UCM Marriage and Family Therapy Program Achieves High Ranking from CounselingPsychology.org
The Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) has been recognized as one of the best in Missouri by CounselingPsychology.org.
CounselingPsychology.org, which advocates for mental health care students and professionals, recently published its list of the best programs. UCM was ranked #3 on the list of the Best MFT Programs in Missouri.
According to CounselingPsychology.org, the rankings were determined through a multifaceted assessment process encompassing several key criteria that evaluated the overall quality, impact and effectiveness of programs.
UCM’s Marriage and Family Therapy degree is the only graduate program of its kind at a public university in Missouri.
Marriage and Family Therapy is one of two options for obtaining a Human Development and Family Science master’s degree at UCM. The two-year MFT degree option will give students the practical skills to become a marriage counselor or family therapist. The second option is a one-year accelerated master’s degree that equips students with the knowledge and abilities to work in supervisory roles in different human services professions.
Students can choose between two tracks to complete their MFT degree. The thesis track is a good fit for students who plan to pursue doctoral studies to teach or conduct research. The non-thesis track focuses on an integrative project course and is designed for students who plan to become a therapist.
UCM offers hands-on clinical experience right on campus with the Central Missouri Clinic for Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy. Student therapists in the MFT program meet with individuals and families in private and confidential sessions under the supervision of experienced faculty.
UCM’s Human Development and Family Science – MFT degree option was designed to meet the rigorous accreditation standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE). As a newer program, UCM’s Marriage and Family Therapy degree received accreditation in 2023, demonstrating its commitment to the highest quality of training standards for marriage and family therapists.
“Receiving accreditation from COAMFTE is a huge accomplishment for not only the faculty and Department of Human Services but for all of UCM,” MFT program director Dr. Tim Welch said. “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dr. Adriatik Likcani, the outgoing program director, whose careful attention to detail guided the program through this significant milestone. Without Dr. Likcani’s vision and expertise, UCM would not have this excellent program that trains the next generation of competent and effective marriage and family therapists.”