ASU MFT Program Overview

The Master of Family Therapy (MFT) program at Arizona State University (ASU) is a comprehensive graduate program designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become competent family therapists. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and is recognized for its excellence in training professionals to work with diverse populations.

Program Philosophy and Goals

The ASU MFT program is grounded in a relational and systemic approach to understanding human behavior and relationships. The program’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of considering the broader social, cultural, and economic contexts in which families and individuals live. The primary goals of the program are to:

1. Provide students with a solid foundation in the theoretical and empirical knowledge of marriage and family therapy.
2. Equip students with the clinical skills and competencies necessary to work effectively with diverse populations.
3. Foster an environment that promotes cultural sensitivity, social responsibility, and personal growth.

Curriculum and Coursework

The ASU MFT program consists of 63 credit hours of coursework, which includes a combination of didactic and clinical training. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of marriage and family therapy, including:

1. Foundational Courses: These courses provide an introduction to the field of marriage and family therapy, including the history, theory, and research that underlie the profession.
2. Clinical Courses: These courses focus on the development of clinical skills, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
3. Practicum and Internship Courses: These courses provide students with hands-on experience in clinical settings, where they can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
4. Elective Courses: These courses allow students to specialize in specific areas of interest, such as working with diverse populations, trauma, or substance abuse.

Clinical Training and Experience

The ASU MFT program places a strong emphasis on clinical training and experience. Students participate in a minimum of 500 hours of clinical practicum and internship, where they work with diverse populations and presenting issues. The program has established partnerships with various clinical sites in the community, providing students with opportunities to work in a range of settings, including:

1. Private practice: Students work with licensed therapists in private practice settings, gaining experience in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
2. Community mental health centers: Students work in community mental health centers, providing services to underserved populations and developing skills in cultural competence.
3. Hospital and medical settings: Students work in hospital and medical settings, gaining experience in working with medical teams and developing skills in integrated care.

Faculty and Resources

The ASU MFT program is led by a faculty of experienced and licensed marriage and family therapists who are dedicated to teaching, research, and clinical practice. The program boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and mentorship. The university also provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities, including:

1. The ASU Counseling and Consultation Center: This center provides students with a clinical setting in which to practice their skills and work with diverse populations.
2. The ASU Family Therapy Clinic: This clinic provides students with the opportunity to work with families and individuals, developing skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.

Accreditation and Licensure

The ASU MFT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), which ensures that the program meets the highest standards of quality and excellence. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the national licensing exam, the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam, and to become licensed as marriage and family therapists in the state of Arizona.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the ASU MFT program are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities, including:

1. Private practice: Graduates can establish their own private practices, working with individuals, couples, and families.
2. Community mental health centers: Graduates can work in community mental health centers, providing services to underserved populations.
3. Hospital and medical settings: Graduates can work in hospital and medical settings, providing integrated care and collaborating with medical teams.
4. Academia and research: Graduates can pursue careers in academia and research, teaching and conducting research in the field of marriage and family therapy.