APPLY
VISIT
GIVEMarital & Family Therapy (MFT)
Latest News
Overview
The CSUDH Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) degree program is a comprehensive educational program of study includes family therapy theories, techniques, research in couples, marriage, family, and therapy, emphasis on diversity and community justice.
Our MFT degree program provides students with a 64-credit degree designed to graduate licensable MFTs (Marriage and Family Therapists) equipped to guide clients toward healing and relational restoration. Informed by systemic orientation, social justice, and evidenced-based practices, our mission is to integrate the science and practice of couple and family therapy, and to equip students with a solid foundation to promote the biopsychosocial, spiritual, and relational well-being of individuals, couples, and families in diverse communities.
The MFT program is accredited by Western Association of Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and meets the educational requirements for MFT licensure with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), according to California Business and Professions Code (BPC) 搂4980.36. The MFT curriculum aligns with the educational and clinical COAMFTE Standards. The Department permits enrollment in courses solely to students admitted to the M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy program.听
听
Program Options
We are not currently offering an online program option as part of our curriculum.
Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy (MFT)
The 3-year degree program aims to provide students with the academic, clinical, and professional training, along with 300 client contact hours of applied, supervised clinical practicum, necessary to function as skillful mental health professionals in their local and global communities>
The MFT program goals reflect the COAMFTE鈥檚 five Developmental Competency Components outlined in Standards Version 12.5.
- Knowledge of the MFT profession
- Practice of relational/systemic therapy as a qualified behavioral/mental health provider
- Commitment to ethical practice through ethical codes of the MFT profession and pertinent regulatory bodies
- Awareness, knowledge, and skill to responsibly serve diverse communities
- Development and application of research to further the knowledge and practice of the MFT profession.
Practicum Education
After completing the first academic year, CSUDH MFT students will gain a hands-on experience of the Marriage and Family Therapy principles, professional expectations, codes of conduct, communication, and legal & ethical protocols through clinical training. Clinical Training, referred to as practicum or fieldwork, marks an important milestone for students to obtain practical training in the clinical field and to develop foundational clinical skills. As students advance through fieldwork, the program鈥檚 priority is to enhance students鈥� ability to develop clinical skills and competencies required to work with diverse clients from all walks of life effectively. The program provides a three-semester practicum sequence that focuses on the development of the therapist and provides fundamental and comprehensive clinical training, where the applications of the theoretical knowledge and technical skills are developed and sharpened.听听听听
Admissions
The MFT Department encourages prospective applicants to review the Program鈥檚 website materials, MFT Admission Requirements, Application Process, Program Cost, and University鈥檚 departments and resources. We invite prospective applicants to attend our free information sessions to learn more and ask questions about the MFT Program and admissions.听
Interview Process听
The MFT Department hosts prospective student interviews in a group format designed to emulate a typical classroom experience that will enable faculty to evaluate whether applicants鈥� educational goals are congruent with the Program鈥檚 mission.听
The MFT Department strongly encourages all applicants to self-reflect about the group interview that can serve as essential data in the decision-making process about the Program鈥檚 fit with their goals.听
Behavioral Health Career Pathways
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, commonly referred to as an LMFT, is a licensed mental health provider who provides psychotherapy and related services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. LMFTs are trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders, behavioral issues, and a wide range of relationship dynamics that disrupt interpersonal family relationships. An LMFT employs a variety of therapeutic approaches, including, but not limited to, family systems theories and techniques when working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. An LMFT in California has earned a qualifying master鈥檚 or doctoral degree from an educational institution accredited by a regional or national accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education, and/or approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, and/or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Their training and education hone the skills needed to work in various diverse settings such as private practices, government entities, and health care organizations such as hospitals,听non profits, and educational institutions. An LMFT may provide services as a solo practitioner, or they may work as part of a team with other authorized healing arts professionals that work jointly to address a patient鈥檚 needs. The scope of practice for LMFTs is defined in California law in Business and Professions Code section 4980.02.听听
This听description was provided by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).听
Learn more about the LMFT pathway
Get Started
Toros Heal L.A.听听
Contact
THLA@csudh.edu
(310) 243-2046
Visit
James L. Welch Hall (WH) A-310
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday, closed