MCFCT Standards | CACREP Accreditation Self Study

Below are listed the CACREP standards specific to the Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy program and the courses in which they are addressed and assessed by the faculty.

(For a snapshot view of where the MCFCT standards are addressed and assessed in the coursework, click on the MCFCT Crosswalk Matrix. Additionally, all MCFCT program syllabi are included at the bottom of this page for further review.)

FOUNDATIONS

A. Knowledge

1. Knows the history, philosophy, and trends in marriage, couple, and family counseling

Addressed in:

COUN 501 Introduction to Counseling
COUN 600 Introduction to Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy
COUN 601 Theory and Development of Family Systems

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 501 Introduction to Counseling and COUN 601 Theory and Development of Family Systems and based on the following measure(s):

Field Observation/Interview Rubric (COUN 501)
Historical Contributions Paper Rubric (COUN 601)

2. Understands the ethical and legal considerations specifically related to the practice of marriage, couple, and family counseling.

Addressed in:

COUN 605 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy
COUN 690 Practicum Seminar
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 605 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy and based on the following measure(s):

Ethical and Legal Movie Project Grading Rubric

3. Knows the roles and functions of marriage, couple, and family counselors in a variety of practice settings and in relation to other helping professionals.

Addressed in:

COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems
COUN 605 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy

Participation and Chapter Discussion Facilitation Rubric

4. Knows the professional organizations, preparation standards, and credentials relevant to the practice of marriage, couple, and family counseling.

Addressed in:

COUN 501 Introduction to Counseling
COUN 600 Introduction to Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy
COUN 605 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy
COUN 690 Practicum Seminar
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 501 Introduction to Counseling and based on the following measure(s):

Midterm Exam

5. Understands a variety of models and theories of marriage, couple, and family counseling.

Addressed in:

COUN 600 Introduction to Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy
COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship
COUN 670 Counseling Theory

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 600 Introduction to Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy and based on the following measure(s):

Assignments guidelines and grading rubrics for the Self-application paper and Case study application

6. Understands family development and the life cycle, sociology of the family, family phenomenology, contemporary families, family wellness, families and culture, aging and family issues, family violence, and related family concerns.

Addressed in:

COUN 600 Introduction to Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy
COUN 601 Theory and Development of Family Systems
COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 601 Theory and Development of Family Systems and based on the following measure(s):

Family of Origin/Family Development Presentation Rubric

7. Understands the impact of crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events on marriages, couples, families, and households.

Addressed in:

COUN 545 Community Agency Counseling
COUN 601 Theory and Development of Family Systems

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 545 Community Agency Counseling and COUN 601 Theory and Development of Family Systems and based on the following measure(s):

Disaster Preparedness Paper (COUN 545)
Family of Origin/Family Development Presentation Rubric (COUN 601)

B. Skills and Practices

1. Demonstrates the ability to apply and adhere to ethical and legal standards in marriage, couple, and family counseling.

Addressed in:

COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems
COUN 605 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy
COUN 690 Practicum Seminar
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 693 Internship Seminar and based on the following measure(s):

Supervisor Evaluation/Consultation [Note: Consultation here refers to the course instructor’s consultation with site supervisors during site visits, through weekly supervision logs, and/or phone/email correspondence (when applicable) to receive ongoing feedback on an intern’s performance.]

2. Demonstrates the ability to select models or techniques appropriate to couples’ or families’ presenting problems

Addressed in:

COUN 600 Introduction to Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy
COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship
COUN 690 Practicum Seminar
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 600 Introduction to Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy and COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems and based on the following measure(s):

Self-application paper and Case study application (COUN 600)
Special Issues Project Grading Rubric (COUN 603)

COUNSELING, PREVENTION, AND INTERVENTION

C. Knowledge

1. Understands issues of marriage, couple, and family life-cycle dynamics; healthy family functioning; family structures; and family of origin and intergenerational influences in a multicultural society.

Addressed in:

COUN 600 Introduction to Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy
COUN 601 Theory and Development of Family Systems
COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 601 Theory and Development of Family Systems and based on the following measure(s):

Family of Origin/Family Development Presentation Rubric

2. Recognizes specific problems (e.g., addictive behaviors, domestic violence, suicide risk, immigration) and interventions that can enhance family functioning.

Addressed in:

COUN 601 Theory and Development of Family Systems
COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems and based on the following measure(s):

Special Issues Project Grading Rubric

3. Understands human sexuality (e.g., gender, sexual functioning, sexual orientation) and its impact on family and couple functioning.

Addressed in:

COUN 530 Multicultural Counseling
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 604 Couples in Relationship and based on the following measure(s):

Personal Response Papers and Personal Theory Papers

4. Understands professional issues relevant to the practice of marriage, couple, and family counseling, including recognition, reimbursement, and right to practice.

Addressed in:

COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems
COUN 605 Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy
COUN 690 Practicum Seminar
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 605 Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy and based on the following measure(s):

Assignment-Specific Rubrics for the Insurance Company Research Project, the Final Paper, and the Chapter Discussion Facilitation

D. Skills/Practices

1. Uses preventive, developmental, and wellness approaches in working with individuals, couples, families, and other systems such as premarital counseling, parenting skills training, and relationship enhancement.

Addressed in:

EPSY 520 Human Growth and Development
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 693 Internship Seminar and based on the following measure(s):

Supervisor Evaluation/Consultation [Note: Consultation here refers to the course instructor’s consultation with site supervisors during site visits, through weekly supervision logs, and/or phone/email correspondence (when applicable) to receive ongoing feedback on an intern’s performance.]

2. Uses systems theory to conceptualize issues in marriage, couple, and family counseling.

Addressed in:

COUN 600 Introduction to Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy
COUN 601 Theory and Development of Family Systems
COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship
COUN 690 Practicum Seminar
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 600 Introduction to Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy and based on the following measure(s):

Assignments guidelines and grading rubrics for the Self-application paper and Case study application

3. Uses systems theories to implement treatment, planning, and intervention strategies.

Addressed in:

COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship
COUN 690 Practicum Seminar
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 693 Internship Seminar and based on the following measure(s):

Supervisor Evaluation/Consultation [Note: Consultation here refers to the course instructor’s consultation with site supervisors during site visits, through weekly supervision logs, and/or phone/email correspondence (when applicable) to receive ongoing feedback on an intern’s performance.]

4. Demonstrates the ability to use procedures for assessing and managing suicide risk.

Addressed in:

COUN 545 Community Agency Counseling
COUN 605 Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy

Suicide Assessment Case Study Assignment

5. Adheres to confidentiality responsibilities, the legal responsibilities and liabilities of clinical practice and research, family law, record keeping, reimbursement, and the business aspects of practice.

Addressed in:

COUN 605 Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 693 Internship Seminar and based on the following measure(s):

Supervisor Evaluation/Consultation [Note: Consultation here refers to the course instructor’s consultation with site supervisors during site visits, through weekly supervision logs, and/or phone/email correspondence (when applicable) to receive ongoing feedback on an intern’s performance.]

6. Demonstrates the ability to recognize his or her own limitations as a marriage, couple, and family counselor and to seek supervision or refer clients when appropriate.

Addressed in:

COUN 601 Theory and Development of Family Systems
COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship
COUN 605 Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy
COUN 690 Practicum Seminar
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 690 Practicum Seminar and based on the following measure(s):

Self-awareness grading rubric and the Case presentation grading rubric

DIVERSITY AND ADVOCACY

E. Knowledge

1. Understands how living in a multicultural society affects couples and families.

Addressed in:

COUN 530 Multicultural Counseling
COUN 600 Introduction to Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy
COUN 601 Theory and Development of Family Systems
COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 530 Multicultural Counseling and based on the following measure(s):

Cultural Research Project form/rubric
Multicultural Counseling Competency Group Exam form/rubric

2. Recognizes societal trends and treatment issues related to working with multicultural and diverse family systems (e.g., families in transition, dual-career couples, blended families, same-sex couples).

Addressed in:

COUN 530 Multicultural Counseling
COUN 535 Career Counseling and Placement
COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems and based on the following measure(s):

Special Issues Project Grading Rubric
Book Project and Reflection Paper Rubric

3. Understands current literature that outlines theories, approaches, strategies, and techniques shown to be effective in working with diverse family systems.

Addressed in:

COUN 530 Multicultural Counseling
COUN 600 Introduction to Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy
COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 530 Multicultural Counseling and based on the following measure(s):

Cultural Research Project Evaluation form/rubric
Professional development advocacy plan Evaluation form/rubric
Multicultural Counseling Competency Group Exam

4. Understands the effects of racism, discrimination, sexism, power, privilege, and oppression on one’s own life and that of the client(s).

Addressed in:

COUN 501 Introduction to Counseling
COUN 530 Multicultural Counseling
COUN 601 Theory and Development of Family Systems
COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 530 Multicultural Counseling and based on the following measure(s):

Personal Cultural Paper Evaluation form/rubric
Cultural Research Project Evaluation form/rubric
Professional development advocacy plan Evaluation form/rubric
Multicultural Counseling Competency Group Exam

5. Understands the effect of local, state, and national policies, programs, and services on diverse family systems.

Addressed in:

COUN 530 Multicultural Counseling
COUN 605 Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy

Final Paper

F. Skills and Practices

1. Demonstrates the ability to provide effective services to clients in a multicultural society.

Addressed in:

COUN 530 Multicultural Counseling
COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 693 Internship Seminar and based on the following measure(s):

Supervisor Evaluation/Consultation [Note: Consultation here refers to the course instructor’s consultation with site supervisors during site visits, through weekly supervision logs, and/or phone/email correspondence (when applicable) to receive ongoing feedback on an intern’s performance.]

2. Maintains information regarding community resources to make appropriate referrals.

Addressed in:

COUN 530 Multicultural Counseling
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 693 Internship Seminar and based on the following measure(s):

Supervisor Evaluation/Consultation [Note: Consultation here refers to the course instructor’s consultation with site supervisors during site visits, through weekly supervision logs, and/or phone/email correspondence (when applicable) to receive ongoing feedback on an intern’s performance.]

3. Advocates for policies, programs, and services that are equitable and responsive to the unique needs of couples and families.

Addressed in:

COUN 530 Multicultural Counseling
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 693 Internship Seminar and based on the following measure(s):

Supervisor Evaluation/Consultation [Note: Consultation here refers to the course instructor’s consultation with site supervisors during site visits, through weekly supervision logs, and/or phone/email correspondence (when applicable) to receive ongoing feedback on an intern’s performance.]

4. Demonstrates the ability to modify counseling systems, theories, techniques, and interventions to make them culturally appropriate for diverse couples and families.

Addressed in:

COUN 530 Multicultural Counseling
COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 693 Internship Seminar and based on the following measure(s):

Case Presentation
Supervisor Evaluation/Consultation [Note: Consultation here refers to the course instructor’s consultation with site supervisors during site visits, through weekly supervision logs, and/or phone/email correspondence (when applicable) to receive ongoing feedback on an intern’s performance.]

ASSESSMENT

G. Knowledge

1. Knows principles and models of assessment and case conceptualization from a systems perspective, including diagnostic interviews, mental diagnostic status examinations, symptom inventories, and psychoeducational and personality assessments.

Addressed in:

COUN 545 Community Agency Counseling
EPSY 643 Measurement and Evaluation
COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems and based on the following measure(s):

Final Paper and Class Discussion

2. Understands marriage, couple, and family assessment tools and techniques appropriate to clients’ needs in a multicultural society.

Addressed in:

EPSY 643 Measurement and Evaluation
COUN 600 Introduction to Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy
COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems and based on the following measure(s):

Final Paper and Class Discussion

3. Understands the impact of addiction, trauma, psychopharmacology, physical and mental health, wellness, and illness on marriage, couple, and family functioning.

Addressed in:

COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems and based on the following measure(s):

Special Issues Project Grading Rubric
Book Projects Reflection Papers Rubrics

H. Skills and Practices

1. Applies skills in interviewing, assessment, and case management for working with individuals, couples, and families from a system’s perspective.

Addressed in:

COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship
COUN 690 Practicum Seminar
COUN 693 Internship Seminar
EPSY 643 Measurement and Evaluation

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 693 Internship Seminar and based on the following measure(s):

Supervisor Evaluation/Consultation [Note: Consultation here refers to the course instructor’s consultation with site supervisors during site visits, through weekly supervision logs, and/or phone/email correspondence (when applicable) to receive ongoing feedback on an intern’s performance.]

2. Uses systems assessment models and procedures to evaluate family functioning.

Addressed in:

COUN 600 Introduction to Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy
COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 603 Laboratory in Couple and Family Systems
COUN 604 Couples in Relationship
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 693 Internship Seminar and based on the following measure(s):

Supervisor Evaluation/Consultation [Note: Consultation here refers to the course instructor’s consultation with site supervisors during site visits, through weekly supervision logs, and/or phone/email correspondence (when applicable) to receive ongoing feedback on an intern’s performance.]

3. Determines which members of a family system should be involved in treatment.

Addressed in:

COUN 600 Introduction to Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling and Therapy
COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 690 Practicum Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 690 Practicum Seminar and based on the following measure(s):

Evaluation of Case Study Application
Supervisor Evaluation/Consultation [Note: Consultation here refers to the course instructor’s consultation with site supervisors during site visits, through weekly supervision logs, and/or phone/email correspondence (when applicable) to receive ongoing feedback on an intern’s performance.]

RESEARCH AND EVALUATION

I. Knowledge

1. Understands how to critically evaluate research relevant to the practice of marriage, couple, and family counseling.

Addressed in:

COUN 501 Introduction to Counseling
COUN 515 Statistics and Research in Counseling

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 515 Statistics and Research in Counseling and based on the following measure(s):

Midterm and Final Exam
Research Proposal Grading Rubric

2. Knows models of program evaluation relevant for the practice of marriage, couple, and family counseling.

Addressed in:

COUN 515 Statistics and Research in Counseling

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 515 Statistics and Research in Counseling and based on the following measure(s):

Midterm and Final Exam
Research Proposal Grading Rubric

3. Knows evidence-based treatments and basic strategies for evaluating counseling outcomes in marriage, couple, and family counseling.

Addressed in:

COUN 602 Assessment and Intervention in Family Systems
COUN 515 Statistics and Research in Counseling

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 515 Statistics and Research in Counseling and based on the following measure(s):

Midterm and Final Exam
Research Proposal Grading Rubric

J. Skills/Practices

1. Applies relevant research findings to inform the practice of marriage, couple, and family counseling.

Addressed in:

COUN 515 Statistics and Research in Counseling
EPSY 520 Human Growth and Development
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 693 Internship Seminar and based on the following measure(s):

Topical Presentation Grading Rubric

2. Develops measurable outcomes for marriage, couple, and family counseling programs, interventions, and treatments.

Addressed in:

COUN 515 Statistics and Research in Counseling
COUN 693 Internship Seminar

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 693 Internship Seminar and based on the following measure(s):

Supervisor Evaluation/Consultation [Note: Consultation here refers to the course instructor’s consultation with site supervisors during site visits, through weekly supervision logs, and/or phone/email correspondence (when applicable) to receive ongoing feedback on an intern’s performance.]

3. Analyzes and uses data to increase the effectiveness of marriage, couple, and family counseling interventions and programs.

Addressed in:

COUN 515 Statistics and Research in Counseling
EPSY 643 Measurement and Evaluation

A student’s ability to meet this standard is assessed by the faculty in COUN 515 Statistics and Research in Counseling and based on the following measure(s):