1. Why MFT at BYU? Dr. Lauren A. Barnes, LMFT, BYU MFT Clinical Director
(801)

2. What is Marriage and Family Therapy?
One of 6 mental health professions:
Psychiatry
Psychology
Social Work
Marriage and Family Therapy
Psychiatric Nursing
Mental Health/Professional Counselors

3. What makes MFT unique?
A family's patterns of behavior influences the individual and therefore may need to be a part of the treatment plan. In marriage and family therapy, the unit of treatment isn't just the person - even if only a single person is interviewed - it is the set of relationships in which the person is imbedded.

4. What is MFT? Talk therapy—psychotherapy
Specific, with attainable therapeutic goals
Relationally focused
Usually short term (12 sessions on average)
Can involve individuals, couples, or families

5. MFT is effective
Research indicates that marriage and family therapy is as effective, and in some cases more effective than standard and/or individual treatments for many mental health problems such as: adult schizophrenia, affective (mood) disorders, adult alcoholism and drug abuse, children's conduct disorders, adolescent drug abuse, anorexia in young adult women, childhood autism, chronic physical illness in adults and children, and marital distress and conflict.

6. Why Pick MFT? Interest in families Want to work in helping professions
Love learning about family dynamics
Pull towards systemic thinking
Interest in micro-level changes
Want a focus on clinical training
Want to learn about self/own family

7. What does it take to become a licensed MFT?
Graduation from a graduate MFT program
Post degree experience (approx. 2 years)
Supervision of therapy
Pass the license exam
Turn in application
Renew licensure regularly (CEUs)
Licensure varies by state

8. What do licensed MFT’s do?
Clinical work in the following settings:
Community mental health centers
Hospitals
University/school settings
Residential Treatment Centers
Wilderness Therapy Programs
Private Practice

9. Why MFT at BYU? Well established (began training MFTs in 1967)
Well respected (graduates sought after)
Clear path to licensure (all graduates have passed license exam when taken)
National Research recognition
MS and PhD programs
Nine experienced faculty (one of the largest faculty in the country)

10. Why MFT at BYU? Stable, generous student financial assistance
Diverse student employment opportunities
Comprehensive Clinic
Solid clinical training
Exciting research opportunities
Great preparation for PhD program

11. Why MFT at BYU? Training for mind and soul
Growing diverse/international community
Academic excellence across the board
Mentoring/teaching opportunities
Strong, stable financial backing in tough economic times

12. What factors are weigh heavily in admissions decisions?
Letters of Recommendation
GPA (especially last 60 credits)
GRE scores
Experience – (1) Research and (2) Human services, clinical setting
Face to face interview

13. Financial Support MS Students PhD Students 10 hour/week assistantship
¼ tuition scholarship
Other scholarships available (e.g. research, college)
AmeriCorps Education Award Opportunity
PhD Students
20 hour/week assistantship
Full tuition scholarship

14. What questions do you have?
Program Secretaries: Kayla & Jacey Clinical Director: Dr. Lauren A. Barnes Program Director: Dr. Roy A Bean