Cal Poly Pomona’s California MFT Program Guide
Want to become a licensed therapist through one of California’s leading MFT programs? Cal Poly Pomona’s MS in Psychology program prepares you for MFT licensure in California.
The program stands out among other MFT programs in California and meets all requirements set by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). The program has full approval from the Western Accreditation of Schools and Colleges (WASC), which ensures high-quality education that meets professional standards. Cal Poly Pomona’s distinction among Cal State MFT programs includes its official status as a ‘minority-serving institution’ and a ‘Hispanic-serving institution’. The campus proudly maintains a ‘majority-minority’ environment where Students of Color make up most of the student population.
This guide covers everything about Cal Poly Pomona’s MFT program – from admission requirements and course structure to clinical training opportunities and licensure preparation. Whether you’re starting your career or advancing your therapy practice, you’ll find valuable information about the path from admission to becoming a licensed therapist in California.
Overview of Cal Poly Pomona’s MFT Program
Cal Poly Pomona runs one of the most respected California MFT programs with a unique approach to mental health education. The program serves as the basis for the university’s dedication to preparing qualified mental health practitioners in communities of all sizes across California.
Program focus on Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
Cal Poly Pomona’s MFT program takes a systems-based approach to therapy. Students learn to view mental health concerns within relationship and family dynamics rather than in isolation. This viewpoint lines up with California’s integrative approach to mental health treatment, where family plays a vital role in successful outcomes.
Students get both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to work with diverse populations effectively. The program helps you become skilled at various therapeutic methods while adapting interventions for individuals, couples, and families. A well-laid-out coursework builds competencies step by step, from basic concepts to specialized intervention techniques.
Accreditation by WASC and BBS compliance
The program holds full accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), which guarantees high educational standards. More importantly, it meets all requirements set by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). This dual compliance means graduates complete all academic prerequisites needed for associate registration and eventual licensure in California.
Regular reviews keep the program current with evolving BBS requirements, which positions graduates well for professional practice. Faculty members take active roles in professional organizations to shape the profession’s future and keep the curriculum relevant.
Comparison with other Cal State MFT programs
Among various MFT programs in California, Cal Poly Pomona stands out through several unique features. The program serves as a minority-serving institution with a diverse student body, which naturally promotes multicultural competence.
Unlike some Cal State MFT programs that focus heavily on research, Cal Poly Pomona emphasizes clinical practice and real-life application. Strong connections with community agencies give students varied practicum opportunities. Many programs struggle to find enough placement sites, but Cal Poly Pomona has built extensive community partnerships that benefit students and local populations alike.
The program maintains a favorable faculty-to-student ratio compared to other state programs, offering personalized mentorship throughout your educational experience.
Core Clinical and Theoretical Training
California MFT programs have different clinical approaches, but Cal Poly Pomona stands out with its exceptional hands-on training. The program prepares therapists for real-life practice by giving students practical experience with clients from different backgrounds in multiple therapeutic settings.
Individual, couple, and family therapy techniques
The program helps you become skilled at building therapeutic alliances that are key to effective treatment. Your relationship-building skills will grow as you work with treatments of all types. Cal Poly Pomona teaches systemic approaches that look at psychological problems in relationship contexts instead of viewing them in isolation.
Students apply theoretical frameworks to practical scenarios and become competent in different therapeutic models. Many MFT programs in California focus on just one approach, but Cal Poly Pomona exposes students to multiple evidence-based methods to work with individuals, couples, and families.
Child and adolescent therapy methods
The program puts special focus on child and adolescent therapy through dedicated courses like PSY 6607 (Diagnosis and Treatment of Children and Child Abuse). Students learn practical intervention skills specifically designed for younger clients.
Your training will include spotting signs of child abuse and understanding mandatory reporting procedures—vital skills for California therapists. This child-focused preparation gives graduates the ability to work successfully in schools, family agencies, and specialized youth services.
DSM-based diagnostic training and psychological assessment
Students learn diagnostic skills using the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This training helps therapists develop accurate clinical impressions and treatment plans.
The program teaches students to understand and interpret major psychological assessments that measure intelligence, personality traits, and psychological symptoms. This knowledge boosts clinical decision-making and treatment planning abilities.
Substance use and psychotropic medication education
PSY 6610 (Substance Use Problems: Individual, Family, and Group Processes) offers in-depth training on addiction treatment approaches. Students learn how drugs, alcohol, and psychotropic medications affect behavior—knowledge that’s vital when coordinating care with psychiatric providers.
Among Cal State MFT programs, Cal Poly Pomona offers reliable training in understanding biological and neurological bases of behavior. This preparation helps graduates work cooperatively in integrated healthcare settings.
Multicultural and Ethical Competency Development
Cultural competence is foundational to effective therapy practice at Cal Poly Pomona’s curriculum. This focus makes it stand out among other California MFT programs with its complete approach to ethical and multicultural training.
PSY 5575: Cross-Cultural & Gender Issues in Therapy
PSY 5575 helps students learn about gender and racial/ethnic relations that affect family therapy interventions. The course examines family roles from different cultural points of view and includes Recovery Model discussions. Students become skilled at working with diverse populations in various cultural settings.
Training on elder abuse, child abuse, and IPV reporting
Students get a full picture of identifying and reporting child abuse, elder and dependent adult abuse, and intimate partner violence. These reporting skills are crucial for clinical practice and legal compliance in California’s therapeutic settings.
Ethical boundaries and professional conduct
Professional ethics are a key focus of the program. Students learn to set appropriate boundaries and keep personal issues separate from client concerns. The program teaches proper professional behavior, including therapeutic language and presentation that works.
Multicultural practicum site placements
The approved practicum sites are a great way to get clinical experience with diverse and underserved communities. This hands-on training enhances classroom learning by letting students use their multicultural skills in clinical settings—making this program different from many other MFT programs in California.
Program Structure and Admission Requirements
Cal Poly Pomona runs one of the best California MFT programs with a well-laid-out curriculum design and clear application requirements. The program spans two years and follows a cohort-based approach.
Required coursework and practicum hours
Students need to complete 90 quarter units covering research methods, psychopathology, family therapy techniques, and ethical issues. The program requires 225 direct service clinical hours before graduation. First-year students attend classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Second-year students split their time between coursework and practicum placements. Students must finish their first-year courses before starting practicum, which usually begins in summer quarters.
Application process and deadlines
The deadline for fall admission is February 1. Applicants need to submit three recommendation letters, transcripts, and a personal statement. They must also participate in individual and group interviews. Competition is fierce since only 16 students are selected from approximately 200 applicants each year.
Support for diverse student backgrounds
The program earned official recognition as both a “minority-serving institution” and a “Hispanic-serving institution”. Each cohort reflects diversity in race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, and other backgrounds.
Licensure preparation aligned with California MFT standards
The program meets every requirement set by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). Students receive training that matches current licensure standards. Graduates can register as associates right after completing the program.
Why Choose Cal Poly Pomona for Your MFT Education
Cal Poly Pomona’s Marriage and Family Therapy program ranks among California’s top educational paths for aspiring therapists. In this piece, you’ll learn how the program provides complete clinical training that meets all California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements for licensure preparation.
The program helps you boost your therapeutic skills with hands-on experience in individual, couple, and family settings. It also gives you the versatile capabilities needed in today’s digital world through specialized training in child and adolescent therapy, substance use treatment, and psychological assessment.
The program’s dedication to multicultural competency sets it apart. Cal Poly Pomona’s status as both a minority-serving and Hispanic-serving institution creates diverse learning environments that promote cultural sensitivity naturally. This unique experience is a great way to get practical skills for working with California’s varied populations after graduation.
Students progress through coursework in a well-laid-out cohort-based approach while building strong professional bonds with peers. Getting admitted can be competitive, but successful applicants receive exceptional faculty mentorship and resilient practicum opportunities through community collaborations.
This 20-year-old MFT program at Cal Poly Pomona offers a proven path to becoming a licensed therapist in California. The program’s WASC accreditation, BBS compliance, complete clinical training, and multicultural focus will give you the preparation you need for professional practice. Starting your experience or advancing your therapy career, this program provides the education, experience, and credentials you need to succeed as a marriage and family therapist in California.