Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy prepares students for licensure as marriage and family therapists in Nevada. The program integrates MFT theories and mental health diagnoses, qualifying graduates to apply for licensure and sit for the national MFT licensing exam. Students gain clinical experience through supervised practicums and contribute to the field through faculty research, service, and mentoring.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy prepares students for a profession as a marriage and family therapist as well as a mental health counselor by integrating components of MFT theories as well as mental health diagnoses. The degree qualifies students to apply for licensure in Nevada and sit for the national MFT licensing exam.

Objectives:

• Contribute to the field of marriage and family therapy through faculty research, service, and mentoring; competent students; and culturally sensitive training and research.
• Contribute to the Las Vegas community through the Center for Individual, Couple and Family Counseling, internship placements, and serving diverse/underserved clientele.
• Contribute to the University through fulfilling its mission.

Program Description:

The Couple and Family Therapy Master of Science Degree Program is a 60-credit course of study that prepares candidates for licensure as a Couple and Family Therapist (CFT) in Nevada. CFTs work with individuals, couples, families, and groups on mental health, behavioral, personal, and/or relational concerns. CFTs are employed in a wide range of settings, including public and private, for-profit and non-profit agencies, hospitals, and social service agencies. They may practice independently after they are fully licensed.

Outline:

Course Schedule:

• Year 1:
• Fall Semester: Introduction to Couple and Family Therapy, Sexual Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling Across the Lifespan, Diversity in Couple and Family Therapy
• Spring Semester: Substance Abuse in Couple and Family Therapy, Family Dynamics, Diagnosis in Couple and Family Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Principles and Practices of Marriage and Family Therapy I
• Year 2:
• Fall Semester: Principles and Practices of Couple and Family Therapy II, Ethical and Legal Issues in Couple and Family Therapy, Intermediate Couple and Family Therapy Practicum
• Spring Semester: Advanced Community Practicum, Couples Counseling, Couple and Family Therapy Research Seminar

Modules:

• Introduction to Couple and Family Therapy: Overview of the field of couple and family therapy, including history, theories, and ethical principles.
• Sexual Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy: Exploration of sexual issues that can affect couples and families, including sexual dysfunction, infidelity, and sexual abuse.
• Counseling Across the Lifespan: Examination of the unique developmental challenges and therapeutic needs of individuals and families at different stages of life.
• Diversity in Couple and Family Therapy: Discussion of the impact of culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and other factors on couple and family relationships.
• Substance Abuse in Couple and Family Therapy: Understanding the effects of substance abuse on individuals, couples, and families, and developing strategies for intervention.
• Family Dynamics: Analysis of the dynamics of family systems, including communication patterns, power structures, and conflict resolution.
• Diagnosis in Couple and Family Therapy: Training in the diagnosis of mental health disorders using traditional psychodiagnostic and relational categories.
• Family Systems Theory: Exploration of the theoretical foundations of family systems theory and its application to couple and family therapy.
• Principles and Practices of Marriage and Family Therapy I: Development of basic skills in couple and family therapy, including assessment, treatment planning, and intervention techniques.
• Principles and Practices of Couple and Family Therapy II: Advanced training in couple and family therapy techniques, with a focus on specific clinical issues and populations.
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Couple and Family Therapy: Examination of the ethical and legal responsibilities of couple and family therapists, including confidentiality, informed consent, and dual relationships.
• Intermediate Couple and Family Therapy Practicum: Supervised clinical experience in couple and family therapy under the guidance of a qualified supervisor.
• Advanced Community Practicum: Supervised clinical experience in a community setting, providing couple and family therapy services to diverse populations.
• Couples Counseling: In-depth study of couples counseling techniques, including assessment, treatment planning, and intervention strategies.
• Couple and Family Therapy Research Seminar: Introduction to research methods in couple and family therapy and the evaluation of clinical interventions.

Assessment:

• Coursework: Students are evaluated based on their performance in coursework, including exams, assignments, and participation.
• Practicum: Students are evaluated based on their clinical skills and performance in supervised practicum settings.
• Capstone Project: Students complete a capstone project that demonstrates their ability to integrate knowledge and skills from the program.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are licensed marriage and family therapists and have expertise in a variety of areas, including couple and family therapy, mental health counseling, and research.
• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, case studies, and experiential activities.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects with faculty members and to present their work at professional conferences.

Careers:

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• Certified Family Therapy Supervisor
• Marriage and Family Therapy Researcher
• Instructor of Marriage and Family Therapy
• Clinician in an agency setting
• Private Practitioner of Marriage and Family Therapy