When exploring the many options for marriage and family therapy degree programs within California, The Chicago School emerges as a top contender. Our MFT programs in California, which include the M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy and the Psy.D. Marital and Family Therapy, stand out among marriage and family therapy graduate programs. Read on to learn about the degree programs we offer.
M.A. vs. Psy.D. Program Duration, Degree Requirements, and Curriculums:
M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy
Duration: The master of arts program offers both an accelerated two-year path and a standard three-year timeline.
Admission Requirements: A bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher is required from an accredited institution. The GRE is not required, but students who have taken the exam may submit their scores to enhance their application.
Curriculum: The M.A. program prepares students for a career by providing them with the foundational knowledge in both the scientific and theoretical principles needed for diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative skills.
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- Diagnostic Skills: Graduates will become proficient in the major mental disorders that are acknowledged by the American Psychiatric Association’s “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5).
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- Therapeutic Methods: Students in the M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program will gain hands-on experience with different therapeutic models, allowing students to tailor their approach to different patients’ needs.
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- Consultation Techniques: Our students will develop skill sets that produce effective patient sessions and communication with other mental health professionals.
The M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
Psy.D. Marital and Family Therapy:
Duration: The Psy.D. program requires three years full time to complete.
Degree Requirements: Applying to The Chicago School’s Psy.D. Marital and Family Therapy program is available to those who have earned a license-eligible master’s degree in a mental health field from an accredited institution. Generally, a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required for admission.
Curriculum: This program is designed for pre-licensed and licensed master’s-level mental-health professionals.
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- Understanding Mental Illness: Our students gain an in-depth knowledge of behavioral and personality disorders as presented in the American Psychiatric Association’s “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5). They are equipped to perceive mental health disorders from multiple perspectives, including biological, psychodynamic, familial, and humanistic.
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- Clinical Skills Development: A central part of the Psy.D. Marital and Family Therapy program is the historical perspective of clinical consultation and supervision. Students develop skills in clinical guidance, supervision methodologies, and facilitating reflection and critical thinking methods.
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- Therapeutic Approaches: Graduates from the Psy.D. Marital and Family Therapy program will have a deep understanding of humanistic psychotherapies. Students will learn about foundational therapies like existential, Gestalt, and person-centered approaches. They explore the philosophical and historical origins of these therapies, gaining a solid understanding of the key principles that have shaped these therapeutic methods.
The curriculum focuses on the core competencies provided by the educational model of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP) and the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
Campuses That Offer the M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy and Psy.D. Marital and Family Therapy Programs:
M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy: Traditional on-campus programs in Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Diego make it a great choice among MFT master’s programs in California.
Psy.D. Marital and Family Therapy: Our campuses based in Anaheim and Los Angeles offer the Psy.D. Marital and Family Therapy program. However, The Chicago School has established agreements between the M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program and the Psy.D. Marital and Family Therapy to allow qualified students to enroll in doctoral-level courses while completing the master’s degree. These credits will then count toward the doctoral degree at The Chicago School.
M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy vs. Psy.D. Marital and Family Therapy Career Paths:
M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy: Graduates from the M.A in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program are well-prepared to pursue employment within a variety of professional settings, including:
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- Mental health centers
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- Substance abuse and treatment centers
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- Hospitals
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- Schools and colleges
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- Private practices
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- Employment assistance programs (EAPs)
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- Community mental health agencies
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- Higher education
Psy.D. Marital and Family Therapy: Graduates of the Psy.D. Marital and Family Therapy program can practice as licensed professionals. You can take on leadership roles and apply your knowledge in a range of settings, including:
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- Hospitals and community-based clinics
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- Substance abuse treatment centers
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- Mental health centers
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- Social service agencies
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- Private practice
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- Higher education
Choosing Your Path: M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy vs. Psy.D. Marital and Family Therapy
To sum it up, whether you’re exploring an M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy or an online Psy.D. Marital and Family Therapy, The Chicago School’s programs prepare you for excellence. Deciding between the two depends on your desired career trajectory, time commitments, and academic inclinations. With either choice, you’re well on your way to making an impact with a marriage and family therapy degree. Ready to elevate your career and make a lasting impact in the lives of couples and families? Reach out today and embark on a transformative journey toward obtaining a marriage and family therapy degree from The Chicago School.