MASTERS DEGREES in COUNSELING AND THERAPY Explore your Mind, Start your Career, Benefit Others Clinical Mental Health Counseling Marriage and Family Therapy Creative Arts Therapy Concentrations
Explore your Mind, Start your Career, Benefit Others Receiving your Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) or Marriage and Family Therapy (also referred to as Couple and Family Therapy-CFT) at Antioch University Seattle will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and experience to transform your personal and professional lives in a career path as a mental health practitioner working with individuals, couples, families, and children. Antioch University also offers opportunities for a creative arts specialty in Art, Drama, or Play Therapy. Work closely with award-winning faculty who deeply care about your learning and seek to inspire, support, and challenge you to serve your community and the world as a passionate and highly trained mental health care practitioner. The curriculum is both rigorous and innovative with a hands-on and learner-centered education emphasis that is a hallmark of an Antioch University education.
Highlights SCHEDULES ARE DESIGNED FOR WORKING ADULTS With student-centered learning and competency-based instruction, our program is tailored for adult learners. Classes meet late afternoons, evenings, and all day on Fridays to accommodate working adults. Our course structure allows you to shape the sequence of your study, creating an educational experience that sets you up for success. SPECIALIZATIONS IN ART, DRAMA, AND PLAY THERAPY CERTIFICATE Our programs are on the forefront of the profession, training students in emerging evidence-based methods while emphasizing the fundamental skills, experience and relationships needed to build a successful professional practice, join an established one, or to serve the community in unique and creative ways. LEARN TO DO WORK THAT MATTERS Our students are trained into a profession with a rich history of helping, and a strong focus in social justice, advocacy and practice. Alumnae report stories of both personal and professional transformation as a result of earning their degree. WE EMPHASIZE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND SELF-AWARENESS Not only do we teach theories and skills, we also emphasize self-awareness, which is critical for competent therapists and counselors. STUDENTS APPRECIATE THE EXPERIENTIAL, COMPETENCY-BASED APPROACH TO LEARNING Our courses emphasize experiential learning rather than focusing on lectures and testing. Students are evaluated on their abilities rather than their ability to take a test. As a result, we do not utilize the GRE in our admissions process.
MA in CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING MA in CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING Learn the skills that make a difference in the lives of others Our Clinical Mental Health Counseling program helps you develop the intellectual and relational capacities needed to understand and work with diverse populations in a variety of professional counseling settings (e.g. state and federal human services agencies, group/ private practices). Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Specializations (CACREP), the program emphasizes advanced clinical training, multicultural competency, ethical practice, and social responsibility. Our curriculum is composed of a blend of 90 quarter-credits of learner-centered and competency-based course work, a broad range of clinical electives, practical experiences and a supervised internship. The MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University Seattle program has been designed for busy adult learners who value both affordability and flexibility. Our course structure allows you to shape the sequence of your study, creating an educational experience that is as individual as you are. And given the value we place on experiential learning, we have more than 100 internship locations throughout King County. With the option to specialize in Art or Drama Therapy, or pursue a certificate in the growing field of Play Therapy through hands-on learning, each student s experience is truly unique.
Why Choose the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Antioch University Seattle? GAIN EXPERIENCE AT A TEACHING COUNSELING CLINIC The Community Counseling and Psychology Clinic at AUS provides individual and family counseling in a safe and supportive setting. In partnership with seasoned, licensed counseling professionals, the Clinic provides supervised learning opportunities for graduate students, with special attention to understanding multicultural differences. A BRIGHT PROFESSIONAL FUTURE With an average enrollment of 132 graduate students and an 87% employment rate, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program represents not only quality instruction and training, but also a pathway to professional success. EXPERIENCED FACULTY AND HIGH QUALITY PROGRAM The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program exceeds the educational requirements for state licensure in mental health counseling and as an accredited program, meets national curriculum standards described by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). My time as a graduate student with Antioch's CMHC program was transforming for me, both professionally and personally. While the caliber of instruction and depth of course experiences were excellent, it's the quality of mentorship I received that really separates this program from other educational experiences I've had. The personal interest my professors and fellow students took in my success as a growing professional and as a woman of integrity has been heart-warming. Would I recommend this program to a friend? Absolutely! - Tina Prentiss
A SNAPSHOT: OUR STUDENTS Our program is designed to meet the diverse training needs of our students: 54% are full time students with other employment 86% take 2-3 courses per quarter 89% graduate in less than 3.5 years with over a 90% program completion rate A SNAPSHOT: OUR ALUMNI 87% employed within 6 months 91% licensed as mental health counselors (LMHC) 79% completed postmaster requirements in less than 2 yrs. 60% work in nonprofit organizations 84% report job satisfaction 73% have salaries between $44-74,000 100% of employers are satisfied with the clinical training expertise of CMHC graduates A SNAPSHOT: OUR FACULTY 6 core faculty and 2 affiliate faculty All are licensed and practicing mental health counselors All are experienced counselor educators and supervisors (average of 13.8 years) All are published in their respective fields and maintain research agendas All are active members of the counseling profession at state and national levels All are highly rated by students as instructors, supervisors, and mentors
MA in MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY MA in MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY Also referred to as Couple and Family Therapy (CFT), we are one of the largest MA in Marriage and Family Therapy clinical training programs in the Pacific Northwest region. The program offers a competency-based curriculum that prepares you to employ an integrated set of individual, couple, and family therapy modalities with a diverse range of clientele and incorporates Antioch University s commitment to social justice. With the option to specialize in Art or Drama Therapy, or pursue a certificate in the growing field of Play Therapy through hands-on learning, each student s experience is truly unique. I gained knowledge and skills during my time at Antioch that truly allowed me to flourish in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. - Sarah Dailey, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Reasons to Choose the Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) Program at Antioch University Seattle STUDENTS LOVE OUR PROGRAM 100% of alumni indicate they are glad they chose the program. (n=54, Alumni Survey Report, 2015) Average student rating of full-time CFT faculty: 5.9 (5 = Very Good, 6 = Excellent) (n=1,686, Course Evaluation Report, 2014) OUR STUDENTS GET EMPLOYED QUICKLY AND GET PAID TO DO WHAT THEY LOVE 98% of alumni are currently working in the CFT field. (n=54, Alumni Survey Report, 2015) Average time to find a job after graduation: 1.8 months. (n=54, Alumni Survey Report, 2015) Most employers rate Antioch University CFT graduates as more competent than graduates from other programs. (n=28, Supervisor Survey Report, 2015) WE ARE COMMITTED TO THE PROMOTION OF DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 100% of alumni indicate that CFT faculty members are very good or excellent regarding their commitment to diversity. (n=54, Alumni Survey Report, 2015) THE MAJORITY OF OUR STUDENTS PASS THE LICENSING EXAM Licensure as a marriage and family therapist provides a number of professional benefits including the capability to receive payment from medical insurance and to practice without supervision. According to our alumni surveys, of the CFT graduates who have taken the exam, 99% have passed it. (Alumni Survey Reports: 2011 (n=49), 2012 (n=24), 2014 (n=59), 2015 (n=54)) WE ARE ACCREDITED BY THE COMMISSION OF ACCREDITATION FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY EDUCATION (COAMFTE) Antioch University has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) since 2005, which is the highest level of accreditation in marriage and family therapy. This allows our graduates to use their internship hours toward their post-graduation licensure requirements, which ultimately makes licensure attainment easier and faster. GRADUATES ARE TRAINED TO WORK WITH COUPLES, FAMILIES, AND INDIVIDUALS Marriage and family therapists are trained to work with not only couples and families, but also individuals. Also, it is a myth that marriage and family therapists (MFTs) are required to work with children. After graduation, MFTs may or may not choose to work with children and adolescents.
COMPARING CMHC AND CFT PROGRAMS PROGRAM DETAILS CMHC CFT Mean Time to Graduate 3.25 years 3.0 years Credits 90 credits 75 credits Pre-internship Practicum Requirement Yes No Internship part-time, 4 quarters part-time, 4 5 quarters Electives 3 extra 1 extra Main Professional Organization American Counseling Association (ACA) American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Accrediting Organization CACREP COAMFTE
CMHC BOTH CFT Theories and Practice of Counseling: Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavior Theories and Practice of Counseling: Humanistic, Transpersonal and Eastern Group Counseling Assessments: Tests and Measurements Trauma, Disaster Response, and Crisis Counseling The Counseling Profession and Identity Human Development in Context: Gender Career Development and Counseling Elective in Multicultural Counseling, Spirituality, or Ecopsychology Family of Origin Systems Multicultural Perspectives Systems Perspectives in Family Therapy Communication and Counseling Skills Psychopathology Psychodiagnostics and Treatment Planning Ethics and Professional Issues Abuse Series Elective Introduction to Research Internship Preparation Applied Couple Therapy Applied Family Therapy Individual Therapy in the Family System Human Sexuality Human Development in the Family Life Cycle Theories of Couple and Family Therapy Research in Family Practice Ethics in Family Practice Family Practice Series Elective (e.g., Play Therapy; Clinical Treatment of Children) Competency Assessment I, II, and III Multicultural Therapy Elective
COMPARING CMHC AND CFT PROGRAMS Career At the beginning of their careers, CFT interns and graduates often work with low-income families who ask for help with family bonding, parenting skills, and other family-related concerns, and beginning-level CMHC interns and graduates often work with individual clients with severe and persistent mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar). However, as both CFT and CMHC graduates gain experience, they often expand their clinical practice into other client populations (e.g., elderly people, infants, couples, LGBTQIA clients, etc.). CMHC Mostly individuals and groups BOTH Individuals Groups Couples and families Over the span of CMHC graduates careers, they mainly work with individuals and groups. However, some choose to also work with couples and families. Over the span of CFT graduates careers, they mainly work with an equal mixture of individuals, couples, families, and groups. However, some choose to specialize (e.g., only children, only adults, only couples, only teens, etc.). Therefore, both CFT and CMHC graduates have a multitude of possible career paths: working in schools, doing research, providing supervision, consulting, providing services online, partnering with medical practices, providing trainings, etc. Note: If you plan on moving out of Washington State, there is no overall better choice between CFT and CMHC. For more information regarding specific states/countries, please inquire. CFT A mixture of individuals, groups, couples, and families
Theory CMHC and CFT students are trained in both systemic/relational theories and individual theories of psychotherapy. In a nutshell, systemic/relational theories of psychotherapy involve treating people in the context of their relationships, and individual theories of psychotherapy tend to focus on individual factors. CFT and CMHC students receive education and experience with both areas of psychotherapy. However, as students progress through the program, CFT students get more training in systemic/relational psychotherapy and CMHC students get more training in individual theories of psychotherapy. Nevertheless, both CFT and CMHC students are free to pursue and specialize in any theory of psychotherapy. Furthermore, CMHC and CFT students can take electives in the other program. CMHC Training Mostly in Individual Theories BOTH Some Training in Systemic/ Relational and Individual CFT Training Mostly in Systemic/ Relational Theories Creative Arts Therapies CMHC and CFT students sometimes choose to pursue a specialization in Art Therapy or Drama Therapy at Antioch University Seattle. These students take all the courses in either the CFT or CMHC program while as well as in Art Therapy or Drama Therapy. After graduation, these students will be licensed as either a Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) or Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with an additional credential in Art Therapy (ATR) or Drama Therapy (RDT). CFT and CMHC students can choose to complete a Play Therapy Certificate in the course of their studies and can later become a Certified Play Therapist.
CREATIVE ARTS THERAPIES CREATIVE ARTS THERAPIES We offer optional concentrations in the following Creative Arts Therapy modalities. Antioch University Seattle is fully accredited for both Art and Drama Therapy. Our graduates are eligible for licensure as Art or Drama Therapists. In addition to these specializations with the Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy programs, we offer a certificate in Play Therapy as well. To learn more information about these concentrations, please visit antiochseattle.edu/creativeartstherapies. ART THERAPY uses art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to help explore, improve, or restore clients functioning and their sense of personal well-being. DRAMA THERAPY is the intentional use of drama and theater processes to provide the context for clients to tell their stories, set goals and solve problems, express feelings, or achieve catharsis. PLAY THERAPY CERTIFICATION offers people of any age the ability to fully express and explore self through play for optimal growth and development.
Doctorate in Psychology: Antioch University Seattle also offers a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD), for those interested in teaching, research, and other career applications. Contact our Admissions Office to learn more at admissions.aus@antioch.edu. Learn more at antiochseattle.edu 206-268-4202 or toll free 888-268-4477
About Antioch University Seattle (AUS) Antioch University Seattle is at the forefront in providing learner-centered education, with 40 years of experience in empowering students with the knowledge and skills to pursue their career goals, lead meaningful lives and to advance social, economic, and environmental justice. AUS is one of the five campuses of Antioch University. About Antioch University Antioch University, a private, nonprofit, 501(c) 3 institution, is a bold and enduring source of innovation in higher education, helping students around the world and across the country, online, and at its five campuses lead extraordinary lives. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at www.hlcommission.org. Seattle, Washington (206) 268-4202 www.antiochseattle.edu Find us on