As the holiday season approaches, many individuals find themselves seeking therapeutic support. The MSU Couple and Family Therapy Clinic (CFTC) continues to provide services to individuals, couples, and families in the Greater Lansing area. This clinic serves as a primary training site for graduate students enrolled in the Couple and Family Therapy doctoral program within Michigan State University's Department of Human Development and Family Studies.
Erica Mitchell, director of the clinic, emphasized their approach: "All of our therapy services are based in systemic, evidence-based interventions," adding that they focus on clients' relationships as part of their treatment.
During 2023-2024, CFTC welcomed 206 new clients alongside existing ones. They also added three new therapists while maintaining six returning therapists and seven undergraduate interns. "Our therapists, our supervisors and our clinic staff are very passionate about helping the clients that we serve," said Mitchell.
Deja Young, a doctoral candidate who previously worked at the clinic, encouraged those seeking help to join their waitlist: “We treat various clients with diverse identities and with different presenting symptoms."
The clinic operates on a sliding fee scale to increase access to its services. "Operating on a sliding fee scale helps us reach clients in need who may not be able to access services elsewhere in the community,” Mitchell stated.
Temple Odom from MSU HDFS highlighted that despite being a teaching clinic, most student therapists come with clinical experience: “It’s a really wonderful complement of having research-based practices and an affordable way to get family and couples work.”
Therapists receive supervision from licensed professionals. Pendo Galukande noted learning both clinically and culturally through group supervision sessions. Assistant Professor Lekie Dwanyen expressed her commitment to supporting students’ development: “We really value relationships in context and culture.”
Tanner Hickman chose MSU for its clinical opportunities after working as a therapist: “I recognized how complex it is working with people."
Diversity is integral at CFTC; Deja Young appreciated the department's focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion: “Being someone who has marginalized identities...we don’t shy away from those conversations.”
Looking ahead, CFTC aims to expand clinical research efforts while continuing outreach for underserved communities. For more information about their services or programs offered by this institution visit their website.
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