Denver Family Institute

Denver Family Institute accepts applications to the program from qualified candidates throughout the year. Based on the applicants background and experience admission may be arranged for the beginning of fall, winter, spring and summer quarters.

Applicants interested in Supervision Only, must have a solid foundation in family systems theory and relational therapies.

E-mails may be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Your interest in advanced clinical training and our program is greatly appreciated. We look forward to hearing from you.

Please read the Admission Policy and Requirements before applying.

For the PDF version download of application materials: click here.

Admission Policy/Requirements
The Denver Family Institute is open to all qualified students. We actively invite and welcome applications from people from all walks of life, backgrounds, ages, cultures, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations and physical abilities. We also seek diverse experiences to enrich our student population.

While applicants must meet our admission requirements listed below, DFI will give life-experience consideration if they demonstrate equivalency.

Applicants must submit an admission packet, meet all admission requirements and complete a screening interview prior to admission. We handle all applications on a first-come, first-served basis, and we limit class sizes to ensure a quality learning experience. DFI does not discriminate in the admission of students on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual preference, disability or veteran status.

We are proud of our “marketing-free” environment. DFI focuses on providing quality clinical coursework, and supervision in marriage and family therapy. We think that excellence in training, rather than a long list of credentials and letters after a clinician’s name, provides the best foundation for clinical success and well-being.

All applicants must meet the following admission requirements:
Completion of at least a Master’s Degree in mental health or a related field, e.g., psychology, social work, nursing, pastoral counseling, vocational rehabilitation, etc.
One year of direct clinical experience with couples and/or families, preferably beyond the Master’s degree.*
Completion of an introductory class or workshop in marriage and family therapy.*
*DFI will consider life experience in some cases to meet these requirements.

All applicants must submit an admission packet that includes the following:
A completed admission form.
A $50 non-refundable application fee.
A certified copy of graduate school transcript or last undergraduate transcript.
Two letters of reference.
A statement of intent (see application for details).
After the admission packet is complete, a screening interview is scheduled, which includes the following:
The program will be reviewed and any questions will be clarified. Names of program graduates are given as references.
Clinical experience will be assessed during the conversation.
Student’s theoretical foundation and knowledge-base will be assessed by learning about the student’s readings, workshops and class work.
Supervisory experience and team experience will be assessed by discovering whether the students has been observed, has observed other therapists, has reviewed personal videotapes, etc.
Personality characteristics will be assessed through the process of the interview.
After the admission packet and the screening interview are completed, a decision is made as to whether the applicant is appropriate for the training program.
If the applicant is accepted, an acceptance letter is sent. The applicant is asked to respond by phone stating his/her desire to attend the program. A tuition contract and an appointment with the Director is then scheduled.
If the applicant is not accepted, a rejection letter is sent detailing why the applicant is not appropriate for the program.

*As stated above, DFI will consider life experience in some cases to meet these requirements.

We welcome your interest in the Denver Family Institute. Our focus is “excellence, integrity and service.” Be assured that we utilize only experienced, licensed clinicians for faculty members (no student teachers or supervisors). DFI also provides supervision only to select students who have completed an MFT graduate program and who seek additional supervision or training to complete licensure requirements for the LMFT.