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Marriage and Family Therapy Master's Program

  • Credits:
    60
  • Degree:
    Master of Education

Program Description

The Marriage and Family Therapy master's program in California with optional Professional Clinical Counselor concentration provides graduate-level professional training for licensure with a strong commitment to an evolving multicultural society. Students are prepared to meet the licensing standards of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. 

Learning Outcomes

Students learn and apply the principles and best practices of counseling, including various psychotherapeutic techniques for work with individuals, couples, families and groups; group counseling, and consultation to organizations and communities. They study human development, dysfunctional behavior and mental illness. They learn to assess, diagnose and treat within the scope of the Marriage and Family Therapists'/Professional Clinical Counselors' practice and become able to utilize community resources for referrals. Students are equipped to work in community mental health centers, agencies, and organizations, and are employable within and covered by managed care organizations and health plans. They learn and apply strategies for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, domestic violence, the spectrum of mental illnesses; and learn to use psychoeducational techniques aimed to prevent such disorders. They study research design and methodology and become familiar with state regulations applicable to marriage and Family therapy practice. 

Licensure & Credentialing

This program provides the academic preparation for Marriage and Family Therapy licensure application and Clinical Professional Counselor licensure in the state of California. See the licensure status for all states.

 

For more information, please contact Admissions at 1-800-829-4723.

Curriculum

The core program provides the academic preparation for California licensure as a marriage and family therapist. The program of study may not exceed 60 credits. Courses should be taken in sequence indicated on program sheet. A maximum of 4 courses may be taken each term.


Marriage & Family Therapy Core Courses
51
Credits
Research Design and Evaluation
CCP 518 3 credit(s)
This course provides students with a foundation in research and evaluation methodologies and strategies, program evaluation and needs assessment. Students will gain an understanding of different types of research and research design, procedures for data collection and analysis, analysis of both hard and soft data, and ethical and legal considerations associated with research. Students will leave the course prepared to conduct and be discriminating consumers of research.
Personality and Counseling Theory
CCP 540 3 credit(s)
This course explores personality and counseling theories, identifying strengths and weaknesses in each theory. Cultural elements are stressed. Theories are approached from an eclectic standpoint, including normal and abnormal, social, intellectual, and emotional development. Students are encouraged to identify an approach or approaches which are compatible with their history, current philosophy, clients and counseling settings. We also explore modern notions of cultural and family identity, increasing our ability to adapt counseling theory to the strengths and needs of individuals in our contemporary, diverse client population. The on-line library is employed in this course to gather evidence and support project development and presentations. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: b: Theories of normal and abnormal intellectual, social, and emotional development. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standards for School Guidance Counseling: e. Theories of normal and abnormal intellectual, social, and emotional development.
Rogerian Person-Centered Therapy: Basic Counseling Skills
CCP 550 3 credit(s)
Successful completion required for mental health field experience I, CCP520. The basis of therapeutic relationships is seen in Carl Rogers’ theory of personality with its stress of self-actualization, development of the self, phenomenological field, validation, and conditions of worth is the basis for the techniques that are taught, practiced and modeled in this course. These techniques are empathic understanding, unconditional positive regard, and congruence. These techniques are central to any effective relationship from any theoretical perspective. The student will become practiced at these and related aspects of person-centered theory. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standards for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: Standard a: Principles of therapeutic relationships.
Human Development Across the Lifespan
CCP 630 3 credit(s)
This course will address the psychological and biological aspects of human development from conception through childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, mid-life and aging. Familial, environmental and cultural factors will be explored as they impact the development of people across the continuum of life. Theory will combine with application related to physical, emotional, intellectual, learning, social, normal and abnormal development; plus cognitive, moral, and vocational adjustment. The processes of physical and psychological development including ethnic and gender differences will be studied. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: b: Theories of normal and abnormal intellectual, social, and emotional development. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standards for School Guidance Counseling: c. psychology of learning, and e. theories of normal and abnormal, intellectual, social, and emotional development.
Psychopathology
CCP 615 3 credit(s)
This course deals with the nature of neurotic behavior, abnormal behavior and the psychoses, as well as the nature of normal and abnormal intellectual, social, and emotional development and learning in childhood and adolescence. Particular attention is given to ego-defensive, adaptive and sociocultural aspects of behavior, health and wellness, and ways in which adaptive behavior becomes symptomatic. This course organizes disorders according to the organization of the DSM-5. Historical contexts in which psychopathology has been diagnosed and viewed from early medical concepts through the currently used Diagnostic Criteria in the DSM-5 are presented. Learning disorders, including emotional issues affecting student achievement and their treatments are investigated. Attention is focused on differential diagnosis, treatment planning and best practices in applied settings. Discussions focus on psychopharmacology, knowledge of medical conditions and medication related to physical disabilities and learning disorders, prevalent psychotherapies, and theories of abnormal behavior and development. Case studies provide experience in classifying, diagnosing and categorizing various mental disorders from childhood throughout the lifespan. Discussions of treatment of mental illness include psychopharmacology, prevalent psychotherapies used in individual, family, couple and group psychotherapy and current research findings related to treatment. Discussions also focus on health and wellness, multicultural issues, plus variables related to resiliency and student learning. Additionally, the effects of abuse, violence, theories of normal and abnormal behavior and development are examined. Current research that can assist the school counselor in developing a plan of action for referral and treatment that relates to personal, social and academic functioning of students will be procured through the online library. This course utilizes films, tapes, case studies, class presentations, lectures, and group discussions. It includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course also includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: h: Knowledge of medical conditions and medication related to physical disabilities and learning disorders. c. Learning disorders, including emotional issues affecting student achievement, and their treatment This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standards for School Guidance Counseling: c. Psychology of learning. d. Understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of learning and behavior disorders. e. Theories of normal and abnormal intellectual, social, and emotional development.
Group Dynamics/Group Counseling & Human Systems
CCP 650 3 credit(s)
This course involves the study of the dynamics common to all small groups, through examining their structural and interactional properties and learning the bases for understanding groups as therapeutic, organizational, social, psychological, and collective phenomena. The class will be divided into two groups. All students will participate in an experiential, interactional group for one half of the term and observe another interactional group for one half of the term. Each experiential phase of a group will be followed by a didactic analysis of the process. The instructor will demonstrate various techniques as leader of all experiential sessions. Leadership styles will be examined as they influence group process. Students are required to write journal analyses of group sessions, complete assigned readings, and attend every session. Students are taught to develop self-awareness, sensitivity to others, and skills needed to relate to individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds. (No one will be admitted to the course in the event of failure to attend the first session.) Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: a: Principles of therapeutic relationships. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Guidance Counseling: l. group counseling and group leadership.
Marriage and Family Therapy: Basic Counseling Skills
CCP 710 3 credit(s)
This course will cover the theories behind marital and family therapy and provide a practical integration of interests and skills. The course is designed to meet the needs of both beginning and experienced therapists. Beginning students will have the opportunity to build a sound theoretical foundation for marital and family therapy while more advanced students can refine technique and explore emerging treatment approaches. Written assignments will be similarly tailored. One basic counseling skills course is required in each counseling program. The course stresses development of counseling skills which are essential to a particular area of training and practice. One or more active teaching methods, such as role-play, live or videotaped demonstration, or other experiential exercises form a significant part of the course experience. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction.
Clinical Practice in California
CCP 758

This course is only available at California locations and may not be offered at other locations. This course explores the intersection of the diversity of California culture and the practice of mental health counseling. Topics include: gender, gender identity and sexual expression; diversity in family organization and living arrangement; cultural and religious beliefs specific to California and the understanding necessary to provide effective therapy; family and community violence, crisis and emergency response, and treatment of trauma; local and regional supports and resources available to individuals and families; and socioeconomic factors specific to the diverse cultures found in California. Topics include child and intimate partner abuse, elder abuse and reporting requirements. (7 clock hours). this course include the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation and collaboration, team membership and client interaction.

Ethics & Professional Issues for School Counselors & Mental Health Practitioners
CCP 622 3 credit(s)
This course explores several models of school counseling and mental health counseling and the relationship to relevant ethics, federal, state, municipal, state laws, and standards and regulations. The course emphasizes best practices and strategies for dealing with ethical and legal dilemmas, including the ability to apply and practice ethical and legal standards in school counseling. School counseling and systems models are examined along with consultation, harm prevention and reduction, and the evaluation and utilization of community resources. Focal areas include professional roles and functions, ethical standards including accountability, responsibility, client/student welfare, emotional health, laws and regulations, institutional policies including crisis/disaster preparedness and response, cross cultural, cross social class practices and their impact on mental health and school counseling. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: h: Federal and state laws and regulations addressing the legal rights of students and families. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Guidance Counseling: i. Federal, state, municipal, and school laws and regulations.
Career Development
CCP 639 3 credit(s)

This course provides an experiential approach to career development for mental health, school and rehabilitation counselors to support clients with and without disabilities across the lifespan in both individual and group settings. Orientation to key assessment instruments, online resources, labor market information, transferable skills analysis, job placement strategies and work-related supports will be made to support the career guidance process and to develop comprehensive plans of action for clients.
This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Counseling: i. Career counseling.

Post Traumatic Stress Reactions
CCP 724 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on theory, research and practice of trauma by addressing systemic and cultural aspects of diagnosis, assessment, dynamics, and trauma treatment. This includes acute stress disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and complex PTSD, as well as dual diagnoses. Immediate and long-term effects of trauma on various populations will be explored: trauma in adults, children, and families, sexual and physical abuse survivors; victims of crimes, large scale disaster, war; workplace violence and complicated grief. Other topics include trauma resilience, natural courses of coping; transgenerational aspects of traumatization and life span perspectives on trauma. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: d: Prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence in PreK-12 students. This course includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction.
Perspectives in Cross Cultural Counseling
CCP 754 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on the role of culture in the development of psychological health and in psychopathology. Variations among diverse cultures in defining mental health and deviant behavior are discussed. The importance of understanding the cultural context is emphasized, both in the prevention and in the resolution of psychological problems. Students become aware of their own cultural beliefs regarding mental health issues, and the impact of their perspective in working with culturally different people. Techniques for working with families and schools are also discussed. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standards for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: Standard f: Techniques for communicating and working with families and school and community personnel. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standards for School Guidance Counseling: m. Development of skills for consultation with parents, teachers, and administrators
Counseling Techniques with Multi-Problem Families in Changing Communities
CCP 561 3 credit(s)
It is strongly recommended that students participate in a practicum/internship while enrolled in this course. This course is for those beginning work with “multi-problem” families, and for those with some experience who wish to adopt a systemic, strengths-focused model of counseling. Techniques for communicating and working with families in school and community settings are emphasized. Instructor and student generated case studies are supported by role-playing and outside readings. Students go step-by-step through assessment, contracting, and counseling processes. They learn how to evaluate resources and needs, how to identify and collaborate with outside helpers and agencies, and how to deal with conflicts between the needs of family members. Issues relating to family violence, substance abuse and the use of home visiting are also discussed. In addition to class participation and readings, two papers analyzing families and the counseling process are required. This course emphasizes approaches which honor the socioeconomic, linguistic and cultural differences which may affect families and relationship between the family and therapist. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: f: Techniques for communicating and working with families and school and community personnel.
Family Treatment of Substance Abuse
CCP 606 3 credit(s)
This course bridges the gap between substance abuse counseling and family therapy. It examines the specific interactional patterns that help to maintain addictive behavior within the family. Case examples illustrate how to intervene in addictive families. The following topics are covered: a systemic perspective on addictive behavior; assessing substance abuse and setting treatment goals; the over-responsibility/under-responsibility dynamic in families; the Family Intervention Model; treatment needs of young children and adult children of addictive families; and facilitating family adjustment to sobriety. Course requirements include class attendance, reading, participation in experiential exercises and role play. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: d: Prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence in PreK-12 students.
Psychological Testing
CCP 636 3 credit(s)
This course provides an overview of psychological testing including a review of projective testing and techniques for individual and group administration for understanding personality development and pathology, basic administration, scoring and diagnostic skill development. This course reviews instruments including TAT, MMPI and Rorschach as well as language and alternative non-language-based intelligence tests, achievement tests including the WISC-IV, the Woodcock-Johnson III, tests of nonverbal intelligence, and other state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. Emphasis is on clinical integration of the testing materials, useful intervention strategies and recommendations for the counselor, treatment team and/or referral agent. Test reliability, validity, standard deviations, scaled scores, percentiles and interpretation of significant differences are taught. This course includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standards for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: c. Learning disorders, including emotional issues affecting student achievement, and their treatment. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Counseling: b. Understanding and interpretation of Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) and other academic test results to students, teachers, and peers.
The Life of the Family in Context
CCP 722 3 credit(s)
This course examines the evolution of the family in the context of the social environment in which it exists. Traditional family values and structures are examined as well as more modern and nontraditional situations that may include: the divorced family, the gay/lesbian family, families of war, immigrant families, religious families, foster/alternative family environments, families of abuse, grandparent/grandchild families, culturally blended families, addicted families, and families experiencing mental illness. An exploration of personal and professional experiences and the lenses through which we view families as well as challenges to traditional family concepts will be considered. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction.
Psychopharmacology in Addictions and Mental Health Counseling.
CCP 720 3 credit(s)
The use of medications in the treatment of alcohol and drug dependence and their co-occurring disorders has historically been controversial. Newer medications with less potential for addiction are increasingly being used, including agonist and antagonist drugs designed to have a direct impact on the neurochemistry of addiction. Finding the balance between treating dependence and co-occurring depression, anxiety, trauma and other disorders poses a special challenge, and it appears that addressing these issues concurrently shows the most success. This course will review current clinical models of intervention and differential diagnosis. A brief review of relevant neuroanatomy and neurophysiology will set the stage for an examination of major psychotropic medications, including antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers and anti-anxiety medications, as well as newer medications for addictions treatment. This course will be grounded in clinical material and frequent presentation of case material. Requirements will minimally include one topical presentation. Responsibility will be shared for presenting material throughout the class. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction.
Practicum/Internship Field Experience
9
Credits

Students must choose a licensure pathway before selecting their three practicum courses:

  • Licensure as a Marriage & Family Therapist: CCP 513, CCP 644, and CCP 731 
  • Dual licensure as a Marriage & Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor: CCP 520D, CCP 620D, and CCP 720D

Students must complete a minimum of 150 hours of direct face-to-face client contact in no fewer than two terms. A student must be enrolled in a field experience course while counseling clients except as specified in subdivision c of section 4980.42. In addition to the 150 required hours, students must complete 75 hours of either or a combination of the following: Client-centered advocacy as defined in Section 4980.03 or face-to-face experience counseling individuals, couples, families, or groups. 

also required: CCP592 Exit Portfolio (non-credit)

California Clinical Experience: Practicum I
CCP 513 3 credit(s)

Supervised clinical counseling of individuals, couples, groups, families, and children. At least one hour of individual supervision per week or two hours of group supervision. Four hours of case presentations. Continuous registration for this portion of the clinical training until completion of at least 100 clock hours.

California Clinical Experience: Practicum II
CCP 644 3 credit(s)

Supervised clinical counseling of individuals, couples, groups, families, and children. At least one hour of individual supervision per week or two hours of group supervision. Four hours of case presentations. Continuous registration for this portion of the clinical training until completion of at least 100 clock hours.

California Clinical Experience: Practicum III
CCP 731 3 credit(s)

Supervised clinical counseling of individuals, couples, groups, families, and children. At least one hour of individual supervision per week or two hours of group supervision. Four hours of case presentations. Continuous registration for this portion of the clinical training until completion of at least 100 clock hours.

Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT)/Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) Practicum I
CCP 520D 3 credit(s)

Prerequisites: 12 units of coursework in the MFT/PCC Program. A practical integration of theory and technique. Supervised practicum/field study experience in clinical counseling of individuals, couples, groups, families, and children. A minimum of one hour of individual or triadic supervision, or two hours of group supervision weekly. Four hours of case presentations. Continuous registration for this portion of the clinical training until completion of at least fifty clock hours or six semester units. Students are required to meet BBS and COAMFTE minimum clinical hour requirements.

Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT)/Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) Practicum II
CCP 620D 3 credit(s)

Prerequisites: 12 units of coursework in the MFT/PCC Program. Supervised practicum/field study experience in clinical counseling of individuals, couples, groups, families, and children. At least one hour of individual supervision per week or 2 hours of group supervision. Four hours of case presentations. Continuous registration for this portion of the clinical training until completion of at least fifty clock hours or six semester units. Students are required to meet BBS and COAMFTE minimum clinical hour requirements.

Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT)/Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) Practicum III
CCP 720D 3 credit(s)

Prerequisites: 12 units of coursework in the MFT/PCC Program. Supervised practicum/field study experience in clinical counseling of individuals, couples, groups, families, and children. At least one hour of individual supervision per week or 2 hours of group supervision. Four hours of case presentations. Continuous registration for this portion of the clinical training until completion of at least fifty clock hours or six semester units. Students are required to meet BBS and COAMFTE minimum clinical hour requirements.

Program Chair

Core Faculty

Senior Instructor

Pages

Admissions

  • Admission Test:

    No standardized graduate school tests required for admission into non-licensure programs

  • Admissions Office:
    1-800-829-4723
  • Application Form:
  • Application Fee:
    $50 ($100 for international students)

Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students 

The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:

Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form

Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.

 

School Requirements

International Students 

International students need to provide supplemental documentation:

  • Official demonstration of English language proficiency
  • Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
  • International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service

Transfer Credit 

Please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more.

 

Tuition

  • Credits:
    60
  • Cost per credit hour:
    $639
  • Application Fee:
    $50 ($100 for international students)
  • Health Insurance Fee:
    $3,940 - Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.)
  • Internship/Practicum Fee:
    $400

Note: Rates are as of July, 2022, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students, unless otherwise noted.

Financial Aid

Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more

Grants, Scholarships and Loans

Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college.  Federal, state and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more

Getting Your Company to Help

Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more

Take the Next Step Toward Your Master's Degree