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HomeStudyBest MFT programs in California | Requirements, Cost, Admission

Best MFT programs in California | Requirements, Cost, Admission

Best MFT programs in California 2023!

The decision to pursue a profession as a marriage and family therapist is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. In addition to the hefty salary, you will provide joy to many houses.

Imagine being the reason why couples stayed together or why their marriage lasted until death. It’s a major accomplishment, right?

Therefore, it is not a waste of time and resources to attempt to enroll in one of the Best MFT programs in California.

California is one of the top states in America in terms of the range of degree programs it offers in many professions, and its colleges are among the best in the nation.

According to myocfamilylawyer.com, the divorce rate in California has reached a shocking 75%. In the Golden State, three out of every four marriages end in divorce. For numerous

California has been known as the Divorce Capital of the World for many years.

This is yet another reason why you should consider enrolling in an MFT program in the state: your employment prospects are very good.

In this article, we have compiled a list of the Best MFT programs in California for 2023, along with their anticipated costs and general prerequisites.

You can get an overview of this post by scrolling through the table of contents below;

What is family and marriage therapy?

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According to Wikipedia, marriage and family therapy is a subfield of psychotherapy that works with families and couples in intimate relationships to foster growth and transformation. It tends to view change in terms of family members’ interactional systems.

It is also known as couple and family therapy, marriage and family therapy, family systems therapy, and family counseling.

What is a Master of Family Therapy (MFT) degree?

MFT is a graduate degree that examines the complexity of families and relationships. The MFT degree program will provide you with experience and in-depth knowledge of how relationships effect mental health and what you can do to assist.

However, Graduate MFT programs include teaching services, experiential learning opportunities, and training programs that can assist students in preparing for marriage and family activities. Additionally, they can assist you prepare for state licensing.

Intriguingly, if you are a graduate with an MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy) degree, you will develop into a powerful mental health practitioner who can give family and clinical perspectives on mental health issues, emotions, behaviors, and relationships.

The definition of a marriage and family therapist follows from this.

Who is a Family and Marriage Therapist?

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A Marriage and Family Therapist is an individual whose profession or job entails resolving interpersonal problems that emerge between individuals, couples, families, and groups. These groups of individuals are trained expressly for this function.

Similarly, the therapist can evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental disease and psychological suffering within the framework of marital and family systems.

You will be able to give counseling services in a variety of areas, including premarital counseling, relationship therapy, child counseling and separation, and divorce counseling, if you pursue a career in this industry.

What Can Graduates of Marriage and Family Therapy Do?

After earning a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy (MFT), it is impossible to find oneself on the streets of California anxiously seeking employment.

This is due to the abundance of work prospects in the state and even in other states that your degree will qualify you for.

You can become a Marriage and Family Therapist after obtaining a graduate degree in graduate marriage and family therapy. This is due to the fact that by attending MFT programs alone, you are prepared for your respective job pathways.

Alternatively, if you do not wish to be self-employed, you can work at the following locations:

  • Drug abuse treatment facilities
  • Outpatient care centers
  • Hospitals
  • Governments
  • Employee Support Programs (EAPs)
  • Private practices
  • Inpatient Facilities
  • Employee Support Programs
  • Healthcare Management Organizations
  • Centers for Community Mental Health
  • Commerce and Consulting Firms
  • Colleges and Head Start Facilities
  • Social Services Agencies
  • Universities and Institutions of Research
  • Courthouses and Detention Centers
  • Private Practice

Examine pay and employment for MFT positions, as well as associated career options.

Occupation Average Salary Employment
Marriage and Family Therapist $53,860 42,880
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $46,560 241,930
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors $58,620 271,350
Counselors, All Other $47,600 27,150

 

Requirements for Best MFT programs in California

As with other medical and health treatments, marriage and family therapy services are favorably correlated with educational attainment.

Marriage and family counselors typically begin their careers with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as psychology, social work, or counseling. Students pursuing this degree should concentrate on marriage and family issues.

Additionally, several states require spouses and family therapists to get master’s degrees, especially if they wish to marry competent family counselors.

In addition to the necessary schooling, you will be needed to complete a number of hours of labor. The needed amount of hours varies from state to state.

New York, for example, demands 1,500 hours of regulated work experience, whereas California wants 3,000 hours of work experience. It is recommended that you study the licensing criteria for your state in this regard.

How much money will it take to get an Best MFT programs in California?

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An MFT program degree from a public institution costs an average of $11,617 per year. There are programs that are both less expensive and more expensive than the title.

Master of Marriage and Family Therapy Credit-Based Fees

The cost per credit varies among colleges and universities. State institutions may also have different in-state and out-of-state tuition rates.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, for example, will cost you $9,000. An average public institution university will cost you $11,617.

Private institutions, such as Northcentral University and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, cost $16,864 and $21,213 per year, respectively.

Below are some samples of the cost per credit as stated by schools offering Master’s programs in marriage and family counseling.

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

How long does it take to complete Best MFT programs in California?

California’s MFT master’s program requires 60 to 66 credits for completion. The degree can be earned by full-time students in two to three years.

In addition to getting a Master of Family Therapy (MFT) degree, you must devote time and resources to state certifications and licensure. This involves a clinical encounter that has been analyzed.

List of the Best MFT programs in California

The following is a list of the Best MFT programs in California that are accepting applications in 2023:

  • 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
  • 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

Best MFT programs in California 2023

1. USC Rossier College of Education

This is one of Best MFT programs in California. This curriculum will essentially enable you lead a holistic cultural therapy that can educate and alter mental health practice in schools, public mental health clinics, and private practices.

In addition, you will be equipped to deal with a variety of dangers, such as relationship stress, family dysfunction, parental worry, and behavioral issues faced by families, spouses, and children.

This curriculum meets the California Board of Behavioral Sciences’ standards. You will be eligible for a marriage certificate and a family medical license if you implement this program and comply with the rest of the order.

2. Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco

This Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program is one of the Best MFT programs in California and may help you develop a successful MFT career.

The curriculum equips marital and family therapists to address the health needs of children, adults, and families, including individuals with serious brain injuries.

This Best MFT programs in California has been granted accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

You are not required to take comprehensive exams, culminating projects, or a thesis in order to apply. All that is required is a minimum GPA of 2.75.

3. Master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Chapman University

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Chapman University’s MA in Marriage and Family Therapy is the next program on our list of the best MFT programs in California that will help you advance your profession.

This university with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 and a student enrollment of 65% is one of the most prestigious in California and provides a variety of degree programs.

Essentially, this Best MFT programs in California is intended to promote equality and democracy by preparing family law professionals and members.

Moreover, it is often devoted to providing carers with marriage and family training. Annually, the program is presented on the Hayward campus.

Note that the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education has accredited this program (COAMFTE).

4. Marriage and Family Therapy at Hope International University

Next on our list of the Best MFT programs in California is Hope International University’s marriage program.

Hope International University is one of the most distinguished institutions of higher education in California, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1.

This curriculum will prepare you primarily for ministry in family care and counseling within the local church and community.

In addition, it will offer academic preparation for licensure with the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners.

Note that this program has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

5. Pepperdine University’s Online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

Next on our list is the Online Clinical Psychology Master’s Degree from Pepperdine University.

This university is a private Christian institution in Malibu, California, with an extremely high graduation rate of 84%.

This master’s degree program has to do with online accreditation and psychology, with a focus on marriage and family counseling.

Enrolling in this program will facilitate your application for licenses in California as licensed marital partners, licensed family members, or industry consultants.

As an online student, you will earn between 62 and 68 credits.

Notably, the study covers issues including the diagnosis and treatment of mental diseases, as well as family therapy and marriage.

The WASC Senior College and University College accredits Pepperdine University.

6. Marriage and Family Therapy at University of La Verne

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Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) at the University of La Verne has been preparing graduate students to meet the changing needs of families in a changing society since 1973.

With both full-time and part-time options, students can get a degree while working for the organization. Additionally, many classes are held in the afternoon and evening, which makes the schedule more flexible.

This Best MFT programs in California at La Verne consists of 61 credit hours. As a full-time student, you will be required to enroll in nine hours per semester, while as a part-time student, you will enroll in three to six courses.

In addition, this application recognizes all Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) licenses for California spouses and families, as well as California Community College-related documentation.

In addition, it will afford you the chance to pursue a career as an MFT on their terms.

Note that the Marriage and Family Therapy program at the University of La Verne is accredited by WASC Senior College and University College.

To be eligible for this program, you must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. Additionally, you must have completed the following courses in psychology.

7. Loma Linda University’s Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

Next on our list of the Best MFT programs in California is Loma Linda University’s Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy.

The primary objective of this Marriage and Family Therapy program is to provide students with an outstanding COAMFTE clinical and academic background.

As a student, you must have acquired the professional practice abilities necessary for working with individuals, couples, groups, and families in a variety of contexts before completing this program.

Intriguingly, you will also receive a certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counseling, which you must have earned while obtaining your MFT degree.

Note that Loma Linda University’s Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is accredited by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy’s Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education.

To be eligible for this program, you must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) in your final 45 bachelor’s units prior to graduation.

8. University of San Diego Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego could also be considered when searching for the top MFT schools in California.

This Marriage and Family Services (MFT) program trains students to become experts in resolving marital conflicts.

In addition, you will receive training to become couples and family therapists who can manage psychosocial issues and mental health in interpersonal interactions.

In addition to initial training in marriage and family therapy, students are introduced to the microbiological and intrapsychic routes of developmental and decision-making processes.

To be eligible for this program, you must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) in your final 45 bachelor’s units prior to graduation.

Note that this MFT is recognized by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy’s Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education.

9. MFT/Art Therapy Program at Phillips Graduate University

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If you’re serious about pursuing a profession as a Marriage and Family Therapist, enrolling in the MFT/Art Therapy program at Phillips Graduate University is not a bad choice.

This is due to the fact that this school is among the best MFT programs in California and can provide you with great training chances that will help you advance in this area.

This MFT program teaches contemporary marital and family counseling via an interdisciplinary lens.

In addition, the curriculum was developed so that graduates are qualified to operate as licensed marital and family physicians.

To apply for this program, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0).

Note that this MFT is WASC-accredited and American Art Therapy Association-approved (AATA).

Master’s in Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, from California Lutheran University (MFT)

The M.S. in Counseling Psychology degree at California Lutheran University is another California MFT Program option.

Hope International University is one of the most distinguished institutions of higher education in California, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1.

This Marriage and Family Therapy curriculum can prepare you for a professional career as a marital and family therapist. This is because you will learn how to integrate academic knowledge and clinical abilities during this program.

Moreover, this curriculum will offer you with personal insights and communication skills that will assist you in comprehending families on an interactive system and meeting the demands of a diverse range of individuals and circumstances.

In addition, you will have the chance to participate in a 12-month practicum placement at Cal Lutheran’s Community Counseling and Parent-Child Study Center.

To apply for this program, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0).

Additionally, you must have a minimum of three credit hours in statistics. Additional 9 credit hours of psychology courses at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Note that this MFT is WASC-accredited.

FAQs On Best MFT programs in California

How long does it take to become 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.

Is becoming an MFT worth it?

Obtaining your marriage and family master's degree can be beneficial and worthwhile if you want a career with high job satisfaction, a substantial salary, and an excellent work-life balance.

Is USC MFT program good?

“Although there are many MFT programs in Los Angeles, USC was one of the most impressive and reputable programs.”

Is the California MFT exam hard?

Remember the MFT Clinical exam is very hard, with a variety of application-based questions. It requires you not simply to know isolated facts, but to think like a marriage and family therapist.

Can you fail the MFT?

If your application is in order, you'll become an LMFT in California. However, if you fail the LMFT Clinical Exam, you must take it again within a year from the date of failure. If you wait too long, your eligibility period is over and you must start the application process over again.

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