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Marriage and Family Therapy Programs

Program Director: Dr. Blendine Hawkins
Faculty: Dr. Blendine Hawkins, Dr. Emily Kahumoku-Fessler, Dr. Deanna Linville, Dr. Kirsten Lind Seal, Dr. Abby Halston, and Ms. Deneen Wong

Program Overview

Rooted in the field of Family Science and Human Development, the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs at Chaminade University are designed to prepare students for impactful careers in systemic therapy. Guided by the Marianist values of compassion, service, and social justice, our MFT programs cultivate culturally responsive, ethically grounded, and evidence-informed practitioners who are committed to advancing relational health across diverse populations in Hawai‘i and beyond.

Program Pathway

Our comprehensive MFT pathway offers a seamless progression from undergraduate study through advanced clinical training:

  • Bachelor’s in Psychology: Provides a foundational understanding of human development, family systems, and cultural contexts, preparing students to enter graduate-level training in MFT.

  • Bachelor’s to MS in Marriage and Family Therapy pathway: Students may take up to 4 graduate level MFT courses while in their undergraduate program that will secure their spot in the MS-MFT program. This pathway is open to all majors. Please see “Integrated Bachelor and Master of Science (B.S + M.S.M.F.T) for more information.

  • MS in Marriage and Family Therapy: A 60-credit program that builds essential clinical competencies through a combination of coursework, practicum, and internship. Emphasis is placed on systemic thinking, cultural humility, and the integration of evidence-based couple and family therapy approaches. 

  • MFT Fast Track, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy to DMFT: Students may apply for the MFT Fast Track that accelerates their master's program into the DMFT program; they may take up to 5 doctoral courses and earn early admission to the DMFT program. Please see “Integrated Master of Science and Doctorate (M.S.M.F.T. + D.M.F.T.) for more information.

  • Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT): This 62-credit advanced clinical doctorate is designed for those seeking to deepen their expertise in systemic therapy, pursue leadership roles, and contribute to the profession through supervision, teaching, and clinical practice.

Mission and Alignment

The aim of the MFT programs is to develop practitioners who think systemically, promote culturally attuned and socially just practices, and actively contribute to the ongoing development of the MFT field in Hawai‘i. Special attention is given to honoring Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, as well as other diverse populations.

The MS-MFT and DMFT programs are structured to foster lifelong learning and adaptability, equipping students to work in a range of settings, including:

  • Community Mental Health Organizations

  • Schools and Educational Settings

  • Substance Use and Addiction Treatment Centers

  • Employee Assistance Programs

  • Hospitals and Medical Settings

  • Private Practice

Graduates are trained to serve as agents of change, addressing the evolving needs of individuals, couples, and families while embodying the Marianist educational values that emphasize adaptation, compassion, and community engagement.