Relationship counseling isn’t just for married couples. It is not offered solely to people from certain racial, social, and economic demographics. To be an excellent relationship and family counselor, you must have a research and practical background with a diversity of marriage, partnership, relationship, and family compositions.
In the Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (MCFC) program, focus on equity and relational diversity as you learn the skills needed for effective systemic assessment and intervention in the counseling process. MCFC answers the simple questions “How do I become a family counselor?” and “How do I become a marriage counselor?” with an inclusive, thoughtful response that has a real impact on the community.
Program completion can lead to state licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Portland State University's Counseling programs are accredited by CACREP and the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practice Commission (TSPC).
Program objectives
PO1: Graduates will demonstrate skills and competencies for the practice of marriage, couple, and family counseling to address client issues through relational, systems, and family systems theoretical lenses.
PO2: Graduates will demonstrate skills and competencies necessary for the practice of marriage, couple, and family counseling, including using preventive, developmental, social, cultural, and wellness approaches in working with individuals, couples, families, and other systems such as premarital counseling, parenting skills training, and relationship enhancement.
PO3: Graduates will demonstrate skills and competencies for the practice of marriage, couple, and family counseling, including applying ethical models and diagnostic and assessment procedures from a systems perspective as part of comprehensive treatment planning and case management services.
The Counseling Department at Portland State is interconnected with the Portland community. Community members receive counseling services at our clinic and our graduate students serve serving community clients at internship sites. Our department also provides clinical supervision to post-masters counseling interns, as well as leadership/consultation for the Oregon licensure board and professional organizations such as the Oregon Counseling Association.
Graduates are employed as counselors at various community mental health agencies and in private practice. Graduates can:
- Work as counselors in private practice or community agencies
- Become clinical supervisors