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Interested in earning an MFT degree? A selection of accredited schools offer the Masters in Family Therapy (MFT) degree on campus. Study relationships amongst your peers. Learn about family systems. Explore therapeutic interventions for treating couples and families. 

MFT Degree - MFT degrees

About the MFT Degree

The MFT degree is a graduate level program of study. It may appeal to students with a Bachelors in counseling or psychology. Some programs take about two years of full time study. That means about 60 to 66 credits. This does vary.

Learning Outcomes

The goal of a Masters in Family Therapy degree is to prepare the next generation of clinicians. These therapists (MFTs) have essential diagnostic, therapeutic and consultative skills. They work with populations ranging from children to the elderly. Their patients may also have a variety of emotional, intellectual, and psychological conditions. And problems caused by things like child rearing, divorce or violence. What sets them apart? They view the couple or the family as a unit.

MA MFT and MS MFT Degrees

Students typically choose from two paths. The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MS MFT) and the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MA MFT). The MS MFT is a professional and terminal degree. Students typically use this degree to prepare for their state licensure exams. The MA MFT typically involves more research and theory. Students may still use it to prepare for licensure. However, often it is a platform for PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy students.

Master of Marriage and Family Therapy Courses

Master of Marriage and Family Therapy courses cover a lot of ground. Students learn about relationship difficulties and behavior problems. These range from anxiety through to alcohol abuse. They also learn how to be professionals in their field. How to manage a therapeutic practice and conform with regulations. And moral codes. Searching for a MFT campus program is your chance to be on the look-out for interesting courses. The following are some examples of topics you might study in an MFT program:

  • Couple and family development,
  • Models of family therapy,
  • Parenting,
  • Human sexuality,
  • Ethics in marriage and family therapy.

Licensure

All states require marriage and family therapist to be licensed. In the state where they practice. Licensure is contingent on several things. One is a Master’s degree. The other is 2,000 to 4,000 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience. In addition, counselors and therapists must pass a state-recognized exam and complete annual continued education classes.i

Why Consider an On-Campus MFT Program?

Studying Marriage and Family Therapy on campus may be advantageous. Foster your counseling skills through role play. Engage with your peers in study sessions. Meet your teachers. Open yourself to networking and mentoring opportunities. Take part in campus research projects. Use the library, the gym or get involved in an association. These years may be formative. Personally, professionally and academically.

What Should I Look for in an MFT School?

First off, look for a Masters in Family Therapy degree that aligns with your interests. Each graduate school has something unique to offer. It might be a specialized track of study. Like sex therapy. Or family violence. Tailor your education to your career expectations. Also, look for an MFT school that helps you find a practicum site. You may have about 500 clinical hours to complete.

COAMFTE Schools

Accreditation is something to consider when looking for a Marriage and Family Therapy program. Many schools are regionally accredited. This means that the institution itself has been vetted and is not a "degree mill". Other schools have COAMFTE accredited programs. This means they model their curriculum on standards set forth by the Commission of Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy. This includes core courses and specific learning outcomes.

What Might I Do with an MFT Degree?

Marriage and family therapists are employed in different settings. MFTs work in mental health and substance abuse centers. They also work in hospitals and colleges. Some MFTs work in private practice. Others work in Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). An MFT degree also prepares students with skills that overlap with other counseling areas:

  • Mental Health Counselors help people manage and overcome mental and emotional disorders and problems with their family and relationships. They listen to clients and ask questions, to help the clients understand their problems and develop strategies to improve their lives.
  • Rehabilitation Counselors help people with emotional and physical disabilities live independently. They work with clients to overcome or manage the personal, social, and professional effects of disabilities on employment or independent living.
  • Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, or other behavioral problems. They provide treatment and support to help the client modify problem behaviors or assist them in the recovery process.
  • Social Workers help people solve and cope with problems in their day-to-day lives. Clinical social workers also diagnose and treat mental, behavioral and emotional issues.

Take the Next Step

Search for MFT Schools by location. Choose a specific city, state or country. Or just browse sponsored listings. Find out what makes one MFT program distinct from another. Request information from prospective universities easily. All you do is submit a form to get started.

Sources: [i] bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/mental-health-counselors-and-marriage-and-family-therapists.htm

 

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