Find out more about Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage & Family Therapy / Medical Family Therapy

When a member of the family becomes ill, the focus of the family is reoriented to center on health issues. This usually means arrangement for and attendance at appointments and medical tests, rearranging work schedules, and a lot of concern and worry for all family members. Concern about health issues becomes the family priority and the future can appear uncertain and frightening. Medical family therapy is the application of systems theory and taking a systems approach to conducting psychotherapy with patients and their families. This unique approach addresses the systemic interactions among patients, their families, their doctors and other healthcare professionals. At NCU, the Medical Family Therapy specialization is designed to prepare students to work effectively with individuals, couples and families that are facing chronic or acute medical difficulties. Students in the Medical Family Therapy specialization are introduced to this growing field and are prepared to compete and succeed in careers as Medical Family Therapy clinicians and researchers.