Best MFT Programs in Vermont Online

Vermonters looking for a way to give back to their community and begin an exciting new professional career may be interested in the field of marriage and family therapy (MFT). This specialized workforce is made up of clinicians, researchers, educators, social workers, counselors, and administrators who tackle complicated issues that are common with couples, families, and individuals. If you’re interested in learning more, take a look at the sections below to learn about the first steps.

What is an MFT Degree?

Marriage and family therapy degree programs are specifically designed to teach students how to understand the familial unit and the challenges that it commonly faces. They also give students the tools they need to develop their own therapeutic strategies to remedy these challenges and help these demographics heal and repair. Students who graduate from a marriage and family therapy degree program have many career options available to them beyond the clinical settings, and they can look forward to a quickly advancing field.

Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?

As you begin your search, make sure that your program is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or CACREP. This will ensure that your program is approved by the state board and that you will be eligible for licensure should you choose to pursue it. You will also need to know how out-of-state licensure affects your ability to practice in Vermont as a therapist. You will likely need to be located close to your program’s campus to fulfill your clinical obligations, and you’ll need to make sure that you can transfer your licensure back to Vermont if you intend to practice here.

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Vermont?

Because no MFT degree programs are based in Vermont, getting your MFT degree online is a very viable option. However, you may want to consider a few things. If your goal is licensure, you’ll want to ensure that you are within driving distance of your program’s campus to complete the required in-person clinical experiences unless your program will allow you to arrange them closer to your location. MFT degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels usually require that you spend at least a few weeks completing your in-person clinical requirements. You’ll also need to make sure that you can transfer your licensure to Vermont from the state where your program is based. As of now, both Syracuse University and Antioch University’s programs (mentioned in the later sections of this guide) are the closest educational establishments to Vermont that offer an online option.

MFT Degree Levels

There are two main MFT degrees: a master’s degree and a doctoral degree. Both types lead to licensure and are primarily focused on training clinicians. In addition to these, there are also MFT graduate certificate programs available. While they are technically not degrees, they do provide a great context for marriage and family therapy without the pressure of applying for licensure.

Unfortunately, as a Vermonter, you will be required to look for these programs in other states as Vermont does not currently offer them. However, there are many programs located in both neighboring states and online.

Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?

It depends on the program. It’s not uncommon for MFT degree programs to require a GRE to gauge your placement in math, writing, reading comprehension, etc., but these requirements are becoming less and less common. To learn if your school of choice requires a GRE to apply, take a look at your school’s admissions page.

Master's Degree in MFT

MFT master’s degrees take two years and require 60 credits to graduate. On average, you can expect to pay between $400 and $800 per credit in tuition costs. The program itself will consist of a curriculum that covers the basics of marriage and family therapeutic methods in combination with clinical hours, where you will work firsthand (under supervision) with couples and families in your community to see your training at work. As of now, the closest MFT master’s degrees are both located in New Hampshire:

University of New Hampshire: The University of New Hampshire offers a Master’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with an optional focus on Marriage and Family Therapy. This challenging program requires the completion of 72 credit hours and 500 hours of supervised clinical practice at on-campus clinical facilities. The University of New Hampshire also prides itself on its student success rates—97% of students enrolled in its marriage and family therapy program have passed, and 100% have gone on to pass the national exam.

Plymouth State University: Another great MFT master’s degree program offered in New Hampshire is the Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy offered by Plymouth State University. This 60-credit-hour program offers all of the necessary education to create a pathway for students to become licensed marriage and family therapists and seek an American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Clinical Fellow.

Graduate Certificate in MFT

For students who aren’t planning on pursuing licensure or those who already have licensure in a clinical mental health practice, MFT graduate certificates are a great option. These one-year, non-degree programs allow students trained in another profession to gain valuable knowledge on topics related to couples, families, and the challenges they commonly face. On average, MFT graduate certificates cost between $1,000 and $1,500. Again, no MFT graduate certificates are available in Vermont, but you can easily find these programs available online or in nearby states. Here are a few to consider:

Antioch University: The Couples and Family Therapy Post-Master’s Certificate offered by Antioch University is a great option for students who are looking for a challenging graduate certificate program offering a comprehensive insight into the interpersonal dynamics between family members, couples, and individuals. While most graduate certificate programs usually last about a year (or less), this program requires at least three semesters of dedication with the addition of 30 credit hours.

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.

MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

MFT doctoral degrees come in two types. The first type is a PsyD, which is generally focused on clinical practice, while the other type, a Ph.D., is more geared towards researchers and educators. Regardless of the one you choose, they typically consist of a highly advanced curriculum and a number of clinical hours to be completed in the four to eight years of the program duration. On average, MFT doctoral programs cost between $30,000 and several hundred thousand, depending on your chosen program. You won’t find any MFT doctorate programs based in Vermont, but there are a few located close by or online:

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.

Antioch University: Antioch University, which has multiple campuses across the country, offers a Ph.D. in Couples and Family Therapy at their Keane, NH location. This program offers a pathway to students looking to succeed as researchers, administrators, or educators in the marriage and family therapy field. While residency is an important part of an MFT doctoral program, students who want to get their doctorate degree faster may be attracted to Antioch University’s low-residency program, which only requires 15 days of in-person residency for the entire program. The remainder of the curriculum can be completed online.

Becoming an LMFT in Vermont

The final step to becoming a marriage and family therapist in Vermont is obtaining licensure. There are several steps to take:

• Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. The program should include coursework in marriage and family therapy principles, theories, and techniques.
• Supervised Experience: Accumulate supervised clinical experience. In Vermont, you need to complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised experience, with at least 1,500 hours in direct client contact. This experience must be completed over a period of at least two years.
• Examination: Pass the National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination (MFT Exam) administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
• Jurisprudence Exam: Take and pass the jurisprudence exam, which tests your knowledge of the laws and regulations governing marriage and family therapy in Vermont.
• Application: Submit an application for licensure to the Vermont Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners. This typically includes providing transcripts, documentation of supervised experience, examination scores, and any other required documentation.
• Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
• Fees: Pay any required application and licensure fees.
• Continuing Education: Once you’ve received your licensure, you’ll need to maintain it. This will require that you take 20 continuing education hours every two years.