Best MFT Programs in West Virginia Online
Are you looking for a way to specialize as a mental health clinician? Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) work to provide compassionate therapeutic care to families, couples, and individuals and help provide assistance to navigate tough challenges such as trauma, communication, substance abuse, and grieving the death of a loved one. If you’re interested in starting on this rewarding journey, take a look at the guide below to understand the educational requirements and how to get licensed in West Virginia.
What is an MFT Degree?
The first step to becoming a marriage and family therapist is enrolling in an MFT degree program. These programs train students on the fundamentals of marriage and family therapy and how to utilize therapeutic methods to treat families and couples on a clinical level. There are several levels available to MFT students.
Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?
As of now, there are currently no MFT degree programs available in the state of West Virginia, however, you can still find these programs available online or in nearby states. In the sections below, we’ll go into more detail on each type of MFT degree program and which programs are available in states near West Virginia. As you start the application process, remember to always check your program’s accreditation. All MFT programs need to be accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or CACREP or the program may not be approved by the state board and thus, you will not be eligible for licensure upon graduation.
Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in West Virginia?
For the last several years, online programs (including online MFT degree programs) have become increasingly popular across the country. Because MFT degree programs require a significant level of in-person clinicals, these programs are usually partially conducted online and partially conducted on campus. Some programs (though rare) may allow you to complete these clinical requirements in your own community at hospitals and community mental health organizations.
Currently, there are no online MFT programs available in West Virginia, which means that you will likely need to look for these types of options or consider relocation if you want to take advantage of online learning. You will also need to understand the implications an out-of-state online MFT program will have on your licensure — you will need to choose a state that allows easy transfer of licensure to West Virginia if you plan on practicing in your home state. Here are a few online MFT degree programs based in states near West Virginia:
University of Akron: The University of Akron offers a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, which is perfect for students looking for a little flexibility in their schedule. This program offers a hybrid option with multiple courses being offered completely online. The program’s 500 clinical hour requirements will be conducted in the university’s Clinic for Individual and Family Counseling.
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 for licensure.
MFT Degree Levels
MFT degrees are typically offered at the graduate level. Master’s degrees are the minimum requirement for becoming licensed as a marriage and family therapist, while doctoral degrees are designed to prepare students for more advanced roles as marriage and family therapy researchers or educators.
Students who are already licensed in a clinical mental health profession may not need another master’s degree in order to specialize in marriage and family therapy — MFT graduate certificates exist to provide context to this exciting field without requiring students to undergo years of education or fulfill licensure requirements.
Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?
It’s possible. Certain MFT graduate programs may ask that you submit a GRE (Graduate Record Examination) along with your application which shows your command of certain academic areas such as math or writing. However, this requirement isn’t mandatory with every MFT degree program. A great way to find out if this requirement applies to you is to check the website of your prospective program.
Master's Degree in MFT
MFT master’s degree programs are the most common type of MFT degree programs. With a 2-year timeline and $400 – $800 per credit, these 60-credit programs provide the quickest and most affordable route to licensure. As stated, MFT degree programs (including MFT master’s degree programs) are not currently offered in West Virginia; however, here are a few located nearby:
Ohio State University: The Master of Human Development and Family Science, Couple and Family Therapy offered by Ohio State University is a great example of what the State of Ohio can offer students looking to enter this exciting field. This program requires 60 credit hours and over 500 clinical hours to be completed at the university’s on-campus Couple and Family Clinic, where students can learn firsthand about the populations they’ll be serving.
La Salle University: The Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy offered by La Salle University is one of the most well-regarded programs offered in the State of Pennsylvania. This program splits its program into two parts. The first year focuses on coursework and in-class training. In the second year, students are placed in a clinical practicum arrangement where they will get thorough, first-hand experience serving the community through marriage and family therapeutic methods.
Graduate Certificate in MFT
Graduate certificates are technically not degrees, but they often offer a specialized focus in a particular area. If you already have a master's degree or doctorate degree in psychology or counseling, getting a graduate certificate in MFT can help you specialize as a marriage and family counselor or therapist in a year or less, with each program costing an average of $1,000 to $1,500. While West Virginia does not offer on-campus MFT programs at any level, many are offered in nearby states. Here are a few great choices:
Wright State University: This graduate certificate program, located in Dayton, OH, offers a Marriage and Family Counseling Certificate to students looking for a specialized focus in family, couple, individual, and group therapy with marriage and family counseling. To apply to Wright State University’s program, you will need to have graduated from or be currently enrolled in a clinical psychology degree program.
Regent University: Students located in the Virginia border may want to consider Regent University’s Graduate Certificate in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. While this program won’t offer licensure on its own, it will build on your existing educational background to provide you with a comprehensive outlook of the field. This program is also flexible, with both online and on-campus delivery options – perfect for students with little leeway in their schedules.
MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)
MFT doctorate degrees come in two distinct varieties — a Ph.D., which focuses on the theoretical aspects of marriage and family therapy, and a PsyD, which is more geared toward clinicians. If you aim to dedicate your career primarily to research, you’ll likely want to pursue a Ph.D. A PsyD is likely the more appropriate option if you want to work primarily as a clinician. Both types of degrees take between four and eight years and typically cost between $30,000 and $300,000. Currently, no MFT doctoral degrees are offered in West Virginia, but you can find them available in neighboring states or online. Here are a few nearby options:
Virginia Tech: Even though MFT doctoral degree programs are not currently available in West Virginia, the country’s oldest, and one of the most well-respected MFT doctoral programs is just over the border at Virginia Tech. The PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy offered by Virginia Tech offers numerous opportunities for experimental and observational research in laboratories and clinical settings within the community.
University of Akron: The University of Akron offers a comprehensive and unique Doctoral Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy (MFCT) Track in Counselor Education and Supervision program, perfect for students looking to enter the specific fields of medical family therapy or marriage and family therapy education. The program offers challenging coursework along with a 1,000 supervised clinical hour requirement.
Becoming an LMFT in West Virginia
Completing your educational requirements is a major first step to becoming a marriage and family therapist; however, you’ll still need to get licensed if you plan on working in a clinical setting. Here are the steps you’ll need to complete to get licensed in West Virginia:
- Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Ensure the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or an equivalent accrediting body.
- Supervised Experience: Complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours. In West Virginia, this typically means accruing at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience, with at least 1,500 hours being direct client contact.
- Examination: Pass the National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy, administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). This exam assesses your knowledge of marriage and family therapy theory, practice, and ethics.
- Application: Submit an application for licensure to the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling. This will include providing documentation of your education, supervised experience, exam scores, and any other required materials.
- Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check as part of the application process.
- Supervision: Throughout the licensure process, you’ll need to work under the supervision of a licensed marriage and family therapist or another qualified mental health professional.
- Continuing Education: After obtaining your license, you’ll need to fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain it. In West Virginia, you’ll have to complete 35 hours every two years.