If you enjoy psychology and have an interest in marriage and family dynamics, then you may be considering a career as a marriage and family therapist after attending one of the top marriage counseling schools!
Marriage and family therapists, who have earned a marriage and family therapist degree, work in:
- private practice
- social service agencies
- mental health centers
- medical clinics
- churches
They work with couples and individual family members to help them:
- overcome challenges
- cope with trauma
- reconcile differences
Because a marriage and family therapist is a licensed mental health professional, they are required to have a graduate degree (LMFT degree) in a subject related to counseling of the family or married couple.
That’s why Online Psychology Degrees went on the hunt for the 30 best online graduate degrees in marriage and family therapy. To begin, we consulted the National Center for Education Statistics. We made a list of any and all universities offering an online master’s degree (MFT online programs) or doctoral degree in MFT. We focused solely on those marriage and family therapy programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Finally, we narrowed down our list to just the best 30 by using the following points-based system.
Annual Graduate Tuition:
Under $20,000: 5 points
Under $30,000: 4 points
Under $40,000: 3 points
Under $50,000: 2 points
Under $60,000: 1 point
Annual Percentage of 20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI):
9% and above: 5 points
7%-8%: 4 points
5%-6%: 3 points
3%-4%: 2 points
1%-2%:1 point
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: Best Psychology Schools
Top 5: 5 points
Top 10: 4 points
Top 20: 3 points
Top 30: 2 points
Top 50: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
10:1 and better: 5 points
12:1 and better: 4 points
15:1 and better: 3 points
17:1 and better: 2 points
20:1 and better: 1 point
Below are the 30 schools that offer the best online masters in family and marriage therapy programs (online MFT programs) in the United States.
See Also: 30 Most Affordable Master’s in Counseling Degree Programs
Ranking the Top 30 Online Graduate Degree Programs in Marriage and Family Therapy
30. Hope International University
– Fullerton, California
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,256/year
Points: 9
Hope International University offers a top masters marriage and family therapy program. HIU offers a COAMFTE accredited MFT program. The 60-credit hour MFT program incorporates Christian principles into:
- theory
- practice
- research
Core courses include:
- Disaster, Trauma, and Abuse Response
- Marriage and Family Therapy Assessment
- Psychopharmacology
Courses are offered during the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Students can complete some of their clinical hours at the Hope Counseling Center, an on-campus counseling center.
See Also: Ranking Top 25 Master in Counseling Psychology Online Degree Programs
29. Mount Mercy University – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,800/year
Points: 9
Mount Mercy University offers a budget friendly masters in marriage and family therapy program featuring dynamic training and a quality practicum. Research-based classes ensure that students have the skills needed to become an effective therapist. Course offerings include:
- Family Systems
- Ethical and Professional Issues in Marriage and Family Counseling
- Introduction to Play Therapy and Family Therapy
New students are admitted to the MFT program during the fall semester. Students can complete the MFT program in about 24 months. They take courses in five- or 10-week blocks.
See Also: What is a Trauma-Informed Therapist?
28. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Winona, Minnesota
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,260/year
Points: 9
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers one of the top marriage and family therapist masters. SMUMN offers a budget friendly marriage and family therapist degree. It prepares students to seek licensure with the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy. The program follows a cohort model, with new cohorts beginning in August and in May. The August cohort is designed for working adults with courses offered during the evening hours. This group will complete their marriage and family therapist degree in about three years. The May cohort moves at a more accelerated pace. Courses are offered throughout the day. Students can complete the program in about seven semesters.
27. Kansas State University – Manhattan, Kansas
Master’s in Couple and Family Therapy
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,212/year in-state and $23,050/year out-of-state
Points: 9
The low-cost master’s in couple and family therapy from Kansas State University gives students the clinical, professional, and academic training needed to help diverse couples and families. Students complete 500 hours of face-to-face client contact. A significant portion of those hours are spent with couples and families. Courses include:
- Family Systems in Cultural Context
- Systemic Treatment of Trauma, Violence, and Substance Abuse
- Systemic Assessment and Treatment of Psychopathology
Students can choose to complete either a thesis or a capstone project depending on their professional goals and interests.
26. University of Nevada – Las Vegas, Nevada
Master of Science-Couple and Family Therapy
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,675/year in-state and $21,328/year out-of-state
Points: 9
The University of Nevada Las Vegas offers a high-value master’s in couple and family therapy with a thesis and non-thesis program track. Students complete supervised training through the Center for Individual, Couple and Family Counseling serving diverse and often underserved clientele. Required courses include:
- Family Dynamics
- Diversity in Couple and Family Therapy
- Counseling Across the Lifespan
The program prepares qualifies students to pursue licensure in Nevada. They sit for the national marriage and family therapy licensing exam.
25. Valdosta State University – Valdosta, Georgia
Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s Program
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $4,572/year in-state and $16,470/year out-of-state
Points: 9
The budget friendly MFT master’s degree program from Valdosta State University is a COAMFTE accredited program noted for their program diversity. This 60-credit hour program can be completed on a full or part-time schedule. Courses include:
- Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice
- Interventions in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Psychopathology and Pharmacology in Marriage and Family Therapy
Students accrue 500 clock hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of AAMFT approved supervision working face-to-face in the university-based Family Therapy Clinic.
24. Indiana Wesleyan University – Marion, Indiana
Master of Arts with a major in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,512/year
Points: 10
Indiana Wesleyan University features a top master’s in marriage and family counseling program with an interpersonal focus and holistic approach. This 60-credit hour program includes a 100-hour practicum and 900 internship hours under qualified supervision. Courses include:
- Integration of Christian Faith in Professional Counseling
- Theory and Techniques in the Helping Relationship
- Psychopathology
Full-time students can complete their degree in two to three years while part-time students may take up to five years to finish. New students are admitted during the fall and spring semesters.
23. Nyack College – New York, New York
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,300/year
Points: 10
The Alliance Graduate School of Counseling (AGSC) at Nyack College and Alliance Theological Seminary offers a 61-credit hour COAMFTE accredited MFT master’s degree program. This comprehensive program exposes students to a deeper and broader theory base than many other MFT programs. This unique program uses the psychospiritual counseling model. It is a biblically integrated clinical approach created by the founder of AGSC, Dr. Craig Ellison. All students complete 300 counseling hours and 100 clinical observation hours during their time in the program. Full-time students can earn their degree in three years. Part-time students can finish in four.
22. Pfeiffer University – Misenheimer, North Carolina
Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s Degree
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,600/year
Points: 10
Pfeiffer University is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. They offer a COAMFTE accredited master’s in MFT. It meets the experiential requirements needed for licensure in North Carolina as a marriage and family therapist. Courses include:
- Professional Identity and Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Legal and Ethical Implications in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Emerging Cross-Cultural Issues in Families and Communities
The program is open to both full and part-time students. All students complete two practicums and internship experience.
21. Whitworth University – Spokane, Washington
Marriage and Family Therapy MA
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,312/year
Points: 10
The top marriage and family therapy program from Whitworth University is the only master’s program in the Spokane, WA area dedicated specifically to marriage and family. Students will complete coursework and clinical training that prepares them for licensure as a marriage and family therapist. Clinical training is completed on-site at the Marriage and Family Therapy Center at Whitworth and in appropriate locations in the community. Full-time students can complete their degree in just 23 months. The program also has a three-year option for part-time students.
20. Northern Illinois University – DeKalb, Illinois
Applied Human Development and Family Sciences MS- Marriage and Family Therapy
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,858/year
Points: 10
Northern Illinois University features a master’s in MFT that prepares students to work as a licensed couple and family therapist. This 21-month program includes both coursework and hands-on clinical training. Course offerings include:
- Social Policy, Children and Families
- Family Stress and Structural Diversity
- Aging and the Family
Students complete 500 clock hours of supervised clinical experience working as a therapist. The program is accredited by the COAMFTE.
19. University of Southern Mississippi – Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,786/year in-state and $10,786/year out-of-state
Points: 10
The budget friendly master’s in marriage and family therapy at The University of Southern Mississippi is an intensive training program. It is designed to prepare skilled and ethical mental health practitioners. Students complete over 500 clock hours of direct therapy mental health services by completing community and on-site training clinic placements. A highlight of the program is the mentoring relationship between students and faculty. Faculty serve as clinical supervisors who provide live supervision and observation to students as they enhance their professional skills. USM graduates have a 100% pass rate on the national exam and 96% report being employed within three months of earning their degree.
18. University of Houston Clear Lake – Houston, Texas
Family Therapy MA
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,920/year in-state and $17,568/year out-of-state
Points: 10
The University of Houston Clear Lake features an affordable master’s in family therapy. The program prepares students to provide effective therapies with couples, families, and individuals to improve their relationships and overall quality of life. Family therapy courses include:
- Cross-Cultural Perspectives on the Family
- Individual and Family Development Across the Lifespan
- Psychopathology
A clinical internship of at least 400 hours of direct client contact is required. There are several approved internship sites in and around the Houston area. Graduates are prepared to sit for the Licensed Professional Counselor Exam in Texas.
17. University of Wisconsin Stout – Menomonie, Wisconsin
MS Marriage and Family Therapy
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,155/year in-state and $15,465/year out-of-state
Points: 10
If you want to be a positive impact on families and relationships, the top marriage and family therapy master’s program at the University of Wisconsin Stout can help you reach your goal. The program follows a cohort model. This allows each group of 13 students to move through the program in lock step with one another. Students receive close supervision and one-on-one activities. This ensures they are prepared for success in the field after completing their degree. All students complete 500 hours of clinical practice at UW-Stout’s on-campus state-of-the-art clinic.
16. University of Colorado – Denver, Colorado
Master of Arts in Counseling, Couple and Family Counseling/Therapy MA
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,786/year in-state and $22,590/year out-of-state
Points: 10
The School of Education and Human Development at the University of Colorado Denver features a low-cost master’s in counseling, couple and family counseling/therapy. Courses are offered primarily on-campus although a few are offered online or in a hybrid format. Required courses include:
- Professional Identity and Relational Ethics
- Individual and Foundational Family Therapy
- Counseling/Therapy with Children, Adolescents, and their Parents
New students are admitted during the fall and spring semesters. Most students complete the program in three to four years.
15. University of Louisiana – Monroe, Louisiana
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,490/year in-state and $18,590/year out-of-state
Points: 10
The affordable marriage and family therapy master’s degree from the University at Louisiana at Monroe is an intensive 60 credit-hour program. It takes two years of full-time study to complete. Course offerings include:
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling
- Individuals, Couple, and Family Development
- Marriage & Family Therapy with Diverse, Marginalized, and Underserved Communities
Students complete a 500-clock hour internship during their second year in the program. This work is done at the Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic located on campus or at other internship sites separate from campus. Clinical work is supervised by AAMFT Approved Supervisors.
14. University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Nebraska
Marriage and Family Therapy Master of Science
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,138/year in-state and $17,928/year out-of-state
Points: 10
The College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of Nebraska features a low-cost master’s in marriage and family therapy. This unique program is one of the few programs in the country where students can receive:
- training and certification in Medical Family Therapy
- training in using distance technology to reach underserved clientele
- advanced training in areas like EMDR, Gottman Level 1, and Attachment-Based Family Therapy
Students complete a 12-month internship working in both urban and rural settings. The on-campus training facility, the Couple and Family Clinic” allows a student to gain skills working as a marriage and family therapist-trainee. Students can complete their degree in two years, including summers.
13. Purdue University Northwest – Hammond, Indiana
Couple and Family Therapy Program
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,068/year in-state and $11,244/year out-of-state
Points: 10
Purdue University Northwest has a high value master’s in couple and family therapy that prepares students to become:
- clinicians
- researchers
- scholars
The program uses the scholar-practitioner model of system therapy training to help students become competent mental health professionals. Courses include:
- Structural and Strategic Family Therapies
- Trauma and Recovery in Family Therapy
- Advanced Child Development
Students complete:
- 67 credits of coursework
- 500 clock hours of face-to-face contact with clients
- 100 hours of supervision
A written thesis and oral defense are also program requirements.
12. Lewis and Clark College – Portland, Oregon
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $17,550/year
Points: 11
Lewis and Clark College offers a master’s in marriage, couple, and family therapy in a cohesive cohort format. During the first year of the program, students will develop the foundations of a just, systemic professional practice. In the second year, students take a deeper dive into:
- integration
- application
- treatment planning
Over the course of the program, students will complete at least 500 clock hours of direct client contact with a variety of clientele. They will spend 12 months working as part of a team focusing on applications that promote social justice at the Lewis and Clark Community Clinic. Students will also complete a 15-month internship in a community setting before completing their degree.
11. Wheaton College Graduate School – Wheaton, Illinois
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $17,424/year
Points: 11
The high value marriage and family therapy master’s program from Wheaton College was created to meet the need for Christian MFTs. Students are trained in a way that integrates clinical competency with Christian perspectives. Wheaton College is the only accredited faith-based program in Illinois to have its own training clinic open to the public. Courses include:
- Couple Therapy: Systemic Assessment and Intervention
- Psychopathology and the Family
- The Business of Marriage and Family Therapy
Wheaton College graduates had a 100% pass rate on the national licensure exam between 2016 and 2019.
10. Friends University – Wichita, Kansas
Master of Science in Family Therapy
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,448/year
Points: 11
Friends University features a master’s in marriage and family therapy that prepares students to help families through personal and relationship struggles. Students gain real world knowledge in a supportive learning environment. Students can attend face-to-face classes in Wichita or Kansas City. The curriculum includes 60 credit hours of required coursework within a 16-month continuous supervised clinical internship. Students can complete the program in as few as 24 months. There is no need to worry about finding a job after graduation. Wichita MFT grads have had a 100% job placement rate since 2013-2014.
9. Colorado State University – Fort Collins, Colorado
Marriage and Family Therapy Program
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,520/year in-state and $25,791/year out-of-state
Points: 11
The College of Health and Human Sciences at Colorado State University offers an inexpensive master’s in marriage and family therapy. The program embraces a relational-systemic philosophy that promotes ethical competency. Students will gain the skills needed to be multiculturally-informed MFT professionals. The curriculum includes over 500 client contact hours and 200 supervision hours while working in meaningful on-campus outreach programs. For the last 10 years, 100% of CSU MFT graduates have passed the national licensing exam.
8. Oklahoma State University – Stillwater, Oklahoma
Marriage and Family Therapy
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,531/year in-state and $21,034/year out-of-state
Points: 11
Oklahoma State University is the only institution in the state to offer a COAMFTE accredited master’s in marriage and family therapy. Their 60-credit hour program includes a thesis and non-thesis option. Coursework covers a variety of areas including:
- professionalism and ethics
- research and statistics
- marriage and family therapy
Only full-time students may be admitted to the program due to the intense nature of the program. Students can complete their degree in two-and-a-half-years.
7. Texas Woman’s University – Denton, Texas
MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,053/year in-state and $12,415/year out-of-state
Points: 11
Texas Woman’s University features a budget friendly master’s in marriage and family therapy that fulfills the course requirements set by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists needed to sit for the national licensure exam. Real world experience through internships and practicum experience makes students “work ready” upon completion of the program. Courses cover areas like:
- play therapy
- addiction counseling
- group counseling procedures
Students planning to pursue doctoral study or those with an interest in research can take advantage of the opportunity to complete a thesis.
6. Appalacian State University – Boone, North Carolina
Marriage and Family Therapy: Master of Arts
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $4,829/year in-state and $18,271/year out-of-state
Points: 11
Appalachian State University offers a low-cost marriage and family therapy master’s program. It leads to professional certification as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. This thesis optional clinical program includes a year-long 500-clock hour internship under an AAMFT approved supervisor. Students completing their internship in rural Appalachian communities are eligible for a fully funded internship stipend. Full-time students can complete their degree in just two years. Graduates can apply their skills in a variety of settings including private practice and community mental health agencies.
5. East Carolina University – Greenville, North Carolina
MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $4,749/year in-state and $17,898/year out-of-state
Points: 11
The low-cost master’s in marriage and family therapy at East Carolina University is the first program in North Carolina to earn COAMFTE accreditation. The program is offered on-campus in a face-to-face format that allows students to earn their degree in two years. Course offerings include:
- Family Theories and Issues
- Assessment and Treatment Planning in Family Therapy
- Critical Issues in Family and Cultural Diversity
Clinical training is completed at the ECU Family Therapy Clinic and other locations located in the community. Students planning to pursue doctoral study can pursue a thesis, although it is not a program requirement.
4. Seattle University – Seattle, Washington
Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,500/year
Points: 12
The School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University features an affordable master’s in couples and family therapy. This 79-credit program takes about two-and-a-half years to complete. Courses synthesize a variety of areas including:
- systems theory
- clinical intervention
- social justice
- self-of-therapist reflection
While students spend their first year in the program on coursework, they begin the 18-month clinical sequence in the second year. This experience gives students valuable hands-on training in couples and family therapy. Graduates are prepared to sit for the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulation Board Exam. 100% of graduates who took the exam passed it on their first try.
3. Converse College – Spartanburg, South Carolina
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT)
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,736/year
Points: 12
Converse College offers the only accredited marriage and family therapy master’s degree program in South Carolina. Students can complete courses at either the Spartanburg campus or the Greenville site at University Center Greenville. This 63-credit hour program includes a 15-credit hour practicum that merges clinical and academic experiences. Clinical training takes place at the EMERGE Family Therapy Center where students provide mental health services to a variety of individuals, couples and families. Full-time students can earn their degree in two years while part-time students can take up to five.
2. Southern Connecticut State University – New Haven, Connecticut
Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s Program
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,865/year in-state and $20,044/year out-of-state
Points: 12
Southern Connecticut State University offers a high value marriage and family therapy master’s program. It can be completed in two or three years. Both the two- and three-year program begin with dyadic coursework. The program embraces a unique self-of-the-therapist focus while offering a rigorous academic program and comprehensive clinical training. Courses include:
- Diversity and Multicultural Practice in MFT
- Family Systems Theory
- Professional, Legal, and Ethical Issues in MFT
Once completed, students begin seeing clients in the campus-based Family Clinic. Students complete a yearlong internship at an off-campus clinical placement site.
1. Central Connecticut State University – New Britain, Connecticut
Master’s Program in Marriage and Family Therapy
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,674/year in-state and $19,768/year out-of-state
Points: 12
Our top master’s in marriage and family therapy is offered by Central Connecticut State University. This flexible program has both full and part-time program options and is COAMFTE accredited. The flexible evening track allows students to complete their degree during the traditional work week. This unique schedule attracts students of diverse backgrounds who might be unable to otherwise earn their MFT master’s degree. The 63-credit hour curriculum meets the academic requirements for Connecticut Licensure for Marital and Family Therapists and for AAMFT Clinical Membership. New students are admitted during the fall semester.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are My Career Options for a Graduate Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy?
Students who earn a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy will be qualified for a number of top-level positions, although individual eligibility will depend on additional factors like the city and state of employment as well as the type of employer. Four of the most common career pathways in marriage and family therapy include:
- Rehabilitation Counselor: A rehabilitation counselor specializes in helping clients with emotional, cognitive, and physical disabilities that interfere with their clients’ independent living. Areas in which rehabilitation counselors may help include applying for federal and state disability benefits, obtaining an education, and apply to and interviewing for jobs.
- School and Career Counselor: Career and school counselors are employed in private and public schools throughout the country. Those working at the elementary and pre-K levels are usually responsible for evaluating students for behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, and other treatable issues. At the high and middle school levels, counselors often divide their time between career/college advisement and mental health counseling.
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor: These substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors help clients overcome addictions to prescription medications, drugs, alcohol, and other potentially harmful substances as well as behaviors like sex addiction or gambling. They typically help clients identify emotional triggers or patterns that usually accompany the addictive behaviors, such as substance abuse. They may also assist them during the recovery and rehabilitation stages.
- Mental Health Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist: Broadly speaking, the marriage and family therapy industry is dedicated to helping clients overcome behavioral, mental and emotional disorders. Marriage and family therapists typically serve clients in a group-based setting involving children, a spouse, or other close relatives, while mental health counselors in mental health counseling specialize in cognitive one-on-one treatments.
How Much Can You Earn in This Field?
Marriage and family therapy is a subset of counseling, and the typical degree required to obtain a position in this industry is the master’s degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for marriage and family therapists was $49,880 per year, or $23.98 per hour, in May 2021. The highest 10 percent of employed marriage and family therapists earned more than $96,520, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,050.
The average salary for this field can be divided into several top-paying industries, including:
- State government, excluding hospitals and education: $77,960
- Outpatient care centers: $57,930
- Offices of other health practitioners: $49,630
- Individual and family services: $48,340
The BLS indicates that employment of licensed marriage and family therapists is expected to grow 14 percent from 2021 to 2031, must faster than the nation’s average for all occupations. This growth can be attributed to the increasing use of integrated care — the treatment of multiple problems at the same time by a group of therapists or specialists. When providing integrated care, a licensed marriage and family therapist works with counselors such as mental health, behavior disorder, or substance abuse counselors in order to address patients’ issue as a team.
Are There Any Professional Organizations for Marriage and Family Therapists?
Learning about different approaches to marriage and family counseling and making professional connections within the industry are crucial to a student’s success. Joining a professional organization is a great way for students to learn more about their chosen career path. Below, you’ll find three of the most prominent organizations in the country for a licensed marriage and family therapist. These organizations:
- maintain active job boards
- provide online training
- host networking events
- offer other mental health services for career-ready graduates
These resources are often invaluable as students complete their chosen degree program and prepare to seek employment.
- International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors: The IAMFC was founded in 1989 and now represents a network of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors, and other professionals in the marriage and family therapy field. Members have access to The Family Digest and The Family Journal as well as to an extensive job directory and information about credentialing and certification.
- American Counseling Association: The ACA was founded in 1952 and, with more than 52,000 members, is the world’s largest organization for professional counselors. The ACA website features a virtual knowledge center that contains information about ethics, diagnostics, licensure requirements, and other important areas within the field of marriage and family therapy. An online job board, journal publications, and continuing education opportunities are also available.
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists: The AAMFT is the leading professional organization for therapists specializing in marriage and family counseling. The organization represents more than 50,000 licensed counselors across the globe and features:a virtual networking center, an online information library, licensure links, and a job board.
A graduate degree in marriage and family therapy is a great way for students to jumpstart a career in the helping professions. Graduates have many opportunities for employment as they may practice in a hospital, work as part of a private practice, or seek a position within another type of medical setting. After earning a graduate degree and securing licensure, a licensed marriage and family therapist is equipped to work with a number of populations, including people who are struggling with a single issue in their lives as well as those who are severely mentally ill. Therapists may also focus on a smaller group such as a married couple or parent and child, or they may work with a large family unit. Regardless of the specific career path, there are many opportunities in this growing field. As the need for professionals with a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy grows each year, now is the time to consider applying to one of the above top 30 graduate degree programs in marriage and family therapy (MFT programs online).
Some people may be wondering, “Is there a marriage and family therapist near me?” With all of these great options for degrees in marriage and family therapy, the answer is sure to be, “Yes!” This concludes our ranking of the Top 30 Graduate Degree Programs in Marriage and Family Therapy.
By OPD Staff
