Best MFT Programs in Massachusetts Online
Marriage and family therapy (MFT) degree programs are becoming much more popular as demand continues to rise for mental health professionals nationwide. Massachusetts, among many other states, has observed an increase in the need for licensed marriage and family therapists, and as a result, you can find many reputable degree programs in the state and nearby regions. To learn more about how you can access these programs and become a licensed marriage and family therapist, check out the resources below.
What is an MFT Degree?
MFT degree programs are designed to equip undergraduates with the tools they need to excel as marriage and family therapists. Their curricula cover various therapeutic tools and methods to help couples and families overcome unique challenges, such as relationship, parenting, and communication issues. Upon graduating from an MFT degree program, students usually go on to become licensed marriage and family therapists or MFT researchers or educators.
Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?
An important part of the MFT educational path is to ensure that your program is accredited so that you can become licensed. Accreditation means that the program meets the minimum requirements that the state board sets out for licensure. The accrediting body for marriage and family therapists is the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), but programs that are considered counseling degrees may also be accredited by CACREP.
Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Massachusetts?
Online programs have become very popular in the last several years, especially those offering MFT degrees. However, because of the licensure requirements associated with graduate degrees, it’s good to be aware of several considerations that come along with online MFT programs.
While you may be able to take a majority of MFT courses online, you will most likely have to participate in some in-person training. Most MFT degrees require that their students take part in clinicals to get first-hand experience in the field. These are usually done in the last year of a master’s degree and for all years in a doctorate degree.
Additionally, if you plan on applying to out-of-state MFT degree programs, you’ll need to consider license transfer requirements. For example, if you’re based in Massachusetts and your MFT degree program is in New Hampshire, you’ll need to transfer your licensure to Massachusetts upon graduation if you plan on practicing in your home state. Fortunately, there are options for students who want to receive their MFT education online in Massachusetts — we already mentioned UMass Global’s MFT master’s degree program, but if you’re looking for a good option for an online MFT doctoral degree program, here’s an example you may be interested in:
Antioch University: Antioch University, which has multiple campuses across the country, offers a Ph.D. in Couples and Family Therapy at its Keane, NH location. 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, which can be completed on campus. The remainder of the curriculum can be completed online
MFT Degree Levels
There are several types of marriage and family therapy degrees. While a few undergraduate MFT degrees do exist, the overwhelming majority are master’s and doctorate degrees. The reason for this is that to become licensed as a marriage and family therapist, you need to graduate from a graduate-level degree program. MFT graduate degree programs are well-suited for those with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, and other related subjects.
Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?
Some MFT degree programs require that you take a Graduate Record Examination, or GRE for short. This exam measures your skills in various areas to determine if you need to take any prerequisites. However, this requirement is not mandatory across educational establishments. Schools like UMass Global, for example, allow students to apply using other placement methods. Check your school’s admissions page to see if they require prospective students to take the GRE.
Master's Degree in MFT
The minimum requirement for becoming licensed as a marriage and family therapist is graduating from an MFT master’s degree program. These programs take two years to complete and require taking on around 60 credits. On average, you can expect to pay an average of $74,350 in Massachusetts. Here are a few MFT master’s degree programs to choose from in Massachusetts:
William James College: The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s degree program at William James College offers a Couples and Family Therapy concentration that prepares students to effectively support and treat families and couples. The program offers specialized training that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experience, equipping students to address diverse and complex relationship dynamics. One unique aspect of this program is the opportunity to seek dual licensure as an LMHC and LMFT.
UMass Global: If you’re looking for a flexible online option, UMass Global offers a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy that is held primarily online (minus in-person clinical requirements). This comprehensive program emphasizes practical experience and theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates for licensure as marriage and family therapists. Students benefit from a curriculum that integrates clinical practice, ethical training, and the latest research in the field, ensuring they are well-prepared to address diverse and complex issues in their professional practice.
Graduate Certificate in MFT
MFT graduate certificates are brief, non-degree programs that provide a succinct insight into marriage and family therapy. These programs typically last a year or less and cost between $1,000 to $1,500. Though they won’t provide you with licensure independently, you can often apply the credits toward a doctorate degree.
Many students who are enrolled in a related master’s degree program are attracted to MFT graduate certificates because they allow them to specialize in another mental health practice while still getting practice in marriage and family therapy. While no MFT graduate certificate programs currently exist in Massachusetts, you can find them online or in nearby states:
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.
Long Island University: The 39-credit Advanced Certificate program in Marriage and Family Therapy offered by Long Island University is closer to a master’s degree than a traditional graduate certificate, and unlike MFT graduate certificate programs, this program does qualify you for licensure in New York with the addition of 1,500 hours of supervised experience in the practice of marriage and family therapy and a passing grade on the Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.
MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)
If you’re looking to take your marriage and family therapy education to the next level, a doctorate degree may be the way to go. MFT doctorate degrees take between four and eight years and provide the highest level of education that a marriage and family therapist can obtain. MFT doctorate programs come in two different types. The first type is a Ph.D., typically geared towards individuals hoping to work in a non-clinical setting (though clinicals will be a large part of your education). The other type is a PsyD, which is focused more on training clinical practitioners.
Because of their carrying lengths, MFT doctoral degrees can cost anywhere from $35,000 to $300,000. Though you won’t find an MFT doctoral program offered in Massachusetts, you will find several offered online or in neighboring states. Here’s a nearby option to consider:
Syracuse University: This 72-credit Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy is perfect for Massachusetts residents 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 Massachusetts
Following your educational journey, the next step to becoming a marriage and family counselor is getting licensed. Here’s a general trajectory you’ll likely have to follow:
- Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or another recognized accrediting body.
- Supervised Experience: Complete the required supervised clinical experience. This involves accumulating 3360 total clinical hours with 1,000 of them being supervised and 200 of them being supervised hours of direct client contact over a period of two years.
- Examination: Pass the national licensing examination. In Massachusetts, this is usually 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 Massachusetts Board of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions. This typically includes providing proof of education, supervised experience, examination scores, and any other required documentation.
- Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
- Continuing Education: After becoming licensed, you’ll need to have 30 hours of continuing education hours every two years to maintain your license.