Best MFT Programs in Maine Online
Mental health professionals are desperately needed in rural areas of the US, and Maine is no exception. If you’re looking to enter a career as a mental health practitioner and you’re considering moving to or are already living in Maine, you’ll have plenty of opportunity for work and professional growth, especially in the specialized field of marriage and family therapy. Find out how you can get started through an MFT degree program by taking a look at the sections below.
What is an MFT Degree?
To become a marriage and family therapist, you’ll need to graduate from an MFT degree program. These degrees are essential for anyone looking to practice in the mental health field, but especially for those who want to work primarily with couples, families, and individuals facing challenges that are common among these demographics. Understanding trauma, substance abuse, emotional disorders, and communication are all vital parts of MFT curricula.
Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?
As you begin to research MFT degree programs, it’s important to understand accreditation and how it will affect your ability to become licensed. Most MFT degrees are accredited but if they’re not, you will not be eligible for licensure. Look for programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). If your program is accredited by this organization, you will be able to seek licensure upon graduation.
Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Maine?
The answer is “Yes!” Marriage and family therapy degree programs are widely available online, though as of now, none are currently based out of Maine. This doesn’t mean that you’re ineligible to enroll. A few online MFT programs are based in neighboring states, some of which only require in-person clinicals in the final year of study. Remember that if you want to practice in Maine as a licensed marriage and family therapist, you’ll still have to transfer over your license. Here are a few options to consider:
UMass Global: If you’re looking to get your master’s degree, UMass Global offers an Online Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, allowing students to take classes online and participate in clinicals within their community.
Antioch University: Currently, the closest MFT doctoral program to Maine is Antioch University’s Ph.D. in Couples and Family Therapy, based out of New Hampshire. However, apart from its close proximity, Antioch University also offers a flexible online curriculum and minimal in-person clinical requirements. This means that you can take the bulk of your classes online and only be required to travel to Keane, NH, 15 days out of the year.
MFT Degree Levels
There are many types of MFT degree programs, but if you want to work in a clinical setting, you’ll have to graduate from an MFT graduate degree program — either a master’s degree or a doctoral degree. These degree levels incorporate a pathway to MFT licensure in Maine. If you already have MFT licensure or another type of mental health practitioner licensure, you may be interested in a graduate certificate program that builds on your prior education and focuses on the field of marriage and family therapy.
While you will certainly be able to practice in Maine as a marriage and family therapist, no MFT degree programs are currently available in the state. This means that you will need to seek MFT degree programs outside of the state in order to become licensed. You may be able to find an online MFT degree that suits your needs but keep in mind that while these degrees may be available primarily online, you will still need to participate in some in-person requirements when it comes time to fulfill your clinical hours.
Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?
Some MFT degree programs rely on GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores to determine a candidate’s eligibility for the program, while others make their decisions based on grades, academic merit, experience, and other factors. The latter is typically more common, but you can make sure by checking your program’s admissions page.
Master's Degree in MFT
MFT master’s degree programs are the minimum educational requirement that you will need to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). These degree programs last two years and typically require the completion of 60 credits. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $800 per credit. As mentioned earlier, there are currently no MFT degree programs located in Maine, including master’s degree programs. Here are the closest MFT master’s degree programs to the State of Maine:
University of New Hampshire: At the University of New Hampshire, you can find a thorough and comprehensive MFT master’s degree option that exceeds your expectations. UNH’s curriculum trains students in the most up-to-date marriage and family therapeutic methods, which they will be able to utilize firsthand through UNH's Marriage and Family Therapy Center, as well as internship opportunities within the community at large.
Plymouth State University: Located in Plymouth, NH, Plymouth State University’s Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares students for a diverse array of career opportunities that focus on familial systems and therapeutic methods. With an MFT master’s degree from Plymouth State University, you could find rewarding and essential work in mental health agencies, schools, prisons, or hospitals.
Graduate Certificate in MFT
MFT graduate certificates last a year or less and typically cost between $1,000 and $1,500. While they’ll provide you with a wealth of information you can use upon licensure, it’s important to know that MFT graduate certificates are not degree programs and will not authorize you to become licensed.
MFT graduate certificate programs are usually geared towards individuals who are already working as mental health professionals and want to subsidize their background with marriage and family therapeutic methods. They can also be an attractive option for students who are enrolled in a different type of psychology-related graduate degree program but still want to balance their education in marriage and family therapy.
Lastly, MFT graduate certificate programs are not currently offered in Maine, but you can find them in other states or online. Here are a few good options:
Antioch University: Located just over the border in Keane, NH, Antioch University’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Couple and Family Therapy provides a succinct but thorough insight into marriage and family therapeutic methods. The program combines an online curriculum with in-person clinical work.
Fairfield University: Tailored for those already possessing a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field, the Certificate in School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy offered by Fairfield University (based in Fairfield, CT) focuses on integrating family therapy principles into educational environments. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and practical experiences, students learn to navigate the unique dynamics of working with families, children, and school systems. While the program alone will not qualify you for licensure, it will help you transition into a school counselor role from a typical clinical position.
MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)
Doctoral degrees in MFT come in two different types – a Ph.D., which specializes in MFT research and education, and a PsyD, which is more targeted towards clinical practitioners. MFT doctorate degrees last between four and eight years (depending on the program and how many credits can be applied) and cost anywhere between $35,000 to well over $100,000. Maine does not currently host MFT doctoral degree programs, but you can find them in nearby states or online. Here’s a nearby option:
Syracuse University: This 72-credit Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy is perfect for Mainers 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 Maine
As mentioned several times throughout this guide, becoming licensed is essential (and required) to practice as a marriage and family therapist in Maine. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow in order to become licensed.
- Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or a related field.
- Supervised Experience: Complete the required supervised clinical experience. In Maine, this typically involves accumulating around 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience, with at least 1,300 hours being direct client contact.
- Examination: There are two examinations that students must complete. The first is a jurisprudence exam administered by the state board. This exam tests the student’s understanding of state regulations and laws concerning marriage and family therapy. Once you’ve completed this exam, you must pass the Examination in Marital and Family Therapy (EMFT) administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
- Application: Submit an application for licensure to the Maine Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure. This usually includes providing documentation of your education, supervised experience, examination scores, and any other required materials.
- Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check as part of the application process.
- License Maintenance: Once licensed, you will typically need to fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain your license. This will involve at least 55 hours or continuing education classes every two years.