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 and offers practical experience in our Couple and Family Therapy Clinic. It 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 (see Portability Statement). 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, you will have the benefit of our innovative training model based on an outcome management (OM) protocol. Using this system, you’ll collect feedback from clients on 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. Using this method, you will realize not only rapid development of your own skills but improved outcomes with your clients.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
In accordance with the 2019 Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, URI hereby discloses only that the curriculum for this program meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Rhode Island. URI has not determined whether the curriculum for this program meets the educational requirements for licensure in any other states or territories and we encourage you to investigate the requirements in your state or territory prior to accepting an offer of admission at URI. The applicable licensing board in your state/territory may also impose additional requirements on candidates prior to granting a license (e.g., passing of an exam; obtaining a certificate; performing supervised clinical/practicum hours; etc.), and we encourage you to investigate those requirements with your licensing board.