Sentio University
Sentio University is a nonprofit graduate institution based in Los Angeles, California, dedicated to advancing psychotherapy training through innovative, skill-focused education. Founded by Dr. Tony Rousmaniere and Dr. Alexandre Vaz, Sentio emphasizes Deliberate Practice—a method of rigorous, experiential skill-building informed by research on clinical effectiveness. The university’s mission is to develop highly effective marriage and family therapists equipped to serve diverse communities.
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Program Overview
Sentio offers a 20-month Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program designed to meet California’s LMFT licensure requirements. The program combines online coursework with five intensive, in-person residencies in Los Angeles, providing a hybrid learning experience. Students benefit from small cohort sizes (maximum 16 students) and a low student-to-faculty ratio (4:1), ensuring personalized mentorship.
Key Features
- Hybrid Format: Online classes complemented by five in-person residencies, fostering both flexibility and community.
- Deliberate Practice: Emphasis on skill rehearsal and feedback to enhance clinical effectiveness.
- Guaranteed Practicum: Over 500 hours of supervised clinical experience at the Sentio Counseling Center, serving diverse, low-income clients.
- Career Development: Support for post-licensure career planning and job placement.
- Research Integration: Students conduct a Clinical Research Project using personal clinical outcome data.
Curriculum
The 60-unit program spans five semesters, each including:
- Weekly Zoom classes featuring lectures, discussions, and skill rehearsals.
- Courses such as Assessment and Diagnosis, Ethical and Legal Issues, Theories & Models, Trauma & Crisis Intervention, and Case Conceptualization & Treatment Planning.
- Practicum courses aligned with client sessions to ensure continuous clinical experience.
Clinical Training
Students complete a minimum of 500 supervised clinical hours at the Sentio Counseling Center, an online clinic specializing in trauma-informed care. The center integrates Deliberate Practice into its training, providing systematic skill development through video-based supervision and outcome data analysis.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- No minimum GPA, GRE scores, or prerequisite courses required.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Submission of a Deliberate Practice assignment.
- Interview with department faculty.
Tuition and Financial Aid
- Tuition: $1,120 per unit; total estimated cost is approximately $67,200.
- Scholarships:
- Anders Ericsson Memorial Scholarship: Merit-based; awards range from $1,000 to $50,400.
- Jeremy Safran Scholarship: Need-based; awards range from $1,000 to $50,400.
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared to pursue LMFT licensure in California, with career opportunities in private practice, community mental health agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The program’s focus on Deliberate Practice and clinical research equips students with the skills necessary for effective, evidence-based therapy.
Why Choose Sentio University?
- Innovative Training: Pioneering use of Deliberate Practice in psychotherapy education.
- Personalized Mentorship: Small cohorts and low student-to-faculty ratios ensure individualized support.
- Comprehensive Clinical Experience: Guaranteed practicum with substantial supervised hours.
- Research-Oriented: Integration of clinical research projects enhances evidence-based practice.
- Accessible Admissions: No GRE or prerequisite courses required.
How to Apply
- Complete the online application by June 1st for Fall 2025 enrollment.
- Submit required documents, including letters of recommendation and Deliberate Practice assignment.
- Participate in an interview with department faculty.