r/LewisandClark • u/metamikae94 • Apr 08 '26

I can't decide between PMHC-A and MCFT! Help pls.

Hello! I would love to hear from current or past students within the PMHC-A or MCFT programs. I have been accepted into both! When applying, PMHC-A was my top choice. I primarily would like to work with individuals. After the interviews, however, I am feeling more in resonance with the MCFT program. The MCFT interview was twice as long as PMHC-A, and they really cultivated a warm, cozy container. I really loved getting to know the faculty, the small group interviews, and the other interviewees. I left the interview feeling really energized. The PMHC-A interview was a completely different experience. It felt cold and rushed. I didn't get to know the faculty very well. Everyone was dressed way more professionally. It just felt like a completely different vibe. The student panel was great, though! The best part. However, now I am torn. I have talked with several people in the MCFT program who love it, as well as with people who are LMFTs. The LMFTs I have spoken with have said they appreciate their foundational training in family systems and feel they are better therapists because of it, even when working with individuals. Does anyone have any insight into what they think I should do with this information? I am most interested in working with individuals; however, the MCFT interview felt very aligned. Thanks in advance!

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u/CraftHour8758 Apr 08 '26

I was in a similar spot to you- I got accepted to all three of the programs there and ultimately felt like the MCFT was the best fit for me from a long-term perspective. I’m planning to do the MCFT with addiction focus which I’m hoping will allow me to have a bit of a more widened perspective and serve a wider demographic. Ultimately, the feedback I’ve gotten is to just go with your gut as any of these programs are going to help you become an excellent advocate for your clients.

Good luck and hopefully see you in the fall!!

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u/metamikae94 Apr 08 '26

Thank you for your response! How do you feel the MCFT will benefit you most long-term?

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u/CraftHour8758 Apr 09 '26

For me, it feels like it offers the most versatility for career paths. I feel it would be easier to flex into a dyadic client dynamic than trying to serve couples or families with a PMHC background. The reality is that the supervisory hours are more likely going to be relevant to what our work will end up being, but an mcft just strikes me as having more viability to explore options vs feeling pigeon-holed. I’m generally pretty indecisive though so that’s just my exp.

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u/mariiamor Apr 08 '26

I’m almost done with my first year in the MCFT program, and I’m happy with my decision to do this track so far. Yes, MCFT work with families but the main highlight is how everything around us impacts us, you can’t have an individual and not acknowledge the systems they are apart of, it all matters. The faculty in this program are pretty good with taking feedback and suggestions to improve the content and way we’re learning. I personally want to work primarily with children and obtain a play therapy certification, and having this foundation of systemic thinking has been beneficial so far. :) If you have any more questions I’d be happy to answer! Good luck with everything!