Best Online Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in California

Consider a Featured Online MFT Program

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School and Program Information	Online Program? Entry Requirements	Course Information
Walden University MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online	Learn how to support the well-being of your students as they cope with complex personal and family challenges. Explore human sexual development as well as the relationships and family dynamics impacting young people’s lives today. Build the cross-cultural competencies and skills required to understand family structures, life-cycle dynamics, intergenerational influences, and healthy family functioning. The optional accelerated track is designed for students who are interested in taking three courses per quarter and potentially finishing their program in a shorter time frame. The accelerated track has the same curriculum, residencies, and field experience requirements as the general track, but requires a strong time commitment and is best suited for students who can dedicate themselves full time to their studies. Learn More
Walden University PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling HLC Accredited	✔ Online	In the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with a specialization in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, you’ll look at human sexuality and empirically supported treatments and techniques for promoting the well-being of couples. Build competencies for working effectively with children and adolescents. You’ll also learn how to assess procedures for evaluating research in this area—and how to apply these findings to your practice. Learn More
National University Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy COAMFTE Accredited	✔ Online GRE Scores Not Required	Earn your masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University. COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited. Learn More
National University Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy COAMFTE Accredited	✔ Online GRE Scores Not Required	Earn your Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University. COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited. Learn More
Grand Canyon University Master's Degree in Counseling HLC and NASAC Accredited	✔ Online	Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree emphases include: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, Christian Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Trauma. Designed to meet the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. Learn More
Liberty University MA: Marriage and Family Therapy SACSCOC	✔ Online Online with required intensives	A Liberty University marriage and family therapy master’s program online can prepare you to help individuals, couples, and families find healing through counseling. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More
Colorado Christian University Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Marriage & Family Therapy CACREP Accredited	✔ Online Bachelor's Degree	CCU's online Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Marriage & Family Therapy program prepares you to address couples and families in a clinical environment. Required to attend a five-day on-campus residency held each summer of the program. Apply for free! Learn More
University of West Alabama Online MS in Family Counseling	✔ Online Flexible online environment	Programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Guidance and Counseling Learn More
Campbellsville University Master of Marriage and Family Therapy	✔ Online GRE Scores Not Required	Campbellsville University's online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy offers a flexible and affordable pathway to a rewarding career in family counseling. Built and taught by expert therapists, this COAMFTE-accredited program features online courses and a hands-on practicum experience. Graduate as soon as two years, ready to pursue state licensure. No application fee. Learn more today. Learn More

To become a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of California, applicants must become an associate MFT (AMFT) and perform over 3,000 hours of supervised work. Several paths are available to earn the necessary academic credentials, specifically through online MFT programs in California. Take a look at some of the following programs: 

Benefits of an Online MFT Program in California

Choosing an online Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program in California offers a unique blend of flexibility, quality education, and access to diverse clinical experiences. Here are some key benefits:

• Flexibility and Accessibility: Online programs provide the convenience of learning from anywhere, ideal for students balancing other commitments. This flexibility allows for a more personalized and manageable approach to education.
• Quality Education with Diverse Perspectives: California's diverse population offers a rich learning environment. Online programs often bring together students and faculty from various backgrounds, fostering a broader understanding of different family dynamics and cultural contexts in therapy.
• State-Specific Training: Programs based in California are tailored to meet the state's specific licensure requirements. This is crucial for students intending to practice in California, as they receive education and training that align directly with state regulations and professional standards.
• Networking Opportunities: California is home to a large community of mental health professionals. Online programs often include virtual networking opportunities, guest lectures, and webinars with practicing MFTs, providing valuable connections and insights into the local professional landscape.
• Access to Diverse Clinical Placements: Though the coursework is online, practical training is a critical component. California's diverse communities offer a wide range of clinical placement opportunities, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in various settings.
• Potential for Career Growth: California has a high demand for qualified MFTs, partly due to its large and diverse population. Graduates of online MFT programs in California may find ample opportunities for career growth and specialization in areas such as tech-related stress, multicultural family dynamics, and more.

An online MFT program in California not only equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become competent therapists but also provides unique advantages due to the state's diverse and dynamic environment.

Accredited Online MFT Programs in California

There are several universities with accredited online MFT programs in California. Alliant International University is one example, offering a Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy.

Alliant International University's MA in Marital and Family Therapy Degree

Alliant International University's Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy is a 60-credit hour curriculum available in a virtual format, one of only a handful of COAMFTE-accredited programs to offer this. Example courses include Diversity and the Family, Introduction to Psychopathology, and Trauma and Crisis Intervention.

There's a special accredited concentration, Chemical Dependency, for students who want to work with patients struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.

Students will have 500 hours of hands-on training, which should prepare them to enter the workforce after graduation. This program normally takes at least two years to complete, and students can choose between the semester or term format.

Other COAMFTE-Accredited California MFT Programs

Additional California MFT programs that are available online include the following:

Northcentral University's MA in Marriage and Family Therapy

Northcentral University offers a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, which can prepare students to help families as licensed therapists. The program also helps ensure that a graduate's therapy practice follows ethical standards and is culturally sensitive so that all patients feel comfortable in their sessions.

There are many specializations to customize the degree, including LGBTQ Couple and Family Therapy, Systemic Treatment of Addictions, Child and Adolescent Family Therapy, and Systemic Sex Therapy. At least 45 credit hours are needed to complete the program; this can be accomplished in approximately 33 months. New classes begin every Monday, providing easy flexibility for students to begin the program.

San Diego State University's MS in Marriage and Family Therapy

San Diego State University's Department of Counseling and School Psychology offers an MFT program specifically for full-time students. The program normally takes 2.5 years to complete, with three summers that start in June of the first school year and finish at the end of August.

Students can gain clinical experience through practicum sessions and therapy training, working with diverse cultural groups and exploring theories in marriage and family therapy. Graduates have commonly worked at nonprofit organizations, healthcare organizations, and private practices after completing this program. Example courses include Interventions with Children & Adolescents, Multicultural Counseling, and Psychopharmacology.

In line with state regulations, all approved MFT programs must include in-person practicum experience as outlined below:

Programs must have at least:

• Six semesters or nine quarters of direct client contact practicum in a supervised clinical environment.
• No less than 150 hours of face-to-face client experience with individuals, families, couples, or other groups.

In addition to 150 hours of face-to-face practical experience, there must also be 75 hours of either:

• Client-focused advocacy, or
• Additional face-to-face counseling experience with the individuals, groups, families, or couples from the initial 150 hours requirement.

Many of California's MFT licensing programs require students to find practicum placements for these requirements on their own within their home community. In addition, other programs have in-person meeting requirements. Some programs may only have a few in-person meetings, whereas others have regular in-person meeting requirements. Students should choose programs based on their own personal availability and ability to travel so these in-person meeting requirements don't pose a hardship on the student or their family.

Popular Online MFT Programs

Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online

Master's Degree in Counseling

NASAC Accredited

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Liberty University 🗹 Online

MA: Marriage and Family Therapy

SACSCOC Accredited

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Campus-Based COAMFTE Accredited California MFT Degrees

The COAMFTE (Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education) is the top accrediting board for MFT programs. Below is a list of COAMFTE accredited MFT programs in California. You can view online COAMFTE accredited MFT counseling programs or all California counseling degrees.