7 Best online MFT programs 2024
We ranked accredited online and hybrid programs based on the cost of the degree vs the long term benefit of having one.
Data reported by the U.S Department of Education were the only sources used to create this list.
Capella, National University, and Drexel have the best online MFT programs.
Like it or not, to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), you need at least a master’s degree. Although the thought of taking out even more student loans to pay for grad school may fill you with dread, there’s some good news.
In this article, we’ll list the best online MFT programs in 2024 – by value for money.
Psychotherapy was traditionally an in-person career, and no one believed you could get quality care on the internet. Then 2020 happened, and COVID blew all these assumptions out of the water. Telehealth exploded. New studies have emerged that show that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy.
With more and more therapy services moving online, why not pursue an online MFT program that meets your professional goals – for an affordable price?
Importance of an accredited online MFT program
It’s essential to have a master’s or a doctoral degree to be eligible for marriage and family therapist licensure. But not all master’s degrees are created equal. Licensure requirements vary by state, and the vast majority require the program be accredited by COAMFTE, CACREP, or a regional accreditation agency.
If you pursue a degree that doesn’t effectively prepare you for licensure, you will not become an LMFT. Before enrolling in a program, always ensure its curriculum aligns with your state’s licensure requirements.
Types of MFT accreditations
Accreditation agencies ensure a program’s instructional quality, public transparency, and student learning outcomes are consistent.
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE)
As far as accreditation agencies for MFT programs go, this one is the top dog. The vast majority of state licensing boards are looking for the COAMFTE seal of approval on a master’s or doctoral program.
The standards are set and programs approved based on an outcome-based framework with systemic focus, institutional accreditation, program faculty and clinical supervisors, curriculum, and more.
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP)
CACREP accredits over 940 master’s and doctoral degree programs in counseling and related fields. According to their 2024 standards, they’re looking for things like academic quality, program effectiveness, the qualifications and quality of core faculty, curriculum, and more.
Regional accreditations
A few states accept regional accreditation as sufficient to fulfill the education requirements for licensure. There are several regional accrediting associations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education which can all be found on the DAPIP website.
Prefer an in-person MFT program?
Check out the best in-person master’s in marriage and family therapy programs in the country!
See list here
Best online marriage and family therapy programs
How we ranked MFT programs
Our methodology relies exclusively on cost and earnings data provided by the U.S. Department of Education to rank colleges or specific programs.
We have a unique way of figuring out which schools or programs are really great value: first, we look at how much it costs to go there. Then, we see how much money students borrow to pay for school and how much money they make after they graduate. Finally, we calculate how long it takes for them to pay back what they borrowed.
All of these things together help us decide which colleges or programs are the best choice in terms of value.
Practicums or clinical supervision for online students
Despite online programs offering coursework online, the majority of the programs will still require an in-person component such as clinical supervision, fieldwork, or direct client contact hours. This is because licensing requirements demand that future therapists have hands-on experience before taking on clients of their own.
Each state’s licensing board will have different requirements. In Alabama, for example, students must complete at least 1,000 of post-graduation supervision hours, whereas California requires 3,000.
State licensing boards
The Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) the association for state licensing boards overseeing LMFTs. They develop and administer the MFT National Examination and facilitate collaboration among state boards.
They serve as a central hub for information, research, and ongoing discussions on emerging regulatory challenges. This is where students can find education, post-graduate experience, and fee information for licensure in their state.
Should you enroll in an online MFT program?
An online program is advantageous to many people, and if it properly prepares you for licensure, it is a great money-saving option. Because not all marriage and family therapy programs are created equal, it’s important to properly vet any online MFT program before enrolling.
Other things to consider
Finding a field site – It’s crucial to complete in-person clinical hours, so make sure your online program helps you find field sites. If sites in your area aren’t taking trainees, it can be hard to complete these hours.
Be wary of diploma mills – Although there are many fantastic online programs, there are also many diploma mills, or schools that aren’t academically rigorous or accredited, and if you pay tuition and go through the motions of being a student, they will hand you a diploma.
Do you want to specialize? – Many programs offer specializations to enhance your education in a certain realm of marriage and family therapy.
Networking opportunities – This is a word-of-mouth field. Supportive online programs should facilitate opportunities to make connections.
» Read: Should I go to grad school?
Are online degrees worth it?
If accredited, online degrees can be an invaluable asset to students looking to pursue careers as LMFTs. Research shows that online degrees benefit students looking for flexible learning options, and they are a great investment for most types of non-traditional students, as well as part-time students over 30.
www.degreechoices.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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