MFT degree
We’re starting out easy. Marriage and Family Therapy is often referred to by the acronym “MFT.”
An MFT degree trains individuals in mental health counseling and focuses on helping couples or families deal with conflict, mental disorders, and trauma. MFT degrees can include specializations like African-American Family Studies, Latina/Latino Family Studies, and Trauma Studies.
AAMFT
The AAMFT is the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. It’s an organization that provides educational resources, networking events, and representation for marriage and family therapists worldwide.
LMFT
LMFT stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. To become a LMFT in California, you need to fulfill several prerequisites, which include specific degree completion requirements, internship hours, and exam scores. Check out this post to learn more about the California MFT exam process.
Once fulfilling the requirements, a LMFT is licensed to provide services to individuals, couples, and families.
BBS
The California Board of Behavioral Sciences is often called the BBS. The BBS is a government agency within the Department of Consumer Affairs that licenses and enforces standards for a variety of therapists, counselors, and psychologists. This includes licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed educational psychologists, and licensed professional clinical counselors.
The Board administers exams for each licensed position, approves applicants and grants licensure, and imposes regulations for each position.
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
The BBS announced a new title change for marriage and family therapist Interns. As of Jan. 1, 2018, registrants must use the title “Associate Marriage and Family Therapist” or “Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist.”
It’s also important to note that you cannot use the titles “Marriage and Family Therapist Associate” or “MFTA.” These aren’t recognized by California law.
Marriage and family therapy programs
All our MFT programs prepare you to sit for the LMFT exams—and they help you establish a strong foundation for a fulfilling and successful Marriage and Family Therapy career.
- M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy (Pasadena)
- M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy: African-American Family Studies (Pasadena)
- M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy: Latinx Family Studies (Pasadena)
- M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy: LGBTQIA+ Studies (Pasadena)
- M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy: Trauma Studies (Pasadena)
- M.A. in Cultural and Family Studies (Pasadena)
Interested in pursuing a master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy? Explore what Pacific Oaks has to offer. If you’re ready to take the next step, fill out the form below to request more information.
