California’s most popular MFT Program is amazing marriage and family therapy program in most California universities. California is one of the states in America that are experts when it comes to offering a variety of degree programs in different fields, including the MFT Program.
A career in Marriage and family therapy will be like a life-saving adventure. It’s very fulfilling especially when families are reconciled via your service.. aside from this you stand to enjoy good pay for services.
California’s Most Popular MFT Program
If you decide to take a career as a marriage and family therapist this is one of the most fulfilling careers you stand to enjoy. MFT therapists are a source of joy to many families. Think about it, your service putting a stop to that marriage separation or divorce. The question here is why California?
According to myocfamilylawyer.com, https://myocfamilylawyer.com/457 the California divorce over the years has been around 75%. The record shows that three out of four marriages in the Golden State end in divorce. For many years, California is popular as the Divorce Capital of the World.
However, this has formed the basis for MFT Program in California. Since this is the field you want then you should consider taking an MFT program in the state because your chances of getting employed are very high. In this post, we have put down a list of the 13 best MFT programs in California including their estimated cost and general requirements.
What is Marriage and Family Therapy?
As we go deep into the keyword, let’s try to define MFT. According to Wikipedia, “Marriage and Family therapy is a branch of psychotherapy that works with families and couples in intimate relationships to nurture change and development. It tends to view change in terms of the systems of interaction between family members”.
It Is also defined as couple and family therapy, MFT, family systems therapy, or family counselling.
What is An MFT Degree?
MFT degree is a graduate degree program that explores the depth of family and relationships. Offering the MFT degree program will grant you experience and in-depth knowledge about relationships and how they affect mental health including what you can do to help.
The Graduate MFT programs cover teaching services, experimental learning experiences, and training programs that can help the student to prepare for marital and family activities. Furthermore, they can help prepare you for state licenses.
Interestingly, if you are a graduate and you have a degree in MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy), you will become a strong mental health professional who can present family and clinical perspectives on mental health issues, emotions, behaviours, and relationships. That leads us to the definition of a marriage and family therapist.
Who is a Marriage and Family Therapist?
A Marriage and Family Therapist is someone whose profession or career has to do with handling interpersonal issues that arise in individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Also, a therapist is one that can assess, diagnose, and treat mental illness and psychological distress within the context of the marriage and family systems.
As a professional in the MFT field, you can offer counselling services in several different areas including premarital counselling, relationship counselling, child counselling and separation, and divorce counselling.
What Can You Do with a Graduate Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy?
A graduate degree in MFT is a high sort after profession. It is a kind of profession that offers lots to d job opportunities. A graduate in marriage and family therapy may be faced with issues of selection of job offers
However, if you don’t want to be self-employed, you can work in the following places;
- Substance abuse treatment centres
- Outpatient care centers
- Hospitals
- Governments
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
- Private practices
- Inpatient Facilities
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Health Maintenance Organizations
- Community Mental Health Centers
- Business and Consulting Companies
- Schools and Head Start Centers
- Social Services Agencies
- Universities and Research Centers
- Courts and Correctional Facilities
- Private Practice
Requirements for MFT Programs in California
Marriage and family therapy services are relatively connected to education, as they are to other medical and health services. People interested in pursuing a career in marriage and family counselling will generally begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in areas such as psychology, social work, or counselling.
In earning this degree, students should focus on studying marriage and family situations. Also, It is recommended that you review your state’s licensing requirements in these matters.
What Educational Requirements do I need for MFT Programs in California?
According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), it is recommended that before you can begin a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist, you must have a master’s degree and two years of medical care. If you are a veterinarian, you must go to a state-licensed medical school.
Additionally, if you want to be a professional MFT, you must have the following skills;
Communication skills
Communication skill is the basic skill that you must have if you want to build an exceptional career as a Marriage and family therapist. If you don’t know how to relate or talk to people, you may encounter some challenges in this career.
This is because this career involves other people aside from you, including family and health professionals, so strong communication skill is a basic requirement..
Organizational Training Skills
This skill is also important when it comes to building an MFT career. With this skill, you will be able to track court cases and other documents and manage billing and insurance policies, and that’s why administrative capacity is important.
Ability to Solve problems Skills
Without this skill even with your degree, you won’t be able to meet people’s expectations. One thing that always makes couples want to meet you will always be because they have a family problem and what essence will it be if they come to you and you couldn’t help them out? So, you must be able to solve the issues and create a sound system.
Interpersonal skills
Empathy and compassion are important. As a Marriage and family therapist, you must pay attention to your clients by giving them a listening ear.
What are the Best MFT programs in California?
Below is a list of the Best MFT programs in California you can apply for this 2022;
USC Rossier School of Education
- Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy at the University of San Francisco
- MA in marriage and family therapy- Chapman university
- Alliant International University – Marital and Family Therapy (M.A.) – San Francisco
- Hope International University- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Online Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology – Pepperdine University
- University of La Verne’s Marriage and Family Therapy
- Loma Linda University M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy
- University of San Diego M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy
- Phillips Graduate University MFT/Art Therapy
- California Lutheran University M.S. in Counseling Psychology, Marital and Family Therapy (MFT)
- Western Seminary Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy
California Lutheran University M.S. in Counseling Psychology, Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) Location: 60 W Olsen Rd Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, United States. Tuition Fees: $45,300 Program Length: 2-year (full-time) 3-year (part-time) Accreditation: WASC.
California Lutheran University’s M.S. in Counseling Psychology program is also another California MFT Program you can go for. Hope International University is one of the prestigious universities in California that offers varieties of degree programs with 67% and a student and faculty ratio of 14:1.
This Marital and Family Therapy program can get you ready for a career as a professional marital and family therapist. This is because during this program you will learn the integration of academic knowledge and clinical skills.
Moreso, this program offers you personal insights and communication skills that will enable you to understand families on an interactive system and attend to the needs of various people and settings.
To apply for this program, you must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. And also, you must have at least 3 credit hours of statistics Additional 9 credit hours of undergraduate or graduate psychology courses. Note, this MFT is accredited by the WASC.
USC Rossier School of Education
The USC Rossier School Of Education is located at 3470 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089, Tuition Fees: $119,700, Program Length: 2-3 years full-time, 4 years part-time, Accreditation; WASC
This is one of the Best MFT programs in California. Basically, this program will help you lead a holistic cultural therapy that can inform and transform practice in public mental health clinics, schools, and private practices.
Also, you will be empowered to deal with various types of threats, including relationship stress, family dysfunction, parental anxiety, and behavioural problems faced by families, spouses, adults, and children.
This program meets the requirements of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. By implementing this program and complying with the rest of the order, you will be eligible for a marriage certificate and a family medical license.
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy- Chapman University
Location: 25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard Hayward, CA 94542 United States, Tuition Fees: $1,190, Program Length: 2 Years, Accreditation: (COAMFTE) 72 quarter units.
Next on our list of Best MFT programs in California that can help you build your career is going for MA in Marriage and Family Therapy at Chapman University. This university with a 65% and student and faculty ratio of 14:1 is one of the prestigious universities in California that offers varieties of degree programs.
Basically, this MFT Program is designed to promote equality and democracy by preparing professional and family law practitioners and family members.
Moreso, it is dedicated to providing marital and family training for caregivers in many cases. The program is offered annually on the Hayward campus.
The Commission accredited this program on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
Alliant International University – Marital and Family Therapy (M.A.) – San Francisco
Location: One Beach Street, Suite 100 San Francisco, CA 94133 United States, Tuition: $69,600, Program Length: 3 Years, Accreditation: (COAMFTE)
This is also of the best Marriage and Family Therapy programs in California once you decide to go for it, you won’t regret it at all. This program and other related degree programs are offered at Alliant international university which is renowned as one of the most prestigious universities in California with a student and faculty ratio of 15:1.
Basically, this university offers this program just to help provide training for occupational therapy as well as homoeopathy. Here, you will be trained on how to address mental health problems in individuals, couples, and families through the process.
The Commission accredited this program on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
Hope International University- Marriage and Family Therapy, Tuition: $43,500, Program Length: 60 units, Accreditation: WASC
Next on our list of the Best MFT programs in California is a marriage program offered at Hope International University.
Hope International University is one of the prestigious universities in California that offers varieties of degree programs with a 30% and a student and faculty ratio of 14:1.
Basically, this program can get you ready for ministry in family care and counselling primarily within the local church and community at large.
Moreso, it will provide academic preparation for licensure with the Board of Behavioral Science Examiners in California.
Take note that,, this program was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Online Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology – Pepperdine University
Tuition: $71,700, Program Length: 18 to 24 months, Accreditation; WASC, Next on our list is the Pepperdine University Online Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. This university is a private Christian university in Malibu, California with an 84% graduation rate which is very high.
Talking about this master’s program they offer has to do with online accreditation and psychology with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy.
Basically, enrolling in this program will help you to apply for licenses in California as licensed marriage partners and licensed family members or industry advisers.
As an online student, you will complete 62-68 credits of coursework. Note, the study deals with topics such as diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, as well as topics in family therapy and marriage. Pepperdine University is accredited by WASC Senior College and University College.
University of La Verne’s Marriage and Family Therapy
Location: 1950 3rd Street La Verne, CA 91750, Tuition: $48,495, Program Length: 5 Years
Since 1973, the University of La Verne’s Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), has been providing graduate students to meet the changing needs of families in the changing world. With full and part-time options available, students can earn a degree while working for them. Also, many classes meet in the afternoon and evening, making the program more flexible.
This La Verne MFT program consists of 61 credit hours. If you are a full-time student, you will have to enrol for nine hours in one-half of the academic year, while as a part-time student, you will enrol in three to six courses.
Moreso, This program honours all of the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) licenses for California spouses and families, as well as documents relating to or from California Community College.
Additionally, it will give you the opportunity you need to pursue a career as an MFT on a schedule that works for them. Note, the University of La Verne’s Marriage and Family Therapy program is accredited by WASC Senior College and University College.
To apply for this program you must have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Also, you must have completed the following specific psychology courses.
Loma Linda University M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy
Location: 11065 Campus St. Loma Linda, CA 92350, Tuition: $38,025, Program Length: 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time, Accreditation: (COMAFTE)
Next on our list of best MFT Programs, you can go for in California is Loma Linda University M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy.
Basically, this Marriage and Family Therapy program is focused on providing students with an excellent COAMFTE clinical and academic background.
As a student before you will complete this program, you must have learned the professional practice skills required for working with individuals, couples, groups, and families in a variety of settings.
Interestingly, you won’t only be going home with a certificate in this program, but you will also get a certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counseling which you must have completed while pursuing this MFT degree.
Note, the Commission accredits Loma Linda University M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education, the accrediting body for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
To apply for this program you must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in bachelor’s coursework for at least the final 45 units prior to graduation.
University of San Diego M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy
Tuition: $87,000, Program Length: 2 Years, Accreditation: (COMAFTE)
Another university you should consider when it comes to the best MFT programs in California is the University of San Diego M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy. This Marriage and Family Services (MFT) program prepares students to become experts when it comes to settling marriage issues.
Also, you will be trained to become couples and family therapists to the level that you can handle psychosocial problems and mental health in interpersonal relationships.
In addition to training in the early stages of marriage and family therapy, students are exposed to the bacterial and intrapsychic pathways of developmental and decision-making processes.
To apply for this program you must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in bachelor’s coursework for at least the final 45 units prior to graduation.
Note, this MFT is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education, the accrediting body for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Phillips Graduate University MFT/Art Therapy
Location: 19900 Plummer St Chatsworth, CA 91311, United States Tuition: MFT Program: $51,240, MFT/Art Therapy Program: $54,656, Program Length: 2-3 years full-time
Accepting the Phillips Graduate University MFT/Art Therapy program is not a bad idea at all if you really want to build your career as a Marriage and Family Therapist. This is because this program is one of the top MFT programs in California that can offer you exceptional training opportunities which can help build you up in this field.
Basically, this MFT program provides an interdisciplinary approach to learning contemporary marriage and family therapy.
Also, it was designed in a way that after getting a degree in this program, you can work as a licensed marriage and family physician. To apply for this program you must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
The MFT is accredited by the WASC and approved by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA).
Western Seminary Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy
Location: 1000 South Park Victoria Dr Milpitas, CA 95035 (408) 356-6889
290 Technology Way, Ste. 200 Rocklin, CA 95765
Tuition Fees: $41,245 or Program Length: 3 years, Accreditation: ATS, CACREP
Western Seminary Marital and Family Therapy program is totally based on a biblical standard. Based on the Christ-centered approach of the Seminary, theological reflection and spirituality are considered important components in the therapeutic process.
During the academic training, you can participate in small group processing designed to encourage personal exploration of your own areas of need that require spiritual and emotional healing.
To apply for this program you must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Western Seminary is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy at the University of San Francisco
Location: 2130 Fulton Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States, Tuition Fees: $69,000, Program Length: 3 years, Accreditation: WASC
Do you want to be an exceptional and competent Marriage and Family Therapist, this program will help you out. This Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy program is one of the best MFT programs in California that can help you build a fulfilling career in MFT.
Basically, it is a special education program that prepares marriage and family therapists to meet the health needs of children, adults, and families, including those with severe brain injuries. Note, that this program was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
To apply, you don’t necessarily need to take any comprehensive exams, culminating projects, or a thesis. All you need is to have a minimum GPA of 2.75.
FAQs
What s an MFT Degree?
MFT degree is a graduate degree program that explores the depth of family and relationships. Going for the MFT degree program will give you experience and in-depth knowledge about relationships and how they affect mental health including what you can do to help
What can I do with an MFT Degree?
With a degree in MFT Program, you can work in the following;
- Outpatient care centers
- Hospitals
- Governments
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
- Private practices
- Inpatient Facilities
- Employee Assistance Programs
How much does it Cost to get an MFT Program Degree?
The average cost of obtaining an MFT program degree from a public institution is $ 11,617 per year. You can find programs that are cheaper and more expensive than the title.
How do I Become an MFT in California?
To become an MFT in California you must have the License Requirements including the following below;
- Get a Qualifying Master’s Degree. Electronic Transcripts.
- Register as an AMFT.
- Live Scan.
- Take a Criminal Background Check.
- You must take and Pass the California Law and Ethics Exam.
- Accrue Supervised Experience.
- Take and Pass the LMFT Clinical Exam.
- Obtain an official LMFT license.
Is an MFT Degree Worth It?
Getting your marriage and family master’s degree Is beneficial and worthwhile if you want a career with high job satisfaction, a substantial salary, and an excellent work-life balance.
How long does it take to get Licensed as an MFT in California?
A minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised experience, during a period of at least 104 weeks. A minimum of 1,700 hours must be earned post-degree, and a maximum of 1,300 hours obtained during graduate training may count towards this requirement.
Why Choose to be a Marriage and Family Therapist?
As a family or marriage counsellor, you can secure stable and even lucrative employment without sacrificing your passion to help others or the peace and fulfilment you experience from making a difference.
Sources
https://www.bestcounselingdegrees.net/best/online-masters-marriage-and-family-therapy-degree/
https://www.mftcalifornia.com/estimated-total-program-tuition
Recommendations
Below are a few examples of the cost per credit as reported by schools offering marriage and family therapy Master’s programs.
University # of Credits Required Cost Per Credit Total Tuition Cost
Pepperdine University 62 $1,530 $94,860
Houston Baptist University 60 $575 $34,500
Loma Linda University 90 quarter units $830 $18,675
Grand Canyon University 74 $515 $38,110
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