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Location

18 Agassiz Circle
Buffalo, NY 14214

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Marriage and Family Therapy Advanced Certificate

Medaille College’s Advanced Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program prepares professionals who already have a master’s degree in a NYS licensable mental health-related field from an accredited college or university to work with couples and families in a variety of settings, by providing both theoretical and practical skills in this highly specialized field. The emphasis is to train competent clinicians who conceptualize individual and family issues from a systemic perspective.

Medaille developed this program with input from local practitioners in the marriage and family therapy field, as well as mental health agencies who have long identified the need for qualified MFTs in Buffalo and the surrounding area.  We anticipate establishing close partnerships with local family agencies and together will develop training opportunities to foster growth in the number of licensed family therapists.

This one year program is a 27-credit course of study that meets New York State educational requirements for licensure as an MFT.  Students take a fixed sequence of courses and complete a 500-hour Marriage and Family Practicum (300 hours of which are face-to-face client hours).  To be eligible for MFT licensure, graduates must work under supervision to complete the 1,500 hour New York State experience requirement and pass the qualifying exam.

Students who complete the Advanced Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy will:

  • Develop solid research-based clinical knowledge in the areas of family, group, couples and individual therapy techniques.
  • Acquire knowledge of legal and ethical issues related to the field of marriage and family therapy.
  • Sharpen clinical skills to work sensitively with diverse populations in a wide range of clinical settings.
  • Meet the educational requirements to obtain New York State licensure as a MFT.
  • Complete 300 client contact hours towards the 1,500-hour experience requirement for New York State licensure as MFT.
  • Attain the breadth and depth of knowledge needed for preparation for the National MFT Exam.

Article: USNews.com: Best Careers 2011: Marriage and Family Therapist As one of the 50 Best Careers of 2011, this should have strong growth over the next decade.
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About admissions

  • Applicants must possess at least a master’s degree in a NYS licensable mental health-related field (e.g. social work, psychology, psychiatry, mental health counseling) from an accredited college or university
  • Provide official transcripts from completed graduate program
  • Submit two letters of recommendation
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Professional goal statement
  • Interview with Marriage and Family Therapy faculty member (to be scheduled after submission of all application materails)
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