Become an MFT and Empower Others to Thrive

Develop a solid foundation in the theoretical and applied practice of professional counseling to help improve the lives of individuals, couples, and families with Azusa Pacific’s Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Learn to care for the whole person as you benefit from the program’s interdisciplinary studies in theology, ethics, and psychotherapy. The MFT program meets the current requirements for California licensure as a marriage and family therapist.

Gottman Couples Therapy Level 1 Certificate

The Couples Therapy course includes the completion of Gottman Level 1 training, which equips students with new insight into couples’ struggles using research-based assessments and effective interventions based on the Gottman Sound Relationship House Theory. Students receive a certificate of completion and are then eligible to take the Level 2 training.

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) Option

The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy offers one additional 3-unit course which provides for students interested in dual licensure as both an LPCC and an MFT. Coursework meets the State of California requirements for both licenses. Students seeking licensure in California should obtain information regarding clinical requirements by contacting:

Board of Behavioral Sciences
400 R St., Ste. 3150
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-4933
bbs.ca.gov

Substance Use Disorders Certificate

Upon completion of the MFT program, students may choose to take 11 additional units that fulfill the requirements for a Substance Use Disorders certificate. This certificate allows you to establish a competency that historically has only been afforded to those working in the substance use disorders field. As primary care physicians, mental health providers and substance use providers coalesce into whole person care, you will be a part of cutting-edge treatment.

Program Highlights

• Professional active faculty who teach from personal experience.
• A curriculum that integrates spirituality and values.
• A blend of theoretical and practical elements of psychology.
• Alignment with current California licensure requirements.

Explore the program on our website or download our MFT brochure (PDF).

School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences Accreditation

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

University Reputation

U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2023 edition named Azusa Pacific to its list of top national universities and several other significant lists, including First-Year Experiences and Top Performers on Social Mobility. The Princeton Review designated APU as 1 of 126 institutions in the “Best Western Colleges” section of its 2023 Best Colleges guide. APU’s School of Nursing was named a top nursing school in California for 2023 by College Factual and Niche. APU was included as a top-100 degree producer by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Azusa Pacific is also a Military Friendly School and Yellow Ribbon University, serving more than 500 military-connected students and families, and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as an R2 Doctoral Research University.