Tucked into campus is a hidden gem that’s making a big impact—both for the community and for our students. NIU Couple and Family Therapy Clinic (CFTC) isn’t just a place where individuals, couples and families come to work through life’s challenges, it’s where future therapists get hands-on experience, build confidence and prepare to step into the world as compassionate, well-trained professionals.
“The CFTC offers structured and intensive therapy by therapists in training who receive supervision from seasoned clinicians and professors,” said April Ilkmen, clinical assistant professor and clinic director. “Our commitment to social justice merged with strong theoretical orientation creates a unique opportunity for patients to receive affordable but high quality treatment.”
Run as part of the university’s Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy (SMFT) master’s degree program, the clinic offers affordable, high-quality therapy services to individuals, couples, and families in the surrounding area—many of whom might not otherwise have access to this kind of care. And at the same time, it gives student therapists a unique opportunity to work directly with clients under close faculty supervision, building their skills in real time.
“Our program is the only the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) program at a public institution in Illinois,” said DeAnna Harris-McKoy, associate professor and program director of NIU’s Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy (SMFT) program. “In addition, having a clinic on campus allows for experiential learning and quality direct supervision.”
The clinic boasts six therapy rooms – each with video recording capability – along with four observation rooms. Approximately 2,000 clinical sessions are conducted in the clinic each year, with NIU students representing about 35 percent of the patient population. 
Harris-McKoy said the observation rooms allow new students to get an idea of what it is like to be in the therapy room while they are still learning. Students and faculty can then watch videos of sessions and provide specific feedback on best practices.
“Video recorded sessions allows us to see how the theories we learn are put into practice,” said student Srinithi Sardar. “I really like the structure of the program and how it encourages us to develop our skills bit by bit. I also like how the professors are accessible within and beyond the classroom, and how well-equipped and comfortable the clinic is.”
Many students in the program are first generation college students and there are supports in place to help them flourish.
“In addition to helping them become entry level marriage and family therapists, we are also invested in their personal development,” Harris-McKoy said. “We intentionally create an environment and assignments that increase their self-confidence and counter their imposter syndrome.”
It’s this kind of experience—thoughtfully structured, well-supported, and rooted in real-world practice—that sets the program apart. Students aren’t just reading about theory; they’re applying it in meaningful ways with the guidance of experienced faculty. They graduate with more than just hours logged—they graduate career-ready.
Learn more about the SMFT program at NIU.
