AMFT Training Program
Training the next generation of compassionate, skilled therapists.
Vantage Point Center for Psychotherapy offers a robust, developmentally focused training program for Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFTs) seeking advanced clinical experience in a supportive and collaborative environment. Our program emphasizes ethical practice, clinical excellence, multicultural responsiveness, and the development of a strong professional identity as a therapist. AMFTs receive ongoing supervision, mentorship, and hands-on clinical training while working with diverse client populations and presenting concerns.
Our program
Program Overview
We utilize a scientist practitioner model of training that is experiential, sequential, and individualized. Our goal is to support trainees growth into competent, independent therapists while providing meaningful clinical experiences with diverse populations.
Training levels include:
AMFT (Associate Marriage and Family Therapists) looking to gain hours towards licensure
Please inquire directly with our Training Director, Shelley Tirsbeck, LMFT
Applicants:
Applications are submitted through email.
Internship Training Experience
Who We Are Looking For:
Qualified associate applicants demonstrate:
– Experience working with diverse populations and presenting concerns
– Foundational knowledge of psychotherapy theories and clinical interventions
– Openness to supervision, feedback, and professional growth
– Strong interpersonal, communication, and clinical skills
– A commitment to ethical, culturally responsive care
– Interest in developing their clinical identity and therapeutic approach
Eligibility Requirements:
– Must be a graduate from an accredited Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling, or related master’s program
– Registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), or eligibility to register upon hire
– Commitment to fulfilling supervised hours and professional development requirements toward licensure
Strongly recommended: 250-350+ direct service hours
Information
Format: Hybrid (2-3 days in office, 2-3 days remote)
Start Date: Early August
Caseload: ~20-25 clients
Client Ages: 12-80
Associates engage in:
Individual, couples, family and groups therapy if interested.
Individual and group supervision
Didactic seminars
Treatment at Vantage Point is often longer-term, based on client needs and clinical judgment.
Areas of Specialized Training
Interns may choose to develop additional depth in one or more of the following areas:
Eating Disorders
OCD & Anxiety Spectrum Disorders
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care
Didactics and seminars:
Weekly seminars focus on:
– Evidence-based practice across theoretical orientations
– Ethics and professional development
– Multicultural competence and inclusivity
– Specialty areas including trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, and LGBTQIA+ care
Supervision model:
Supervision Model :
Individual Supervision
– Supervision with CA-licensed marriage and family therapist or licensed clinical psychologist
– Focus on clinical work, professional identity, ethics, and growth areas
– Supervision hours in line with the California Board of Behavioral Health requirements
Group Supervision
– Case consultation, peer support, and professional development
– Formal case presentations twice per year
Hours and benefits:
Benefits Include:
– Full medical & dental insurance
– Private office space and technology support
– Flexible scheduling
Current Training Program Supervisors
Dr. Karen Miller
Dr. Katie Polsky
Shelley Tirsbeck
Primary Supervisor
Dr. Chelsea Mackey
Sample Didactics
meet our amfts
Anyk Cajucom-Browning
Sadaf Ghasiri
Dharla Torres
Lisa Gardiner
Interested in Our AMFT Training Program?
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Shelley Tirsbeck, AMFT Training Director
shelley@vppsychotherapy.com
AMFT training program Sacramento
AMFT training program Sacramento