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For Top Marriage and Family Counseling Degree Programs in California (A-B), click here.
If you are looking for accredited marriage and family counseling degrees in California, then you have come to the right place as there are numerous options to choose from. Situated on the West Coast of the United States as the third largest state, California is the country’s single most populous state with eight of the 50 most populated cities within its borders. With its nickname as the “Golden State,” California is renowned for its Gold Rush hopefuls, vast fields of golden poppies, golden sunsets over the Pacific shoreline, Golden Gate Bridge, and a wide array of golden opportunities for college students to attend some of the best universities in the nation. If you are hoping to strike it rich by fulfilling all of your professional dreams in the mental health field, the following is the second installment (C-D) of universities offering marriage and family counseling programs within California.
California Baptist University
School of Behavioral Sciences
Currently ranked as the 42nd best college and 13th top school for veterans in the West by the U.S. News and World Report, California Baptist University is one of the leading private Christian institutions in Southern California with a 131-acre suburban campus situated in Riverside. As home to more than 7,100 students, CBU has expanded its operations with satellite centers throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties to deliver a flexible learning formats suited to working adult learners. At the undergraduate and graduate level, the School of Behavioral Sciences is focused on the contemporary knowledge and skills in the behavioral sciences that are needed for direct application in either secular or religious contexts.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling Psychology
Designed to academically prepare graduates for dual licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California, the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program is catered to graduate students who wish to gain the theoretical knowledge and practical experiences needed to counsel in a wide range of settings. With the goal of developing a thorough understanding of human behavior through a blend of psychological theory and theology, the curriculum requires the completion of 62 credits. In order to extend students’ professional training to the church, there is also a unique dual master’s program for students to earn both the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and the Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry concurrently in preparation for working with couples and families in clinical as well as congregational settings.
Accreditations
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
8432 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504
(951) 343-4249
jcraig@calbaptist.edu
http://www.calbaptist.edu/explore-cbu/schools-colleges/school-behavioral-sciences/master-science-counseling-psychology/
California Institute of Integral Studies
School of Professional Psychology
As an accredited private higher learning institution that strives to embody spirit, wisdom, and intellect in service to communities, the California Institute of Integral Studies is based on a 93-acre suburban campus in San Francisco overlooking the pristine bay with a total enrollment of over 1,300 students. The School of Professional Psychology is focused on offering innovative graduate programs with plenty of practical learning under the supervision of experienced clinicians in the diverse San Francisco community.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Integral Counseling Psychology
Structured to meet the California professional requirements for academic training of Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) within the state, the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Integral Counseling Psychology program is the world’s first transpersonal psychology graduate program that draws upon the major spiritual traditions of the East and West. Offered in a full-time weekend option and a regular weekday schedule, the program is focuses on contemporary psychoanalytic, humanistic, systemic, and transpersonal psychologies within the context of spiritual unfolding.
Accreditations
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
1453 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 575-6229
pbrooks@ciis.edu
http://www.ciis.edu/Academics/Graduate_Programs/Integral_Counseling_Psychology.html
California Lutheran University
Graduate School of Psychology
First established in 1959 as a selective private institution rooted in the Lutheran tradition on a 290-acre suburban campus in Thousand Oaks, California Lutheran University is currently ranked as the 18th best college and 4th top school for veterans in the West by the U.S. News and World Report. Within the Graduate School of Psychology, students have the opportunity to obtain real-world practical counseling experience in a broad range of professional settings to grow into knowledgeable and insightful clinicians for today’s diverse society.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling Psychology (MFT)
Focused on the family as an interactive system to develop the academic knowledge and clinical practice skills needed for a successful professional career, the Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling Psychology (MFT) program places a strong emphasis on preparation for the dynamics of interpersonal relationships within marriage and family contexts. Along with the 60-credit curriculum, students are required to complete a 12-month practicum placement in the on-campus Community Counseling and Parent Child Study Center to receive intensive clinical training experience with a full range of marital and family problems.
Accreditations
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
60 West Olsen Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
(805) 492-2411
mpuopolo@callutheran.edu
http://www.callutheran.edu/graduate-psychology/programs/ms-counseling/
California State Polytechnic University
Department of Psychology and Child Development
Currently ranked as the 33rd best college and 6th top public school in the entire West by the U.S. News and World Report, California State Polytechnic University is a public career-oriented polytechnic institution based on a 1,321-acre suburban campus in San Luis Obispo with a satellite location in Pomona. At the undergraduate and graduate levels, the Department of Psychology and Child Development is committed to enhancing the well-being of communities through fostering a comprehensive knowledge base of psychological and developmental science.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology with Preparation for MFT
Offered to qualified graduate students at both the Pomona and San Luis Obispo campus locations, the Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology is a 90-quarter unit professional degree program that has been designed to satisfy all academic requirements for receiving a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) license within California. With the goal of providing the state with highly competent master’s-level clinicians with specialized training for counseling individuals, couples, and families in a diverse society, the program includes both on-campus clinical practicum and subsequence supervised community fieldwork placements for personal growth.
Accreditations
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
California State Polytechnic University – San Luis Obispo
1 Grand Avenue Suite 24
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
(805) 756-2033
psychhd@calpoly.edu
http://psycd.calpoly.edu/graduate/psychology.asp?pid=3
California State Polytechnic University – Pomona
3801 West Temple Avenue
Pomona, Ca 91768
(909) 869-3899
jsmio@csupomona.edu
http://www.class.csupomona.edu/bhs/masters-in-psychology
California State University
Department of Counseling
Renowned for serving the academic needs of around 447,000 students in higher education, California State University is one of the largest and most diverse university systems in the entire United States. Stretching from Humboldt in the north to San Diego in the south, the four-year public CSU system offers 23 convenient campus locations across the state as well as online from anywhere with an Internet connection. In particular, the Department of Counseling is committed to training competent mental health professionals who are devoted to improving the quality of life for children and adults in the greater community.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy
Available at the Bakersfield, Chico, Dominguez Hills, Fresno, Fullerton, East Bay, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Northridge, Sacramento, San Bernardino, and Stanislaus campuses, the Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy program is focused on training quality clinicians who can serve the diverse needs of individuals and families with evidence-based counseling techniques. With a theoretical orientation grounded in humanistic, relational, and integrative principles, the program prepares counselors who will be sensitive to diverse ethic heritages, lifestyles, and unique needs of individuals and families. As a 63-credit program that can be completed within just five semesters full-time, the curriculum prepares graduates for state licensure as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) for work in clinical settings.
Accreditations
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
California State University – Bakersfield
9001 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93311
(661) 654-2782
tboone@csub.edu
http://www.csub.edu/psychology/mscounselingpsych/index.html
California State University – Chico
400 West First Street
Chico, CA 95929
(530) 898-4636
psy@csuchico.edu
http://www.csuchico.edu/psy/graduate/marriageFamily.shtml
California State University – Dominguez Hills
1000 East Victoria Street
Carson, CA 90747
(310) 243-3696
mlaurent@csudh.edu
http://www4.csudh.edu/mft/
California State University – East Bay
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94542
(510) 885-3515
randi.cowdery@csueastbay.edu
http://www20.csueastbay.edu/ceas/departments/epsy/COU%20Degrees.html
California State University – Fresno
5241 North Maple Avenue
Fresno, CA 93740
(559) 278-4240
malee@csufresno.edu
http://www.fresnostate.edu/kremen/graduate/ms-counseling.html
California State University – Fullerton
800 North State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831
(657) 278-2011
sapnachopra@fullerton.edu
http://hhd.fullerton.edu/counsel/degree.htm
California State University – Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840
(562) 985-7864
bghafoor@csulb.edu
http://www.ced.csulb.edu/mft
California State University – Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 343-2252
shu6@calstatela.edu
http://web.calstatela.edu/academic/psych/MFT%20grad%20program.html#
California State University – Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330
(818) 677-1200
stan.charnofsky@csun.edu
http://www.csun.edu/~sch_educ/epc/programs/mft.html
California State University – Sacramento
6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 278-6639
coe@csus.edu
http://catalog.csus.edu/12-14/programs/edc.html
California State University – San Bernardino
5500 University Parkway
San Bernardino, CA 92407
(909) 537-5030
ychien@csusb.edu
http://psychology.csusb.edu/graduatePrograms/clinical_counseling_program.htm
California State University – Stanislaus
1 University Circle
Turlock, CA 95382
(209) 667-3386
gserrano@csustan.edu
http://www.csustan.edu/psychology/counseling-license
Capella University
Department of Counseling and Psychology
Although based on a main campus in Minneapolis, Capella University is a private for-profit institution that delivers accredited higher learning programs to more than 36,000 students nationwide as well as online from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. With full accreditation through the North Central Association (NCA), Capella is recognized for exceeding the national average for academic challenge in a supportive campus environment. The Department of Counseling and Psychology is focused on aligning with professional standards to ensure high-quality concentrated study with strong career outcomes.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy
Featuring a total of 92 credits in a flexible 10-week course format, the Master of Science (M.S.) in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy program is designed to develop professional proficiency in addressing mental health concerns within family systems from a systemic perspective. With accreditation by the CACREP and COAMFTE, the program includes a rigorous blend of online learning with face-to-face preparation on San Diego’s satellite campus and clinical field experiences. Upon completion, graduates have the credentials to pursue licensure for practicing as behavioral disorder counselors, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, vocational therapists, or substance abuse counselors.
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
3375 Camino Del Rio South
San Diego, CA 92108
(866) 283-8039
info@capella.edu
http://www.capella.edu/online-degrees/masters-marriage-family-therapy/
Chapman University
Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
Situated on a 78-acre suburban campus in the middle of Orange County within just 30 miles from downtown Los Angeles as a comprehensive four-year private institution of over 7,570 students, Chapman University is ranked as the 7th best college and 1st top up-and-coming school in the West by the U.S. News and World Report. The Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences is committed to offering inter-disciplinary programs that prepare students for a wide variety of careers in psychology to solve the complex problems of the 21st century.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Marriage and Family Therapy
With the mission of providing qualified graduate students with the professional training needed to become culturally sensitive and systems-oriented marriage and family therapists in California, the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Marriage and Family Therapy program is focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of diverse individuals, couples, families, and groups in a relational context. Within the 60-credit program, all MFT students are required to conduct therapy sessions under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional at the state-of-the-art Frances Smith Center for Individual & Family Therapy conveniently right on campus.
Accreditations
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 744-7650
jhill@chapman.edu
http://www.chapman.edu/crean/academic-programs/graduate-programs/ma-marriage-family/
Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Department of Applied Clinical Psychology
Established as a private non-profit institution focusing exclusively on psychology and other relevant behavioral sciences for more than three decades, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology is based in the nation’s third most populous city with satellite California campus locations in downtown Los Angeles, Irvine, and Westwood. Well-known for its state-of-the-art technology facilities and mental health counseling centers, the Department of Applied Clinical Psychology is focused on providing accredited graduate degree programs with a range of specializations for students to customize their journey towards becoming an outstanding psychology practitioner in the 21st century.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology: Marital and Family Therapy Specialization
Featuring a total of 48 credit hours and at least 250 face-to-face hours of supervised clinical experience within an approved clinical mental health setting, the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology with a Marital and Family Therapy Specialization is available at the Downtown Los Angeles, Irvine, and Westwood campuses of California. Designed to develop competent practitioners who are passionate about helping couples and families lead more harmonious lives, the program provides a solid foundation in clinical psychology principles to develop the therapeutic, diagnostic, and consultative skills needed to be successful. After completing the program at one of Southern California’s largest and most well-respected community counseling centers, graduates are qualified for taking the MFT licensure examination through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
Post-Bachelor’s Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Marital and Family Therapy
Offered in a five-year format of 104 credits for students with a bachelor’s degree in a related mental health field, the Post-Bachelor’s Psy.D. in Marital and Family Therapy program is intended to prepare students for obtaining high-level leadership positions in assisting individuals, families, couples, and groups with a wide variety of mental health concerns to improve their overall interpersonal relationships. In pursuit of the marriage and family therapy license as well as a doctoral degree, the program covers coursework in agency management, grant writing, advanced clinical psychology, program development, applied research, counseling theory, family systems studies, psychopharmacology, and more. Students may also wish to complete an optional teaching apprenticeship program to receive the training for teaching psychology courses at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Post-Master’s Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Marital and Family Therapy
As an accelerated degree program of just 60 credits that can be completed in three years full-time by graduate students who have already obtained licensure as well as a master’s degree, the Post-Master’s Psy.D. in Marital and Family Therapy program is designed to help licensed mental health professionals advance their career opportunities to the doctoral level. With a focus on improving interpersonal relationships in complex family and marital systems, the program has been recognized for excellence in training culturally sensitive professionals through unparalleled real-world experience in Los Angeles, Westwood, and Irvine. In order to open professional doors for teaching in higher education, the program includes an optional teaching apprentice program and a dissertation process for applied research.
Accreditations
American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Downtown Los Angeles
617 West Seventh Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(800) 721-8072
sshapiro@thechicagoschool.edu
http://www.thechicagoschool.edu/Los_AngelesOrange_County/Our_Programs
Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Irvine
4199 Campus Drive Suite 400
Irvine, CA 92612
(800) 721-8072
ssterling@thechicagoschool.edu
http://www.thechicagoschool.edu/Los_AngelesOrange_County/Our_Programs
Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Westwood
1145 Gayley Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(800) 721-8072
kmacleay@thechicagoschool.edu
http://www.thechicagoschool.edu/Los_AngelesOrange_County/Our_Programs
Dominican University of California
Department of Counseling Psychology
Currently ranked as the 31st best college in the West by the U.S. News and World Report, Dominican University of California is one of the oldest private higher learning institutions in the state with an 80-acre urban campus in the city of San Rafael and a total enrollment of over 2,200 diverse students. Since being established in 1978, the Department of Counseling Psychology has offered innovative programs to prepare students for providing professional counseling, consultation, and case management to a wide array of multicultural clients.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy
Intended to deliver a broad-based rigorous curriculum of advanced graduate coursework, supervised fieldwork, and personal psychotherapy experiences, the M.S. in Counseling Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy program requires the completion of 60 credits in preparation for obtaining licensure in California. Focused on the training needed for the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders within a family systems context, the program is conveniently located within Marin County to provide well-established fieldwork experiences to apply skills into real-world therapy sessions.
Accreditations
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
50 Acadia Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-3263
charles.billings@dominican.edu
http://www.dominican.edu/academics/education/counpsych/mft-counseling-psychology
Marriage and family therapists are vital mental health professionals who utilize their specialized training in helping individuals develop strategies to overcome their mental or emotional disorders affecting their relationships. Due to the fact that more people are expected to seek treatment for mental health problems than in earlier decades because of increased insurance coverage and decreased social stigma, employment for marriage and family therapists is projected to grow at the rapid rate of 31% before 2022. In fact, CNN Money has declared marriage and family therapy as the 42nd best job in America with the creation of around 36,000 new jobs over the next decade. In order to open professional doors with licensure in the “Golden State,” check out these accredited marriage and family counseling degrees in California and get on the right track towards improving overall well-being.
