FAQs

A limited number of scholarships are available and given each year to enrolled students. Information about scholarships available to MCFT students can be found here. Applicants are highly encouraged to explore external scholarship options as well.

Opportunities for graduate assistantships are sometimes available at the Lewis & Clark Community Counseling Center (L&C CCC) and the Office of Health Promotions and Wellness. These openings occur on a rolling basis and recruitment is done by each respective office. In addition, enrolled students have the opportunity to volunteer or become a graduate assistant with the Problem Gambling Services program.

Graduates from both programs are equipped to work with a variety of mental health concerns and diagnosis in various treatment settings. Students in the MCFT program are trained to become marriage and family therapists while students in the PMHC program are trained to become licensed professional counselors. MFTs understand, conceptualize, and treat mental health symptoms in the context of relationships. LPCs utilize a bio-psycho-social approach to assessing and treating mental health symptoms. Attend an information session or open house to learn more about each program.

The MCFT program is interested in applicants with a desire to integrate social justice practices in the therapeutic process. We look for people who understand the importance of relationships and who want to provide systemic and relational therapy. Folks who demonstrate cultural humility and an openness to feedback and learning are of particular interest to us. Most applicants have educational, work, or volunteer experience in human development, family studies, human services, psychology, or other related fields.

As a COAMFTE Accredited program, the MCFT program teaches a wide variety of foundational and contemporary relational therapy models. Students are required to demonstrate a basic understanding of all models taught throughout the program. When students begin working with clients, they will develop a systemic theory of change. Outside of the foundational core curriculum, students may choose to take electives that focus on a specific theory or approach such as somatic, intergenerational, play therapy, DBT, ACT, and more.

All students take a research methods course as part of their program of study. Outside of the research course, formal research is not a requirement of the program. Students do not need to complete a thesis as part of their degree. Students interested in pursuing opportunities to work with faculty on their research projects are encouraged to reach out directly to them. This is especially important for students interested in applying for a doctoral program. Faculty research interests can be found by viewing their faculty profile.

It is not uncommon for MCFT students to work part-time while completing the program. However, the program is not set-up to support applicants who plan to maintain full-time employment during their studies. Once students start internship and externship, it can be difficult to balance clinical work, course work, and full time employment.

Some community partners provide stipends to student interns. The Placement Office collects information from externship sites on an annual basis, including details about the availability and eligibility of stipends. This information is provided to students on the CTSP site map, which is made available to students approved to seek placements in the fall of their second year. Additional information about clinical training can be found in the Clinical Training Handbook.

Multiple meeting times (sections) are offered for each core course. Students are encouraged to register for courses that fit within their schedule. Occasionally, students will need to waitlist their preferred section and enroll in a different section. If their spot on the waitlist does not result in a seat in their preferred section, they will need to attend the section in which they are fully registered. Additional information about the CTSP Attendance policy can be found in the MCFT Program Handbook.

A wide variety of teaching modalities are used throughout the program. This includes, but is not limited to, lecture, large- and small-group discussions, video observation, case conceptualization, role play, and more. Students who need additional support in their learning are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Student Accessibility to explore eligibility requirements for formal accommodations.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the job outlook for MFTs is expected to continue to grow significantly over the next decade, which is promising for our graduates. Many of our graduates provide mental health services at community mental health centers, group therapy practices, schools, residential treatment facilities, co-occurring mental health and substance use treatment centers, Veterans Affairs programs, integrated health care settings, and more. After gaining full licensure, many go on to become AAMFT Approved and/or state approved supervisors. Some of our graduates choose to continue their education by obtaining a doctoral degree.