FAQs

We emphasize the training of highly skilled psychotherapists. The practicum training provides intensive, yet supportive training in psychotherapy. Our students have the opportunity to observe faculty and peers conduct psychotherapy and to receive immediate feedback on their work through live supervision. The practicum emphasizes the application of brief, systemic, postmodern approaches to psychotherapy, which are the theories emphasized in coursework. We emphasize multicultural competence. All of our faculty are also practicing psychotherapists and literally "practice what they teach and teach what they practice." 

No. Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are fully trained to provide counseling and psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, families and groups. However, MFTs receive extensive specific training in working with couples and families, not usually found in other types of training programs. Professional therapists find that the skills necessary to work with couples and families are often different than working with individuals. Therefore, MFT training produces highly flexible and skilled therapists. .

The program is designed to meet the requirements for the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) license in Texas. In addition, by taking specific electives, graduates are also eligible for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license.

Generally yes. Most of our students work at least part time. However, students who do not have flexible work hours will have difficulty arranging and balancing internship requirements, clinical practicum, and Learning Pod meeting requirements in the third year of the program. We encourage students not to work full-time during the third year of the program, though some students still do so.

Academic Courses:

• Students take 2-3 classes each semester (three semesters per calendar year)
• Each class meets for four hours, on scheduled Saturdays, during the semester. One class meets in the morning, and one in the afternoon.
• In addition, students participate in "Learning Pods." These Learning Pods meet at times and places agreed upon by the students (typically small groups of 4-8 students) for three hours between class meetings in the fall and spring semesters and four hours between class meetings in the summer semesters. During these meetings, students work on small group assignments for their courses.

Clinical Practica:

• During the second year of the program, Practica meet four hours per week in clinical teams. These are typically scheduled in late afternoon and evening hours (e.g., 4-8 p.m.; 5-9 p.m.).
• During the third year of the program, students are placed on field practicum sites. On these sites, students are working as psychotherapists. Students are expected to be on their site placements approximately 20 hours per week (some sites ask for more time, some allow a little less time). In addition, students still meet in clinical teams every week. These are still usually scheduled in late afternoon and evening hours.

Courses are held at the Houston campus, located at 600 N. Sam Houston Parkway West, Houston, Texas 77067.

Marriage and Family Therapy students are required to complete 300 direct service hours over two years of practicum. At least 100 of these hours must be with couples and families. In addition, all students are required to have at least 100 hours of supervision (most get more), including some supervision using real-time observation (live and/or video) and some supervision from AAMFT Approved Supervisors.

Graduates find employment in community mental health centers, hospitals agencies, community colleges and schools. Many of our graduates end up in private practice. Graduates often obtain employment through their off-campus practicum sites. 

Yes. Most of our students receive financial aid, mainly in the form of loans. 

Three Years.

No. OLLU has waived the requirement for standardized testing for admission to the Marriage and Family Therapy Program.