Marriage and Family Therapists, generally, will enact treatments for many mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, alcoholism, drug abuse, mood disorders, childhood autism, and anorexia.
The African-American studies specialization helps students develop the skills and tools necessary to form a better understanding of the modern world from a global context while learning both national and international components that factor into their concentrated fields.
Students who complete the specialization in African-American studies will learn a variety of material including:
- A foundational understanding of African-American history and culture
- How to develop the skills to think globally and critically
- A specialized understanding of the mental health needs of the African-American community
- A culturally relevant approach to therapy
- The dynamics within African-American families
- How to learn to analyze the external and internal factors that affect the way African American people have developed throughout the years
- To be aware of the important disciplines and theories that are represented by the African American people, including the important issues and themes that have influenced the culture throughout history
What Can I do with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy: African-American Family Studies Specialization?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Marriage and Family Therapist jobs are expected to grow much faster than average for other occupations. Practitioners who have a background in African-American studies will be better positioned to serve this particular population.
To give you a better idea of the types of jobs and work settings that you can obtain with a master’s degree with a specialization in African American studies, below is a list of potential job titles. These titles and employment options are definitely not a complete list; however, it can give you an idea of what you can reasonably expect. The list is offered as a means to give you a bit more insight into what can be done with a Marriage and Family Therapy degree with a concentration in African American studies, as well as how the precise skills and training can be used.
MFT: African American Studies jobs can be found in the following areas:
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
- Facilities that address intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health, and substance abuse
- Hospitals
- Individual and family services
- State and local government, excluding education and hospitals
- Outpatient care centers
- Practitioner offices
- Nursing and residential care facilities
