Fall 2024 - Empowering the Next Generation of Family Therapists

Program Overview: 

The Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Graduate Program at Oklahoma State University is a beacon of hope, dedicated to training compassionate and skilled therapists who will mend hearts and strengthen bonds within families and communities across Oklahoma. Our program is a dynamic fusion of rigorous academics and real-world clinical experiences, equipping our students to make a profound and lasting difference in the lives of those they serve. 

Purpose of the Proposal: Investing in Growth and Connection 

Your generous support will fuel the dreams of our future therapists and directly impact the lives of countless Oklahomans. Here's how your contribution will make a difference: 

Travel Scholarships: Removing Barriers, Expanding Horizons 

• Supporting Unpaid Clinical Training: Our students gain invaluable experience through clinical internships, often in unpaid positions. Your donation will provide travel scholarships, easing the financial burden of commuting to these essential training sites in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, ensuring that dedicated students can pursue their passion without undue hardship. 

• Immersive Learning Experiences: Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future: 
  • Museum Visits: Through visits to the First Americans Museum and Greenwood Rising Museum, our students will gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural contexts that shape the lives of their clients. This enriching experience will empower them to provide culturally sensitive and inclusive care. 
  • Additional Cultural Immersion Experiences: Throughout their program, students are expected to participate in six additional cultural immersion events, often requiring travel. These experiences foster a deeper appreciation for the diverse communities they will serve and equip them to provide culturally responsive therapy. 

• Professional Development and Networking at the Oklahoma Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (OKAMFT) Conference: Attending the annual OAMFT Student and New Professional Fall Conference is a cornerstone of our students' professional growth. Your support will cover hotel accommodations, allowing them to connect with seasoned therapists, learn about the latest advancements in the field, and forge valuable connections within the Oklahoma MFT community. 

The Impact of Your Support: A Ripple Effect of Transformation 

Your investment in our MFT program is an investment in the well-being of countless individuals and families. By supporting travel scholarships and providing immersive and enriching experiences, you are: 

• Cultivating a New Generation of Healers: Empowering our students to become exceptional therapists, ready to meet the mental health needs of our communities with cultural awareness and a commitment to lifelong learning.
• Breaking Down Barriers to Care: Ensuring that financial limitations and the demands of unpaid internships do not prevent dedicated students from pursuing their passion and serving those in need. 
• Promoting a Thriving Professional Community: Fostering connections and collaboration among our students and established professionals within the Oklahoma MFT network, leading to a stronger and more vibrant community of therapists dedicated to serving Oklahoma. 

Join Us in Building a Stronger, Healthier Oklahoma. 

We invite you to partner with us on this journey of healing and hope. Together, we can create a brighter future for Oklahoma, one family at a time. 

For more information, please contact Nathan R. Hardy, PhD, LMFT, the MFT Program Director at OSU [nathan.hardy@okstate.edu].