Program Mission/Overview
Training Philosophy and Values
Our program:
- values collaboration with clients and with each other
- teaches hands-on skills for effective, integrative practice
- values students’ and clients’ strengths and differences
- is committed to a diverse and inclusive learning environment
- utilizes clients’ and students’ perspectives to improve outcomes
Our program is committed to increasing the diversity of our student body and offering students opportunities to learn from diverse mentors whenever possible (see Student Faculty and Supervisor Diversity).
The program leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Human Development and Family Science with a specialization in Couple and Family Therapy. Students complete 500 hours of clinical experience, including 100 hours of relational clinical experience, as part of their training. Clinical training progresses from foundational clinical skills to supervised practicum experience and a 12-month off-site clinical internship. Students receive a minimum of 100 hours of clinical supervision, with at least 50 hours including direct observation of clinical work through live observation or recorded sessions. Students gain practical experience through our Couple and Family Therapy Clinic and through clinical internships.
The program is the only couple and family training program in Rhode Island accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Accredited since 1985, we have a proud tradition of students graduating on time and obtaining employment around the country and the world in mental health agencies, family service agencies, and independent practice. Graduates typically obtain licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists after completing post-graduate licensing requirements. For information on the program’s achievements, please see Graduate Achievement Data. The program’s mission statement, training philosophy and values, program goals, and student learning outcomes are located in our URI Couple and Family Therapy Manual.
Our Approach
In addition to learning traditional family therapy theories, students benefit from our innovative training model based on an outcome management (OM) protocol. Using this system, students collect feedback from clients about their treatment progress after each therapy session and record client responses using an OM web-based application. Computerized predictions provide a basis for identifying clients who are not progressing as expected, allowing trainees to adjust their approach accordingly. This approach supports the development of students’ clinical skills while helping them use client feedback to improve treatment outcomes.
Students receive ongoing clinical supervision throughout their training and learn to integrate theory, clinical skills, client feedback, ethical practice, and culturally responsive care into their work with individuals, couples, and families.