Texas MFT Programs

The state of Texas hosts six accredited universities in marriage and family therapy. Many of these institutions are religious-based, providing a unique education experience and opening career opportunities at churches, health care facilities, and more.

While the Lone Star State holds strong employment in this industry, pay is just below the countrywide median average with the best opportunities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.

Graduates completing MFT programs should consider careers in marriage counseling, case managers, and clinical program directors. More info on available MFT programs and licensure below.

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MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine

COAMFTE Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapist Degrees in Texas

Prospective students should be looking at programs designated by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). This accrediting agency reviews graduate programs and determines if they meet quality standards.

Some institutions will receive accreditation on a conditional basis even if certain standards have not been met, but the school and public are informed of all specifics and improvements that can be made to meet these requirements in later reviews.

Programs looking to be accredited must perform a self-review, then a group of peers and COAMFTE will do further evaluation to determine if the university qualifies. The process generally takes two years to complete.

Consider a Featured Online MFT Program

Online COAMFTE-Accredited MFT Programs in Texas

Our Lady of the Lake University's Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy Online

This independent Catholic institution provides a Master's program in Marriage and Family Therapy on-campus at their Houston and San Antonio locations, and in addition, there is an online program through the Rio Grande Valley location. The online program is a collaboration with the San Antonio campus and students will meet synchronously for live lectures.

There are 60 total credit hours needed to fulfill the curriculum, and it requires two years and full-time admittance. An additional certification from the Psychology Department provides a way for students to become fluent in English and Spanish to work with those that can only speak the latter language and still collaborate with other workers. An immersion can be taken in a Spanish-speaking country to gain real-world experience.

COAMFTE Accredited MFT Programs in Texas

Abilene Christian University’s Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

The Christian-focused university offers the Master of Marriage and Family Therapy through the College of Biblical Studies, and it is available online. Students opting for that format can pick one of the following tracks to pursue:

  • Child and Adolescent Therapy
  • Medical Family Therapy
  • Treatment of Trauma
  • A generalized track

By completing this program, eventual graduates should demonstrate what they have learned by practicing systemic therapy, treatment, and diagnosis. A 500-hour internship is required in any format of the program, and that goes with a 60-credit hour curriculum. Students taking the course on-campus will be admitted full-time and can complete the program within two years, but the online format is expected to take 33 months.

Texas Tech University: Master of Science in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy

One of the most notable institutions in the state of Texas offers a Master of Science in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy. This program is geared toward those that are either looking to pursue a doctorate in the future or are wanting to become a licensed marriage therapist or chemical dependency counselor.

Other subjects that students will be prepared for include helping military marriages piece together issues, domestic violence in the household, and how to live with family members that have a handicap. Students will also be educated in ethical practices and statistical analysis, and practicum takes place each semester to fulfill the clinical experience obligations. A course path with a thesis option is ideal for those looking into doctoral studies.

LMFT Licensure in Texas

The licensure process for MFTs is completed through Texas Health and Human Services. Holding a Master’s degree is required from an institution that is accredited by the COAMFTE. There are conditional measures that need to be met for alternative programs.

Applicants must pass examination by the Association of Martial and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards, but they can be exempt if already licensed in the state of California or have been grandfathered in from a prior examination. Once requirements such as obtaining the Master’s degree, submitting college transcripts, and completing 3,000 clinical practicum hours, licensure can be applied for. At least 15 hours of ongoing education is needed to retain the licensure, and any expired license after one year cannot be renewed.

Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists

Professional Licensing and Certification Dept of State Health Services MC-1982
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347
Website
LMFT Licensure:

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

LMFT Careers and Salaries in Texas

There are over 770 employees that specialize in marriage and family therapy within the state of Texas according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The mean average salary across the state is around $45,820, which is lower than the national level. However, those above the 90th percentile are making over the $70,000 mark. A number of family and relationship therapy opportunities are available in the state, with popular employment opportunities at Behavior Frontiers in Dallas, Kingwood Pines Hospital in Houston, and Texas Health Resources at Arlington.

Popular Online MFT Programs

Liberty University 🗹 Online

Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online

University of Wisconsin – Superior 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters


Campus-Based COAMFTE Accredited Texas 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 Texas. You can view online COAMFTE accredited MFT counseling programs or all Texas counseling degrees.

Abilene Christian University
COAMFTE
  • Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
St. Mary's University
COAMFTE
  • PhD in MFT
Texas Tech University
COAMFTE
  • MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • PhD in MFT
Texas Wesleyan University
COAMFTE
  • MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
Texas Woman's University
COAMFTE
  • MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • PhD in MFT
University of Houston Clear Lake
COAMFTE
  • MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
+ Go to the list of all Texas counseling programs.
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