Educational requirements are as follows:

1. (1) Human development (3 courses minimum-9 semester or 12 quarter or 135 didactic contact hours).

   1. (i) Courses in this area shall provide knowledge of individual personality development and its normal and abnormal manifestations.
   2. (ii) Coursework shall cover human development across the life span, including special issues that affect an individual’s development (that is, culture, gender and human sexuality).
2. (2) Marriage and family studies (3 courses minimum-9 semester or 12 quarter or 135 didactic contact hours). Courses in this area shall be a fundamental introduction to family systems theory.

3. (3) Marriage and family therapy (3 courses minimum-9 semester or 12 quarter or 135 didactic contact hours).

   1. (i) Courses in this area shall have a major focus on family systems theory and systemic therapeutic interventions.
   2. (ii) This area shall provide a substantive understanding of the major theories of systems change and the applied practices evolving from each theoretical orientation.

4. (4) Professional studies (1 course minimum-3 semester or 4 quarter or 45 didactic contact hours).

   1. (i) Courses in this area shall contribute to the professional development of the therapist.
   2. (ii) Areas of study shall include the therapist’s legal responsibilities and liabilities, professional ethics as a marriage and family therapist, professional socialization, and the role of the professional organization, licensure or certification legislation, independent practice and interprofessional cooperation.
5. (5) Research (1 course minimum-3 semester or 4 quarter or 45 didactic contact hours). Courses in this area shall assist students in understanding and performing research.
6. (6) Practicum (minimum 1 year, 300 hours of supervised direct client contact with individuals, couples and families).

Cross References

This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 48.1 (relating to definitions); and 49 Pa. Code § 48.13 (relating to licensed MFT).