Mercy College

What you'll study

This master's combines core theoretical foundations with extensive clinical practice. Coursework typically covers systemic and family therapy theories, couples therapy, child and adolescent therapy, assessment and diagnosis, psychopathology, substance use and co-occurring disorders, ethics and professional issues, multicultural and diversity-informed practice, and research methods.

• Core theoretical modules: systemic models, structural and strategic family therapy, Bowenian and contextual approaches.
• Clinical skills and interventions: couples interventions, parenting and child-focused techniques, trauma-informed care and brief therapy approaches.
• Assessment and diagnosis: DSM-informed assessment, treatment planning and outcome measurement for relational problems.
• Professional practice: ethics, confidentiality, legal issues, professional identity and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Research and evaluation: quantitative and qualitative methods, programme evaluation and evidence-based practice.
• Practicum and internship: sequential supervised clinical placements in the on-campus training clinic and community agencies, with case supervision, group supervision and video or live observation.
• Capstone or thesis option: applied research project or clinical integration seminar demonstrating competence across theory, practice and research.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree. Degrees in psychology, social work, counselling, sociology, nursing or related disciplines are appropriate, though applicants from other backgrounds with relevant experience are considered.

• Competitive academic record at undergraduate level (exact GPA or grade thresholds depend on institutional policy).
• One or more academic or professional references commenting on suitability for clinical training.
• A personal statement describing clinical interests, relevant experience and reasons for pursuing marriage and family therapy.
• Some programmes require an interview as part of the selection process to assess fit and readiness for practicum work.
• Because of the clinical placements, suitability checks such as background checks or immunisation requirements may be required for placement approval.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers as clinically trained marriage and family therapists in a variety of settings. With the requisite post‑graduate supervised clinical hours and any jurisdictional licensing or registration, common career paths include:

• Registered/licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice or group practice.
• Clinical roles in community mental health centres, family service agencies and non-profit organisations.
• Hospital and integrated behavioural health teams, working alongside medical and psychiatric services.
• School-based counselling and youth services, particularly for child, adolescent and family work.
• Consultancy, programme development, training and supervision within agencies and community settings.
• Further academic study or research in family therapy, counselling or related fields.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers training grounded in a values-based, client-centred approach with strong emphasis on ethical practice and community engagement. Students benefit from small cohort sizes, close faculty supervision and access to an on-campus training clinic where they gain direct client contact under experienced supervisors.

• Clinical emphasis: structured practicum pathways and community partnerships provide varied placement opportunities across settings.
• Faculty expertise: instructors include practising clinicians with experience in couples, family and child mental health.
• Supportive learning environment: interdisciplinary collaboration and opportunities for applied research, teaching and leadership development.
• Professional preparation: curriculum aligns with the competencies required for licensure and prepares students for the supervised clinical hours needed after graduation.