Best Online Graduate Certificates in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

If you are a counseling or psychology professional with a master’s degree who is interested in entering the rewarding field of marriage and family therapy (MFT), a graduate certificate in MFT may be for you. This is an advanced level of training that allows you to practice therapy with couples and families. If you want to become a marriage and family therapist, you will need to earn an advanced degree or certificate. 

Consider an online MFT graduate certificate to supplement your master’s degree. You can save time and money on your education and get to work faster while still being a success.

What Will I Learn in an Online Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Certificate Program?

An online graduate certificate program in MFT is an advanced level of training that supplements general counseling and mental health practices. In addition to working with individuals, the marriage and family therapy grad certificate gives you the tools to work with married couples and individuals working toward marriage.

In addition, you learn how to practice therapy modalities in family groups based on their unique dynamics. Whether you want to focus on married couples and adults in relationships or on families with members of all ages, this is a good opportunity to increase your employment opportunities as a counselor or therapist.

You must take several courses in MFT training at the graduate certificate level. These may include:

• Sociological theories in working with social constructs in a patient setting

• Counseling and interview techniques

• Clinical application of mental health modalities

• Marriage and family therapy

• Sex, gender, and ethnicity training

• Substance use and addiction disorder in the family setting

• Family and group dynamics

• Christian counseling and theological concepts

• Diversity and cultural training

• Ethics and ethical development

• Program evaluation and survey research

By working in the private sector as a specialized marriage and family therapist, you can increase your skills in this area more rapidly. Rather than spreading your services across a wide berth of patient types, marriage and family therapists are focused on this particular area. As a result, you gain a better understanding as a specialist in mental health services.

Admissions Requirements for an MFT Graduate Certificate

The training programs at colleges and universities that offer online MFT graduate certificates have varying admissions procedures. However, generally, you need to provide the same types of information in order to be accepted into a program. But what about 100 percent online and remote certificate training programs – do you have to apply to those in the same way as traditional schools? Yes, you do.

You will be expected to submit all transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of residency to a school offering online training. This is the same process that you went through when applying to undergraduate and graduate schools. To get to the next level with graduate training, be prepared with your basic application package of documents. Typical requirements include:

• A master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a related area

• Letters of recommendation from professors and employers

• Proof of clinical experience and mental health training

• Externship and/or internship proof or records

• Personal statement or essay

• Job resume

• Application fees

Most MFT programs at the graduate level prepare students for certification exams. Be ready to sit for a national board exam covering marriage and family therapy practices. This will lead to certification and licensing as a professional marriage and family therapist.

List of MFT Graduate Certificate Programs

Find an online or campus-based graduate certificate program in marriage and family therapy today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Tara Moretti, LMHC

Tara Moretti is a writer and Licensed Mental Health Counselor with extensive experience in the field of mental health. Tara specializes in helping individuals navigate life transitions, manage stress and anxiety, and improve their relationships. Tara has worked in a variety of settings, including private practice and university counseling centers. She is committed to ongoing professional development and has completed advanced training in trauma-focused therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. In her spare time, Tara enjoys crossword puzzles, practicing yoga, and spending time with her German Shepherd, Zeus.

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