Best MFT Programs in Maryland Online

If you’re looking for a rewarding and broad entry into the mental health field, you might want to consider marriage and family therapy (MFT). There are endless opportunities for practitioners, researchers, administrators, and educators to help couples, families, and individuals alike navigate common challenges that affect these demographics. Demand for marriage and family therapists in Maryland is only expected to grow in the next decade, contributing to many mental health practitioners seeking higher education to fill these roles in the state.

What is an MFT Degree?

An MFT degree (otherwise known as a marriage and family therapy degree) is a counseling degree that equips mental health professionals with a foundation in marriage and family therapy. These degrees cover topics such as substance abuse, familial trauma, violence, and family dynamics, designed for those seeking roles as therapists, educators, and more.

Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?

As you decide what type of MFT degree makes the most sense for you, it’s also important to remember to check for accreditation. Doing so ensures that you will be eligible for licensure upon graduation. The main accrediting body for marriage and family therapists is the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Maryland?

Online degree programs are a popular option for students looking to enter marriage and family therapy. While most MFT degree programs offered online will require some in-person clinicals to meet licensure requirements, there are a few that allow students to fulfill these in a community near them.

Currently, there are no online MFT degree programs based in Maryland, however, this does not necessarily mean that students based in Maryland can’t receive their education online. It does mean that receiving Maryland MFT licensure will be more complicated. You’ll need to enroll in another state’s MFT program which means that you’ll be graduating with another state’s licensure and you’ll need to transfer that licensure if you want to practice in Maryland. It also means that you may have to travel to the state where the program is based in order to fulfill clinical requirements. Here are a few online MFT programs that are based in nearby states:

Liberty University: This Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy offered by Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA equips students with a Christian-based approach to helping families, couples, and individuals with the common issues that they face. While the program is offered primarily online, there are two on-campus intensives that will require you to travel to Lynchburg at certain points during the year.

Drexel University: As mentioned, Drexel University (based in Philadelphia) has an amazing Ph.D. in Couples and Family Therapy program that is available 100% online. This program does not require you to travel to Philadelphia—Drexel University will allow you to complete your clinical requirements within your own community.

MFT Degree Levels

MFT degrees are available at various levels but are primarily offered at the graduate level. This is because in order to practice as a marriage and family therapist, you must become licensed, which is only possible through a master’s degree or doctorate degree. MFT graduate certificates are also popular for individuals already licensed as mental health practitioners.

Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?

You may. A GRE measures your command of mathematics, science, and writing skills at the pre-graduate level. Some schools require that you take a placement exam while others use other methods of gauging your ability in these areas. Your school’s admissions page will be able to tell you whether or not this requirement applies to you.

Master's Degree in MFT

Master’s degrees in MFT are a popular choice for students who want to enter the field as quickly as possible and with the least amount of debt. They are the lowest level of degree that a student can graduate with and still be eligible for licensure.

MFT master’s degree programs take about two years to complete with 60 credits. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $800 per credit. There is currently one MFT master’s degree available in Maryland:

University of Maryland: If you’re looking for a comprehensive and well-respected MFT master’s degree program in Maryland, the University of Maryland offers a Master’s Degree in Couples and Family Therapy. Not only is their curriculum helpful for gaining valuable insight into helping couples and families navigate difficult challenges, but their Center for Healthy Families provides a unique opportunity for students to provide clinical care to the community at large.

Graduate Certificate in MFT

MFT graduate certificates are technically not degrees, but for some, are more appropriate tracks for securing a career in marriage and family therapy. On their own, graduate certificates don’t provide licensure, but if you have a background in another mental health field and want to gain more training in marriage and family therapy, these one-year programs are a viable choice.

On average, MFT graduate certificates cost between $1,000 and $1,500, making them both affordable and convenient. While MFT graduate certificates aren’t currently available in Maryland, you can find them in nearby states:

Regent University: This MFT graduate certificate in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy offered by Regent University in Virginia Beach, is perfect for students who are pursuing or have already completed a mental health degree program. The program is offered both online and on campus and its 12 credits can be applied to other degree programs or used as an endorsement toward licensure.

The Council For Relationships: If you have a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy or other related field, you will be eligible to further specialize in one of three MFT tracks (clergy track, clinical track, or sex therapy track) through The Council for Relationships’ Marriage and Family Therapy Postgraduate Certificate offered in Philadelphia, PA.

MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

Lastly, MFT doctorate degrees are the highest level of education that a student can obtain. On average, these degrees cost anywhere from $35,000 to $100,000+ and last between 4 – 8 years. There are two types to choose from — a Ph.D., which specializes in research, theory, and education, and a PsyD, which prepares students for clinical practice. Currently, neither type of degree is available in Maryland, but you can find them available in nearby states:

Virginia Tech: Even though MFT doctoral degree programs are not currently available in Maryland, the country’s oldest, and one of the most well-respected MFT doctoral programs is just over the border at Virginia Tech. The Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy offered by Virginia Tech has numerous opportunities for experimental and observational research in laboratories and in clinical settings within the community.

Drexel University: If you’re looking to focus your doctorate on helping couples and families work through challenging issues through science-based, qualitative methods, Drexel University has a fantastic PhD in Couples and Family Therapy program. This degree is mostly research-focused; however, there will be plenty of opportunities for clinical experience. You can access this program in person at Drexel University’s Philadelphia campus, or you can take advantage of their online learning option.

Becoming an LMFT in Maryland

Once you’ve completed your education, you will also be required to get licensed if you want to work in a clinical setting. Here’s what you’ll need to do to become licensed in Maryland:

• Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Ensure that your program meets the educational requirements set by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists.
• Supervised Experience: Complete a period of supervised clinical experience. In Maryland, this typically involves accruing 3,000 hours of supervised experience, with at least 1,150 hours of direct client contact. Your supervisor must be a licensed mental health professional approved by the board.
• Examination: Pass the National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
• Jurisprudence Exam: Complete a jurisprudence exam, which tests your knowledge of the laws and regulations governing the practice of marriage and family therapy in Maryland.
• Application: Submit an application for licensure to the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. Along with the application, you’ll need to provide documentation of your education, supervised experience, examination scores, and any other required materials.
• Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
• Fees: Pay any required application and licensing fees.
• Continuing Education: You must renew your license every two years and take 40 hours of continuing education each time to stay current with the latest best practices.

List of MFT Degree Programs in Maryland

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