Overview

The Family Therapy programme at Mercer University is an integral component of the School of Medicine, designed to train highly skilled practitioners in the field of systemic mental health. This degree focuses on how family structures, cultural values, and generational patterns influence individual wellbeing and clinical treatment outcomes.

Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasises the intersection of medicine and behavioural science. By understanding how family roles and relationships distort or support health, graduates are prepared to accurately assess and treat clients within the context of their wider social and familial systems.

The course is deeply rooted in the university's mission to serve rural and medically underserved areas.

Why Family Therapy at Mercer University?

The institution is consistently ranked as one of the top medical schools in the United States for producing graduates who choose primary care and allied health fields. This reputation for excellence provides a prestigious foundation for students entering the competitive field of family therapy.

A distinctive feature of the programme is the opportunity to train at the Mercer Family Therapy Centres located in Macon and Atlanta. For over 35 years, these centres have served as vital clinical hubs where students work under the direct supervision of experienced School of Medicine faculty members.

The teaching approach is highly collaborative, often involving medical students to simulate real-world integrated healthcare environments. This interdisciplinary focus prepares students to work alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic treatment for complex mental health issues.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 1028 per credit
• National fee: USD 1028 per credit
• Local fee: USD 1028 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of systemic therapy and clinical practice. Modules may include:

• Family Therapy
• Preclinical Sciences
• Biomedical Sciences
• Psychiatry and Behavioural Science
• Rural Health Sciences

Careers with Family Therapy

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional paths within the mental health sector. The programme has a long tradition of producing high-quality practitioners who successfully secure roles in community mental health centres and substance abuse treatment agencies.

The clinical experience gained during the course also allows graduates to pursue opportunities in hospitals, schools, and private practice. Some alumni choose to continue their professional journey in academia, contributing to the research and training of future generations of therapists.

By focusing on both individual and systemic interventions, the degree ensures that graduates are versatile professionals. They are equipped to handle various challenges, including stress management, adjustment issues, and complex mental health disorders in a range of clinical settings.