15 Best MFT Programs in California | Accelerated MFT programs [Online]
The Best MFT Programs in California Online or On-Campus | Accelerated MFT programs. The first step on your journey to becoming a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California is to graduate from a qualifying program that meets the education requirements for MFT licensure in the State of California.
For many years, California has been known as the Divorce Capitol of the World. This is even the more reason you should consider taking a MFT Program in the state because your chances of getting employed is very high.
What is a 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.
Graduate MFT programs encompass
- teaching services,
- experimental learning experiences,
- and training programs that can help you as a student prepare for marital and family activities.
What qualifies MFT program or institution?
To qualify for a license or registration as an MFT in the state of California, you must possess a doctoral or master’s degree that meets all of the regulations set forth by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) from a school, college, or university approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, or accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education, or a regional or national institutional accrediting agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education.
What is Marriage and Family Therapy?
Referred to as couple and family therapy, MFT, family systems therapy, or family counseling. 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.
How long does take to complete MFT programs in California?
To complete the MFT master’s program in California, it requires 60 to 66 credits. The degree can take two to three years for full-time students to earn. To earning an MFT graduate degree, you must dedicate time and resources to certifications and licenses in your state. That includes an examined clinical experience.
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 start a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist, you must have a master’s degree and two years of medical care.
1. 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.
2. Interpersonal skills
Empathy and compassion are important. As a Marriages and family therapist, you must pay attention to your clients by giving them a listening ear.
3. 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?
4. Communication skills
Communication skill is the basic skill that you must have if you want to build an exceptional career as Marriages and family therapist. if you don’t know how to relate or talk to people, you may encounter some challenges in this career.
List of MFT Programs In California
Below is a list of the Best MFT programs in California that you can apply to.
1. MA in marriage and family therapy- Chapman university
This university with 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. It is dedicated to providing marital and family training for caregivers in many cases.
2. Hope International University- Marriage and Family Therapy
Next in our list of the Best MFT programs in California is a marriage program offered at Hope International University. This program can get you ready for ministry in family care and counseling primarily within the local church and community at large. Hope International University is one of the prestigious universities in California that offers varieties of degree programs with 30% and student and faculty ratio of 14:1.
3. Alliant International University – Marital and Family Therapy (M.A.) – San Francisco
This is also of the best Marriage and Family Therapy programs in California that 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. This program was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
4. USC Rossier School of Education
This is one of the Best MFT programs in California. basically, this program will help you lead as a holistic cultural therapy that can inform and transform practice in public mental health clinics, schools, and private practice.
5. California Lutheran University M.S. in Counseling Psychology, Marital and Family Therapy (MFT)
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 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.
6. University of San Diego M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy
Another university you should consider when it comes to the best MFT programs in California is University of San Diego M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy. This Marriage and Family Services (MFT) program prepares students to become expert when it comes to settling marriage issues.
7. Western Seminary Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy
Western Seminary Marital and Family Therapy program is completely based on a biblical worldview. Based on the Christ-centered approach of the Seminary, theological reflection and spirituality are considered important components in the therapeutic process.
8. Loma Linda University M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy
This Marriage and Family Therapy program are 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 professional practice skills required for working with individuals, couples, groups, and families in a variety of settings.
9. Phillips Graduate University MFT/Art Therapy
Choosing the Phillips Graduate University MFT/Art Therapy program won’t be 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. This MFT program provides an interdisciplinary approach to learning contemporary marriage and family therapy.
10. University of La Verne’s Marriage and Family Therapy
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 a full and part-time option available, students can earn a degree while working for them. Also, many classes meet in the afternoon and evening, making the program more flexible.
What are other Available MFT Degrees in California?
- Master in Marriage and Family Therapy – Los Angeles Education Center of Campbellsville University.
- MS in School Counseling – Marriage, Couple, & Family Counseling- Walden University.
- Marital and Family Therapy (M.A.) – San Francisco- Alliant International University.
- Doctorate of Marriage & Family Therapy – General Family Therapy- Northcentral University.
- MS – Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE-accredited)- Capella University.
- M.A. Clinical Psychology, Marital and Family Therapy Specialization- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
What Can You Do with a Graduate Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy?
A graduate degree in MFT is one degree that once you have, you can’t find yourself in the street of California searching desperately for job. This is because there are lots of job opportunities available in the state and even other states that your degree that aim you.
You can work in the following areas with a Graduate Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy;
- Substance abuse treatment centers.
- Inpatient Facilities.
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Health Maintenance Organizations
- Community Mental Health Centers.
- Outpatient care centers.
- Hospitals
- Social Services Agencies.
- Universities and Research Centers.
- Courts and Correctional Facilities.
- Private Practice
- Governments
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
- Private practices
- Business and Consulting Companies.
- Schools and Head Start Centers.
What programs are listed on MFT California?
The BBS provides a list of California schools “with MFT Programs which have been evaluated by the Board. These programs meet the MFT licensure requirements, pursuant to California Business and Professions Code (BPC) §4980.36.
List of Schools with MFT Programs in California
The list below identifies California schools with MFT programs which have been evaluated by the Board. At the time of evaluation, these programs were found to meet the LMFT licensure requirements.
- California Institute of Integral Studies
- California Lutheran University
- California Southern University
- Cambridge College
- Chapman University
- Chicago School of Professional Psychology
- Daybreak University
- Dominican University of California
- California State Universities (CSU)
- Alliant International University
- Antioch University
- Azusa Pacific University
- Bethel Seminary, San Diego
- Biola University
- California Baptist University
- California Institute for Human Science
- Fresno Pacific University – MB Biblical Seminary
- Fuller Theological Seminary
- Golden Gate University
- HIS University
- Holy Names University
- Hope International University
- Kaiser Permante School of Allied Health Sciences
- La Sierra University
- Loma Linda University.
- Loyola Marymount University.
- Meridian University
- Mount St. Mary’s University
- National University
- Northcentral University
- Notre Dame de Namur University
- Pacific Oaks College
- Pacifica Graduate Institute
- Palo Alto University
- Pepperdine University
- University of LaVerne
- University of Phoenix – California campus only
- University of San Diego
- University of San Francisco
- University of Southern California
- University of the West
- Vanguard University of Southern California
- Weimar University.
- Western Institute for Social Research
- Western Seminary.
- William Jessup University
- The Wright Institute.
- Phillips Education Center of Campbellsville University
- Point Loma Nazarene University
- Professional School of Psychology
- Rhombus University
- San Diego University for Integrative Studies
- Santa Clara University, Counseling Psychology.
- Saybrook University
- Simpson University
- Sofia University
- Southern California Seminary
- St. Mary’s College of California
- Touro University Worldwide
- University of Massachusetts Global – California campus only.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Requirements
- Obtain a Qualifying Master’s Degree.
- Register as an AMFT
- Live Scan
- Criminal Background Check
- Take and Pass the California Law and Ethics Exam
- Accrue Supervised Experience
- Take and Pass the LMFT Clinical Exam.
- Obtain official LMFT license.
Recommendation
