快活林性息

MFT Program: In A Nutshell

COAMFTE Accreditation

Accredited: November 1, 2016; Renewed in May 2023

快活林性息鈥檚 MFT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (). Accreditation is a voluntary process designed to ensure the quality of education provided by marriage and family therapy programs. All accredited programs are expected to meet or exceed all accreditation standards throughout their period of accreditation. As part of this process and in accordance with the Accreditation Standards Version 12.5, programs are required to meet COAMFTE Graduate Achievement Criteria by cohort and publish this information on the homepage of its website. Below please find tables reporting student achievement data for 快活林性息.

Graduate Achievement Data I

The Commission requires that each program report Graduation Rates for the advertised length of time for each cohort. The rate is calculated by dividing the total number of individuals enrolling in the program by the total number of individuals graduating within each time period.

Graduate Achievement Data II

The Commission requires that each program report Job Placement Rates for each cohort. This rate is calculated by dividing the number of individuals who entered in the year listed that are employed using skills developed in their program of study divided by the number of individuals that provided their employment status to the program.

Graduate Achievement Data III

The Commission requires that each program report the licensure rate for each cohort, which is defined as the percentage of graduates from the cohort year that have achieved ANY level of MFT licensure. In California, this is defined as achieving the Associate Level of licensure. For Master鈥檚 programs only, COAMFTE has established a benchmark of 70% licensure rate for each cohort.

Graduate Achievement Data Disclosure

• 贵罢=贵耻濒濒鈥恡颈尘别
• IP=In Process: Students from the cohort listed have yet to graduate from the cohort year listed.
• Programs are only required to provide data on the past 7 years/cohort or since the program was initially accredited, whichever is shorter.
• *Graduation Rate is the program鈥檚 Advertised Length of Completion which is how long the program is designed to complete as written.
• **Job Placement Rate is the percentage of graduates from the cohort year that are employed utilizing skills learned in the COAMFTE accredited program.
• ***Licensure rate is the percentage of graduates from the cohort year that have achieved ANY level of MFT licensure. For 快活林性息, this refers to seeking Associate MFT status in California.
• For Master鈥檚 programs only, COAMFTE has established a benchmark of 70% licensure rate for each cohort.听

MFT Program Learning Objectives

Instructional Philosophy

The Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling program at 快活林性息 is designed based on a learning-centered, outcome-based educational principles as described below:

Learning-Centered Education

• A cross-disciplinary, constructivist pedagogical model, learning-centered education refers to designing educational curricula that focus on promoting active student learning of specific skills and knowledge rather than mastery of content.
• In this approach, learning is the focus of curriculum design. Student learning is measured to determine whether students are meaningfully engaging the material. Students are active in this process, applying and using knowledge rather than trying to memorize or analyze it.
• Clearly defined learning objectives and criteria are used to facilitate student learning and democratized the student-teacher relationship.

Outcome-Based Education

• Closely related to learning-centered, outcome-based learning refers to designing curriculum around the final learning outcomes or objectives.
• Rather than simply following the textbook chapter by chapter, the learning objectives drive the curriculum.

The learning objectives and outcome measures for this program have been derived from three distinct sources:

1. The听听(BBS) educational requirements for becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.
2. The Marriage and Family Therapy Core Competencies developed by the听.
3. The Student Learning Objectives (SLO) developed by the departmental faculty.

Program Goals & Student Learning Objectives (SLO's)

Program Goal #1:

Knowledge, Research and Ethics:听Educate new professionals on the foundational knowledge required for effective practice, including in family therapy theories, the field鈥檚 evidence base, and legal and ethical standards.

• SLO1:听Knowledge:听Students and graduates demonstrate knowledge of family therapy theories and intervention.
• SLO2:听Ethics:听Students and graduates demonstrate a practical understanding of the legal and ethical standards of MFT practice in California.
• SLO3:听Research:听Students are able to identify and interpret professional research and literature to meaningfully inform practice.

Program Goal #2:

Diversity:听Enable students to consciously engage with the complexities of intersecting personal identities and societal processes and to use these understandings to inform their clinical work.

• SLO4:听Diversity Awareness:听Students demonstrate reflective practices that promote personal growth and self-awareness, enabling students to critically and accurately evaluate how their beliefs, behaviors, and cultural context affect clients and shape their practice.

Program Goal #3:

Practice:听Train students to effectively provide clinical services to the diverse communities of Southern California.

• SLO5:听Assessment:听Students conduct psychosocial, family, clinical, diagnostic, crisis, and progress assessments of clients that account for individual as well as family system dynamics and larger socio-political and cultural contexts.
• SLO6:听Clinical Intervention:听Students and graduates demonstrate effective, evidence-based, and culturally responsive therapy interventions with clients.

Assessment Policies

Program educational outcomes, including student learning outcomes, program outcomes, and faculty outcomes are measuring on an ongoing basis. The sources of data include signature assignments in individual courses, course evaluations by students, site supervisors, licensure data provided by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, alumni surveys, student surveys, employer surveys, and institutional data maintained by 快活林性息. These assessments are used to continually improve program outcomes.

Program Assessment

The MFT program uses a comprehensive data assessment process for ongoing program improvement. This process involves assessing student learning and surveying faculty, students, alumni, supervisors, and employers on an ongoing basis.

All faculty are required to participate in program assessment, including collecting data in specified courses, completing faculty surveys, and participating in faculty review of program data.

Highlights of this process include:

• Student Learning Assessment:听Formal student learning outcomes are assessed through academic and clinical courses, including fieldwork, clinical assessment, and culminating experience courses. Faculty teaching these courses must be involved in data collection and review.
• Sufficiency of Academic, Clinical, Technological, Instructional, Supervisory, Fiscal, Physical, and Student Support Resources:Faculty and students are surveyed each year to determine the sufficiency of resources to enable the program to meet its goals. Areas of review include:
  • Student Learning Outcomes
  • Fiscal and physical resources
  • Technological resources
  • Academic resources
  • Student support services
  • Instructional and clinical resources
  • Faculty sufficiency
  • Supervisory sufficiency
• Alumni and Employers:听Alumni and employers are surveyed every 2-3 years to assess how well the program prepares students for contemporary work settings.
• Review of Data:听The Program Coordinator oversees data collection and aggregates data for review. Core faculty review data related to SLOs, program surveys, and fieldwork each spring semester at the April Program Assessment Meeting Faculty meeting to identify areas in need of improvement and evaluate the effectiveness of prior efforts to improve program outcomes. Additionally, the entire MFT Program Faculty (core and adjuncts) reviews key findings from the April review in the August All MFT Faculty Meeting.
• Reporting Back to the Community:听The results of the program assessment are reported (a) to core faculty in the April Core Faculty Meeting, (b) to Adjunct Faculty in the August All MFT Faculty Meeting, (c) to students in each semester鈥檚 Advising Meeting, and (d) to all communities of interest in the Program Director鈥檚 Report each summer.

Pre-Requisite - 3 units

Prerequisites must be completed prior to beginning the program: no exceptions.

EPC 451: Fundamentals of Counseling and Guidance (3)

2021 MFT Curriculum

1. Marriage and Family Therapy Foundations (18 units)

• EPC 643MF Diversity in Family Therapy (3)
• EPC 670MFA Systemic Family Therapy Theories (3)
• EPC 670MFB Postmodern and Cognitive-Behavioral Family Theories (3)
• EPC 670MFC Psychoeducational and Process Groups听in Family Therapy (3)
• EPC 671MF Law, Ethics, and Professional Issues in Family Therapy听(3)
• EPC 674MF Family Development Across the Lifespan (3)

2. Advanced Intervention with Specific Populations (16 units)

• EPC 656MF Therapy with Children, Adolescents, and Their Families (3)
• EPC 657MF Career Interventions in Mental Health Contexts (3)
• EPC 673MF Trauma-Informed Community Mental Health (3)
• EPC 675MF Substance Abuse听and Addictions Treatment in Family Therapy (3)
• EPC 677MFA Couples and Sex Therapy (3)
• EPC 677MFB Gender and Human Sexuality in Couple and Family Therapy (1)

3. Clinical Assessment and Research Courses (15 units)

• EPC 603MFA Clinical Research and Program Evaluation (3)
• EPC 603MFB: Introduction to Professional Writing (2)*
• EPC 672MFA Mental Health Assessment and Diagnosis in Family Therapy (3)
• EPC 672MFB Neurobiology and Treatment of Trauma (1)
• EPC 678MF Psychopharmacology & Neurobiological Foundations in Family Therapy (3)
• EPC 679MF Clinical and Outcome-Based Assessment (3)

4. Practicum and Fieldwork Courses (17 units)

• EPC 659MFA Introduction to Counseling Theory and Practice (3)
• EPC 659MFB Practicum in Family Therapy (3)
• EPC 659MFC Fieldwork in Marriage and Family Therapy (3)
• EPC 659MFD Fieldwork in Marriage and Family Therapy (3)
• EPC 690MF Advanced Fieldwork & Professional Development in Family Therapy (5)***

5. Culminating Experience (6 units)

In order to complete their culminating experience, students will choose, in consultation with their culminating experience chair:
a. Comprehensive Exam: Either EPC695MF Writing Seminar in Family Therapy (3) or EPC696MF Directed Graduate Research in Family Therapy (3) AND EPC 697 Directed Comprehensive Studies (3)
OR
b. Master鈥檚 Thesis or Project: EPC 698C Thesis/Graduate Project (6)

Total Units Required for the M.S. Degree: 72

Sample Course Sequencing

2 1/2 -3 Year Program, Including Two Summers
Each cohort will receive its exact course sequencing at the start of the program.

YEAR ONE FALL

• EPC 670MFA Systemic Family Therapy Theories (3)
• EPC 659MFA Introduction to Counseling Theory and Practice (3)
• EPC 643MF Diversity in Family Therapy (3)
• EPC 671MF Law, Ethics, and Professional Issues in Family Therapy听(3)
• EPC 603MFB: Introduction to Professional Writing (2)

YEAR ONE SPRING

• EPC 670MFB Postmodern and Cognitive-Behavioral Family Theories (3)
• EPC 659MFB Practicum in Family Therapy (3)
• EPC 603MFA Clinical Research and Program Evaluation (3)
• EPC 672MFA Mental Health Assessment and Diagnosis in Family Therapy (3)
• EPC 672MFB Neurobiology and Treatment of Trauma (1)

YEAR ONE SUMMER

• EPC 674MF Family Development Across the Lifespan (3)
• EPC 690MF Advanced Fieldwork & Professional Development in Family Therapy (2)

YEAR TWO FALL

• EPC 659MFC Fieldwork in Marriage and Family Therapy (3)
• EPC 673MF Trauma-Informed Community Mental Health (3)
• EPC 656MF Therapy with Children, Adolescents, and Their Families (3)
• EPC 677MFA Couples and Sex Therapy (3)

YEAR TWO SPRING

• EPC 659MFD Fieldwork in Marriage and Family Therapy (3)
• EPC 670MFC Psychoeducational and Process Groups听in Family Therapy (3)
• EPC 679MF Clinical and Outcome-Based Assessment (3)
• EPC 677MFB Gender and Human Sexuality in Couple and Family Therapy (1)
• EPC696MF Directed Graduate Research in Family Therapy (3)

YEAR TWO SUMMER

• EPC 657MF Career Interventions in Mental Health Contexts (3)

YEAR THREE FALL

• EPC 678MF Psychopharmacology & Neurobiological Foundations in Family Therapy (3)
• EPC 675MF Substance Abuse听and Addictions Treatment in Family Therapy (3)
• EPC 690MF Advanced Fieldwork & Professional Development in Family Therapy (3)
• EPC 697 Directed Comprehensive Studies (3) OR EPC 698C Thesis/Graduate Project

2012-2020 MFT Curriculum

M.S. IN COUNSELING, OPTION IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY

NOTE: THIS CURRICULUM IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR NEW STUDENT ENROLLMENT AND IS INCLUDED FOR THOSE CURRENTLY ENROLLED

Counseling Core Courses

• 643: Diversity in Counseling (3)
• 655: Counseling Theories (3)
• 657C: Career Interventions in Mental Health Counseling (3)
• 671M: Law, Ethics, and Professional Issues in Family Therapy (3)

Marriage and Family Specialization Courses

• 656: Therapy with Children, Adolescents, and their Families (3)
• 670A: Systemic Family Theories and the Evidence Base (3)
• 670B: Postmodern & Cognitive Family Theories & the Evidence Base (3)
• 670C: Psychoeducation & Group Process in Family Therapy (3)
• 673: Community Mental Health (3)
• 674: Family Development Across the Lifespan (3)
• 675: Chemical Dependency and Addictions Counseling (3)
• 677: Couple and Sex Therapy (3)

Clinical Assessment and Research Courses

• 603: Clinical Research and Program Evaluation (3)
• 679: Clinical and Outcome-Based Assessments (3)
• 672: Mental Health Diagnosis (3)
• 678: Psychopharmacology & Neurobiological Foundations (3)

Practicum and Fieldwork Courses

• 659A: Practicum: Communication (3)
• 659B: Practicum: Skills (3)
• 659P: Fieldwork in MFT (3)
• 659Q: Fieldwork in MFT (3)
• 659R: Fieldwork in MFT (1)
• 690: Professional Development and Practice in the Field (1, 2, or 3 units; optional; as needed to complete field practice)

Culminating Experience

• 697/698 and 695WC Comprehensive Exams or Thesis/Project (3-6)听Note: most students require six units.

64-67 Unit program

Transferring Degree Out of State

快活林性息 has reviewed the 2020 licensing laws and policies based on resources provided through the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards ()听and research shared by faculty at Auburn University, another COAMFTE accredited school. Based on our review, our program will enable students to pursue licensure in the following states. However, since states and regulatory boards can change their laws and policies at any time, 快活林性息 cannot guarantee our degree and fieldwork experience will meet future licensing laws out of state.

快活林性息 University MFT degree and fieldwork meets licensure requirements in all states, with the following exceptions/modifications

• Alabama: requires 50 more couple/family hours in fieldwork for a total of 250 relational hours. Curriculum is accepted.

• Alaska and New Mexico: They list out an older COAMFTE curriculum standard. Our newer curriculum should meet these requirements, but unlike other states that use the current COAMFTE standards, students must apply and have the courses individually evaluated.

Note: In 2020, 快活林性息 allowed for COVID accommodation for students unable to acquire the standard COAMFTE 500 fieldwork hours. Students who used this accommodation may run into issues when pursuing licensure in states that have the 500-hour requirement in their law, which includes Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina, and Vermont.

Applicant Information

The program accepts approximately 56 students from the 200-400 applicants each year, which is a 15-30% acceptance rate. Admittance is competitive. Applicants are chosen based on a number of factors, including their statement of purpose, the quality of their formal interview, letters of reference, GPA and other measures of academic performance, and experience in the field. Finalists typically demonstrate a consistently high-achieving academic record, strong personal presence, excellent writing skills, experience in the field, humanistic attitudes, sensitivity to diversity issues, and clear professional goals.听Completion of prerequisites is a key consideration in admittance decisions; students must have all prerequisites completed prior to beginning the program. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Note: In order to ensure an equitable admittance process, we are unable to offer applicants group tours or individual meetings with faculty. Students with questions should attend the Department's informational sessions designed for new applicants.

Overview of the Application Process

1. Application Part 1:听Apply to the听University听using the听University's Graduate Application for Cal State Apply
2. Application Part 2:听Apply to the Department using the Department's Application:听NOTE: The MFT program requires that your听Statement of Purpose听address specific areas as described below.
3. Interviews:听Upon invitation, participate in a group interview
4. Prerequisites:听Complete prerequisites prior to the semester of enrollment (no exceptions)

1. Application Part 1: Applying to the University

Obtain and submit the听Cal State Apply:听

• Note: All 快活林性息 and CSU former students must re-apply to be admitted as a graduate student
  Minimum Requirements for Valid University Application:

• Have earned a听baccalaureate degree听from an accredited college or university. Please contact Cal State Apply to determine if your university is accredited.

• Have been in听good standing听at the last institution attended

• Have a minimum 2.75 grade point average (GPA) overall OR in last 60 semester/ 90 quarter units attempted.听Note:听Program requires 2.75,听higher than the university minimum.

• NEW REQUIREMENT: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants.

2. Application Part 2: Applying to the Department

• Complete听Department Application听for admission to MFT graduate program available on the department's听home page

• References:听Submit听2-3 letters of recommendation.听Applicants are responsible for following up with their references to ensure that they have submitted the letters. Letters must be from people who know your academic or professional work;听personal references are not accepted.

• Prerequisites:听Complete and provide proof of current enrollment in required prerequisite courses (or equivalent) with a grade of 鈥淏-鈥� or better. These courses听must听be completed before beginning graduate courses, and completion of prerequisites is considered in the admittance process. The two required prerequisites are:

  • EPC 451 Introduction to Counseling: See the Department Webpage (see below)

  • PSY 310 Abnormal Psychology: See the Department Webpage (see below)

• Statement of Purpose:All applications are required to submit a statement of purpose. The statement of purpose should address these questions:

  1. What is it about the field of Marriage and Family Therapy that attracted you to this discipline in mental health?
  2. What have you learned about yourself in the context of your work or volunteer experience in mental health or related fields?
  3. How do you see your future work as a Marriage and Family Therapist addressing current sociocultural and social justice challenges related to mental health?

• Statement Format:听Maximum of 2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font

• Resume:听MFT students should include a professional resume.

• Interview:听If invited, participate in an admission interview.

3. Interview

• Interviews are by invitation only and are required for admission. Because of the large number of applicants, not all applicants will be invited for interviews.

• You will be notified sometime after the application deadline of the interview date after all of your application materials have been received.

• Interviews will be done in small groups of 6-8 applicants and last approximately 2 hours. Applicants should dress in business attire.

• Interview dates cannot be rescheduled.

4. Complete Prerequisites

Prerequisites

The MFT program has two prerequisites and students are听strongly encouraged听to complete this prerequisite prior to applying or at minimum to be enrolled in this prerequisite during the spring semester when submitting their application.听Completion of the prerequisite is considered when making admission decisions.

EPC 451:听Fundamentals of Counseling and Guidance (3)

PSY 310:听Abnormal Psychology (3)

Approval of Equivalent Courses Taken at Other Universities

• For a list of preapproved prerequisite equivalents, please see the Department resources for Applicants.

General Student Information

快活林性息 is always interested in forming new partnerships with community training agencies. Agencies interested in training our MFT students should complete this agreement between the university and the site. This agreement must be in place before students can see clients at any site.

Contact Dr. Deborah Buttitta, Fieldwork Coordinator:

Use this form to create an official agreement between 快活林性息 and a community site that allows our students to see clients at the site.

Graduate Studies Thesis/Project Formatting guidelines and timeline available听.

Overview

This is the final academic activity required for all Master鈥檚 degrees awarded in the CSU. Students in our program must complete one of three culminating experience options:

1.听Comprehensive Examination: The comprehensive exam in our department involves writing 8-10 papers that can draw from research used in other courses; students select the topic of these papers in coordination with their examination chairperson. The final exam involves answering three (3) of the questions during a three-hour timed exam that is held approximately four (4) weeks before the end of the semester.

2.听Project:听A Master鈥檚 Project is similar to a thesis except that rather than collecting and analyzing data, students do a literature review that is used to create a unique professional project, such as group therapy curriculum, professional workshop, or webpage.

3.听Thesis:听The traditional culminating experience for a Master鈥檚 degree, the thesis involves designing a qualitative or quantitative research study, collecting data, and analyzing data.

Note:听In most cases, culminating experiences require at least two semesters to complete; thesis typically requires three or more semesters. Students select a committee, and complete and submit required forms and paperwork within the timeframes.

Culminating Experience Chair:

For all three culminating experience options the committee chairperson must be a full time tenure-track faculty member in the EPC department.
Committee:听may include part-time faculty or professional in the field.

Comprehensive Exam (Comps)

鈥� A total of 8-10 questions are developed and answered by the student and a written examination on three of the questions. The number of paper necessary is determined by the chair based on the specificity and technical aspects of the papers so that the breadth of the curriculum is covered, including at minimum: family therapy theories, diagnosis, law and ethics, diversity, and research. The papers may be based on other projects or papers completed during the program.
鈥� The student prepares a paper for each question.
鈥� The student selects a committee consisting of a chair and one member/reader.
鈥� The student obtains a Comprehensive Exam card from the EPC Graduate Secretary. The card must be signed by the comprehensive committee chair and reader. Students return the card to the department secretary.
鈥� The exam is held approximately four (4) weeks before the end of the semester.
鈥� Students typically enroll in EPC 695 for the first semester (Independent Study) and EPC 697 Directed Comprehensive Studies during the last semester of the program.

Graduate Project

鈥� Involves the design of a product, such as a curriculum, a workshop, webpage, a guidebook, a video, or a unique approach to a particular therapeutic method or teaching model.
鈥� The student provides a justification for the product based on a comprehensive review of the research literature, needs assessment, and consultation with experts in the field.
鈥� Students must contribute something new and/or significant to the field.
鈥� The student selects a committee one year prior to the anticipate date of graduation. The committee consists of a chair (full time faculty member) and two committee members (part time faculty member or professional in the field).
鈥� The student obtains a Thesis/Graduate Project Planning form from the EPC Graduate Secretary or the Graduate Studies Office. The form must be signed by the committee chair and members and returned to the EPC Graduate Secretary.
鈥� Takes at least two semesters to complete.
鈥� The student enrolls in EPC 698C Thesis/Graduate Project during the last two semesters of the program.
鈥� For more information download Thesis/Graduate Project guidelines from the Graduate Studies website (http://www.csun.edu/grip/graduatestudies/thesis/).

Thesis

鈥� Involves the design and implementation of empirical research.
鈥� The student designs an original study, obtain and/or develop data collection tools, organize and implement data collections, input and analyze the data, and write the results and conclusions based on the data.
鈥� Select a committee one-two years prior to the anticipate date of graduation. The committee consists of a chair (full time faculty member) and two committee members (part time faculty member).
鈥� Generally takes 3 semesters to complete.
鈥� Enroll in EPC 698C Thesis/Graduate Project during the last two or more semesters of the program.
鈥� For more information download Thesis/Graduate project guidelines from the Graduate Studies website (http://www.csun.edu/research-graduate-studies/thesisdissertation-guidelines)

Some Tips

• Deadlines for culminating activities occur well before the end of the semester. Generally, students must be done with all writing by October 31 in the fall or March 30 in the spring to meet required deadlines.

• Your work must be approved by your chair and all committee members in order to graduate.

• Allow one month at the end for binding, committee revisions, Graduate Study approval, and exam scheduling.

• Allow 1-2 months for re-writes and other unexpected issues to arise.

• If your Thesis or Graduate Project is due at the end of a fall semester, summer break is a great time to get ahead with some of your research and writing.

• Generally, faculty members are not available during the summer for advising on projects and thesis.

• The dedicated Psychology and Educational Psychology Librarian should be one of your best friends while working on your culminating experience:

听

Psychology & Educational Psychology Librarian:
Eric P. Garcia
Office Location: Oviatt Library #226 (Second Floor)
Phone: (818) 677-6809
Email:

The fieldwork process is an integral and mandatory part of the graduate program in Marriage and Family Therapy. It bridges the gap between classroom learning and the field. A traineeship provides an opportunity to begin putting into practice what you have learned with both the support of a practicum teacher at the university and a supervisor at your chosen field site.

Each student must find their own placement. Students can use this page to find an appropriate and fulfilling field site.

Fieldwork Requirements

600 Hours Fieldwork Requirement = Minimum of 500 Clinical Hours and 100 Supervision Hours

500 Clinical Hours Includes:

0-200+ Individual Therapy Hours (no minimum or maximum)

• Individual therapy with adults and children

• Process group therapy with individual adults or children

100+ Relational Hours (100 minimum)

• Couple therapy

• Family therapy

• Process groups with couples or families

100 Alternative Hours (100 maximum)

• Reflecting teams

• Client-centered advocacy with families, social workers, other professionals, etc.

• IEP or similar meetings.

• Rape crisis accompaniments, suicide hotlines, and similar activities through Strength United or other approved site.

100 Supervision Hours Includes

• Must include 50 hours of live supervision (audio, video, or observation in individual or group supervision format)

Approved Sites

The MFT program must 鈥渁pprove鈥� a site before students can legally see clients as an MFT Trainee. There are two types of approved sites:

• Comprehensive Sites: Sites that are able to provide all hour requirements for the degree

• Hour-Specific Sites: Sites that are able able to provide only certain types of hours (e.g., individual but not relational).

Students may only work at sites that have a contract in good standing with the university. You can find a list of currently approved sites on your cohort's dedicated Canvas page.

MFT Trainee Regulations

What is the difference between an MFT Trainee and an MFT Associate?
An MFT Trainee is still in graduate school and completing his/her hours to fulfill a requirement both for school as well as for the BBS. Once a trainee has received a qualifying degree, he/she can apply to the BBS for an Associate number and begin working under the title MFT Associate.

How many hours should an MFT student expect to be working at his/her field site?
Students are expected to be at their field sites for 15-20 hours per week for a minimum of 15 months. This will vary based on the field site the student has chosen and their specific site requirements.

Can I begin work in a Private Practice setting without having an Associate registration number?
A private practice setting is a place of business that lawfully and regularly provides mental health counseling or psychotherapy and is owned by a licensed marriage and family therapist, a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed psychologist, a licensed physician, and surgeon, or a professional corporation of any of these professions. Trainees CANNOT work in a private practice setting. Registered Associates may be employed in a private practice setting.

Traineeship Timeline

YEAR ONE
Fall Semester

Apply for 快活林性息-affiliated sites if interested:

• Strength United:听

• Mitchell Family Counseling Center:听

Spring Semester
1. Attend Spring Advising Session in Jan/Feb.
2. Apply and interview at field sites based on the approved list, available on the cohort's private Canvas page.

Before seeing clients, you must have:

1. Complete a formal Field Site Contract, which must be signed by your site and 快活林性息 practicum instructor
2. Complete a BBS Supervisor Agreement Form

YEAR TWO
Summer & Fall Semester:
Begin fieldwork as negotiated at your site

Spring Semester

Continue at your same site. If you negotiated a contract for one year and finished all required hours, this is the earliest you could finish fieldwork. Most students continue through their third year

YEAR THREE
Fall and Spring Semesters

Finish fieldwork hours

Graduation

Applying for Graduation:
Two semesters prior to graduation (e.g., first week of Spring 2022 for graduation in December 2022), file the application for graduation and submit it with a graduation fee to the MPA Financial Aid office in Bayramian Hall (818) 677-4085.

Finishing Project/Thesis:

鈥� Deadlines for uploading first and second drafts are posted on the Graduate Studies鈥� website, or go to 快活林性息 website, under academics heading click on 鈥淕raduate Studies鈥�, on the Graduate Studies website select on 鈥淭hesis Information鈥�.
鈥� Projects and Theses must be uploaded no later than the posted dates for students to graduate in a given semester.

Taking the Comprehensive Exam:

鈥� The exam is held approximately four (4) weeks before the end of the semester.
鈥� Contact the department office during the first few weeks of the semester for the semester鈥檚 due date.
鈥� No later than one month prior to the exam, you must turn in a typed copy of your exam questions (without answers) to the main office.

BBS Degree Program Verification Form

To get your BBS Degree Program Verification Form signed complete the following steps:
1. Download the BBS In-State MFT Associate application from听
2. Students in EPC 690 in their final semester should bring this form with your data filled out and an听unofficial transcript听to your individual meeting at the end of the semester. If you are not enrolled in EPC 690 in your final semester, make an appointment to meet with the Fieldwork Coordinator. The Department will hold this form until your degree officially posts, approximately 3 weeks after the official last day of the semester (last week of December for fall and last week of May for spring).
3. Once your degree posts (you should receive an email from the University), email the EPC main office to have her verify that it has posted and arrange to pick up your signed form from the Department Office.

Registering with BBS as an Associate

1. Download the BBS In-State MFT Associate application from听
2. Complete the form and gather the following:

• 2 Passport Photos

• Fingerprinting as directed in the application

• Official University Transcript with听degree posted

3. Send completed application to BBS in a single packet
4. Maintain evidence of clinical work from practicum in the program until you have completed all hours required for the license. For each supervisor, you should have 3-4 forms:

• Original signed Supervisor Agreement Form

• Original BBS logs

• Original Experience Verification Form

• If you were paid, keep your W2s

Expectations for Professional and Ethical Conduct

The MFT faculty has high expectations for both ourselves and for our students. We aspire to offer an outstanding professional preparation program. To a large extent, the enthusiasm, commitment, and professionalism of students and faculty on- and off-campus determine how successful we will be. The MFT program faculty will work to provide the highest quality education and training, and a supportive, ethical, and caring atmosphere both in and outside of classes. We will provide you with comprehensive academic knowledge, and the technical, personal, and interpersonal support you will need to have an enriching educational experience and to be successful in your journey to becoming a licensed professional.

The following information is provided as guidance to help you succeed in your program.

Respect for Diversity

In order to thrive and excel, MFTs honor the rights, safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, national origin, religious beliefs, physical, or cognitive ability. The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect in understanding that each individual is unique. To the extent possible and appropriate, graduate courses in this program will explore these differences in a safe, positive, and supportive environment. It is not always possible as a program to adequately address diversity across all courses and in all course materials, but there will be continued effort to enable students to engage in clinical practice that is more culturally sensitive.

It is the goal of the 快活林性息 and the Michael D. Eisner College of Education to support and value diversity. To do so requires that students, faculty, and staff:
鈥� Respect the dignity and essential worth of all individuals
鈥� Promote a culture of respect throughout the College and University community
鈥� Respect the privacy, property, and freedom of others
鈥� Reject bigotry, discrimination, violence, or intimidation of any kind
鈥� Practice personal and academic integrity and expect it from others
鈥� Promote the diversity of opinions, ideas, and backgrounds within the program and in the communities we serve.

Disclosure of Personal Information

During the course of the MFT program personal disclosures may occur. Each student should decide for him/herself what information to disclose. Students are advised to be prudent when making self-disclosures. The program cannot guarantee confidentiality of student disclosures given the group environment, although personal comments should be considered private and confidential and remain only in the classroom unless an exception to confidentiality applies.

The AAMFT Code of Ethics states in standard 4.7 (2012) that Marriage and family therapists do not disclose supervisee confidences except by written authorization or waiver, or when mandated or permitted by law. In educational or training settings where there are multiple supervisors, disclosures are permitted only to other professional colleagues, administrators, or employers who share responsibility for training of the supervisee. Verbal authorization will not be sufficient except in emergency situations, unless prohibited by law.

With this in mind, the program would like to highlight that faculty, instructors, and clinical supervisors who share responsibility for students/supervisees will share relevant information without a written waiver in an effort to provide a quality standard of guidance and supervision, to maintain coherent training throughout the program, and to ensure student and/or client care.

Professional Code of Ethics and Licensing Regulations

As a student in a professional preparation program, students of Marriage and Family Therapy graduate programs are expected to adhere to the profession鈥檚 Codes of Ethics, including those published by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (), American Counseling Association (), and the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (). In addition, MFT graduate students agree to the strictly abide by the rules and regulations for MFT trainees set forth by the California Board of Behavioral Science (; the MFT licensing body). Students should understand that they are responsible to remain current with any changes related to BBS policy regarding licensure as an MFT in California. Depending on the severity of the offense, failure to comply with ethical standards or state licensing regulations may result in expulsion from the program with a single incident.

Student Affairs Committee

The Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling (EPC) has a Student Affairs Committee (SAC), which is comprised of faculty members of the EPC department. The committee鈥檚 purpose is to address issues related to student conduct and progress, addressing specifically readiness to see clients, academic performance, and ethical behavior.. The committee strives to support students in their growth as professionals and works toward a fair and appropriate resolution for all parties concerned. The department has developed formal procedures in response to unprofessional behavior and related academic concerns. Students who are referred to the Student Affairs Committee will initially receive a Letter of Concern that outlines the nature of the problem; this letter serves as a warning and is placed in the student鈥檚 academic file. Upon a second incident or with more serious first-time offenses, the faculty will also file a Request for Delay/Withdraw, which will outline requirements for remediating concerns, stipulations for a delay in the program, and/or requirement for withdrawal from the program. In such cases, students may appeal the decision, which will be heard by an appointed subcommittee.

Grievance Policy

A student or group of students of the Michael D. Eisner College of Education may appeal decisions or actions pertaining to admissions, programs, evaluation of performance, and program retention and completion. Students who decide to file a grievance should follow the student grievance procedure, or alternative ways to file a grievance outlined in the .

MFT Program: Student Code of Conduct

As a professional training program, students are expected to maintain high standards of conduct in class, in the field, and with peers in any context. Students are held to standards outlined by a) the university, b) MFT professional organizations, and c) the MFT Student Code of Conduct signed upon entry to the program.

The Student Code of Conduct is to distributed and signed at first student orientation. All students must have a signed copy on file in the main office.

1.听Register for Required Courses in a Timely Manner: I understand as a full-time MFT counseling student I am expected to register for and attend classes two afternoons/evenings per week each fall, spring, and summer term. I should enroll in the required courses during my designated enrollment period. If I wish to reduce my course load I must consult with full time programs faculty and obtain written permission from the department chair. I understand that the days and times of my classes and/or cohort may change from semester to semester.

2.听Academic Integrity:听I understand that I am expected to adhere to the expected norms of intellectual honesty in my academic work. I understand that academic dishonesty, such as cheating or plagiarism, is a serious offense within the California State University system that may result in my expulsion or suspension from the MFT program. Cheating includes use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise. Plagiarism includes intentionally or knowingly representing words, ideas, or work of another, or generated from artificial intelligence resources, as my own in any academic exercise.

3.听Attendance: I understand that I am expected to attend all scheduled classes. I should contact my instructors prior to an absence. I understand that absences will affect my grades and ability to pass classes. Excessive absences may also affect my ability to work with clients in fieldwork. I understand that it is my responsibility to know and adhere to the attendance requirement and policy for each of my classes.

4.听Advising Meetings:听I understand that I am required to attend all regularly scheduled advising sessions each semester (typically the 1st or 2nd Friday of fall and spring semester) that I am in the MFT program. I understand that I am responsible for the information covered in these meetings and that missing a single advising session may result in a delay in my graduate program if I do not understand program requirements.

5.听Complete Fieldwork: I understand there is a fieldwork requirement of 600 hours that I must complete during the second and third year (minimum of 12 months) of the program before I can graduate. I understand that I will need up to two or more days per week (15-25 hours) in addition to the full time course work required during the second year to meet the fieldwork hour requirement. Additionally, I understand that I must be enrolled in practicum class during any semester, including summer, that I am working with clients at a fieldwork site. At all times while seeing clients, I will maintain professional liability insurance with a personal policy in my name.

6.听Grades:听I agree to high standards in my work as a graduate student and developing marriage and family therapist. I understand that I must maintain an average of 鈥淏鈥� (3.0) or better throughout the program; that no grade below a C may be counted toward a graduate degree at 快活林性息; and that graduate courses in which听I听receive听below a C must听repeated to earn a grade of C or better听to replace听the听prior grade. Additionally, I understand that MFT students receiving a grade of C+ or C in a single course will be reviewed by the student affairs committee and recommendations made to ensure the student鈥檚 academic success.听 I understand that it is my responsibility to know and adhere to the grade requirements, assignment expectations, and policies for missed and/or late assignments for each of my classes.

7.听Maintain Current Contact Information: I will maintain current contact information (i.e., home address, phone number(s), and email address) during my enrollment in the MFT graduate program. I will notify both the university and the EPC department office in writing of any changes.

8.听Managing Technology: I understand that as a part of a professional program, I will be expected to manage the technology required to complete coursework and fieldwork including but not limited to email and Canvas. I also agree to abide by technology policies in each class, which may prohibit the use of digital devices such as phones, tablets, or computers for any reason in class.

9.听Managing Confidential and Private Information:听I understand that I will be responsible for professionally managing confidential information of clients and private information of peers. In cases related to client confidentiality, I will adhere to state, federal, and professional ethical standards for maintaining client confidentiality and privilege.

10.听Personal Development: I understand that my personal development is a critical part of becoming an effective marriage and family therapist and agree to work to develop myself in courses, fieldwork activities, and other areas such as personal and professional growth and development. Personal development includes but is not limited to: personal therapy, membership in a professional organization, and attending workshops and conferences to become a competent and confident marriage and family therapist.

11.听Professional Conduct: I understand that I must conduct myself at all times in a professional and ethical manner while at the university and any field sites. I also understand that I am responsible for handling personal crisis in a professional manner with all program faculty, instructors, staff, and affiliated supervisors. I further understand that I must adhere to written and verbal policies and instructions at my clinical field site(s) and may be held liable for failing to do so.

12.听Professional and Cooperative Communication: I will work cooperatively and non-judgmentally with peers, colleagues, faculty, staff, and other professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds. I understand that I am expected to be professional and respectful in all communications with peers, colleagues, faculty, and staff, and field site supervisors and employees including verbal, written, text, and social media.

13.听Personal vs. Professional Conduct: I understand that as a mental health professional-in-training I am immediately being held to a higher standard regarding my personal conduct by the State of California and professional ethics boards. As such, any and all social media posts and any actions observable by the general public must be deemed appropriate for a mental health professional and in accordance with applicable laws, statutes, and ethical mandates. I further understand that the State of California and the federal government have different laws related to substance use by mental health professionals, including more severe penalties for driving while intoxicated and the use of illegal substances.

University Policies

Student Conduct: University Policy
The University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy living and learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. Each member of the campus community should choose behaviors that contribute toward this end. Students are expected to be good citizens and to engage in responsible behaviors that reflect well upon their university, to be civil to one another and to others on the campus community, and to contribute positively to student and university life.

It is your responsibility as a student to read and understand the standards stipulated in the.

Non-Discrimination Policy
The MFT program adheres to a strong non-discrimination policy related to human diversity, including but not limited to race, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, relationship status, gender identity, SES, disability, health status, religion or spiritual beliefs, and/or affiliation and nation origin. Additionally, 快活林性息 maintains a similar institutional policy:听

The Seven-Year Rule
鈥� All courses must be completed within seven years from the date when the student first enrolled in courses that are applied to the degree.
鈥� This time limit includes completion of thesis, project or comprehensive exam.

Leave of Absence
鈥� Graduate students in good standing may take up to a two-semester leave of absence. Though no formal approval is required, it is suggested that students write a letter to their major department and to the Graduate Studies, Research International Programs Office, which would include reason(s) for leave and date of return. This will keep a student's file in active status for up to one academic year. Leaves of absence for more than one academic year are generally not accepted.听 Students must, instead, re-apply to the university and to the department and are not automatically re-accepted.

Repeating a Graduate Course
鈥� With听prior听permission of the Graduate Coordinator and/or Department Chair and Associate Vice President of Graduate Studies, a graduate student may repeat, for the purpose of improving the grade, up to 6-units of credit in which a grade of "B-" or below, or a grade of "U," was achieved. In these cases only the most recent grade will count.
鈥� Students must submit a Course Repeat Form (OGS 25) for approval by the third week of the semester in which the course is being repeated and show proof of enrollment at that time.

Change of Address/Updating Personal Information:
鈥� Update your information through the 快活林性息 myNorthridge portal.
鈥� Log in to the portal from the upper right corner of the 快活林性息 main page. On the main portal page, find Human Resources/Employee, and click on "Update my personal information."听
o Yellow buttons indicate sections that are available for update. They are:
o Change home/mailing address
o Change phone number(s)
o Change emergency contact.

Moving Out of State Before Graduation:
鈥� If students anticipate moving before graduation, they can arrange for independent study courses if needed to meet a specific state鈥檚 requirement.

Moving out of State After Graduation:
There is no national license for family therapy. Instead, each state independently licenses practitioners to work within their borders. As a COAMFTE-accredited program, 快活林性息鈥檚 curriculum is recognized by the other 49 states. 快活林性息鈥檚 fieldwork requirements are recognized by most states. However, three states require more relational hours than 快活林性息鈥檚 100-hour minimum: Alabama (requires 250 relational hours), Indiana (200 relational hours), and Mississippi (200 relational hours). Students planning to relocate to one of these states should attempt to gain 200-250 relational hours while at 快活林性息. Please note that although we attempt to provide accurate information, state laws can change at any time. Students can learn more about the requirements of MFT licenses in other states听at:听

General Procedures for Handling Problems
鈥� If a student has a concern regarding another student or instructor, students should always begin by speaking directly to the person in question to try to resolve the issue.
鈥� If a student has personal or academic concern that impacting his/her ability to perform in coursework or fieldwork, the student should proactively contact involved instructors, an advisor, and/or personal therapist to help address the situation.

Managing a Problem with a Faculty Member
鈥� The EPC faculty strives to be considerate of student鈥檚 needs and issues and are generally open to hearing from students about their concerns.
鈥� If an issue arises, student should set up a time to speak directly with the faculty member. In most cases, issues are easily resolved with open and frank communication.
鈥� If the student is still unhappy the student should set up a time to speak with the program鈥檚 coordinator or department chair.

Grievance Policy
A student or group of students of the Michael D. Eisner College of Education may appeal decisions or actions pertaining to admissions, programs, evaluation of performance, and program retention and completion. Students who decide to file a grievance should follow the student grievance procedure, or alternative ways to file a grievance outlined in the .

Department Student Affairs Committee

The Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling (EPC) has a Student Affairs Committee (SAC), which is comprised of faculty members of the EPC department. The committee鈥檚 purpose is to address issues related to student conduct and progress, addressing specifically readiness to see clients, academic performance, and ethical behavior.. The committee strives to support students in their growth as professionals and works toward a fair and appropriate resolution for all parties concerned. The department has developed formal procedures in response to unprofessional behavior and related academic concerns. Students who are referred to the Student Affairs Committee will initially receive a Letter of Concern that outlines the nature of the problem; this letter serves as a warning and is placed in the student鈥檚 academic file. Upon a second incident or with more serious first-time offenses, the faculty will also file a Request for Delay/Withdraw, which will outline requirements for remediating concerns, stipulations for a delay in the program, and/or requirement for withdrawal from the program. In such cases, students may appeal the decision, which will be heard by an appointed subcommittee.

Faculty and Supervisor Procedures for Handling Student Performance Concerns
鈥� It is understood that faculty will routinely discuss with other concerned faculty students whose continued participation in the program be in question.
鈥� If there is a serious concern about a student, the instructor will place a copy of a Statement of Concern (FORM A) in the student file and a copy will be given to the student describing the faculty members鈥� concern.
鈥� Although no action is generally required, the instructor may require a meeting with the student and suggestions for improvement discussed.
鈥� If the behavior or performance in question continues, a faculty member may initiate a Delay/Withdrawal Procedure.
o FORM B (Faculty Initiated Recommendation for Delay/Withdrawal From Program) will be submitted to the Department Chair.
o The faculty member will orally notify the student of this recommendation and the student will have from the date of receipt of FORM B, ten (10) school/working days to file an appeal of the recommendation (FORM B1).
鈥� If there is no appeal, the recommendation is acted upon and placed in the student's file.

If a Student Appeals a Grievance
鈥� Student files FORM Bl with the Department Chair.
鈥� The Department Chair will distribute FORM C (Information Form for Faculty Initiated Delay/Withdrawal from Program) to faculty members and will be asked to complete FORM C and return it within one week period.
鈥� Copies of forms will be forwarded to the Student Affairs Committee by the Department Chair
o Student Affairs may support the appeal or establish an Ad Hoc Examining Committee of two faculty members and one student (Alumnus).
鈥� The Examining Committee will meet with the student and the involved faculty member(s); the student may bring an advocate or fellow student along to this meeting.
鈥� After meeting with the student and faculty members and reading any pertinent materials (including FORMs A, B, B1, and C):
o The Ad Hoc Committee will make a recommendation in writing to the Student Affairs Committee concerning the student's Delay/Withdrawal from the Program.
o The Committee can recommend that the student:
a.听听听 Continue in the program without delay.
b.听听听 Continue in the program, but with certain stipulations.
c.听听听 Is delayed from continuing in the program until the student meets certain stipulations such as gaining more experience, personal therapy, participating in special programs, etc.
d.听听听 Delay/Withdraw from the Program.
鈥� The recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee:
o Is received by the Student Affairs Committee, and is forwarded to the Department Chair, along with a written recommendation by the Student Affairs Committee to accept or reject the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee.
o Is received by the Department Chair along with the recommendation for the Student Affairs Committee, and the Department Chair will then make the final decision concerning the student's delay/withdrawal from the program.

Final Dispensation
鈥� The student will be notified in writing of the department Chair's decisions, including any stipulations regarding continuing in the program or re-admittance to the program.
鈥� A copy of this letter will be placed in the student's file.
鈥� Notice (FORM D) of the action will be sent to department faculty members.

Standard Course Policies

Below are the standard course policies for individual courses. Instructors may adjust as necessary for specific courses. Please see the course syllabus for how these policies apply in a given course.

Computers, Phones, and Tablets

Students may not use computers, phones, or tablets during class time without prior consent of the professor. Use of these devices is correlated with decreased learning and focus for not only the user but also for other students in the class. Please wait to check texts or phone messages until the break or after class. Plan to take notes using paper and pen. Students caught using these devices during class will be asked to put them away; repeat use may significantly impact a student鈥檚 grade.

Attendance

Students manifest their responsibility in the regularity and punctuality of their attendance. Since this course includes significant seminar and experiential components, attendance at each class meeting is mandatory and is calculated as part of the grade.听In cases of absence, any scheduled assignments are due to the professor at the beginning of class unless other arrangements have been made in writing prior to that time.听If you are absent from class it is your responsibility to contact the professor ahead of time or as soon as possible, and to check online and with fellow classmates regarding announcements made while you were absent; this includes supplemental instructions related to assignments. You are responsible for and may be tested on any and all lecture materials presented in class that are not covered in your readings. Students may have听no more than 3 absences. Arriving 10 minutes late counts as 陆 absence. Students who miss 3 or more classes will not receive a passing grade and will need to repeat the course the following year.

Due Dates and Late Assignments

Due dates are non-negotiable unless an extension has been approved by the instructor in writing. Work turned in after the due date/time will not be accepted or counted toward the graded without written permission from the instructor. Students who are absent when they are scheduled for a graded presentation must contact the professor prior to the absence to make alternative arrangements. Electronic copies of assignments (e.g. emailed copies) are听not听permitted unless the instructor has authorized this format for an assignment. Electronic copies of assignments will be considered late, and grades will be lowered accordingly until the required hard copy assignment(s) is delivered to the instructor. 听

Religious Holidays

If you celebrate a religious holiday that falls on a scheduled class meeting, please notify the instructor before the semester starts or no later than the first week so that proper and equitable accommodations can be made. Students are responsible for selecting presentation days that do not conflict with one of their religious holidays.

Students with Disabilities

If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and need course materials in alternative formats, notify your course instructor within the first two weeks of class. Students interested in accommodations should contact the university鈥檚 office for students with disabilities (Disability Resources and Educational Services); only this office can recommend and arrange for accommodations. No accommodations may be made without their approval. Any and all reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your special needs.

Vacation and Personal Holidays

Vacation and personal holidays are not excusable absences per university policy, and students may not be allowed to make up missed points or work. Graduate students are expected to demonstrate professionalism by ensuring all personal vacations and holidays are scheduled according to the university鈥檚 Academic Calendar, available on the 快活林性息 website 1-2 years in advance.

Concerns About Peers and Instructors

If you have concerns about the course, your peer鈥檚 behavior in the course, and/or your instructor鈥檚 conduct, you are expected to raise the issue directly with the person. You may discuss how to raise the issue appropriately with your personal therapist or faculty mentor if desired, but you are expected to avoid creating divisiveness within your cohort or with uninvolved students. We understand that these conversations may be uncomfortable, however as an aspiring therapist, the expectation is that you learn to respectfully and effectively engage in such conversations. The major exception to this guideline is when your concern involves issues such as sexual harassment, racism, audism, or other form of harassment or discrimination. In such cases, you can bring the issue to the 快活林性息鈥檚 Equity and Diversity Office (csun.edu/eqd), the Program Coordinator, Department Chair, or faculty mentor.

Requests for Incompletes

Incompletes will only be considered in accordance with university policy, which requires that 75% of course be completed prior to unforeseen grave circumstances at the end of the semester, such as the loss of an immediate family member, hospitalization, or severe illness. Students must request a grade of Incomplete in writing using the university鈥檚 .

Professionalism

As a course in a professional training program, students are expected to consistently demonstrate professional behavior. This includes but is not limited to:

• being on time to class and with assignments

• respectful interactions with all students and faculty

• proactive engagement in the learning process

• being organized and prepared

• managing paperwork effectively

• managing technology effectively (the university provides extensive computer, printing and internet support; please use it in times of technical emergency)

• managing personal crises effectively

• managing personal information (own and others鈥�) appropriately

Students who have trouble in one or more of these areas may have their participation grade lowered and in severe cases may be referred to the department鈥檚 Student Affairs Committee for further review.

Policy on Cheating and Plagiarism

Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses in a professional program and may result in expulsion from the program/university on a first offense. See the University Catalog for further information. Additionally, student should refer to the Ethics Codes of AAMFT, ACA, and CAMFT for ethical guidelines regarding plagiarism. For a definition and examples of plagiarism, students can refer to the听APA Publication Manual.

Recording of Lectures

Due to the sensitive nature of content discussed in the program, no classes may be recorded without explicit written permission from the instructor. Students granted recording as an accommodation from Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) must develop a separate written plan in coordination with the instructor and DRES for how student and client confidentiality will be handled with permitted in-class recordings. Instructors are required to inform the entire class if recording is permitted for an accommodation.

Practicum A and B (first year)

1st year requirements include:

鈥� 10 hours personal psychotherapy
鈥� 1 four-hour workshop each semester (2 total in first year; 4 total over program)
鈥� Video-recording with small group
鈥� Group presentations
鈥� Visit to community mental health sites
鈥� Find field site for second year

Personal Therapy

Students are required to complete a total of 20 hours of psychotherapy while in program: ten (10) hours of your own personal therapy by a licensed clinician during the first year in the program as part of the requirements for Practicum A/B and another 10 during the second year.

These hours should be documented on FORM 2: Personal Counseling Verification (see link above)

Low Fee Therapists
How to Find a Low Fee Therapist:

• Private health insurance: If you have health insurance, you may use their providers to gain your hours.

• Community Mental Health Clinics: Some clinics have licensed therapists and offer services at a reduced cost. Contact your local united way to identify reduced fee counseling clinics ().

• Weblistings:听听or听听have listings of marriage and family therapists in the area.

• Former CSU students: Several former 快活林性息 alumni offer our students a significantly reduced fee (average $40). The list is available on the cohort page on Canvas.

Professional Workshops

Requirements

• MFT students must attend four (4) professional workshops.

• While enrolled in Practicum A, B, P and Q students are required to attend four (4) professional workshops 鈥� one (1) workshop each semester.

快活林性息 has a workshop program designed to meet student needs. Workshop information is emailed to students each semester. In addition, several professional organizations provide continuing education programs that can be used to meet 快活林性息鈥檚 requirements:

鈥⑻�听(Recommend becoming a student member)
鈥⑻�听(Recommend becoming a student member for local chapter)
鈥⑻�
鈥⑻�

Professional Organizations

What are they?听A national professional organization for marriage and family therapists.
What do they do?听Facilitate research, theory development, and education; develop standards for graduate education and training, clinical supervision, professional ethics and the clinical practice of marriage and family therapy; provide continuing education and local networking opportunities.
Benefits:
鈥� Student membership rates.
鈥� Legal consultation.
鈥� Local networking networks for finding internships and jobs.
鈥� Provides registered AAMFT students with free professional liability protection while performing therapeutic services through CPH and Associates (www.cphins.com). For more information on the student liability insurance visit听
鈥� Professional Journal: Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (JMFT).
鈥� Professional magazine: Family Therapy Magazine.
鈥� Continuing Education.



What are they?听A free-standing organization that claims a membership of about 29,000 combined licensed and pre-licensed MFTs and promotes practice interests for MFTs in the state.

Benefits:
鈥� Student membership rates.
鈥� Legal consultation.
鈥� Professional Magazine, The Therapist.
鈥� Opportunity to purchase professional liability insurance through CPH and Associates at a competitive member rate.
鈥� Continuing Education.
鈥� Scholarships.


What do they do?听The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) is charged by the Department of Consumer Affairs to protect the consumer by carrying out the statutes and regulations which assure minimum standards for education and training as well as ethical practice by the professionals under its jurisdiction. In other words, they license MFTs in California. You will have a close and intimate relationship with them while a trainee and intern seeking licensure.

Highlight of BBS Requirements for Trainees
鈥� A trainee as defined by the BBS is a person enrolled in an MFT graduate program who has completed 12 semester credits toward the MFT degree.
鈥� Trainees must receive weekly supervision by a clinician who has been licensed for at least two years and has completed BBS-approved supervision training, or a licensed psychologist or a psychiatrist.
o Students must receive one (1) hour of individual supervision or two (2) hours of group supervision for every five (5) counseling hours with clients.
o Supervision may be one-on-one (individual) or in a group setting. Supervision groups may contain a maximum of eight (8) trainees.
鈥� Hours must be logged by the trainee and signed by site supervisor weekly.
鈥� Up to 750 hours of pre-degree experience may be counted toward the 3000 licensure hours.

Free Resources:
鈥� All forms necessary for pursuing licensure as an MFT, including BBS hour logs, supervisor agreement form, and experience verification. Download them!
鈥� Handbook for trainees and interns.
鈥� Handbooks on licensing exams

Resources for Program Faculty

Joining 快活林性息鈥檚 MFT Faculty

Tenure-Track Positions:听Tenure-track positions come available periodically and are announced on the main 快活林性息 webpage: https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/employment-opportunities

Part-Time Adjunct Positions:听Our adjunct pool opens each March and closes in April. Those interested in teaching in the following academic year must apply during this application window each year. Please email听in March to learn more.

Getting Started with Your Course

Step 1. Review the Syllabus Template with Program Curriculum Coordinator

Once you are assigned a course, request a phone or face-to-face meeting to review the syllabus with the Program Curriculum Coordinator, Dr. Diane Gehart. Carefully review the standards from BBS, our accrediting bodies, and the program learning objectives for the course. You are expected to assign all 鈥渟ignature鈥� assignments with rubrics and readings; these are used across sections and courses. You may add other assignments and readings for your section. If you want to suggest alternatives to the signature readings, please contact the Program Curriculum Coordinator.

Review Program, Department, and University Policies

Program Student Responsibility Statement



Policy on Faculty Evaluation:听Posted each year at:听. Note that Union Contract applies to all faculty and Section 600 for Full-time faculty and Section 700 for Part-Time Faculty.

Step 2. Select Books and Place Order with Bookstore

You may want to review textbook and professional book websites. For textbooks, most publishers will offer free 鈥渞eview copies,鈥� either digitally or in hardback; you will find links on the publisher鈥檚 website.

Some sites to visit:

Textbooks

Professional Book Sites

Place your order with the Matador Bookstore:听

Step 3. Select Academic Journal Articles and Videos

Journal Articles, Book Chapters, Etc.

To search for academic journal articles and other published resources, log on PsychInfo on the university library
1. Go to:听
Scroll down to PsychInfo and log on using your 快活林性息 username and password.
2. Search for current articles related to your course.
3. If the article can be directly downloaded from PsychInfo, require all students to download the article directly. This allows the library to keep an accurate count of journal use (and we get resources based on use).

Videos

The library has two sets of videos for use in class.
1.听Online Library of Counseling and Psychotherapy Videos:听All students and faculty can access over 700+ videos from our online video collection that can be found on the library site under 鈥淒atabases鈥� and the 鈥淐ounseling and Psychotherapy Videos鈥�:听
2.听Media Collection:听The university鈥檚 library also has its own media collection that is accessible to faculty primarily. You can access this by clicking 鈥渁udio/visual鈥� in the One Search on the library鈥檚听.

Contact Librarian for Additional Resources

If you have additional questions about resources (e.g., legal databases, research data sets, etc.), our amazing department librarian, Eric Garcia, is available for individual consultation and for making in-class presentations.听

Step 4. Plan Your Simulations

If you plan to use the virtual reality simulator, schedule a time at:听https://www.csunsimulation.com/scheduling

Students must purchase a $25 voucher for each simulation through the University Bookstore/Copy Center.

Step 5. Create Canvas Site for the Course

Although not required, most students appreciate a Moodle page, where you can post syllabus, assignments, links to websites, create sign-up sheets, exams, etc. The university provides online and face-to-face instruction on how to use Moodle.

Canvas Site:听Use your 快活林性息 username and password to log in:听
Online and In-Person Trainings:听
Academic Technology:听Additional support for using technology in the classroom is available from Academic Technology; they offer support over the phone and in-person:听
Video Studio:听Contact Tony Hillbruner in Media Services for video needs, including transferring VCR to digital formats, recording student practice sessions, etc.听

Step 6. Create Syllabus and Attend Faculty Meetings Week Prior to Class

Create a draft of your syllabus and bring it to the course faculty meetings scheduled the week prior to the first week of class. In these meetings, all faculty teaching a specific course meet to discuss issues with a specific course and to collaborate.

Access Academic Calendar with Holidays and Finals Week:听

You may also want to consider the calendar of Jewish holidays:听

Access Student Roster and Grade Roster on the 快活林性息 Portal: Click the link to the 鈥淪kip to Portal鈥� button on the 快活林性息 webpage:听

Step 7. Revise Syllabus Assignment Instructions and Rubrics

Based on our discussions in the faculty meetings, refine your syllabus, assignment instructions, and rubrics. Students greatly appreciate assignment detailed instructions EARLY in the semester.

Step 8. Email Program Curriculum Coordinator Final Syllabus

Please email Dr. Gehart your final syllabus for the semester.

Step 9. Create Lectures, PowerPoints, and Secure Your Documents

The university has numerous technology supports available through Information Technology () and Academic Technology departments that offer phone support for computers, software, and the 快活林性息 portal, as well as classes. Faculty can also access free and discounted software from IT and the Matador Bookstore ().

Free Cloud Storage:听

Step 10: Attend the Mid-Semester MFT Faculty Meeting

All MFT faculty are asked to attend the two-hour mid-semester MFT faculty meeting scheduled on the 4th or 5th Tuesday of October and March each year. These meetings are essential to coordinate signature assignments, manage concerns about student performance or conduct, address faculty concerns, and coordinate program, and student assessment.

Program Assessment

The MFT program uses a comprehensive data assessment process for ongoing program improvement. This process involves assessing student learning and surveying faculty, students, alumni, supervisors, and employers on an ongoing basis.

All faculty are required to participate in program assessment, including collecting data in specified courses, completing faculty surveys, and participating in faculty review of program data.

Highlights of this process include:

• Student Learning Assessment: Formal student learning outcomes are assessed through academic and clinical courses, including fieldwork, clinical assessment, and culminating experience courses. Faculty teaching these courses must be involved in data collection and review.

• Sufficiency of Academic, Clinical, Technological, Instructional, Supervisory, Fiscal, Physical, and Student Support Resources: Faculty and students are surveyed each year to determine the sufficiency of resources to enable the program to meet its goals. Areas of review include:

  • Student Learning Outcomes

  • Fiscal and physical resources

  • Technological resources

  • Academic resources

  • Student support services

  • Instructional and clinical resources

  • Faculty sufficiency

  • Supervisory sufficiency

• Alumni and Employers: Alumni and employers are surveyed every 2-3 years to assess how well the program prepares students for contemporary work settings.

• Review of Data: The Program Coordinator oversees data collection and aggregates data for review. Core faculty review data related to SLOs, program surveys, and fieldwork each spring semester at the April Program Assessment Meeting Faculty meeting to identify areas in need of improvement and evaluate the effectiveness of prior efforts to improve program outcomes. Additionally, the entire MFT Program Faculty (core and adjuncts) reviews key findings from the April review in the August All MFT Faculty Meeting.

• Reporting Back to the Community: The results of the program assessment are reported (a) to core faculty in the April Core Faculty Meeting, (b) to Adjunct Faculty in the August All MFT Faculty Meeting, (c) to students in each semester鈥檚 Advising Meeting, and (d) to all communities of interest in the Program Director鈥檚 Report each summer.

Last But Not Least: Take Care of Yourself

快活林性息 has numerous support services for faculty.

Health Center:听
Reduced cost:

• Massage therapy

• Acupuncture

• Dietitian

• Dental

• Optometry

• Flu shot

• Travel immunization

Oasis Wellness Center:听
Reduced cost:

• Massage therapy

• Acupuncture

• Reiki

• Meditation art, and wellness classes

Recreation Center: Faculty can workout at the extensive, state-of-the-art student recreation center for a discounted fee:听

Employee Assistance Program:听Contact the EAP office for resources to help address personal or work issues:听

Benefits Website:听The Benefits Office can answer questions about your benefits:听

Payroll:听To change your withholding, auto-deposit, name, etc.听