Marriage & Family Therapy, M.A.
Accredited by COAMFTE
The Master of Arts in marriage & family therapy at Whitworth University unites a foundation of compassion and service with rigorous clinical preparation, empowering graduates to foster healing within relationships, families and communities.
Guided by a mission to educate ethical therapists who promote relational and social well-being, the program cultivates practitioners who are advocates for mental health access and positive change. At Whitworth, you will be prepared not only to practice therapy, but to lead with compassion and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Applications are now open for a summer 2026 start.
Benefits of the Whitworth Marriage & Family Therapy Program
As Spokane’s only M.A. program focused exclusively on marriage and family therapy, Whitworth’s MFT program equips you with the knowledge and skills to help individuals, couples and families find meaningful change amid life’s challenges – all in just 23 months. View the student handbook.
- On-site clinical training at Whitworth’s Marriage & Family Therapy Center
- Supported practicum and internship placement process
- Partnerships with varied clinical sites – private practice, community behavioral health and schools
- Exceptional job placement and national exam pass rates.
Experienced MFT Faculty
Our faculty brings diverse clinical and research experience in relational systems, trauma-informed care, diversity, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Many are trained in models such as the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and EMDR, with clinical backgrounds spanning military, community and private-practice settings.
Students benefit from close working relationships with faculty who not only teach but directly supervise through the on-campus therapy clinic and community placements. In this way, our faculty are committed not just to teaching theory, but to modeling professional practice and guiding students’ development into reflective and skilled therapists.
On-Site Therapy Clinic
Whitworth’s on-site marriage & family therapy clinic gives students the opportunity to apply what they learn in real time while making a meaningful impact. The clinic provides free and low-cost services, and students work with a diverse group of clients and a wide range of presenting concerns. Supporting individuals who might not otherwise have access to mental health care helps future therapists develop cultural humility, compassion and adaptability. This unique training environment not only prepares our graduates to enter the field with competence and purpose but also empowers them to serve their communities from day one.
What makes this experience even more exciting is the clinic’s use of live and recorded camera technology. Students can observe sessions in real time or review recorded work to deepen their learning and refine their therapeutic skills. This powerful blend of hands-on practice and dynamic observation creates an immersive, engaging training environment that is rare among graduate programs.