The Family Therapy Program in the Kent School of Social Work offers the Post Master's Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). This certificate program is designed for those who already hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in a human services field to pursue advanced study and supervised practice in marriage and family therapy. The Post Master's Certificate in MFT meets course requirements for Kentucky licensure in MFT and for Clinical Membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Coursework focuses on theoretical foundations, practical applications, ethical responsibilities, integration of research, and supervised clinical practice.

The Certificate Program is comprised of coursework and supervised practice. Courses are offered on Fridays on the Shelby Campus of the University of Louisville during fall, spring, and summer semesters. Supervised practice includes (1) a live supervision class that meets one evening per week, (2) a one-hour individual supervision session each week, and (3) additional time as needed to attain practicum requirements. The certificate program is structured for the student to complete the requirements in two calendar years, a new cohort of students beginning in the summer semester of each year. Requirements include six (6) courses concurrent with 500 hours of supervised clinical practice and 100 hours of approved supervision.

The Post Master's Certificate in MFT has been accredited since 1990 by COAMFTE.

Students must have employment or a volunteer placement that provides three-five hours of ongoing clinical contact per week with individuals, couples, or families. Students are expected to join AAMFT (American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy) as student members, to attend one major conference in MFT, and to volunteer service to KAMFT (Kentucky Association for Marriage and Family Therapy) each year. Students must also have liability insurance to begin practicum.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites are required, but will vary depending upon the student's specific master’s program.

• One (1) three semester hour course in clinical practice (e.g., MFT practice models, family and/or individual mental health assessment, interventions with specific clinical populations/problems).
• Three (3) three semester hour courses in individual development and family relations (e.g., sexuality issues, gender, sexual orientation, cultural diversity, human growth and development, personality, human behavior in the social environment).
• One (1) three semester hour course in research (e.g., methodology, data analysis, evaluation).
• One (1) three semester hour course in an area of specific professional interest.
• A semester-long practicum.

Admissions

Prospective students must submit the following completed materials:

1. The University of Louisville Graduate School Application; see http://graduate.louisville.edu/apply;
2. An official copy of transcripts from all colleges or universities attended;
3. Three (3) (please note difference from graduate school application) letters of recommendation indicating potential for success in the program;
4. A letter of intent that explains the applicant's
   • interest in applying to this program,
   • knowledge of family therapy,
   • work experience (voluntary or paid) in human services,
   • affiliation with professional organizations (including conference attendance),
   • professional goals and expectations.
5. A current resumé; and
6. A five-page summary of significant family-of-origin experiences that reflects the applicant's exploration of personal growth issues which may be relevant in one's development as a family therapist.

Application materials required by the Graduate School (#1, #2, #3 above) should be sent directly to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
University of Louisville
105 Houchens
Louisville , Kentucky 40292

The specific application materials for the Post Masters Certificate in MFT (#4, #5, #6 above) should be sent electronically to:

Nancy Bruner at nebrun01@louisville.edu

(502) 852-0383

It may be advisable to call Nancy Bruner, 852-0383, the FT Program Assistant, to check on the status of your application. Each application will be reviewed by the Family Therapy Program faculty. Upon satisfactory review of the student's MFT application materials (which includes completion of all prerequisites by the summer start date), an interview will be scheduled with the Family Therapy Program Director and or faculty. Enrollment is limited.

The Post Master's Certificate Program does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, disability status, national origin or religion. The Post Master's Certificate in MFT within the Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), 112 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 838-9808.

The curriculum (below) has been designed to combine didactic coursework with clinical supervision over a two-year period.  All classes meet on Fridays, either morning or afternoon, except the first summer course, which meets all day on Fridays for a 7 week period.  State licensure defines how therapists without masters degrees in family therapy can establish “equivalency” if they wish to become licensed.  The Post Masters Program at the UofL provides the critical MFT coursework, however, each applicant’s master’s degree transcript must be reviewed by the program to insure that they have taken other related coursework that state licensure requires.  Students interested in applying should also review these state requirements first to assess what if any additional coursework they might need:

http://mft.ky.gov/   (Then go to link on right side of page “Laws and Regulations Booklet”)

Practicum and Supervision:

Practicum settings may be drawn from the student’s work setting, if appropriate, or an alternate part-time setting where the student can have access to an appropriate client base.  Settings must be approved at the time of application.  If an applicant does not have access to a clinical population, the FT program may have suggestions for the applicant, however, practicum arrangements are primarily the responsibility of the applicant to pre-arrange. Clinical Supervision must be obtained from an AAMFT Supervisor approved by the Family Therapy Program.  It is also expected that students will be exposed to more that one supervisor during their program, typically having one for the first year and one for the second.  Fees for supervision are contracted directly with the program approved Supervisors, not through tuition.  Applicants should plan on supervision running between $60 and $80 per week. Teaming up with another student or students to share their supervision time can greatly reduce this fee.  Upon completion of the two-year academic coursework and supervision, and all related courses required by the state (if necessary), the student will be immediately eligible to apply for licensure in the state of Kentucky.

Post Masters Option for Advanced Standing MSSW/ MFT Track Graduates:

For Advanced Standing Students who completed the MSSW/MFT Track, there is an option to continue with MFT studies and work toward their licensure in MFT.  The following table illustrates what their course of study would look like:

Community Supervision designates the two year /1000 hours of post masters clinical experience required by the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Marriage and Family Therapy.  Clinical settings may be drawn from the student’s work setting, if appropriate, or an alternate part-time setting where the student can have access to an appropriate family client base.  The Family Therapy Program must approve settings at the time of Postmasters application. Practicum arrangements (including supervision) are primarily the responsibility of the applicant to pre-arrange. Clinical Supervision must be obtained from an AAMFT Supervisor, approved by the Family Therapy Program. Fees for supervision are contracted directly with the approved Supervisors, not through tuition. Teaming up with another student or students to share their supervision time can greatly reduce the fee.  Upon completion of the minimum two-year academic coursework and supervision, and all related courses required by the state (if necessary), the student will be immediately eligible to apply for licensure in the state of Kentucky.