- are able to identify when self of the therapist issues arises in therapy.
- are committed to examining and addressing the self of the therapist's issues as they arise.
- demonstrate an ability to learn and enhance their skills through reading, workshops, supervision, etc.
Our Alumni
Graduates of the MA in Marital Family Therapy often have a background in psychology or other social sciences and enter the profession as Licensed Marital and Family Therapists (LMFTs) in a wide variety of settings. Here is a sample of positions our alumni hold or have held.
| Job Title |
|---|
| Assistant Professor, Texas Woman's University |
| Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, Lowry & Associates Counseling and Education Services |
| Associate Professor of Operations Managment, Usd - Sba |
| Aurora Behavioral Health Care |
| Bereavement Coordinator, EvergreenHealth |
| Care Manager, Well Pointe Behavioral Health |
| Chief Operating Officer, Vital Decisions |
| Clinical Coordinator, Veterans Village of San Diego |
| Clinical Director, First Nations |
| Clinical Services, ValueOptions Inc. |