if you are considering a career in counseling, then Marriage and family therapy is the best choice for you. This blog post provides a comprehensive list of the MFT programs in San Diego and it will guide you into choosing the program best fit for you.
By now you should already know that MFT means marriage and family therapy and it is one of the Counselling programs that deal with the issues couples and families face and how to handle such issues.
These issues include divorce, drug dependency, abuse, and so on. As the global divorce rate continues to rise, you may want to consider taking this MFT program as your career field of study and help counter the high divorce rate while securing a job with a high income.
A Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program is a graduate degree at the master’s or doctorate level that is mainly concentrated in the field of psychology and mental health.
This MFT program prepares students for in-depth knowledge in the assessment and treatment of mentally related issues alongside the completion of a clinical training requirement where you get to apply your experience in the field.
San Diego is a city in California that is known for its beaches, parks, and warm climate. Aside from this, San Diego is known to host some of the best MFT programs in the state.
We have published articles on MFT programs in California as well as MFT programs in Texas. If you are living in Georgia as well, we have MFT programs in Georgia that you can enroll in as well.
But for the purpose of this article, we will be laying emphasis on MFT programs in San Diego.
In the US state of San Diego, the first step to becoming a licensed Marriage and family therapist is to graduate from a qualifying program that meets the education requirement for MFT licensure in the state.
Also, you have to meet the regulations set by the Board of Behavioral Sciences
Without further ado, let’s delve into the MFT programs in San Diego.
4 Best MFT programs in San Diego
Listed below are the best MFT programs in San Diego that you can enroll in and kickstart your career as a Marriage and family therapist.
- M.A in Alliant University
- M.A in San Diego State University
- Doctor of Philosophy in North Central University of San Diego
- M.A in Bethel Seminary University San Diego
1. M.A in Alliant University
Alliant University offers a master of art in marriage and family therapy. The program is accredited and structured to help students gain licensure in almost all states and is ranked one of the best MFT programs in San Diego.
The curriculum at the university is theoretically based and it focuses on systematic orientation.
During the program, you will learn how to explore areas relevant to mental health professions such as parent-child therapy, couples therapy, sex therapy, and lots more.
The coursework is online with hands-on training through 300 hours of direct client contact, 100 hours of supervision, and at least 100 professional development hours which sum up to 600 to 1300 hours to apply towards your licensure.
When you graduate, you have the opportunity to earn a specialization in chemical dependency. This specialization is embedded in the MA program and doesn’t require any additional coursework.
2. M.A in San Diego State University
The San Diego State University offers a master of science program in marriage and family therapy. This program can be completed in two and a half years and is ranked one of the best MFT programs in San Diego.
During this program, students are offered the opportunity to engage in academic research which prepares them for further research at a doctorate level and broadens their career choice after graduation.
The main aim of this program is to prepare students for their licensure and to produce competent therapists all over San Diego.
3. Doctor of Philosophy in North Central University of San Diego
The National University formerly known as North Central University is offering a Master of Arts program in marriage and family therapy and is ranked one of the best MFT programs in San Diego.
It is the first distance education program to receive COAMFTE accreditation. majority of the coursework is online, practical, internship, and clinical supervision.
The program consists of a minimum of 45 credit hours and takes about 33 hours to complete. Some of the track activities for the program include MFT for couples, the LGBTQ community, military families, systematic treatment for drug addiction and dependency, child and adolescent, medical family therapy, sex therapy, and a lot more.
4. M.A in Bethel Seminary University San Diego
Bethel Seminary University in San Diego Offers a Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy and is ranked one of the best MFT programs in San Diego. During this program, you will learn how to become an effective therapist and treat patients with skill and compassion.
In addition to that, you will also learn how to utilize a rational approach and part we with patients in their healing process.
In this MFT program, you will gain expertise in Marriage and family therapy both clinical and theoretical aspects alongside Christian theology.
This will enable you to get your licensure and also provide holistic therapy for your patients.
After graduation, you can work as the following:
- Marriage and family therapist
- Director of children and family ministry
- School-based therapist
- Case managers
- Private practitioners
- Missionary pastor care/coaches
- Church family ministry specialist
Conclusion
These programs listed above are the best MFT programs you can find in San Diego. The experience you will gain will provide you with the necessary skills to become competent marriage and family therapists. Remember to research each program further to find the one that aligns with your interests and goals.