SF State MFT Program Overview

The San Francisco State University (SF State) Master of Science in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program is a comprehensive graduate degree designed to prepare students for a career in counseling, with a focus on working with individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds. This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and is one of the premier programs in the region, adhering to the highest standards of education and training in the field of marriage and family therapy.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The SF State MFT program is a 60-unit, two-year full-time or three-year part-time program that includes a combination of coursework, practicum, and internship experiences. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of marriage and family therapy, including human development, family systems, marital and family therapy, cultural diversity, research methods, and professional identity. The program’s curriculum is structured around several key areas, including:

• Foundational Courses: These courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of marriage and family therapy, including the history and development of the field, ethical and legal issues, and the theoretical foundations of MFT practice.
• Clinical Courses: These courses focus on the development of clinical skills, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, as well as the application of various therapeutic models and techniques.
• Practicum and Internship: These experiential learning components of the program provide students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings under the supervision of licensed therapists. The practicum and internship experiences are designed to help students develop their clinical skills, including assessment, intervention, and evaluation.

Practicum and Internship Experiences

The practicum and internship experiences are critical components of the SF State MFT program, providing students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. These experiences are designed to help students develop their clinical skills, including assessment, intervention, and evaluation, and are supervised by licensed therapists who are experienced in the field of marriage and family therapy. The practicum and internship experiences can be completed in a variety of settings, including community mental health clinics, hospitals, private practices, and non-profit organizations.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the SF State MFT program are qualified to work in a variety of settings, including private practice, community mental health clinics, hospitals, and non-profit organizations. The program’s emphasis on cultural diversity, social justice, and evidence-based practice prepares students to work with diverse populations and to address the complex mental health needs of individuals, couples, and families. Some of the career opportunities available to graduates of the program include:

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the licensure exam to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California.
• Clinical Director: Graduates of the program may also be qualified to work as clinical directors in community mental health clinics, hospitals, and non-profit organizations.
• Program Director: Graduates of the program may also be qualified to work as program directors in community mental health clinics, hospitals, and non-profit organizations.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the SF State MFT program is competitive, and applicants are expected to meet certain requirements, including:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a field related to counseling or a related field.
• GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 units of undergraduate coursework.
• GRE Scores: Official GRE scores (verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing).
• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
• Personal Statement: A personal statement outlining the applicant’s interests, goals, and motivations for pursuing a career in marriage and family therapy.

Conclusion

The SF State MFT program is a highly respected and rigorous graduate program that provides students with the theoretical and practical foundations necessary to become competent marriage and family therapists. With its emphasis on cultural diversity, social justice, and evidence-based practice, the program prepares students to work with diverse populations and to address the complex mental health needs of individuals, couples, and families. Whether you are interested in working in private practice, community mental health, or another setting, the SF State MFT program can provide you with the education and training you need to succeed in this rewarding and challenging field.