Connecticut might be one of the smallest states in terms of land area, but it’s big on higher education. Public and private colleges and universities dot Connecticut’s landscape. Not only that, a decent number of these schools offer graduate programs in marriage and family therapy.
We’ve included both online and in-person options in this guide. Regardless of whether you get your training in person or online, you’ll finish your program with the credentials needed to become a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in Connecticut.
Marriage and Family Therapy Programs in Connecticut
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering marriage and family therapy programs in Connecticut:
- Central Connecticut State University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Fairfield University
- Eastern University
- National University
- Northwestern University
- Grand Canyon University
Central Connecticut State University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
At Central Connecticut State University, you can complete a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy focusing on systems theory. In addition to your coursework in systems-based counseling, you’ll also complete a comprehensive sequence of clinical training. Combined, these activities ensure you have both the knowledge and the skills to provide therapeutic services to clients upon graduating.
This program offers a flexible format, too. Courses are held in the evenings to accommodate typical daytime work schedules. And since it’s a three-year program, you get an extra year to complete your degree versus typical full-time programs. Still, you’ll complete the same number of credits, 63, in earning your degree.
The curriculum consists of a core curriculum that includes thirteen classes. You’ll begin with Introduction to Theories of Family Systems, which offers a look at historical perspectives of general systems theory. Likewise, you’ll examine major models of family therapy. Taking a broad look at many different approaches to family therapy is key to helping you develop your professional identity as a counselor. Furthermore, this class is foundational for your learning of assessment and treatment strategies for couples and families.
Another important course you’ll take early on in this program is The Family Life Cycle. This class explores the developmental aspects of the family system. In particular, you’ll analyze how the family system changes over time and consider how individuals and subsystems within the larger family system also transition with age. Some of the topics you’ll discuss include divorce, blended families, and remarriage, to name a few.
Furthermore, you’ll take a course on Experiential, Intergenerational, and Psychodynamic Family Therapies. This is a more advanced course that takes a detailed look at each type of therapy. Additionally, you’ll discuss how the processes of diagnosis and treatment vary from one type of therapy to the next.
You’re also required to take a Couples Therapy class. Naturally, this class focuses on the dyadic relationship. However, you’ll learn how to approach problems within that relationship from a systemic perspective, including how to assess and treat the couple and the individuals within that couple. The class further discusses topics such as:
- Spousal violence
- Sexual dysfunction
- Types of marriages
- Communication problems
- Gender and power issues
As you proceed through this program, you’ll take other classes that examine common marriage and family topics. A good example of this is Systemic Perspectives on Mental Disorders. This course helps clarify the diagnostic classifications of common mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. Again, this is done from a systems perspective, so even though these disorders occur on an individual level, you’ll learn how to conceptualize the disorders within the family system.
Another important course is Action Methods in Marital and Family Therapy, which gives you insights into the physical aspects of therapy. For example, you’ll learn how to utilize dramatic role-play as a technique to help couples and families work through their difficulties. These types of active, expressive activities offer a nice balance to more typical talk therapy techniques.
Of course, the final component of the program is a year-long practicum and internship during which you gain real-world experience as a counselor. During the practicum, you’ll participate in direct counseling activities with clients and conduct day-to-day activities with other staff members, like completing paperwork and participating in meetings. Additionally, you’ll take part in regular supervision with your clinical supervisor.
During the internship, you’ll take on additional responsibilities that help you grow further as a professional. you’ll be placed in a community mental health setting and amass at least 400 clinical contact hours. You must also complete at least 100 hours of supervision with your onsite supervisor.
The admissions requirements are as follows:
- Have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or higher and a 3.0 or higher for all graduate work.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide two letters of recommendation.
- Submit a current resume.
- Submit a personal essay that discusses your reasoning for pursuing a master’s degree in this field and your readiness to do so.
Southern Connecticut State University
Master of Family Therapy
The Marriage and Family graduate program at Southern Connecticut State University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and offers a comprehensive education in working with individuals, couples, and families. Upon completing this program, you might be eligible for employment in many different areas, including the following:
- Youth services agencies
- Private practice
- Hospital outpatient clinics
- Community mental health facilities
- Substance abuse programs
As a student in this program, you’ll participate in a curriculum that includes rigorous academic study and hands-on, supervised clinical experiences. A primary focus of the degree is on your development as a therapist–not just in terms of your skills but also in developing your sense of professional self.
The program, which can be completed in as little as two years, requires 60 credits to graduate. Included in these credits are numerous courses focusing on foundational marriage and family therapy concepts. For example, you’ll take Family of Origin, which is a detailed study of your own family. You’ll trace your family’s development across generations and identify patterns and themes that influence your thinking today.
Additionally, you’ll take Therapeutic Use of Self, which involves learning the Self as Therapist methods and techniques. you’ll learn primary themes within this type of therapy. You’ll also participate in awareness practice, which will help you identify biases you hold that might impact how you work with your clients.
You’ll also take a three-part course on Family Systems Theory. This class offers a deep look at evidence-based and post-modern theories of family therapy. You’ll likewise explore therapeutic methods that align with each approach. In addition to lectures and class activities, you’ll also participate in solution-focused therapy sessions and in-home therapy assignments to gain a better understanding of how these theories can be utilized to help your clients.
Other important coursework includes the following:
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Marriage and Family Therapy Practice
- Introduction to Family Clinic Policies and Procedures
- Understanding the Treatment of Substance Addictions in Couples and Families
- Systemic Psychopathology
- Family Therapy Outcome Research
The practicum portion of this program is completed at the university’s onsite Family Clinic. Your training begins with simulated sessions that test your knowledge and help you get grounded in the process of evaluating and treating clients. You’ll also work on concepts like case conceptualization, developing treatment plans, and initiating clinical interventions.
You’ll take on an even larger role in the internship phase of the program. Again, you’ll continue working in the Family Clinic, but you’ll have many more opportunities to work directly with clients. You’ll also work off-site in an approved clinical setting where you’ll acquire additional skills related to conceptualizing cases, treating clients, and managing a caseload.
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for admission:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or higher.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide two references who can discuss your academic and professional potential.
- Provide a current curriculum vitae or resume.
- Submit an essay in which you address your reasoning for applying to this program.
Fairfield University
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fairfield University is an on-campus program that takes as little as 36 months to complete. However, you have the flexibility of enrolling part-time and taking as many as six years to complete the degree requirements. Moreover, this degree has two start dates (spring and fall) to provide you with additional flexibility.
All told, you must complete 60 credits to earn this degree. Topics are wide-ranging; some, like Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy and Foundations of Marital and Family Therapy, focus on foundational issues, models of family therapy, and the systemic framework. Other classes, like Social Justice and Diversity in Professional Practice, ensure you have insights into diversity issues and what you can do to help underserved communities.
Additional coursework focuses on research. For example, you’ll take Research in Marriage and Family Therapy, which explores the methodology, design, and statistical considerations of conducting research in this field. You’ll learn how to design experiments, analyze data, and evaluate existing research as well.
This degree further requires coursework in ethics. For example, you’ll take Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Family Therapy, which takes a look at specific issues related to clinical practice. Specific topics include the following:
- Licensure and certification issues
- Family law
- Mental health care delivery systems
- Confidentiality issues
- The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Code of Ethics
There is a focus on contemporary issues and the larger community, too. You’ll take two specialized courses that focus on contemporary issues: Introduction to Substance Abuse and Addictions and Queer and Trans Mental Health. The first course isn’t just an exploration of drug abuse. Instead, you’ll learn about the physiological effects of drug use, 12-step programs, and addiction and its impact on the family system.
Meanwhile, the Queer and Trans Mental Health course offers a global look at sexual and gender minority issues. You’ll examine issues like homophobia, power, and oppression, while also examining critical issues in this field, such as the higher rates of depression and suicide among queer and trans people.
The community-related course in this program is Private Practice and Small Business Management. It’s important to remember that although therapy is a necessary health service, it’s also a business. This class explores that business component and helps you consider the ins and outs of developing and implementing a business plan.
This program has a significant focus on clinical treatment, too. In fact, you’ll learn strategies for working directly with individuals, couples, and families by taking classes such as:
- Techniques of Narrative and Solution-Focused Therapy
- Divorce, Single Parenting, and Blended Families
- Intervention in Structural and Strategic Family Therapy
- Advanced Interventions in Family Therapy
- Couples Therapy
You’ll complete a pre-practicum experience as part of your clinical treatment coursework, too. This course includes simulated counseling experiences that help you focus on developing clinical skills without the pressure of working with actual clients. Later in the program, you’ll complete a comprehensive practicum and internship during which you’ll put your skills and knowledge to the test in a long-term work setting where you provide clinical services to a range of clients. You must accrue at least 500 hours of direct contact hours, 200 of which must be in the context of couples or family therapy. At least 100 hours of clinical supervision is also required.
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for admission:
- Have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Submit a professional resume.
- Provide a personal statement.
- Submit letters of recommendation and recommendation forms from professional references.
Eastern University
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Eastern University’s online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit clinical program designed with flexibility in mind. You’ll complete the necessary coursework remotely on either a full-time or part-time basis. If studying full-time, you’ll need two years to finish the degree requirements.
The curriculum is two-pronged. The coursework focuses on theory and is taught by clinical professionals who have real-world experience working as therapists. There is also a focus on multiculturalism, diversity, and equity. You’ll take classes and participate in exercises that help you refine your identity and appreciate the identity of those around you.
Furthermore, you’ll explore system theories of marriage and family therapy while also integrating faith, justice, and reason. Doing so allows you to develop a holistic viewpoint of therapy that is more responsive to the needs of your clients. At the same time, you’ll also discover a greater level of self-awareness regarding your personal beliefs and biases that may affect how you work with your clients.
Your initial coursework looks at foundational concepts in marriage and family therapy. These courses are critical for your development and your understanding of the therapeutic process. Example foundations courses include the following:
- Human Development: Working With Families Across the Lifespan
- Assessment and Diagnosis in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Treatment and Assessment of Families in Therapy
- Diversity, Equity, and Belonging in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Professional Ethics in Marriage and Family Therapy
Of course, you’ll also take numerous theory-based classes. For example, you’re required to complete a three-course Marriage and Family Theory sequence that offers a detailed view of historical and current theories in this field. Though you’ll focus primarily on systems theory, you’ll explore other approaches for working with couples and families, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Your coursework also includes highly specific subjects that train you to address many different problems or issues that might bring couples or families to therapy. For example, you’ll take Systemic Approaches in the Treatment of Children and Adolescents to inform you of the unique methods required for working with young clients. On the one hand, you might focus on diagnostic and assessment techniques for children and adolescents. On the other hand, you might learn how to devise effective treatment plans for common childhood issues like anxiety and depression.
Additional specialized courses you’re required to take include the following:
- Contemporary Issues and Collaboration in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Research Methods in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Human Sexuality
- Treatment and Assessment of Couples in Therapy
- Psychopathology, Psychopharmacology, and Integrated Care for the Mental Health Professional
The program’s final requirement is a year-long internship. Since this is an online program, you’ll have the freedom to seek an internship placement near your hometown, rather than having to travel to Eastern’s campus to complete fieldwork. Your internship site must be approved by the university, though.
The criteria for admission are as follows:
- Have a bachelor’s degree in any field. The degree must include at least six credits in psychology, human services, social work, human development, or related areas.
- Have a 2.8 cumulative undergraduate GPA or higher.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Submit a current curriculum vitae or resume.
- Provide two references–one academic and one professional.
- Submit an essay in which you discuss what you want to do professionally and how social justice, marginalization, and diversity impact counseling.
- Submit the required regulatory form.
Select applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with marriage and family therapy faculty, too.
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