Master’s Degree in Family Therapy

The Couple and Family Therapy program is a collaboration between Council for Relationships and Thomas Jefferson University’s College of Health Professions, bringing together the talents and resources of two respected organizations.

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If you are a student interested in a career in Couple and Family Therapy or an applicant with, or who will be earning, a bachelor’s degree before enrollment, click the button below and complete the form.

The program has two specialty tracks: family therapy and sex therapy.

This is a full-time, two-year, 66-credit program, which is modeled on the core curriculum developed by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), focusing on key areas of contemporary practice, including:

  • Couple and marital counseling
  • Diversity
  • Families in transition (divorce or remarriage)
  • Family therapy with children
  • Family violence
  • Medical family therapy
  • Sex therapy

Curriculum

The curriculum reflects a biopsychosocial approach to understanding human behavior, viewing the behavior of individuals, couples, families, and larger systems as the result of an interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. It also reflects a commitment to training therapists to be aware of and sensitive to issues of cultural diversity and their impact on family functioning and the therapeutic process.

The curriculum varies slightly depending on the program track you choose. Students must complete 500 direct clinical hours and 100 hours of supervision, 50 hours of which must be based on raw data as defined by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).​

Speciality Tracks

Sex Therapy Track offers students the opportunity to learn and practice the various therapeutic skills necessary for the field of sex therapy.

Family Therapy Track offers specialized study in interpersonal issues facing couples and families. These include family violence, substance abuse, chronic medical conditions and the blending of families.

Practicum

The Program requires 500 hours of direct clinical experience and 200 of those hours must be with couples or families. Students receive a minimum of 100 hours of supervision, at least 50 hours of which is based on direct observation, videotape, or audiotape. Students complete 8–10 hours of clinical practice per week and receive both individual and group supervision.

Practicum placements are available at a variety of clinical settings, including various CFR locations and community partner sites in the Philadelphia region. Students have a variety of options for their clinical placements and training.​

Prerequisites

The majority of your prerequisites must be completed before an admissions decision can be made. You do not need to have your prerequisites completed before you apply.

Application Process/Applying

Please visit the application page for details and to apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the cycle until the class is filled; decisions are granted on a rolling basis.

Information Sessions

Information sessions are held regularly for those interested in learning more about the program. You will learn about:

  • Collaborative curriculum with Council for Relationships and Thomas Jefferson University
  • Specialty Tracks: Family Therapy and Sex Therapy
  • Clinical Experience
  • Application Process and Admissions Requirements

If you are interested in attending an information session: Click Here.

After you submit the form, a personal page will be created for you on Jefferson’s website where you will be able to register for the next information session.

Questions & Contacts

To learn more about the COAMFTE-accredited program*, including admissions requirements, please visit Thomas Jefferson University’s Department of Counseling and Behavioral Health website.

For questions about the program, please contact:

Nicole McKinney, PhD, LMFT
Program Director
Couple and Family Therapy Program
Nicole.Mckinney@jefferson.edu

Florda Priftanji, LMFT
Program Coordinator
Couple and Family Therapy Program
Florda.Priftanji@jefferson.edu

For questions about admissions, please contact:

Devin M. Sullivan-Phillips
Associate Director, Graduate Admissions
Thomas Jefferson University
devin.sullivan.phillips@jefferson.edu 
215-503-9847

*The Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Thomas Jefferson University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), 112 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, (703) 838-9808, coa@aamft.org