Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Maryland 2025

MFT programs in the Maryland emphasize evidence-based therapy models, ethical counseling practices, and psychological assessment techniques. Most programs also require students to complete supervised practicum and internship experiences, which provide hands-on training in community mental health clinics, hospitals, and school counseling programs.

Many graduates from Maryland’s MFT programs pursue careers in government-funded behavioral health agencies, private practices, hospitals, and family counseling centers, where they work with individuals, couples, and families experiencing relational and psychological challenges.

While specific course titles and sequencing may vary among programs, the following core areas are generally covered:

1. Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy:
This introductory section lays the groundwork for understanding the systemic perspective that defines MFT.

• Course Examples:
  • Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy: Explores the history, philosophy, and core concepts of MFT, including systems theory, circular causality, and the relational context of problems.
  • Family Systems Theory: Delves deeper into the major systems theories that inform MFT practice, such as Bowen Family Systems Theory, Structural Family Therapy, and Strategic Family Therapy.
  • Multicultural Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy: Examines the impact of culture, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and other forms of diversity on family dynamics and therapeutic interventions.

Key Learnings:

• Understanding the differences between individual and systemic approaches to therapy.
• Appreciating the role of context in understanding individual and family problems.
• Developing a culturally sensitive and competent approach to MFT practice.

2. MFT Theory and Practice Models:
This section focuses on specific therapeutic models and techniques used in MFT. You’ll learn how to apply these models to a variety of clinical issues.

• Course Examples:
  • Couple Therapy: Focuses on interventions for working with couples experiencing relationship distress, communication problems, intimacy issues, infidelity, and other challenges.
  • Child and Adolescent Therapy: Covers developmental considerations and therapeutic approaches for working with children and adolescents within a family context, addressing issues such as behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
  • Advanced Family Therapy Techniques: Explores more advanced MFT models, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, providing opportunities to practice applying these techniques in simulated clinical settings.

Key Learnings:

• Mastering a range of MFT models and techniques.
• Developing the ability to assess and diagnose relationship and family problems.
• Learning how to tailor therapeutic interventions to the specific needs of clients.
• Apply effective communication strategies with clients and families.

3. Human Development and Family Development:
This section provides a foundational understanding of the developmental processes that shape individuals and families across the lifespan.

• Course Examples:
  • Lifespan Development: Examines the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of individuals from infancy to old age, with an emphasis on the impact of family relationships on development.
  • Family Development: Explores the stages of family life, transitions, and challenges families face throughout the life cycle, including marriage, parenthood, divorce, and remarriage.

Key Learnings:

• Understanding the normal developmental milestones and challenges faced by individuals and families.
• Recognizing the impact of developmental factors on relationship dynamics.
• Identifying potential developmental delays or disruptions that may require therapeutic intervention.

4. Psychopathology and Mental Health:
This section covers the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders within a family context.

• Course Examples:
  • Psychopathology: Provides an overview of major mental health disorders, including diagnostic criteria, etiology, and treatment approaches, with a focus on the impact of these disorders on family relationships.
  • Assessment in Marriage and Family Therapy: Covers the use of various assessment tools to evaluate individuals, couples, and families, including standardized questionnaires, genograms, and clinical interviews.

Key Learnings:

• Understanding the diagnostic criteria for mental health disorders.
• Developing the ability to assess mental health symptoms and their impact on family functioning.
• Learning how to integrate mental health treatment with MFT principles.

5. Research Methods and Statistics:
This section equips you with the skills to critically evaluate research and apply evidence-based practices to your clinical work.

• Course Examples:
  • Research Methods in Marriage and Family Therapy: Introduces research designs, data collection methods, and statistical analysis techniques used in MFT research.
  • Evidence-Based Practice in Marriage and Family Therapy: Explores the process of identifying, evaluating, and implementing evidence-based interventions in MFT practice.

Key Learnings:

• Understanding the principles of research design and statistical analysis.
• Developing the ability to critically evaluate research literature.
• Learning how to apply evidence-based practices to your clinical work.

6. Ethics and Professional Practice:
This section covers the ethical and legal considerations that guide MFT practice.

• Course Examples:
  • Ethics and Professional Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy: Explores the ethical codes of conduct for MFTs, legal issues related to confidentiality, informed consent, and mandated reporting, and professional development strategies.

Key Learnings:

• Understanding the ethical and legal responsibilities of MFTs.
• Developing the ability to make ethical decisions in complex clinical situations.
• Learning how to maintain professional boundaries and avoid ethical violations.

7. Specific Content Examples
These are examples of specific topics that might be covered, demonstrating the breadth of the curriculum:

• Trauma and Family Systems: Understanding the impact of trauma on individuals and families, and learning how to provide trauma-informed care.
• Addiction and Family Systems: Exploring the role of family dynamics in the development and maintenance of addiction, and learning how to work with families affected by substance abuse.
• Intimate Partner Violence: Understanding the dynamics of intimate partner violence and learning how to provide safe and effective interventions for victims and perpetrators.
• Grief and Loss: Exploring the process of grief and loss, and learning how to support individuals and families through bereavement.
• Sexuality and Relationships: Discussing the impact of sexuality on relationships, and learning how to address sexual concerns in therapy.
• Family Law and Divorce: Exploring the legal aspects of divorce and child custody, and learning how to help families navigate these challenging transitions.