13 Best MFT programs in California | Requirements, Cost, Admission

Deciding to take a career as a marriage and family therapist is one of the most fulfilling careers you will really enjoy. Aside from the fat pay, you will be a source of joy to many households.

Imagine being the reason that couples didn’t break up, or why that marriage lasted till death separated them. It’s a big achievement, right?

So don’t think trying to invest your time and resource on going for any of the best MFT Programs in California especially, is a waste of time because it is not.

You may now ask why California?

California is one of the top states in America when it comes to offering a variety of degree programs in different fields, it has top-notch universities when compared with other states.

According to myocfamilylawyer.com, the California divorce rate is now at a staggering 75 percent. Three out of four marriages in the Golden State end in divorce.

California has been known as the Divorce Capital of the World for years.

This is why you should consider taking an MFT program in the state because your chances of getting employed are very high.

In this post, we have put down a list of the 13 best MFT programs in California that you can go for in 2024 including their estimated cost and general requirements.

You can scroll through the table of contents below to get an overview of all this post entails;

What is Marriage and Family Therapy?

According to Wikipedia, Marriage and Family therapy is a branch of psychotherapy that works with families and couples in intimate relationships to nurture change and development. It tends to view change in terms of the systems of interaction between family members.

It is also referred to as couple and family therapy, MFT, family systems therapy, or family counseling.

What is an MFT degree?

MFT degree is a graduate degree program that explores the depth of family and relationships. Going for the MFT degree program will give you experience and in-depth knowledge about relationships and how they affect mental health including what you can do to help.

However, Graduate MFT programs encompass teaching services, experimental learning experiences, and training programs that can help you as a student prepare for marital and family activities. Furthermore, they can help prepare you for state licenses.

Interestingly, suppose you are a graduate and you have a degree in MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy). In that case, you will become a strong mental health professional who can present family and clinical perspectives on mental health issues, emotions, behaviors, and relationships.

That leads us to the definition of a marriage and family therapist.

Who is a Marriage and Family Therapist?

A Marriage and Family Therapist is someone whose profession or career has to do with handling interpersonal issues that arise in individuals, couples, families, and groups. These sets of persons are trained specifically for this role.

In the same vein, the therapist can assess, diagnose, and treat mental illness and psychological distress within the context of the marriage and family systems.

Taking a profession in this field will offer you the platform to provide counseling services in several different areas including premarital counseling, relationship counseling, child counseling and separation, and divorce counseling.

What Can You Do with a Graduate Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy?

A graduate degree in MFT is one degree that once you have, you can’t find yourself in the street of California searching desperately for a job.

This is because there are lots of job opportunities available in the state and even in other states that your degree that aim you.

Once you acquire a graduate degree in graduate marriage and family therapy first, you can start your Marriage and Family Therapist. This is because with just attending the MFT programs alone, you are set for your career paths.

On the other hand, if you don’t want to be self-employed, you can work in the following places;

• Substance abuse treatment centers
• Outpatient care centers
• Hospitals
• Governments
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
• Private practices
•  Inpatient Facilities
• Employee Assistance Programs
•         Health Maintenance Organizations
•         Community Mental Health Centers
•         Business and Consulting Companies
•         Schools and Head Start Centers
•         Social Services Agencies
•         Universities and Research Centers
•         Courts and Correctional Facilities
•         Private Practice

Check out salary and employment for MFT roles, along with related career paths.

Occupation	Average Salary	Employment
Marriage and Family Therapist	$53,860	42,880
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors	$46,560	241,930
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors	$58,620	271,350
Counselors, All Other	$47,600	27,150

Requirements for MFT programs in California

Marriage and family therapy services are positively related to education, as are other medical and health services.

People interested in pursuing a career in marriage and family counseling will generally begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in areas such as psychology, social work, or counseling. In earning this degree, students should focus on studying marriage and family situations.

Many states also require spouses and family therapists to obtain their master’s degrees, especially if they want to marry competent family counselors.

In addition to the required education, you will also be asked to complete several hours of work. The number of hours required will vary from state to state.

New York requires applicants to complete 1,500 hours of controlled work experience, for example, while California requires 3,000 hours of work experience. It is recommended that you review your state’s licensing requirements in these matters.

What Educational Requirements do I need for MFT programs in California?

According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), it is recommended that before you can start a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist, you must have a master’s degree and two years of medical care.

If you are a veterinarian, you must go to a state-licensed medical school.

Additionally, if you want to be a professional MFT, you must have the following skills. Note, that these skills will enable you to succeed in the profession.

Communication skills

Communication skill is the basic skill that you must have if you want to build an exceptional career as a Marriage and family therapist. if you don’t know how to relate or talk to people, you may encounter some challenges in this career.

This is because this career involves other people aside from you, including family and health professionals, so strong communication skill is a must.

Comfort and various technologies can also help you. Couples and family patients often use a variety of technology tools, including video conferencing, computer software, telephone systems, multiple newsletters, email, and medical software.

Organizational Training Skills

This skill is also important when it comes to building an MFT career. With this skill, you will be able to track court cases and other documents and manage billing and insurance policies, and that’s why administrative capacity is important.

Ability to solve problems Skills

Without this skill even with your degree, you won’t be able to meet people’s expectations. One thing that always makes couples want to meet you will always be because they have a family problem and what essence will it be if they come to you and you couldn’t help them out?

So, you must be able to solve problems and create a sound system.

Interpersonal skills

Empathy and compassion are important. As a Marriage and family therapist, you must pay attention to your clients by giving them a listening ear.

How much money will it take to get an MFT program degree in California?

The average cost of obtaining an MFT program degree from a public institution is $ 11,617 per year. You can find programs that are cheaper and more expensive than the title.

Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy Costs per Credit

Cost per credit varies for each college or university. State universities may also have in-state costs vs. out-of-state costs.

For instance, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will cost you $9,000, for an Average Public Institution University, it will cost you an average of $11,617.

On the other hand, going for a private institute like  Northcentral University and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology will cost you $16,864 and  $21,213 respectively.

Below are a few examples of the cost per credit as reported by schools offering marriage and family therapy Master’s programs.

University	# of Credits Required	Cost Per Credit	Total Tuition Cost
Pepperdine University	62	$1,530	$94,860
Houston Baptist University	60	$575	$34,500
Loma Linda University	90 quarter units	$830	$18,675
Grand Canyon University	74	$515	$38,110

How long does take to complete MFT programs in California?

To complete the MFT master’s program in California, it requires 60 to 66 credits. The degree can take two to three years for full-time students to earn.

In addition to earning an MFT graduate degree, you must dedicate time and resources to certifications and licenses in your state. That includes an examined clinical experience.

What are the Available MFT Degrees in California?

There are different degrees you can acquire in the marriage and Family Therapy Field. You can go for a MA degree, Phd degree, MA degree or MFT degree in the same field.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics under the category of health professions and related programs; in the most recent update of the data (2013), across the U.S, there were 2,920 MFT degrees awarded to graduate students. The majority (97%) were Master’s degrees.

Note, going for any of these degrees is good and beneficial because you can kick start your career as a Marriage and Family Therapist with any of them.

Let’s take a look at some of the programs with some higher institutions that offer them;

• Marital and Family Therapy (M.A.) – San Francisco- Alliant International University
• Doctorate of Marriage & Family Therapy – General Family Therapy- Northcentral University
• M.A. Clinical Psychology, Marital and Family Therapy Specialization- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
• Master in Marriage and Family Therapy- Los Angeles Education Center of Campbellsville University
• MS in School Counseling – Marriage, Couple, & Family Counseling- Walden University
• MS – Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE-accredited)- Capella Universit

What are the Best MFT programs in California?

Below is a list of the Best MFT programs in California you can apply for this 2024;

• USC Rossier School of Education
• Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy at the University of San Francisco
• MA in marriage and family therapy- Chapman university
• Alliant International University – Marital and Family Therapy (M.A.) – San Francisco
• Hope International University- Marriage and Family Therapy
• Online Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology – Pepperdine University
• University of La Verne’s Marriage and Family Therapy
• Loma Linda University M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy
• University of San Diego M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy
• Phillips Graduate University MFT/Art Therapy
• California Lutheran University M.S. in Counseling Psychology, Marital and Family Therapy (MFT)
• Western Seminary Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy

Let’s Explore!

#1. USC Rossier School of Education

Location: 3470 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089

This is one of the Best MFT programs in California. basically, this program will help you lead a holistic cultural therapy that can inform and transform practice in public mental health clinics, schools, and private practices.

Also, you will be empowered to deal with various types of threats, including relationship stress, family dysfunction, parental anxiety, and behavioral problems faced by families, spouses, adults, and children.

This program meets the requirements of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. By implementing this program and complying with the rest of the order, you will be eligible for a marriage certificate and a family medical license.

#2. Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy at the University of San Francisco

Location: 2130 Fulton Street San Francisco, CA 94117 United States

If you want to be an exceptional and competent Marriage and Family Therapist, this program will help you.

This Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy program is one of the best MFT programs in California that can help you build a fulfilling career in MFT.

Basically, it is a special education program that prepares marriage and family therapists to meet the health needs of children, adults, and families, including those with severe brain injuries.

Note, that this program was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

To apply, you don’t necessarily need to take any comprehensive exams, culminating projects, or thesis. All you need is to have a minimum GPA of 2.75.

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#3. MA in marriage and family therapy- Chapman university

Location: 25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard Hayward, CA 94542 United States

Next on our list of Best MFT programs in California that can help you build your career is going for MA in Marriage and Family Therapy at Chapman University.

This university with a 65% and student and faculty ratio of 14:1 is one of the prestigious universities in California that offers varieties of degree programs.

Basically, this MFT Program is designed to promote equality and democracy by preparing professional and family law practitioners and family members.

In many cases, it is dedicated to providing marital and family training for caregivers. The program is offered annually on the Hayward campus.

Note, this program was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

#4. Alliant International University – Marital and Family Therapy (M.A.) – San Francisco

Location: One Beach Street, Suite 100 San Francisco, CA 94133 United States

This is also of the best Marriage and Family Therapy programs in California that once you decide to go for it, you won’t regret it at all.

This program and other related degree programs are offered at Alliant international university which is renowned as one of the most prestigious universities in California with a student and faculty ratio of 15:1.

Basically, this university offers this program just to help provide training for occupational therapy as well as homeopathy.

Here, you will be trained on how to address mental health problems in individuals, couples, and families through the process.

Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to complete one of the first semesters of the program in Mexico City through the MFT Mexico City satellite program, which includes a traditional Spanish summer semester. Mexico.

Note, the Commission accredited this program on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

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#5. Hope International University- Marriage and Family Therapy

Next in our list of the Best MFT programs in California is a marriage program offered at Hope International University.

Hope International University is one of California’s prestigious universities that offers various degree programs with a 30% and a student and faculty ratio of 14:1.

Basically, this program can get you ready for ministry in family care and counseling primarily within the local church and community at large.

Moreso, it will provide academic preparation for licensure with the Board of Behavioral Science Examiners in California.

Note, this program was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

#7. Online Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology – Pepperdine University

Next on our list is the Pepperdine University Online Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology.

This university is a private Christian university in Malibu, California with 84% graduation rate which is very high.

Talking about this master’s program they offer has to do with online accreditation and psychology with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy.

Basically, enrolling in this program will help you to apply for licenses in California as licensed marriage partners and licensed family members or industry advisers.

As an online student, you will complete 62-68 credits of coursework.

Note, the study deals with topics such as diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, as well as topics in family therapy and marriage.

WASC Senior College and University College accredit Pepperdine University.

#8. University of La Verne’s Marriage and Family Therapy

Location: 1950 3rd Street La Verne, CA 91750

Since 1973, the University of La Verne’s Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), has been providing graduate students to meet the changing needs of families in the changing world.

With a full and part-time option available, students can earn a degree while working for them. Also, many classes meet in the afternoon and evening, making the program more flexible.

This La Verne’s MFT program consists of 61 credit hours. If you are a full-time student, you will have to enroll for nine hours in one-half of the academic year, while as a part-time student, you will enroll in three to six courses.

Moreso, This program honors all of the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) licenses for California spouses and families, as well as documents relating to or from California Community College.

Additionally, it will give you the opportunity to pursue a career as an MFT on a schedule that works for them. 

Note, the University of La Verne’s Marriage and Family Therapy program is accredited by WASC Senior College and University College.

To apply for this program you must have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Also, you must have completed the following specific psychology courses.

#9. Loma Linda University M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy

Location: 11065 Campus St. Loma Linda, CA 92350

Next in our list of best MFT Programs you can go for in California is Loma Linda University M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy.

Basically, this Marriage and Family Therapy program are focused on providing students with an excellent COAMFTE clinical and academic background.

As a student before you will complete this program, you must have learned the professional practice skills required for working with individuals, couples, groups, and families in a variety of settings.

Interestingly, you won’t only be going home with a certificate in this program, you will also get a certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counseling which you must have completed while pursuing this MFT degree.

Note, Loma Linda University M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education, the accrediting body for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

To apply for this program you must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in bachelor’s course work for at least the final 45 units prior to graduation.

#10. University of San Diego M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy

Another university you should consider when it comes to the best MFT programs in California is the University of San Diego M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy.

This Marriage and Family Services (MFT) program prepares students to become experts when it comes to settling marriage issues.

Also, you will be trained to become couples and family therapists to the level that you can handle psychosocial problems and mental health in interpersonal relationships.

In addition to training in the early stages of marriage and family therapy, students are exposed to the bacterial and intrapsychic pathways of developmental and decision-making processes.

To apply for this program you must have a minimum grade-point average 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in bachelor’s course work for at least the final 45 units prior to graduation.

Note, this MFT is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education, the accrediting body for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

#11. Phillips Graduate University MFT/Art Therapy

Location: 19900 Plummer St Chatsworth, CA 91311, United States

Choosing the Phillips Graduate University MFT/Art Therapy program won’t be a bad idea at all if you really want to build your career as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

This is because this program is one of the top MFT programs in California that can offer exceptional training opportunities to help build you up in this field.

Basically, this MFT program provides an interdisciplinary approach to learning contemporary marriage and family therapy.

Also, it was designed in a way that after getting a degree in this program, you can work as a licensed marriage and family physician.

To apply for this program you must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Note, that this MFT is accredited by the WASC and approved by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA).

#12. California Lutheran University M.S. in Counseling Psychology, Marital and Family Therapy (MFT)

Location: 60 W Olsen Rd Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, United States.

California Lutheran University’s M.S in Counseling Psychology program is also another California MFT Program you can go for.

Hope International University is one of the prestigious universities in California that offers varieties of degree programs with 67% and a student and faculty ratio of 14:1.

This Marital and Family Therapy program can prepare you for a professional marital and family therapist career. This is because during this program you will learn the integration of academic knowledge and clinical skills.

Moreso, this program will provide you with personal insights and communication skills that will help you understand families on an interactive system and attend to the needs of a wide variety of people and settings.

In addition, the opportunity to be in a 12-month practicum placement in the Community Counseling and Parent-Child Study Center at Cal Lutheran will also be given to you.

To apply for this program, you must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

And also, you must have at least 3 credit hours of statistics Additional 9 credit hours of undergraduate or graduate psychology courses.

Note, this MFT is accredited by the WASC.

Read More

#13. Western Seminary Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy

• Location: 1000 South Park Victoria Dr. Milpitas, CA 95035 (408) 356-6889
• 290 Technology Way, Ste. 200 Rocklin, CA 95765

Do you want to build a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist in a biblical way, making Western Seminary your study destination is one of the best decisions you can make?

Western Seminary Marital and Family Therapy program is completely based on a biblical worldview. Based on the Christ-centered approach of the Seminary, theological reflection and spirituality are considered important components in the therapeutic process.

During the academic training, you can participate in small group processing designed to encourage personal exploration of their own areas of need that require spiritual and emotional healing.

To apply for this program you must have a minimum grade-point average 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

The Northwest Commission accredits Western Seminary on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

FAQs

Sources

• https://www.gradschools.com/programs/counseling-psychology/marriage-and-family-counseling?in=california
• https://www.bestcounselingdegrees.net/best/online-masters-marriage-and-family-therapy-degree/
• https://www.mftcalifornia.com/estimated-total-program-tuition

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