Last Updated: January 9, 2026
Marriage and family therapy can be a rewarding career, and there’s a consistent need for it as couples and families navigate their relationships. Becoming a registered practitioner in this industry requires a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy (MFT).
The many MFT programs in California include settings such as religious institutions, educational facilities, and private practices. Many universities in California offer graduate MFT degree programs and are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
2026 California MFT Programs Quick Summary
To become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, you must graduate from a program that meets Business and Professions Code §4980.36. While COAMFTE accreditation is the national gold standard, California students must ensure their program specifically includes the required 60 units and California-specific coursework (like “California Law and Ethics”) to avoid licensure delays.
Consider a Featured Online MFT Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements | Course Information | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Walden University
MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
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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.
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Learn More |
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Walden University
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
HLC Accredited
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✔ Online
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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.
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Northwestern University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited
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✔ Online
GRE Not Required
Bachelor's Required |
Complete your COAMFTE-accredited MFT online program in as few as 21 months. No GRE required.
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Learn More |
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Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
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CACREP-accredited MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Emphases: Marriage & Family Therapy, Christian Counseling, Childhood & Adolescence Disorders, & Trauma.
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Learn More |
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Liberty University
MA: Marriage and Family Therapy
SACSCOC
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✔ Online
Online with required intensives
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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.
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National University
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited
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✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required
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Earn your masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University. COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited.
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Learn More |
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National University
Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited
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✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required
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Earn your Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University. COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited.
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Learn More |
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Mid-America Christian University (MACU)
Master of Science in Counseling - Marital, Couples, and Family Therapy
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✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required
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Transform lives—earn your online, faith-centered MS in Counseling with a focus on Marital, Couples, and Family Therapy in just one six-week course at a time, gaining the skills to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and guide individuals, couples, and families through life’s relational journeys.
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Learn More |
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Colorado Christian University
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Marriage & Family Therapy
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree
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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!
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Learn More |
2026 California Licensure Updates: Permanent Telehealth & Videoconferencing
As of January 1, 2026, the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) has implemented permanent changes under Senate Bill 775.
- Permanent Remote Supervision: Videoconferencing is now a permanent option for all MFT trainees and associates in all settings (non-profit and private practice).
- 60-Day Mandate: Supervisors must conduct a documented assessment of the supervisee’s clinical maturity within the first 60 days of starting remote supervision to ensure videoconferencing is appropriate for their development.
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.
Accreditation in California: COAMFTE vs. CACREP vs. BBS Approval.
When researching MFT programs in California, you will encounter three main “seals of approval.” Understanding the difference is critical to ensuring your degree is valid for licensure and that your credits will be portable if you ever move out of state.
1. BBS-Approved (The Absolute Requirement)
The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) is the state agency that issues your license. For a degree to qualify you for an AMFT registration, it must meet California Business and Professions Code §4980.36.
- Why it matters: Even if a school is prestigious, if their curriculum doesn’t include California-mandated courses (like California Law and Ethics or Spousal/Partner Abuse Assessment), you will face significant delays and may be required to take additional “remedial” classes after graduation.
2. COAMFTE Accredited (The MFT Gold Standard)
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) is the specialized accrediting body for the MFT profession.
- Why it matters: COAMFTE-accredited programs are highly “portable.” If you plan to start your career in Los Angeles but might move to New York or Texas later, a COAMFTE degree is the most widely recognized by other state boards. It signals that your education was focused strictly on Systemic Therapy (treating the family as a unit).
3. CACREP Accredited (The Counseling Standard)
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the largest accrediting body for the counseling field.
- Why it matters: Historically, CACREP was for “General Counseling.” However, many universities now offer CACREP-accredited MFT tracks. California accepts these degrees for licensure as long as the program is also BBS-compliant.
Quick Comparison: Which Should You Choose?
| Goal | Look For |
| I only plan to practice in California. | BBS-Approved (Online or In-person). |
| I want the highest level of MFT-specific training. | COAMFTE Accreditation. |
| I might move states and want the easiest transition. | COAMFTE + BBS-Approved. |
| I want a program with a clinical mental health focus. | CACREP + BBS-Approved. |
- Expert Tip: Always ask a program’s admissions advisor for their “BBS Syllabi Mapping.” Top-tier California programs will have a document ready that shows exactly how their courses align with the California Business and Professions Code.
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.
What Is an MFT License?
An MFT license allows mental health and other therapeutic providers to offer services to individuals, families, groups, and couples. All licenses are monitored by California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences. Practitioners with an MFT licensure help people work through various facets of human behavior, interpersonally, relationally, and socially. A practitioner with an MFT license might work in a nonprofit, educational, healthcare, or private practice setting.
How to Become an MFT in California
When considering how to become an MFT in California, licensure is a critical first step. To obtain an MFT license, applicants should hold a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and become an AMFT. This normally requires paying a fee and completing an application, as well as providing fingerprints, recent photographs, and verification of education.
Applicants must pass a criminal background check and the California Law and Ethics Exam. This must be taken to renew the AMFT registration on an annual basis. After applicants complete 3,000 total supervised work hours in a postgraduate setting, they can take the clinical exam to become a licensed MFT (LMFT). There are slightly different guidelines for those looking to become certified for out-of-state practice, such as different fingerprinting procedures and verification forms.
With the MFT licensure, the practitioner proves:
- They’ve met the minimum competency requirements for the field.
- They can present themselves as licensed in marriage and family therapy.
- They can provide the services as outlined in the law within the scope of marriage and family therapeutic practices.
The steps to obtaining an MFT in California are as follows:
1. Become an MFT trainee
MFT trainees are students who have completed at least 12 semesters in an MFT program and who are prepared to begin clinical experience.
2. Become an MFT associate
After graduating from the MFT program, the student registers with the Board of Behavioral Sciences and continues working towards licensure.
3. Complete hourly requirements
Graduates must complete at least 3,000 hours of face-to-face clinical experience working with patients. These hours must be completed within six years of graduation to qualify for the licensure exam.
The 3,000-Hour Roadmap to California Licensure
| Phase | Hours Applied Toward Licensure | What Counts | Notes / Caps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Degree (Trainee) | Up to 1,300 hours | Supervised experience gained during graduate training (e.g., practicum/fieldwork). | BBS allows a maximum of ~1,300 supervised hours earned while in a qualifying degree program to be applied toward the 3,000-hour requirement. |
| Post-Degree (Associate) | Remaining ~1,700+ hours | Supervised work experience after graduation as a registered Associate (e.g., APCC, AMFT, ASW). | All hours post-degree must be logged under an Associate registration and follow BBS supervision rules. |
| Required Mix of Experience | 3,000 total | A combination of direct clinical counseling, client-centered advocacy, assessment, consultation, and allowable non-clinical work. | BBS rules specify that: • At least a majority of hours must include direct clinical practice (e.g., counseling, therapy). • There is a cap on non-clinical practice (e.g., advocacy, workshops, seminars, paperwork, trainings) that can count toward the total. For MFT specifically, a maximum of ~1,250 non-clinical hours may be counted. |
| Direct Clinical Hours Requirement | Majority of total | Includes direct client contact such as counseling individuals, groups, couples, families. | BBS rules emphasize direct clinical counseling; for LMFTs a significant portion (e.g., a minimum ~1,750 hours) must be direct counseling. |
| Non-Clinical Experience Cap | Limited portion | May consist of supervised seminars, workshops, training, clinical documentation, client-centered advocacy, evaluation/consultation tasks. | This cap varies by license type but ensures that only a portion of the 3,000 hours can be non-clinical. For example, LMFT rules pre-2018 indicated a maximum ~1,250 non-clinical hours toward the 3,000 requirement (direct counseling must make up the rest). |
Quick Notes
- Graduate practicum hours count toward the 3,000 total but are limited to a defined maximum (e.g., up to ~1,300 hours).
- After graduation, as an Associate registrant (APCC, AMFT, ASW, etc.), the remaining hours must be accrued under appropriate supervision.
- The exact mix of direct clinical vs non-clinical experience is regulated to ensure most hours reflect actual therapeutic practice rather than administrative or training activities.
4. Complete law and ethics exams annually
These exams must be taken every year until the graduate passes the licensure exam and becomes licensed as an MFT.
5. Take the licensure exam
The graduate becomes a licensed MFT after taking this exam and passing.
California Board of Behavioral Sciences
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite S-200
Sacramento, CA 95834
Licensure:
- Marriage and Family Therapist and Marriage
- Family Therapist Associate
Relate Career: Become a Counselor in California
The “Associate MFT” (AMFT) Transition: Navigating the 90-Day Rule
Earning your Master’s degree is a massive achievement, but in California, the transition from “student” to “professional” is governed by strict legal timelines. This middle phase—where you are a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)—is when you earn your 3,000 hours.
The “90-Day Rule” (Critical Timing)
California law allows a special “grace period” for new graduates. You can begin counting supervised hours immediately after graduation if and only if you submit your AMFT registration application to the BBS within 90 days of your degree conferral date.
- Pro-Tip: If you miss this 90-day window, you cannot count any hours worked between graduation and the date your registration number is officially issued.
The “Live Scan” Requirement for Post-Degree Hours A common mistake for new graduates is assuming the Board’s Live Scan is enough. To count hours under the 90-day rule, you must also complete a separate employer-required Live Scan before you begin earning hours.
- BBS Mandate: You must retain a copy of the “Request for Live Scan Service” form from your employer. Without this document, the BBS cannot legally count any hours earned before your AMFT registration number was issued.
Your First Year as an AMFT
The first year post-graduation is focused on two primary hurdles:
- The California Law and Ethics Exam: You must take this exam during your first year of AMFT registration. If you do not pass, you can still renew your registration, but you must continue attempting the exam annually to remain compliant.
- Finding a Clinical Supervisor: Whether you work in a non-profit, a “private practice internship,” or a hospital, you must have a supervisor who has been licensed for at least two years and meets the BBS’s continuing education requirements for supervision.
2026 California AMFT Salary Guide
Salaries for Associate MFTs (AMFTs) in California have reached record highs in 2026 due to increased state funding for mental health.
- Statewide Average: $83,892 per year ($40.33/hr).
- Market Range: The majority of AMFTs now earn between $61,700 and $97,200.
- High-Pay Hubs: In cities like San Francisco, Cupertino, and Berkeley, entry-level Associate salaries frequently exceed $104,000.
How Long Can you be an Associate MFT in California?
While the “Six-Year Rule” was the standard, for 2026, the California BBS has proposed a one-time hardship extension for those nearing the end of their initial registration.
– Registration Span: Registrations are generally valid for a total of 6 years (one initial and five renewals).
– Subsequent Numbers: If you reach the 6-year limit without finishing your 3,000 hours, you may apply for a subsequent registration.
– The Private Practice Shift: Historically, subsequent registrants could not work in private practice. However, under new 2026 guidelines, you may apply for a 2-year hardship extension to stay in your private practice site while you finalize your licensure requirements.
2026 Practice Updates: Permanent Telehealth & AI Transparency
The California MFT landscape has undergone significant legal shifts as of January 2026. Students entering the field today must be aware of two critical pieces of legislation:
- Permanent Telehealth Supervision (SB 775): Videoconferencing for clinical supervision is now permanently authorized across all settings (non-profit and private practice). Supervisors must conduct a documented assessment of the supervisee’s clinical maturity within the first 60 days of remote supervision to ensure this format is appropriate for their development.
- AI Disclosure Requirements (AB 489): As an AMFT, if you utilize AI for clinical documentation or treatment planning, you are now legally required to disclose this to your clients. You must ensure that AI outputs are never represented as purely human-generated clinical assessments.
LMFT Careers and Salaries in California
The average annual salary for marriage and family therapists in the U.S. exceeds $56,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). MFT job growth is expected to grow 15% between 2022 and 2023, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
The average annual wage for marriage and family therapists in California exceeds $65,000, according to the BLS. California is the leading employer of MFTs and has the highest concentration of MFT employment, according to the BLS.
Typical LMFT Jobs and Work Environments in California
LMFT positions focus on how humans interact interpersonally, relationally, and socially. These practitioners may work in a nonprofit, educational, healthcare, or private practice settings.
California MFT Stipends & Scholarships: How to Get Up to $35,000
In 2026, California has increased its “Public Mental Health Workforce” budget. Students attending accredited online MFT programs can apply for several high-value funding opportunities:
- HCAI Behavioral Health Scholarship: Offers up to $25,000 for graduate students in exchange for a 12-month service commitment in an underserved area. (Applications typically open in January).
- LA County DMH Graduate Stipend: Provides an $18,500 stipend for final-year MFT students who complete their practicum at a site contracted with the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health.
- HCAI Fellowship Grant: Provides $15,000 per year for students committed to working in behavioral health with children and youth post-graduation.
FAQ for California MFT Programs
Find the Right Online MFT Program in California
Looking for further options for popular online counseling programs, including MFT programs in California? Explore some of the available resources that outline programs accepting applications, detailed course information, and licensure tips. Find out more about getting an MFT education, and start your career in marriage and family therapy today.
Looking learn more about marriage and family therapy? Check out these great resources
- Top MFT Graduate Programs
- How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist
- Affordable Online MFT Programs
Popular Online MFT Programs
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
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.
- MA in Marital and Family Therapy
- PsyD in MFT
- MA in Marital and Family Therapy
- PsyD in MFT
- MA in Marital and Family Therapy
- PsyD in MFT
- MA in Marital and Family Therapy
- PsyD in MFT
- Online MA in Marital and Family Therapy
- MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
- MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
- MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
- MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
- MS - MFT Program
- Online DMFT
- Online DMFT
- PhD in MFT
- M.S. in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy
- MA in Marital and Family Therapy
Go to the list of all California counseling programs.
