Professional Certificate in Family and Couples Therapy
Virtual-Hybrid
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Program Description
This certificate program provides training in family and couples therapy. It is designed to enhance the assessment, intervention and consultation skills of professionals from the behavioral sciences, medicine and other health sciences holding at least a Master’s degree and professional license. Graduate students in a psychology doctoral program are allowed to register in the program.
Program Goals
The primary goals of the Certificate Program in Family and Couples Therapy are:
- To develop or enhance the competencies of licensed mental health or health professionals in therapeutic interventions with couples and families.
- To develop or enhance the competencies of licensed mental health or health professionals in the knowledge of systemic interventions and in the cultural, ethical and legal implications of couples and family therapy practice.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Official transcript from all undergraduate and graduate universities attended
- Letter of Recommendation Format – Written by individuals familiar with the applicant’s professional work and skills
- Certificate of No Penal Record (Criminal Background check)
- USD $90.00 Application Processing Fee (check or money order payable to Ponce Health Sciences University)
- Essay
Admissions Requirements
Graduate students in Clinical, Counseling, School Psychology, Social Work or Professional Psychology may be admitted if they:
- Provide evidence of one year of clinical practicum experiences
- Have at least two credits in Family Therapy
- Sign an understanding stating that the Certificate will only be provided after completing their graduate program and submitting a copy of their professional license
Selection Criteria:
The Program Director and faculty members select ideal candidates for admission. Candidates demonstrating high involvement or interest in the field of couples and family therapy, who evidence mental and personal maturity, and sensitivity to the psychosocial needs of others, are prime candidates for admission. In evaluating the applicants, emphasis is placed upon the following:
- Potential to work with individuals, analytical skills, and understanding of ethical standards of the profession
- Previous experience in related areas of expertise such as therapeutic interventions
- Motivation and emotional stability
- Letters of recommendation (see previous description)
- Interview with faculty member
Upon acceptance, all students are required to submit the following:
- Written confirmation of acceptance and a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 to secure the seat in the entering class
- Physical Exam (using a form provided by the Admissions Office)
- Evidence of up-to-date immunization record (must include Varicella, Td Adult, MMR, and three doses of Hepatitis B)
- Other documents will be notified as pertinent
Graduation Requirements
- Satisfactory completion of courses (21 credits)
- Satisfactory completion of 100 hours of supervised practica
GRADING SYSTEM
| Letter | Grade |
|---|---|
| P | Pass (100% – 70%) |
| NP | Not Pass (Less than 70%) |
| E | Extended |
| I | Incomplete |
| IP | In Progress |
| W | Withdrawal |
| AW | Administrative Withdrawal |
Satisfactory Academic Progress
This policy has been established to ensure an acceptable time frame for completion of the academic program and the minimally accepted quality of performance. This policy also ensures that the Student Financial Aid requirements set forth by federal regulations are met. This policy applies to all students enrolled in the Professional Certificate Program in Family and Couples Therapy at Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU).
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Time Frame for Completion of the Program A student will be allowed a maximum time frame of one year of enrollment beyond the standard required for the completion of the program (one year).
| Program | Standard | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Certificate in Family and Couples Therapy | 1 year | 2 years |
COMPLETION OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
- Course Requirement Students must complete all courses within the established time frame. The program requires a total of 21 credits and 100 hours of clinical practice.
- Performance Requirement A student must complete each trimester with a Passing (P) grade.
- Professional Behavior Requirement The students should conduct themselves in accordance with the norms for professional conduct set forth by Ponce Health Sciences University.
GRADE REQUIREMENT
FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY
THE APPEAL OR DUE PROCESS FOR DISMISSAL
The appeal or due process presented below must be followed:
- The student will appeal in writing to the SPC and include all relevant documentation to support the request. The Committee will evaluate the reasons and evidence submitted to determine if they change their initial decision. After the meeting, the SPC has 48 hours to submit its decision to the Program’s Academic Dean, who will notify the decision to the student.
- If the SPC sustains the adverse decision, the student has the right to appeal to the Dean of Behavioral and Brain Sciences (SBBS). The appeal must be submitted in writing within seven working days after receiving the notification. The SBBS Dean will evaluate the appeal and the student’s academic record. The SBBS Dean can appoint a three-member Ad-Hoc Committee to re-evaluate all evidence. Rejection of the appeal by the Dean is final.
- If an Ad-Hoc Committee is appointed, they will notify the student in writing of the date and time when the appeal will be evaluated. After the meeting, the Ad-Hoc Committee has 48 hours to submit a recommendation to the SBBS Dean, who will make the final decision within 48 hours.
Any decision will be reported to the student in writing. The decision made by the Dean of the SBBS is final.
The same process described above will be followed in the case that the adverse decision made by the Committee is for non-academic reasons, such as unacceptable professional behavior. The SBBS Dean or the VP for Student Affairs will refer the case to the SPC. If the recommendation of the SPC is to dismiss the student, the appeal process described above may be activated.
In the event that an adverse decision is made due to non-academic reasons and the SBBS Dean sustains the decision after the appeal process, the student may appeal to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. Any additional appeal should be submitted to the PHSU President.
REINSTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AID
ENFORCEMENT
Cost of Attendance
For more details of PHSU tuition and fees please refer to: This Section
Curriculum
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TFP 900 | From the Individual to the System: Introduction to Systemic Thinking | 3 |
| TFP 901 | Theories and Methods of Family and Couples Therapy | 3 |
| TFP 902 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Family and Couples Therapy | 1 |
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TFP 903 | Families and Couples in Transition and Distress | 4 |
| TFP 905* | Methods of Intervention and Practice in Family and Couples Therapy I | 5 |
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TFP 906* | Methods of Intervention and Practice in Family and Couples Therapy II | 5 |
* Requires 50 hours of practice
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
TFP 900 – FROM THE INDIVIDUAL TO THE SYSTEM: INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEMIC THINKING (3 CREDITS)
This course provides an in-depth examination of systemic thinking and the theories fundamental to the discipline of family therapy.TFP 901 – THEORIES AND METHODS OF FAMILY AND COUPLES THERAPY (3 CREDITS)
This course presents an overview of the major models of family and couples therapy and discussions of the assessment methods of each model. The students will critically analyze the applicability of the models within the Puerto Rican and Latino American contexts. The student will analyze his/her own development within his/her family context.TFP 902 – LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN FAMILY AND COUPLES THERAPY (1 CREDIT)
Exploration and discussions of ethical, legal, and professional issues involved in working with families and couples. The course examines laws, rules, and legal decisions relevant to families (e.g., child abuse, domestic violence). It also discusses the role of the family therapist in legal courts and the basic principles for writing reports.TFP 903 – FAMILIES AND COUPLES IN TRANSITION AND DISTRESS (4 CREDITS)
Discussion and analysis of social problems in the cultural/family context and their interactions. Study the particulars of non-traditional families such as stepfamilies and gay families. Exploration of the impact upon families of situations such as violence, addictions, losses, mental diseases, eating disorders, poverty, and discrimination. The course also includes the study and assessment of the appropriate systemic interventions to treat each condition, with discussions on common problems in couples’ relationships such as separation, divorce, sexuality, infidelity, and communication problems, and appropriate interventions for each situation.TFP 905 – METHODS OF INTERVENTION AND PRACTICE IN FAMILY AND COUPLES THERAPY I (5 CREDITS)
In addition to requiring 50 hours of direct clinical practice with families and couples, this course includes a didactic component with emphasis on case presentations and intervention methods. Students assist families and couples in dyads and receive live supervision through a one-way mirror.TFP 906 – METHODS OF INTERVENTION AND PRACTICE IN FAMILY AND COUPLES THERAPY II (5 CREDITS)
This second course requires 50 hours of supervised clinical practice and includes a didactic component centered around the discussion of clinical cases. In this course, students work individually with families and couples and receive live supervision.
Financial Aid
Ponce Health Sciences University is pleased that you have selected our institution to continue with your academic and professional goals. The Office of Student Financial Aid provides you with the information and tools to assist you in reaching your educational goals. Please take your time to navigate through the various links we have provided and feel free to contact the Financial Aid Office if you need more information:
psmfinstu@psm.edu
Financial Aid Application Process Links
Important Links (External):
- Financial Aid Education Portal (https://fa.financialavenue.org/fa/login/index.php) (Inceptia): PSHU access code: bw4g33 to set up your account. We recommend taking one of the following courses: COLLEGE AND MONEY or PSYCHOLOGY OF MONEY. PSHU will receive a report of those students accessing this site. This information will help students to be smart borrowers.
- Get your FSA ID (https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm) – this is your electronic signature for federal documents.
- Fill out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) Online (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/)
- View Your Loans History (if applicable, to determine available funds) (http://www.nslds.ed.gov/)
- Manage your Federal Student Loans (Entrance & Exit Counseling, Master’s Promissory Note, etc.) (http://www.studentloans.gov/)
Important Links for PHSU application forms and manual
PHSU Financial Aid Application – click to download the form: Request for Aid and Loans Student Authorization Student Financial Aid Manual
Federal Financial Aid Programs
- Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Students who meet the requirements established by the US Department of Education may receive a Direct Loan. Graduate and professional students are eligible to receive up to $20,500 per academic year. The Financial Aid Office provides orientation about the application process for student loans, the student’s qualifying requirements, and the specifics regarding interest rates, orientation fees, repayment processes, etc. The student must submit an agreement form known as a Master Promissory Note, and complete electronic entrance counseling, both online: www.studentloans.gov.
- Direct Loan-Plus Graduate Loan: This is a federal fixed-interest loan for graduate and professional students beyond the DL Unsubsidized award to cover any additional cost of attendance. The interest rate and origination fee are annually fixed by the Federal Government. The loan qualifying process requires a credit check verification, online entrance counseling, and an online submission of a Master Promissory Note:
www.studentloans.gov - Private Loans (Alternative Loans): These are credit-based loans that may be used to supplement other types of financial aid programs. The loan amounts vary according to the amount requested and approved for the student. The interest rate is variable and usually based on the current “Prime Rate” plus a lender’s predetermined interest rate. Repayment may be up to 20 years. These Private Alternative Loans provide funds to complete the remaining need after the student is awarded other financial aid. Due to the high interest rates these loans represent, the student should consider these loans as a last resort to meet their financial need. PHSU does not recommend any specific lender; the evaluation and selection is a student’s individualized decision.
- Historical Private Lender List: PHSU does not deny or impede a student’s choice of an alternative lender or cause unnecessary delays in loan certification. The following is a list of the three private loans most commonly selected by our students during the last two academic years, however, students may select any other lender that meets their financial needs:
Other Financial Aid Options: Military Scholarship Programs: Students interested in a military career may consider applying for one of the scholarship programs for healthcare professions offered by the US Army, US Air Force, Navy, or National Guard:
- US Army: 1-800-USA-ARMY – www.goarmy.com
- US Air Force: 1-800-423-USAF – www.airforce.com
- US Navy: 1-800-USA-NAVY – www.navy.com
- US National Guard: 1-800-GO-GUARD – www.nationalguard.com
National Health Services Corps Scholarship Program: Available for students in primary healthcare specialties and committed to serving part or their entire career in federally designated health professional shortage areas. Learn more about this program at:
nhsc.bhpr.hrsa.gov
Financial Aid Application Process
Direct Loan Application Process
Students interested in applying for a Direct Loan must comply with federal requirements, including:
- Have financial need.
- Be a US Citizen or an Eligible Non-Citizen.
- Have a valid social security number.
- Enroll in an eligible program as a regular student working toward a degree.
- Meet satisfactory academic progress standards.
- Register (or have registered) with Selective Service if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 25.
- Certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a Federal student grant.
- Not exceed the aggregate loan limit established by the Department of Education.
- Comply with the Entrance Interview/Counseling.
- Provide all the documents and information required by the Financial Aid Office.
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the corresponding academic year to be evaluated for federal and state funds. It must be submitted online at:
www.fafsa.gov no later than the last working day of April. The PHSU school code is G24824. Students need a PIN, which can be obtained at:
www.pin.ed.gov
Once the FAFSA is submitted, the Department of Education will send an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) to the school for evaluation and analysis.
VERIFICATION
Students with a FAFSA application selected for verification by the Department of Education will be required to submit the following documents:
- Complete a Verification Worksheet (provided by the Financial Aid Office)
- Copy of the Tax Return (IRS or PR tax return form)
- W-2 form(s) (if applicable)
- Evidence of wages, salaries, tips, etc., reported on the FAFSA
- Other relevant documents
If the student (or the student’s parent/spouse) is not required to file an income tax return, they will be required to complete and sign a Certification of Income, provided by the Financial Aid Office. Note: No loan will be processed until the verification process is completed.
NEED ANALYSIS
As part of the evaluation, the Financial Aid Office will consider the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is the amount that the student should contribute toward their education cost and is determined by the Federal Government. The need analysis consists of the following basic calculation:
Cost of Attendance minus EFC equals Financial Need. Any other expected financial aid (e.g., Vocational Rehabilitation, Veteran Administration, military scholarships, other grants or scholarships) will also be considered. Note: A student cannot receive financial assistance in excess of their determined financial need.
Awarding and Notification
Once financial aid amounts are awarded by PHSU, a Notification of Award will be sent to each student.
Return Policy and Requirement for Withdrawal and Return of Federal Financial Aid (see PHSU catalog refund policy section)
Suspension of Eligibility for Drug-Related Offenses
If convicted of any offense involving the possession of a controlled substance, a student’s eligibility for Title IV Financial Student Aid Program will be denied for:
- One year after the first conviction
- Two years after the second conviction
- Indefinitely after the third conviction
Eligibility may be restored if the student partakes in an approved Federal Government Rehabilitation Program.
Please refer to the Student Financial Aid Manual for specific information regarding all financial aid dynamics as they apply to new and continuing students.
Financial Aid Contact Information
Financial Aid Personnel:
Mrs. Myrian Gaud Maitín, MBA – Financial Aid Manager:
mgaud@psm.edu
Mrs. Nicole Vázquez Colon, MSS – Financial Aid Officer:
nivazquez@psm.edu
Ms. Mariannette Cruz Rentas, BS – Administrative Assistant:
macruz@psm.edu
Office Hours
Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Friday: Administrative Work (By appointment only)
Financial Aid Office Contact Information
Phone Number: (787) 840-2575 ext. 2134, 2135, or 2136
E-mail: psmfinstu@psm.edu
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, Puerto Rico 00731
Physical Address: 388 Zona Ind. Reparada 2, Ponce PR 00716-2347