Follow
Are you searching for marriage and family counseling degrees in California to build you skills for treating a wide range of mental disorders within the context of relationships? As the single most populous state in the nation that is home to one out of every eight Americans, it is no surprise that California has numerous degree programs to meet your professional needs, including many offered by top-ranked universities on the West Coast. The following is the first installment to our list of accredited marriage and therapy programs (A-B) for qualified graduate students in the “Golden State” to pursue while soaking up the sunshine.
Alliant International University – Irvine
California School of Professional Psychology
As one of the satellite locations of the private non-profit multi-campus institution based in San Diego, Alliant International University – Irvine is home to around 250 students in the heart of Orange County at the midway point between the major metropolitan hubs of Los Angeles and San Diego. Since being founded in 1969 as the first free-standing school of psychology in the United States, the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) has grown into the largest non-profit professional psychology division within the nation.
M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy
With the goal of meeting the rising demand for professional marriage and family therapists in the rapidly growing mental health field, the M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy program is committed to developing compassionate clinical practitioners with the superior real-world skills needed for improving lives. After completing the two-year full-time or three-year part-time program, students have the credentials needed to apply for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with post-degree internship hours.
Psy.D. in Marital and Family Therapy
Nationally recognized by the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) for its unique concentration in Latin American Family Therapy within the core mental health discipline, the Psy.D. in Marital and Family Therapy program is designed for qualified graduate students seeking intensive practical skill-based training for clinical work with a diverse clientele. In addition to the 93 credits required for completion of the degree, students must complete supervised practical in marriage and family counseling with a doctoral internship of 1500 hours.
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
2855 Michelle Drive Suite 300
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 833-2651
ncamaras@alliant.edu
https://www.alliant.edu/cspp/programs-degrees/couple-family-therapy/
Alliant International University – Los Angeles
California School of Professional Psychology
As another of the satellite locations for the private non-profit multi-campus institution based in San Diego, Alliant International University – Los Angeles serves the academic needs of over 600 students within the town of Alhambra along the western region of Los Angeles County in the San Gabriel Valley. Within one of the “Best for Vets” chosen by Military Times magazine, the California School of Professional Psychology is focused on preparing students for professional careers of service in improving the lives of multicultural communities.
M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy
With a strong mission of training ethical professionals for delivering competent marriage and family counseling services to foster the well-being of diverse individuals, the M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy program is fully accredited for providing top-notch training for graduate students seeking a professional career as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) within California. Within the 60-credit program with a required 500 hours of direct client contact, students can specialize in Infant-Preschooler Mental Health, Latin American Family Therapy, or LGBT Human Services and Mental Health.
Psy.D. in Marital and Family Therapy
As one of only three accredited programs of its kind in the state to be given the stamp of approval by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE, the Psy.D. in Marital and Family Therapy program consists of 93 credits and a 1500-hour internship experience in preparation for clinical practice with diverse clients. Based in the scholar-practitioner model, the program focuses on training students to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups from a systemic perspective.
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
1000 South Fremont Street Unit 5
Alhambra, CA 91803
(626) 270-3300
mgiovanini@alliant.edu
https://www.alliant.edu/cspp/programs-degrees/couple-family-therapy/
Alliant International University – Sacramento
California School of Professional Psychology
As another of the satellite locations for the private non-profit multi-campus institution based in San Diego, Alliant International University – Sacramento serves the academic needs of over 200 students in the downtown center of the state’s capital city. Within one of the “Best for Vets” chosen by Military Times magazine, the California School of Professional Psychology is committed to academic excellence in providing rigorous applied learning programs in a multicultural and international context.
M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy
Available with specializations in the fields of Infant-Preschooler Mental Health, Latin American Family Therapy, or LGBT Human Services and Mental Health, the M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy program is designed for hard-working graduate students who are interested in fulfilling the growing demand for professional marriage and family therapists. Within the 60-credit graduate program, students will receive the superior theoretical knowledge base and practical skills needed to improve lives, especially in families from different cultures and countries.
Psy.D. in Marital and Family Therapy
Rooted in a classic scholar-practitioner approach focused on relationshipsthe Psy.D. in Marital and Family Therapy program is specifically geared towards qualified doctoral students who are seeking to clinically practice with individuals, couples, and families within clinics, social service agencies, religious organizations, hospitals, private practices, and other mental health settings. In addition to 93 credits within the classroom, students must complete extensive real-world training with community-based practicum and a 1500-hour doctoral internship.
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
2030 West El Camino Avenue Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95833
(916) 565-2955
pschafer@alliant.edu
https://www.alliant.edu/cspp/programs-degrees/couple-family-therapy/
Alliant International University – San Diego
California School of Professional Psychology
As the headquarters for the private non-profit multi-campus institution, Alliant International University – San Diego serves the academic needs of over 1,200 students in the suburb of Scripps Ranch in the northeastern quadrant of the city. As the largest non-profit professional psychology school in the country, the California School of Professional Psychology is committed to offering students the unique opportunity to create their own professional niche early for a competitive market edge.
M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy
Established as a 60-credit graduate degree program that requires at least 500 clock hours of direct client service before graduation, the M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy program is focused on preparing compassionate practitioners with exceptional counseling skills for working with individuals, couples, families, and groups in a diverse society. Within the two-year full-time or three-year part-time program, students can choose to study abroad in Mexico for up to the first three semesters for a truly international experience.
Psy.D. in Marital and Family Therapy
Offered with the opportunities to specialize in Gerontology, Infant-Preschooler Mental Health, Latin American Family Therapy, and LGBT Human Services and Mental Health, the Psy.D. in Marital and Family Therapy program is designed for qualified doctoral students seeking to receive the advanced training needed to practice clinically as a professional marriage and family therapist in California. For completion of the degree, students will need to satisfy the 93-credit requirement with a 1500-hour doctoral internship.
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
10455 Pomerado Road
San Diego, CA 92131
(866) 825-5426
admissions@alliant.edu
https://www.alliant.edu/cspp/programs-degrees/couple-family-therapy/
Alliant International University – San Francisco
California School of Professional Psychology
As another satellite location for the private non-profit multi-campus institution based in San Diego, Alliant International University – San Francisco is situated downtown directly across from Pier 39 with stunning waterfront views of San Francisco Bay and over 970 students. As the largest non-profit professional psychology school in the United States, the California School of Professional Psychology is focused on delivering comprehensive preparation for qualified graduate students to address today’s most concerning mental health issues.
M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy
Designed to satisfy all of the academic requirements needed to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) within California, the M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy program follows an integrative approach towards preparing students to treat relational mental health issues with the skills needed for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment from a systemic perspective. Within the 60-credit program, students will engage in coursework on group therapy, psychopathology, parent-child therapy, crisis intervention, diversity, family systems, family life cycle, community practice, sex therapy, and more.
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
One Beach Street Suite 100
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 955-2100
jmixon@alliant.edu
https://www.alliant.edu/cspp/programs-degrees/couple-family-therapy/
Azusa Pacific University
School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences
Currently ranked as the 173rd best college in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report survey, Azusa Pacific University is a comprehensive private evangelical Christian institution based in the town of Azusa within just 26 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Offering 14 undergraduate and graduate programs, the School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences is committed to fostering invaluable self-discovery with extensive practical learning.
M.A. in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
As a 66-credit program that can be completed within two to three years full-time, the M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program is designed for graduate students who wish to build a solid professional foundation in the applied practice of counseling with individuals, couples, and families. With an alignment to current California licensure requirements, the curriculum blends the theoretical and practical elements of psychology with spirituality for a well-rounded education.
Accreditations
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
901 East Alosta Avenue
Azusa, CA 91702
(626) 815-5009
cwickey@apu.edu
http://www.apu.edu/bas/graduatepsychology/mft/
Bethel University
Graduate School
Based in Minnesota with residential programs offered in San Diego as a leader in private Christian higher education, Bethel University is ranked as the 21st best college and 7th top school for veterans in the entire Midwest by the U.S. News and World Report. As the only program in California with full accreditation by the COAMFTE to be offered by a seminary, the Graduate School provides rigorous graduate education within a supportive Christian environment to more than 1,500 adult learners.
M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy (MFT)
Created as a traditional on-campus program in San Diego to meet all academic requirements for licensure in California, the M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) program is focused on providing graduate students with the valuable opportunity to explore differences in family structure as related to race, culture, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. In preparing competent practitioners to work with couples and families of all backgrounds, the program includes a 500-hour 12-month practicum in addition to at least two full years of study.
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
6116 Arosa Street
San Diego, CA 92115
(619) 325-5200
m-chang@bethel.edu
http://seminary.bethel.edu/academics/san-diego-programs/family-therapy/
Brandman University
School of Arts and Sciences
Founded in 1861 in the Chapman University System as one of California’s oldest private institutions, Brandman University is based on a seven-acre suburban campus in the heart of Orange County with extended campuses across California, Washington, and online. The School of Arts and Sciences is particularly devoted to developing the knowledge and skills needed to make an impact on diverse communities in today’s complex changing world.
M.A. in Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy
In order to prepare mental health professionals for implementing therapeutic techniques to problems and developmental challenges of couples and/or families, the M.A. in Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy program is focused on the empirical science of relationships to lay the foundation for a professional career in this growing human service field. In addition to the 60 credits, all students will be required to complete substantial experimental components under the supervision of a licensed therapist in an approved clinical setting.
Accreditations
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
16355 Laguna Canyon Road
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 753-4774
irvine@brandman.edu
http://www.brandman.edu/program/ma-psychology-marriage-family-therapy
As the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for marriage and family therapists will continue to grow at the rapid rate of 31% over the next decade, it is an excellent time to enroll in one of these marriage and family counseling degrees in California to help diverse clientele overcome problems in their relationships for enhanced wellness.
For Marriage and Family Therapy Counseling Degrees in California (C-D), click here.
