San Dimas, CA – September 25, 2025. Life Pacific University (LPU) is pleased to announce that its Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program has received approval from the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensure, in addition to its existing approval for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensure.
This expanded approval offers LPU graduates the opportunity to pursue either LPCC or LMFT pathways upon graduation, providing increased flexibility and career options as they enter the field as Associates and move toward licensure.
“This is an exciting milestone for LPU’s Counseling and Psychology Department,” said Carissa Hawksworth, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “After years of research, design, and formatting, it is an honor to receive this commendation from the State Board. We are honored to offer a program that is on par with the best in the state while providing a Spirit-Filled, Christ-Centered approach to education.”
In addition to meeting all state requirements, LPU’s MAC program is distinctive in its approach, providing robust clinical education while integrating a biblical worldview. Students gain a deep understanding of how therapy, psychology, and spiritual formation work together for whole-person wellness and deep healing, equipping graduates to serve with both professional excellence and spiritual sensitivity.
Dawn Houk, Chair of the Counseling and Psychology Department, added: “This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team. This milestone affirms our commitment to academic excellence and student success, ensuring that our program prepares students to excel in their educational and professional journeys. We look forward to shaping the counseling and psychology field with integrity, innovation, and impact.”
The approval underscores LPU’s commitment to offering rigorous, accredited, and faith-integrated graduate education. By expanding licensure pathways, the MAC program equips students to serve individuals, couples, and families with professional excellence and compassion.
Enrolling now for the January Cohort. For more information about LPU’s Master of Arts in Counseling program, visit here or contact the Department of Counseling and Psychology at dhouk@lifepacific.edu.
About Life Pacific University
Life Pacific University (LPU) is a WSCUC- and ABHE-accredited institution of biblical higher education, located in San Dimas, California, with additional programs offered online and at its Virginia campus. For more than 100 years, LPU has equipped students for leadership in the church, the marketplace, and the world through Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered academic programs.
