MFT Programs California: Chicago School’s M.A. vs Psy.D.

The MFT programs you choose in California can shape your mental health career path. The Chicago School lets you pick between two paths – a faster two-year M.A. degree or a detailed three-year Psy.D. program. These programs lead to rewarding careers but differ in their timelines and where they can take you professionally.

The Chicago School’s California MFT programs give you the skills to work in many settings. You’ll find graduates making a difference in mental health centers, substance abuse facilities, hospitals, schools, private practices, and community agencies. The Psy.D. program helps you become a licensed professional. You’ll need to complete 3,000 supervised hours over at least 104 weeks. Your registration stays valid for six years, and either program builds a strong base for your professional growth.

MFT Program Snapshot

The Chicago School offers two different paths for students who want to become marriage and family therapists in California. Each program has its own structure, requirements, and career paths while upholding excellent educational standards.

Students can choose between two programs. The M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program has accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). The Psy.D. program blends core competencies from both the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP) and the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

Students who start in fall can complete the M.A. program in three years, with a faster two-year option available. The Psy.D. takes three years of full-time study to complete. Students in the M.A. program must complete 60 credit hours, or 63 if they choose the LPCC Track.

The California Board of Behavioral Sciences doesn’t approve online-only programs, so The Chicago School’s MFT programs use a hybrid format. Students can attend the M.A. program at campuses in Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Diego. The Psy.D. program runs at the Anaheim and Los Angeles locations.

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA to get into the M.A. program. The Psy.D. program asks for a license-eligible master’s degree in mental health, usually with a GPA above 3.0.

Both programs have strong clinical requirements. M.A. students must complete at least 300 face-to-face contact hours, and 100 of these must be with couples and families. Most students actually complete more than 500 contact hours, including 200 relational hours.

M.A. students must pass a Written Comprehensive Exam to graduate. Psy.D. students need to complete both a comprehensive exam and dissertation.

The total program tuition ranges from $78,180 to $82,089. The entering class size has varied between 77 and 103 students each year from 2018 to 2021 across all locations.

Pathways and Specializations

Your degree choice makes a big difference in the career paths available to MFT program graduates in California. The Chicago School’s programs create professional opportunities that match your educational investment.

The M.A. program qualifies you for many careers beyond being a therapist. Here’s what graduates often do:

• Marriage and family therapists work with individuals, couples, and families
• Social workers serve as community advocates
• School guidance counselors help students achieve academic goals
• Substance abuse counselors help individuals overcome addiction
• Rehabilitation counselors support patients with disabilities
• Social and community service managers oversee organizational activities
• Spiritual counselors provide faith-based guidance

The Psy.D. program opens doors to advanced career paths. Psy.D. graduates not only become licensed professionals but also take leadership roles in mental health or teach in higher education.

Whatever california mft programs you pick, both degrees prepare you to work in various settings:

• Mental health centers
• Substance abuse treatment facilities
• Hospitals and medical settings
• Educational institutions
• Private practices
• Employment assistance programs (EAPs)
• Community mental health agencies
• Social service organizations

Your career path usually starts with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, or social work. Next comes a two-year master’s program. You’ll need about two years of supervised clinical experience before you can take licensure exams.

The Chicago School offers an optional LPCC track if you want specialized credentials. This track needs three more credit hours beyond the standard program. A dual license can boost your job prospects and expand your practice options.

The school’s strong connections with local agencies are a great way to get networking opportunities. These relationships help coordinate treatments with courts, law enforcement, hospitals, and private practitioners. You’ll learn about career advancement possibilities after graduation.

Learning Options and Flexibility

MFT programs at California institutions offer varying levels of flexibility to match your schedule and priorities. The Chicago School has designed their programs with working professionals in mind. They provide several options to fit different lifestyles.

Students can choose between full-time and part-time options in the M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program to balance their education with other commitments. Most students who start in fall complete the program in three years. Students beginning in spring or summer might need extra time because of course sequencing.

Distance learning students need to attend two in-person residencies during their first two years. These sessions help new students get oriented, build connections with peers, and learn through valuable face-to-face interactions. California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences doesn’t approve fully online programs, which makes this hybrid format essential.

MFT programs across California usually combine online coursework with in-person training after year one. The Chicago School follows this approach. Classes meet mainly on Fridays with some Thursday evening sessions at their San Diego and Anaheim locations.

The Psy.D. Marital and Family Therapy program takes three years of full-time study. The school doesn’t currently offer part-time options for doctoral students.

The Chicago School markets their graduate programs as “flexible, affordable, and built for your schedule”. This shows they understand students need options that fit with their work and personal lives.

Master’s degrees in MFT programs across California usually take 2.5 to 3 years to complete. This matches The Chicago School’s timeframe and meets state licensure requirements.

Admission Requirements

Getting into MFT programs in California means meeting specific requirements that vary by institution. The Chicago School’s Marriage and Family Therapy programs focus on two key aspects: academic readiness and personal fit for clinical work.

Students applying to the M.A. program need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. While GRE scores remain optional, they can strengthen your application. Your application package must include:

• Completed application form with $50 application fee
• Official college/university transcripts
• Current resume or curriculum vitae
• Personal essay
• Three letters of recommendation

The Psy.D. program has more rigorous requirements. You’ll need a license-eligible master’s degree in a mental health field from an accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The Chicago School believes in diversity and takes an integrated approach that focuses on inclusion rather than exclusion. The school values each applicant’s life experiences, professional background, community service, and dedication to helping marginalized populations.

Accepted students can send their application materials to Admissions Operations at The Chicago School’s Chicago location or by email. International students should submit applications early to allow time for visa processing.

Why Choose This Program

The Chicago School stands out among California’s many MFT programs with its unique advantages. The M.A. program’s COAMFTE accreditation will give a solid education that meets national standards.

Students get exceptional hands-on experience through the program. They must complete 300 face-to-face clinical hours, with at least 100 hours dedicated to couples and families. This ground preparation helps them meet state licensure requirements and smooths their path to professional practice.

The program’s graduates have shown remarkable success. They excel at getting internships, passing licensing exams, and building thriving practices. These California MFT program’s alumni often find rewarding roles in:

• Private practices
• Public agencies (Department of Children and Family Services, Veterans’ Affairs)
• Medical settings and hospitals
• Specialized treatment facilities focusing on domestic violence, eating disorders, or addiction

The Chicago School makes their professional degree programs available to more students. Their Financial Aid department helps students create suitable financial plans that may include scholarships.

The program’s blend of scientific principles and clinical application ended up creating skilled practitioners who deliver effective treatments. Students build strong theoretical knowledge and learn to apply these concepts in specific clinical situations. This creates a solid foundation that leads to professional success, whatever program path you choose.