Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy

Non-Discrimination

The Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) Program at Chaminade University of Honolulu is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and safe learning environment for all students, faculty, staff, and community members. In alignment with Chaminade University’s broader Nondiscrimination/Anti-harassment Policy and Grievance Procedures, the DMFT Program affirms that discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and any form of physical or psychological abuse will not be tolerated.

Chaminade University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability (mental or physical), genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ancestry, marital or parenting status, arrest or court record status, National Guard participation, victim of domestic or sexual violence status, breastfeeding, or any other protected status.

The DMFT Program recognizes the inherent dignity of all individuals and promotes respect for all people, especially given the sensitive and relational nature of the field of marriage and family therapy. Students, faculty, and supervisors are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and cultural sensitivity in all academic, clinical, and community settings.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) program at Chaminade University of Honolulu is deeply committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment. Grounded in Marianist values of service, justice, peace, family spirit, and adaptation to change, we affirm the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals. We recognize Hawai‘i’s unique cultural landscape and honor the histories, traditions, and healing practices of Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and other Indigenous peoples. Our program embraces cultural humility, equity, and social justice as essential to ethical practice, scholarship, supervision, and leadership. We are committed to creating a community where students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds feel welcomed, respected, and empowered. This includes individuals of diverse races, ethnicities, national origins, faith traditions, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, and socioeconomic statuses. In alignment with COAMFTE standards, our program prepares doctoral-level clinicians and leaders to systemically address mental health disparities, to evaluate and apply evidence-informed practices in ways that honor diverse cultural contexts, and to promote peace, wellness, and justice at individual, family, and community levels. Through continuous self-reflection, collaborative learning, and service, the DMFT program actively works to dismantle barriers to equity and inclusion, ensuring that our graduates are prepared to lead with compassion, cultural safety, and a systemic vision for change.

Transfer of Courses from Another Academic Program

The DMFT program considers transfer requests on a case-by-case basis. Students who have completed doctoral-level, clinical graduate courses at another accredited university within the past three (3) years, and earned a grade of “B” or better, may be eligible to transfer up to two (2) courses into the Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy program. Applicants must submit official transcripts, syllabi, and relevant documentation for review during the application process. The Program Director and faculty will evaluate whether prior coursework meets the academic rigor, clinical standards, and curricular alignment of the DMFT program. Transfer credit is not guaranteed and will only be awarded when it is clear that prior learning outcomes are equivalent to those of the DMFT curriculum. All transfer approvals will follow university policy and accreditation requirements. Exceptions – All exceptions to the Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy Program Policies, and Procedures will be addressed on an individual basis by the Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy Program Director.

Portability of Licensure/Degree Acknowledgement

The Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) program at Chaminade University of Honolulu is an advanced clinical degree designed to prepare graduates for leadership, supervision, education, program development, and advanced practice within the field of marriage and family therapy. This program does not grant initial licensure eligibility, does not guarantee portability of licensure across jurisdictions, and is not intended to satisfy educational requirements for licensure. Students are responsible for understanding the licensure laws and requirements in their state or jurisdiction of practice. The DMFT program does not provide verification or assurance that its degree meets educational requirements for licensure portability in any state.

DMFT Student Recruitment

The Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) at Chaminade University is designed for master’s-level clinicians who are ready to advance their careers as supervisors, educators, researchers, and leaders. We seek applicants who want to deepen their systemic expertise and serve communities with compassion, justice, and cultural humility.

We especially welcome:

• Licensed or licensure-track clinicians in MFT and related fields (e.g. mental health counseling, social work, clinical psychology, school counseling, etc.)
• Practitioners dedicated to expanding access to mental health care in their local communities
• Clinicians from Hawaiʻi, the Pacific, and across the U.S. who want to strengthen families and communities
• Clinicians committed to leadership and advancing the mental health workforce in Hawaiʻi and beyond

DMFT Student Retention

Supporting our students is at the heart of the DMFT program. We combine academic rigor with a high-touch, relational learning model so that every student is set up for success.

What you can expect:

• Cohort model: Progress alongside peers for support and collaboration
• Mentorship: Faculty are doctoral-level LMFTs and AAMFT or State-Approved Supervisors who guide you in supervision, teaching, research, and leadership
• Engagement: All courses have a synchronous online meeting component, ensuring live interaction and connection with faculty and classmates
• Professional growth: Opportunities to supervise MS-MFT interns, guest lecture in courses, and develop leadership skills
• Early support: Faculty monitor progress, provide tailored plans if challenges arise, and offer structured support through the dissertation process from proposal to defense  
• Student resources: Full online access to library, writing support, counseling, disability services, financial aid, and diversity services

The DMFT program is built to help you thrive, persist, and graduate as an advanced professional ready to lead systemic change.

For more information on our policies, click here.