Mission Statement

The mission of the IPFW marriage and family therapy program is to train students to diagnose and treat mental disorders within the context of marital and family systems. The practice of marriage and family therapy involves the application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed mental disorders. Students will view individuals experiencing the symptoms of mental disorder as part of a larger system and, regardless of the eventual intervention modality, that larger system will be essential both in evaluating the etiology of the symptom and in treatment. Particular emphasis will be placed on professional collaboration, ethical practice, and attention to diversity.