FAQ

Program Overview

Where is Sentio University located?

Sentio University’s Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program and the Sentio Counseling Center are based in Los Angeles, California. Students complete coursework through live online classes with required in-person intensive residencies and clinical training in the Los Angeles area. Learn more about our MFT Program Overview.

Is Sentio’s MFT program online or in-person?

Sentio uses a hybrid format designed for working professionals. Weekly classes are conducted live online via videoconference (not pre-recorded), allowing real-time interaction with faculty and classmates. The program includes four-day intensive in-person residencies in Los Angeles each semester, plus clinical training that includes in-person elements at the Sentio Counseling Center. This format provides flexibility while ensuring hands-on skill development through Deliberate Practice training. See what a typical Week in the Life looks like for Sentio students.

How long does it take to complete the MFT program?

The Sentio MFT program is 20 months, which is faster than many California MFT programs that require 2–3 years. The program follows a cohort model with a structured curriculum, and it is not possible to accelerate or extend the timeline. See the Academic Calendar for specific start dates and schedules.

Can I work while enrolled in the MFT program?

Many Sentio students maintain employment while completing the program. The hybrid format with evening and weekend classes is designed to accommodate working professionals. However, students should expect to dedicate significant time to coursework, clinical training, and skill practice. We recommend discussing your specific work schedule during the admissions process. Request Information or Attend an Open House to learn more.

How many hours per week should I expect to spend on coursework?

Students should expect to spend approximately 20–25 hours per week on program activities, including live class sessions, reading and assignments, clinical training hours, and deliberate practice exercises. The program is rigorous and designed to develop exceptional clinical skills in a compressed timeframe. Review the complete curriculum in our Academic Catalog.

What Makes Sentio Different

What makes Sentio different from other MFT programs in California?

Sentio University is fundamentally different from traditional MFT programs in several key ways:

Deliberate Practice methodology: Every course integrates Deliberate Practice, the evidence-based training approach developed by K. Anders Ericsson and adapted for psychotherapy by our faculty. Students don’t just learn about therapy; they repeatedly practice specific skills with feedback until mastery. Our faculty literally wrote the book on this approach (the APA “Essentials of Deliberate Practice” series available on our Books by Sentio page).

AI training for therapists: Sentio is the first MFT program to formally integrate safe and ethical AI training into the curriculum. Our faculty leads original AI Research on AI applications in mental health, with publications in journals including Nature. Read our Statement on AI. Graduates are prepared for the AI-integrated future of mental healthcare.

Exceptional student-to-faculty ratio: Our 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio and maximum cohort size of 16 students means personalized attention, intensive feedback, and close mentorship throughout the program. Meet our Leadership, Faculty and Supervisors.

Guaranteed practicum placement: All students in good standing receive clinical training at the Sentio Counseling Center with guaranteed placement, not the “practicum support” offered by many programs that leaves students scrambling to find field sites.

Intensive faculty training: All Sentio supervisors and faculty complete rigorous training in Deliberate Practice supervision methods, ensuring consistent, high-quality instruction. Learn about our DP Supervision Residency program.

Radical transparency: We publish detailed information about our program, outcomes, and even our challenges on our Transparency page. We believe you deserve complete information to make the right decision for your career.

What is Deliberate Practice and why does Sentio use it?

Deliberate Practice is a scientifically validated approach to skill development originally studied by psychologist K. Anders Ericsson at Florida State University. Research shows that expert performance in any field comes not from experience alone, but from a specific type of focused practice involving clear goals, immediate feedback, and systematic refinement of technique.

Sentio’s faculty, including President Tony Rousmaniere, adapted Deliberate Practice for psychotherapy training and authored the APA “Essentials of Deliberate Practice” book series. In every Sentio course, students engage in video-recorded practice sessions, receive detailed feedback from supervisors, and repeatedly rehearse specific therapeutic skills until they achieve competence. This approach produces therapists who are demonstrably more skilled, not just more knowledgeable. Learn more on our What is Deliberate Practice? page, explore our Research on Deliberate Practice, or try our free Deliberate Practice Videos and Exercises.

Does Sentio teach AI skills for therapists?

Yes. Sentio University is the first graduate program in mental health to formally implement safe and ethical AI training for students. Our curriculum addresses how AI tools are transforming mental healthcare, ethical considerations for AI use in clinical practice, research literacy for evaluating AI applications, and practical skills for AI-augmented clinical work.

Our Sentio AI Research Team conducts original research on AI applications in mental health, with publications in high-impact journals including Nature. Read about our AI Research and our Statement on AI. We also offer AI Certification Courses for practicing clinicians.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Sentio?

Sentio maintains a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio with a maximum of 16 students per cohort. This exceptional ratio ensures every student receives personalized attention, detailed feedback on their clinical skills, and close mentorship throughout the program. Compare this to programs with 50–100+ students per cohort where individual attention is limited. Meet our Leadership, Faculty and Supervisors.

Is practicum placement guaranteed?

Yes. Students in good standing receive guaranteed clinical training placement at the Sentio Counseling Center, our telehealth training clinic. This is different from programs that offer “practicum support” but leave students to find their own field placements.

What therapy models will I learn?

The Sentio curriculum covers major evidence-based therapy approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Systemic Family Therapies. Students practice these approaches using Deliberate Practice methodology during intensive in-person residencies, developing genuine competence rather than just theoretical knowledge. See the complete course list in our MFT Program Overview and Academic Catalog.

Tuition and Financial Aid

How much does the Sentio MFT program cost?

Total tuition for the 20-month Sentio MFT program is $67,200. This places Sentio in the mid-range of California MFT programs, while providing intensive training that many higher-priced programs lack. See our Tuition and Fees page for the complete cost breakdown.

How does Sentio’s tuition compare to other California MFT programs?

California MFT program costs vary widely. CSU programs range from $14,000–$25,000 but have limited availability and often longer completion times. Mid-range programs cost $50,000–$80,000. Higher-cost programs like USC and Pepperdine exceed $100,000. Sentio’s $67,200 tuition provides exceptional value given our 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Deliberate Practice methodology, AI curriculum, and guaranteed practicum placement. View complete details on our Tuition and Fees page.

Does Sentio offer financial aid or federal student loans?

Sentio University is not currently eligible for federal student loans (Title IV funding). As a new nonprofit institution, we are working toward the accreditation required for federal aid eligibility, which typically takes several years.

However, we offer substantial scholarship support through the K. Anders Ericsson Memorial Scholarship, ranging from $1,000 to $50,400 based on merit and financial need. Many students find that our lower total tuition with scholarship support creates a better financial outcome than federal loans at higher-priced programs. Learn more on our Scholarships page and view payment options on Tuition and Fees.

Do you offer any scholarships?

Yes. Sentio offers the K. Anders Ericsson Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of the psychologist who pioneered Deliberate Practice research. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $50,400 based on merit and financial need. Complete information is available on our Scholarships page.

How do I apply for the K. Anders Ericsson Memorial Scholarship?

The K. Anders Ericsson Memorial Scholarship application is included in Section VIII of the Marriage and Family Therapy program application. All applicants are automatically considered; no separate application is required. Apply Now to get started.

Practicum and Clinical Training

How do I complete my MFT practicum hours?

Students in good standing receive guaranteed clinical training at the Sentio Counseling Center, our telehealth training clinic. Students typically gain over 400 supervised clinical hours toward California LMFT licensure. These practicum hours count toward the 3,000 total supervised hours required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Learn more about Licensure Information.

What is the Sentio Counseling Center?

The Sentio Counseling Center (SCC) is Sentio University’s training clinic where students provide therapy services under close supervision. The clinic operates via telehealth, allowing students to see clients from anywhere in California. Students receive intensive video-based supervision using Deliberate Practice methods, with direct feedback on actual clinical sessions.

Admissions

How do I apply to Sentio University?

Visit our Apply Now page for a detailed description of application requirements. You can also Request Information, Attend an Open House, or Contact Us for application assistance.

How many students does Sentio accept each year?

We limit each cohort to a maximum of 16 students to maintain our 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio and ensure personalized attention. Early applications receive priority consideration. Apply Now to secure your spot.

When do cohorts start?

New cohorts begin each fall. See our Academic Calendar for specific start dates and program schedules.

Are specific undergraduate degrees required for admission?

No specific undergraduate major is required for admission to Sentio’s MFT program. We welcome applicants from diverse academic backgrounds including psychology, social work, education, healthcare, and other fields. Review complete admissions requirements on our Apply Now page.

Do I need to take the GRE?

The GRE is not required for admission to Sentio University. See all requirements on our Apply Now page.

Will my GPA be a factor in admissions?

While there is no minimum GPA requirement, undergraduate GPA is weighted as part of our holistic application evaluation process. We consider the complete picture of each applicant, including relevant experience, personal statement, and video submission. Request Information to learn more about what we look for in applicants.

Are there any course prerequisites?

No specific prerequisite courses are required for admission. Review all requirements on our Apply Now page.

Why do I need to submit a video as part of my application?

Sentio University uses rigorous Deliberate Practice training techniques that involve video recording, repeated practice, and direct feedback. This approach may not be a good fit for all applicants, and we want to ensure our methods will support your success.

As part of the application, we ask you to try a few Deliberate Practice exercises. This gives you a taste of our training approach and helps us assess fit. Our goal is not just to fill seats, but to help you choose a program that’s right for you. Try our free Deliberate Practice Videos and Exercises to get a preview.

What is your transfer credit policy?

We do not currently accept transfer credits due to the unique nature of our Deliberate Practice approach to MFT education. Students who transfer credit would miss the skill-building emphasis central to our program outcomes. Additionally, our full-time cohort model means transfer credit would disrupt student schedules and the collaborative learning environment.

Can I apply if I am not a California resident?

Applicants must be California residents or willing to relocate to California for the duration of the program. All students complete clinical training that includes in-person elements within the state at the Sentio Counseling Center.

Due to accreditation regulations for new universities, Sentio currently has government approval to operate only in California. We are working toward approval in all 50 states, which requires regional accreditation and is estimated to take several years. See our Licensure Information page for more details.

Accreditation and Licensure

Is Sentio University approved by the California BBS?

Yes. Sentio University is a private nonprofit institution approved to grant degrees by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Graduates of the Sentio MFT program are eligible for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists in California upon successful completion of requirements set by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).

California MFT licensure requirements include completing an approved master’s degree program (which Sentio satisfies), accumulating 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience (at least 1,700 post-degree), and passing the California MFT licensing examinations. Learn more on our Licensure Information page.

Is Sentio University accredited?

Sentio University is approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and is pursuing regional accreditation. As a new institution, we are required to enroll students for 12 consecutive months before applying for accreditation through our accrediting body. We intend to submit our application at the earliest possible date and expect to receive approval.

Being a newer program without regional accreditation means some limitations (federal loan ineligibility, limited license portability to other states). However, for students committed to practicing in California, this has no impact on BBS licensure eligibility. Read more about our commitment to Transparency.

When will Sentio University become regionally accredited?

We intend to apply for regional accreditation at the earliest eligible date and expect approval. The timeline for accreditation typically takes several years from initial application. We are committed to transparency about our progress and will update our community as milestones are reached. See our Transparency page and Message from the President for updates.

Will my Sentio degree qualify for MFT licensure in another state?

If you wish to practice as an MFT in a state other than California, you will need to apply for licensure in that state. Most states will not recognize an MFT degree from Sentio University until we obtain regional accreditation.

However, some states offer “licensure by endorsement” for therapists who have already been licensed in another state for several years, regardless of their graduate program’s accreditation status. The Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) maintains a comparison document of state requirements.

If interstate license portability is important to your career plans, please consider this carefully when choosing a program. Our Licensure Information page provides additional details and resources.

What is COAMFTE accreditation and does Sentio have it?

COAMFTE (Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education) is a specialized accreditation for MFT programs. Sentio does not currently have COAMFTE accreditation. Importantly, COAMFTE accreditation is not required for California MFT licensure, and many well-regarded California MFT programs (including some of the most expensive) do not have COAMFTE accreditation.

COAMFTE accreditation is most relevant for students who plan to practice in states that require it or who seek employment with the VA or certain federal agencies. If this applies to you, consider whether a COAMFTE-accredited program better fits your needs. See our Licensure Information page for more details.

Program Quality and Outcomes

What is Sentio’s graduation rate?

As a newer program, we are building our outcome data as cohorts progress through the program. We are committed to publishing comprehensive graduation rates, licensure exam pass rates, and employment outcomes as this data becomes available. Check our Institutional Achievement Data and Outcomes page for current information.

Where do Sentio graduates work?

Sentio graduates pursue careers in community mental health agencies, private practice, hospital and healthcare settings, school-based counseling, and nonprofit organizations serving diverse populations. Our focus on developing genuine clinical competence through Deliberate Practice prepares graduates to excel across settings. See our Institutional Achievement Data and Outcomes page for more information.

How is Sentio different from online MFT programs?

While Sentio offers live online classes, we are not a typical “online program.” Our hybrid model includes required in-person intensive residencies in Los Angeles, guaranteed clinical training with in-person elements at the Sentio Counseling Center, video-based supervision with detailed feedback on actual sessions, and small cohort sizes (maximum 16 students) with a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Many fully online programs lack the intensive skill-building and personal attention that define the Sentio experience. See what a Week in the Life looks like for Sentio students.

In-Person Residencies

What are the In-Person Intensive Residencies?

Intensive In-Person Residencies are immersive four-day learning experiences in Los Angeles designed to accelerate clinical skill development through concentrated Deliberate Practice. Residencies include supervised rehearsal of major therapy models (CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Systemic Therapies), training in challenging clinical scenarios, student presentations and peer discussion, development of the “person of the therapist,” individual advising with faculty, and guest lectures by prominent mental health experts.

The first residency each year includes orientation for new students and prepares students to see clients in the second semester. Residencies foster community among students from all cohorts and provide valuable networking opportunities. See the Academic Calendar for specific dates.

Contact Us

Mikaela Abundez

Director of Student Services

310-916-9378

mabundez@sentio.org

Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm Pacific

Have a question not answered here? Contact Us, Request Information, or Attend an Open House to learn more about Sentio University’s Marriage and Family Therapy program.