Counseling and Marital and Family Therapy

Get to the heart—and the mind—of the matter.

Come to the SOLES Counseling & Marital and Family Therapy program if you're in search of real, research-based ways to make a difference. These degrees are for those who want to go beyond good intentions and master the theories, tools, methods and clinical experience to make a sweeping impact for individuals, families and communities.

At the University of San Diego, classroom education is based on evidence-based research and sophisticated understanding, facilitated by our exceptional and experienced faculty. If you have the disposition to make a difference, these fully accredited programs open the doors to do just that. The academics are rigorous, but the environment is supportive and nurturing to ensure you'll thrive and see your career goals come to life.

Our programs emphasize working in diverse and underserved communities, starting with those in our surrounding area. Counseling & MFT students receive on-the-ground experience in schools, hospitals, nonprofits and clinics, working with a diverse variety of people across economic and cultural spectrums.

Forge your path, form new connections and find meaningful applications for your coursework. Explore more about our programs below.

Questions about the similarities and differences between the Marital and Family Therapy and the Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs? Download our comparison sheet and determine which program is the best fit for your personal and professional goals!

Scholarships

Inclusivity is a top priority for SOLES, so if you qualify for a program, a variety of diversity-based and merit-based scholarships are available. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for financial aid to make the program more affordable. Our staff can help you navigate your options for scholarships, loan forgiveness programs, and tuition discounts for those working in nonprofits and those working as graduate assistants.

See all available scholarships

Recent Student Support Grant: A federal training grant awarded to the CMFT department in Fall of 2017 provides support for training innovations, as well as opportunities for $10,000 student stipends for practicum/fieldwork in integrated care settings and focused on meeting the needs of underserved populations. Visit the HRSA Project TeamUP website to learn more.

Student Ambassador Spotlight

Meet Student Ambassador Daniel Reza

"The professors here are very willing to sit down with you and explain any and all questions you have. That one-on-one connectedness is very meaningful to me, and I am glad that those connections are made in this program."

Once Daniel completes his MA in Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, he hopes to work with populations suffering with trauma.

Get to know more SOLES Student Ambassadors.

Alumni Spotlight

Meet alum Amanda Riebel

"Becoming an MFT was the right fit for me based on my experiences in my own therapy with a LMFT. Our families are such an integral part of who we are as human beings... Whether you are working with a couple or an individual, you can talk about their family of origin and help them make connections that help them understand themselves."

Get inspired by more alumni profiles.

In the News

USD Counseling Program Awarded $3.2 Million Grant to Promote Diversity Through Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students
// June 15, 2020
The Department of Counseling & Marital and Family Therapy (CMFT), within the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) at the …
Thank You Dean Ladany!
// June 10, 2020
Everyone at the School of Leadership and Education Sciences would like to thank Dean Nick Ladany for all he has done at SOLES and USD. We wi…