Best MFT Programs in New York
New Yorkers looking for an exciting career in the mental healthcare field might be interested in specializing as marriage and family therapists (MFTs). These mental health practitioners work with families, couples, and individuals to navigate challenges in their relationships or personal fulfillment. If you’re ready to get started, you’ll need to start looking at MFT degree programs. Learn how to access these programs and become licensed in New York by reading the sections below.
2026 Best MFT Programs in New York
Yeshiva University
New York, NY - Private 4-year - yu.edu
Master's - M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy is a comprehensive, licensure-qualifying program situated in the heart of New York City. This rigorous 60-credit curriculum equips students with advanced therapeutic skills focused on couples counseling, family dynamics, and crisis intervention strategies. Students engage in diverse practicum experiences that prepare them for professional practice across varied populations. With a strategic four-semester advanced track and 100% post-graduation employment rate, the program offers extensive networking opportunities and pathways to becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), particularly emphasizing professional development and practical clinical training.
- NYSED Licensure-qualifying program
- 60 credit hours total
- In-person classes in NYC
- Fall semester start
- Pathway to LMFT licensure
- Extensive field placement options
- Four-semester advanced track
- 100% post-graduation employment
- Subspecialties available
- Children and adolescent counseling
Master's - M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Couples and family crisis counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website
Specializing in couples and family crisis counseling, Yeshiva University's MFT program provides targeted training for mental health professionals addressing complex interpersonal challenges. Located in New York City, this intensive program offers comprehensive counseling techniques and practical interventions for managing family and relationship crises. Students benefit from extensive field placements in diverse settings like private practices and community clinics, gaining hands-on experience with various therapeutic approaches. The program's 100% employment rate and multiple subspecialty options ensure graduates are well-prepared to navigate intricate emotional landscapes and provide effective therapeutic support.
- NYSED Licensure-qualifying program
- 60 credit hour program
- Fall semester start
- In-person NYC classes
- Four semester advanced track
- Extensive field placement network
- Multiple subspecialty options
- 100% employment rate
- Career networking opportunities
- Diverse practicum experiences
Master's - M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Child and adolescent therapy - Campus Based - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's Child and Adolescent Therapy concentration within the Marriage and Family Therapy program offers specialized training for professionals working with younger populations. This 60-credit licensure-qualifying program provides intensive instruction in developmental psychology, therapeutic interventions, and counseling techniques specific to children and adolescents. Students receive comprehensive training through extensive field placements, enabling them to develop nuanced understanding of youth mental health. With a focus on practical skills and career networking, the program ensures graduates are equipped to address the unique psychological needs of younger clients, maintaining an impressive 100% post-graduation employment rate.
- NYSED Licensure-qualifying program
- 60 credit hours full-time
- Fall semester start
- In-person NYC classes
- Extensive field placement options
- Path to becoming LMFT
- Multiple subspecialty tracks
- Career networking opportunities
- 100% employment rate
- Application deadline July 31
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY - Private 4-year - rochester.edu
Master's - MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rochester's Marriage and Family Therapy program distinguishes itself through comprehensive clinical training within a robust medical center environment. Spanning 60 credits and fully COAMFTE accredited, students benefit from unique interdisciplinary mental health experiences across multiple practicum sites. The curriculum strategically emphasizes systemic therapeutic approaches, cultural competence, and adaptable clinical skills. With weekly individual supervision and opportunities embedded in hospital and community-based settings, students receive intensive professional development. The program's NYS Office of Mental Health regulated clinic provides hands-on learning, preparing graduates to navigate complex healthcare landscapes with advanced therapeutic expertise.
- 60-credit MS program
- COAMFTE Accredited program
- Fall semester start
- Two practicum sites
- Weekly individual supervision
- Clinical training in hospital setting
- Community-based clinical sites
- Applications accepted year-round
- Interdisciplinary mental health training
- NYS Office of Mental Health regulated clinic
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY - Private 4-year - syracuse.edu
Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Syracuse University's on-campus Marriage and Family Therapy M.A. program offers a robust clinical training experience that prepares students for professional therapeutic practice. With an innovative curriculum balancing theoretical knowledge and practical skills, students benefit from extensive hands-on training at the Couple and Family Therapy Center. The program features multiple learning modalities, including residential and digital formats, allowing flexibility for aspiring therapists. Optional Certificates of Advanced Study in Trauma-Informed Practice and Child Therapy enhance students' specialized capabilities. Emphasizing faculty-supervised clinical practice, the program ensures graduates develop comprehensive skills to address complex family and relationship dynamics effectively.
- Master of Arts (M.A.) degree offered
- Residential and online program options
- Hands-on clinical training provided
- Couple and Family Therapy Center
- Faculty-supervised clinical practice
- Optional Certificates of Advanced Study
- Trauma-Informed Practice CAS available
- Child Therapy CAS available
- Located in Peck Hall, Syracuse
- Live and digital supervision methods
Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A. Online
Online Learning - Visit Website
Syracuse University's online Marriage and Family Therapy M.A. provides a comprehensive 60-credit program designed for mental health professionals seeking advanced training. COAMFTE-accredited and rooted in social justice principles, the curriculum prioritizes cultural humility and diverse therapeutic approaches. Students complete 500 clinical practicum hours, gaining extensive practical experience across various mental health settings. The program uniquely addresses complex relationship dynamics, trauma, LGBTQ concerns, and family challenges. With a strong emphasis on supervised clinical training and state licensure preparation, graduates are equipped to make meaningful contributions in healthcare, private practice, and community mental health environments.
- Fully online master's degree
- 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
- 500-hour clinical practicum
- COAMFTE accredited program
- Over 50 years department history
- Social justice framework
- Prepares for state licensure
- Diverse career path options
- Cultural humility focus
- Supervised clinical training
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY - Private 4-year - hofstra.edu
Master's - Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hofstra University's Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy delivers a robust 54-credit program designed to equip emerging therapists with comprehensive clinical skills. Students benefit from an innovative curriculum emphasizing practice-based learning and direct clinical experience through the on-campus Counseling and Mental Health Professions Clinic. The program strategically prepares graduates for New York state licensure, featuring flexible fall, spring, and summer session options. With no GRE requirement and dedicated faculty mentorship, students can anticipate entering a field projected to experience 22% job growth. The program's integrated approach ensures students develop advanced therapeutic techniques for supporting couples and families through complex relationship challenges.
- 54-credit in-person degree
- No GRE required
- On-campus clinic internship
- NY state licensure preparation
- Fall, spring, summer sessions
- 22% job growth projected
- Practice-based courses offered
- Dedicated faculty guidance
Long Island University
Brookville, NY - Private 4-year - liu.edu
Master's - MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Long Island University's Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program offers a robust 60-credit curriculum preparing mental health professionals for transformative counseling careers. Uniquely designed to meet New York State licensure requirements, students develop advanced clinical skills through comprehensive training in therapeutic interventions. The program emphasizes multicultural competencies and systemic approaches, enabling graduates to effectively address complex relational dynamics. Students gain extensive hands-on experience through 1,500 supervised clinical hours, learning solution-focused techniques for individual, couple, and family therapy. With a strong foundation in ethical practice and evidence-based methodologies, the program cultivates skilled practitioners capable of providing nuanced, culturally sensitive mental health support across diverse populations.
- 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
- Meets NYS Licensure Requirements
- Extensive clinical training
- 1,500 supervised experience hours
- Diverse therapeutic intervention focus
- Multicultural counseling emphasis
- Individual, couple, family therapy
- Clinical problem treatment
- Solution-focused approach
- Internship opportunities
Master's - Advanced Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Long Island University's Advanced Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy provides specialized post-graduate training for professionals seeking advanced counseling credentials. This comprehensive program builds upon foundational therapeutic knowledge, offering sophisticated strategies for addressing complex psychological challenges. Students engage in intensive clinical training, developing expertise in systemic therapeutic approaches and multicultural counseling techniques. The curriculum emphasizes solution-focused interventions and evidence-based practices, preparing graduates to deliver sophisticated mental health support. With a focus on practical skills and theoretical depth, the program enables professionals to expand their therapeutic toolkit, enhance intervention strategies, and meet rigorous New York State licensure standards through comprehensive clinical training experiences.
- 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
- Meets NYS licensure requirements
- 1,500 supervised clinical hours
- Extensive clinical training
- Diverse therapeutic intervention focus
- Multicultural counseling emphasis
- Individual, couple, family therapy
- Solution-focused therapeutic approach
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
- Internship courses included
Iona University
New Rochelle, NY - Private 4-year - iona.edu
Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy (MS)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Iona University's Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program offers an exceptional pathway for aspiring clinicians seeking comprehensive systemic training. Students engage in rigorous coursework emphasizing multicultural competencies and advanced interpersonal skills. The program uniquely prepares graduates for professional licensure through hands-on clinical experiences and professional mentorship. With a strong focus on ethical practice and diverse relationship dynamics, students develop nuanced therapeutic approaches applicable across various clinical settings. Graduates emerge as well-rounded professionals capable of addressing complex family systems and supporting individuals through transformative life transitions.
- Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy
- Holistic systemic clinical training
- Prepares for national licensing
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Multicultural professional focus
- Professional mentorship approach
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Ethical practice emphasized
- Professional development centered
- Complex relationship dynamics training
What is an MFT Degree?
An MFT degree, otherwise known as a marriage and family therapy degree, is a psychology or counseling degree that specializes in marriage and family therapy. The degree covers strategies to help families and couples work through common issues such as a death in the family, parenting skills, or a loss of passion in a relationship.
Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?
Once you’ve found a degree program that interests you, the next step before applying is to make sure that the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). This is a very important consideration. If the program isn’t accredited, you will not be eligible for licensure as the program will not meet the state board requirements.
Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in New York?
Yes! Online MFT programs are popular in New York. Though most of your classes (if not all of them) will be held online, it’s important to note that you’ll still need to fulfill any in-person clinical requirements. There are a few online options for MFT students in New York:
Manhattan University: If you’re located in the New York City area, Manhattan University’s hybrid Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy is a great option for flexible learning. Students can complete most of their coursework online alongside 500 hours of in-person supervised practice. Another great aspect is that you aren’t required to have a background in psychology to enroll, which is perfect for students who are deciding to switch careers later in their educational trajectory.
Syracuse University: For students located upstate (or anywhere in the state), Syracuse University offers an online MFT master’s degree program. This program allows students to complete the 500 in-person supervised hours in a community near them. The remainder of the part-time 60-hour program can be completed online from home or anywhere with internet access.
Short Length MFT Programs in New York
If you’re anxious to start work as a marriage and family therapist, the quickest route to licensure is an MFT master’s degree. These types of degrees usually last around three years or less. There are many options for MFT master’s degrees on the shorter end of this spectrum:
| School | Degree Level | Length | Attendance |
| Manhattan College | Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy | 2 years | Full-time |
| University of Rochester | MS in Marriage and Family Therapy | 2 Years | Full-Time |
| Syracuse University | Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy | 2 Years | Full-Time |
Affordable MFT Programs in New York
As most students will tell you, going to graduate school isn’t cheap. But still, there are some MFT degree programs that are more affordable than others, primarily MFT master’s degree programs. These succinct and entry-level programs typically only cost between $400 and $800 per credit. Here are a few to choose from in New York:
MFT Degree Levels
There are MFT degrees available at nearly every level, but most marriage and family therapists shoot for either a master’s degree or a doctorate degree. This is because you need to have one of these two degrees to become licensed. There is a third option for students who are already licensed or aren’t interested in becoming licensed which is referred to as an MFT graduate certificate.
Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?
Depending on the program, you may be required to submit a GRE, or Graduate Record Examination for short, with your application to show your general placement in the academic program. This is not always the case, however, so make sure to look at the information on your school’s admissions page.
Master's Degree in MFT
The most common and simplest option for becoming licensed as a marriage and family therapist is graduating from an MFT master’s degree program. These programs last two years and require the completion of 60 credits. In terms of cost, you can expect to pay an average of $73,238 for your entire tuition in New York. Here are a few options for MFT master’s degree programs located in New York:
Yeshiva University: The 60-credit MS in Marriage and Family Therapy offered by Yeshiva University (located in The Bronx) is a great example of outstanding MFT education offered in the state. Students will have over 300 required direct contact practice hours, providing an excellent opportunity to serve the local community through their newly acquired training.
Hofstra University: The Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy offered by Hofstra University is a career-focused MFT master’s degree program located in Hempstead. This comprehensive program offers a challenging curriculum and immersive on-campus clinical training through the Counseling and Mental Health Professions Clinic.
Graduate Certificate in MFT
MFT graduate certificates are designed to provide a brief but informative introduction to the field of marriage and family therapy. These programs last about a year and cost an average of $25,717 per certificate. Usually, students choose to enroll in an MFT graduate certificate program because they either have already become licensed in another mental health field or because they don’t plan on getting their clinical licensure. Here are a few notable MFT graduate certificates available in New York:
University of Rochester: If you already have your clinical licensure and an advanced degree in a mental health practice, you might want to check out the University of Rochester’s Post-Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. This program provides marriage and family therapy training to individuals already working in the mental health or medical field as practitioners.
Long Island University: MFT graduate certificates do not typically lead to licensure on their own, but the Advanced Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy offered by Long Island University does. This program is longer and more comprehensive than a typical MFT graduate certificate, with 57 required credit hours and 1,500 supervised clinical hours.
MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)
If you’re interested in getting your doctorate degree, MFT doctorate degrees come in two different types — PsyDs, which focus on clinical practice, and Ph.D. programs, which are usually more geared towards research and education (though there will be a level of clinical work required). Both programs take between four and eight years to complete and can cost between $35,000 and up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in total tuition. There is currently one MFT doctorate degree program available:
Syracuse University: This 72-credit Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy is perfect for students who are looking to specialize in MFT research and theory. Syracuse University offers one of the longest-standing MFT departments in the country and pledges a special commitment to incorporating LGBTQ, racial diversity, and cultural context into its Ph.D. program. If you have already obtained your MFT master’s degree, Syracuse University allows you to transfer up to 33 credits to their Ph.D. program.
Becoming an LMFT in New York
Once you’ve taken care of your educational requirements, you’ll need to get licensed if you want to work in a clinical setting. Here are the basic requirements set forth by the New York board:
- Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or a program recognized by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
- Supervised Experience: Complete the required supervised clinical experience. In New York, you need to accumulate 1,500 clock hours of supervised direct client contact, with at least 100 hours of supervision. This supervision should be provided by an LMFT, licensed psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, or licensed psychiatrist.
- Examination: Pass the national examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
- Apply for Licensure: Submit an application for licensure to the New York State Education Department. This will include providing proof of your education, supervised experience, examination results, and any other required documentation.
- Background Check: Undergo a background check as part of the application process.
- Fees: Pay any required application and licensing fees.
- Continuing Education: Once licensed, you’ll need to maintain it through continuing education hours — 36 hours every 3 years.
List of MFT Degree Programs in New York
Brookville, NY
Long Island University
- Master's - Advanced Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
- Meets NYS licensure requirements
- 1,500 supervised clinical hours
- Extensive clinical training
- Diverse therapeutic intervention focus
- Multicultural counseling emphasis
- Individual, couple, family therapy
- Solution-focused therapeutic approach
- Master's - MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
- Meets NYS Licensure Requirements
- Extensive clinical training
- 1,500 supervised experience hours
- Diverse therapeutic intervention focus
- Multicultural counseling emphasis
- Individual, couple, family therapy
- Clinical problem treatment
Hempstead, NY
Hofstra University
- Master's - Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Website
- 54-credit in-person degree
- No GRE required
- On-campus clinic internship
- NY state licensure preparation
- Fall, spring, summer sessions
- 22% job growth projected
- Practice-based courses offered
- Dedicated faculty guidance
New Rochelle, NY
Iona University
- Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy (MS)
Campus Based - Website
- Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy
- Holistic systemic clinical training
- Prepares for national licensing
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Multicultural professional focus
- Professional mentorship approach
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Ethical practice emphasized
New York, NY
Yeshiva University
- Master's - M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Website
- NYSED Licensure-qualifying program
- 60 credit hours total
- In-person classes in NYC
- Fall semester start
- Pathway to LMFT licensure
- Extensive field placement options
- Four-semester advanced track
- 100% post-graduation employment
- Master's - M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Child and adolescent therapy - Campus Based - Website
- NYSED Licensure-qualifying program
- 60 credit hours full-time
- Fall semester start
- In-person NYC classes
- Extensive field placement options
- Path to becoming LMFT
- Multiple subspecialty tracks
- Career networking opportunities
- Master's - M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Couples and family crisis counseling - Campus Based - Website
- NYSED Licensure-qualifying program
- 60 credit hour program
- Fall semester start
- In-person NYC classes
- Four semester advanced track
- Extensive field placement network
- Multiple subspecialty options
- 100% employment rate
Rochester, NY
University of Rochester
- Master's - MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit MS program
- COAMFTE Accredited program
- Fall semester start
- Two practicum sites
- Weekly individual supervision
- Clinical training in hospital setting
- Community-based clinical sites
- Applications accepted year-round
Syracuse, NY
Syracuse University
- Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A. Online
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online master's degree
- 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
- 500-hour clinical practicum
- COAMFTE accredited program
- Over 50 years department history
- Social justice framework
- Prepares for state licensure
- Diverse career path options
- Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A.
Campus Based - Website
- Master of Arts (M.A.) degree offered
- Residential and online program options
- Hands-on clinical training provided
- Couple and Family Therapy Center
- Faculty-supervised clinical practice
- Optional Certificates of Advanced Study
- Trauma-Informed Practice CAS available
- Child Therapy CAS available