13 Best MFT Programs in California
California employs more marriage and family therapists than anywhere else in the country, so finding the best MFT programs here is a smart move. The state’s massive population creates a huge demand for mental health resources, making this career path a solid choice.
The state offers plenty of options to become a marriage and family therapist. Right now, 36 Masters in MFT programs are spread across California. Most students take 2.5 to 3 years after their undergraduate degree to finish the program. The cost varies by a lot – some programs cost under $20,000, while others might run up to $33,000 per year. The investment pays off well though. USC’s numbers tell the story – 92% of their MFT master’s students passed their clinical exams, and 84% landed jobs within six months of getting licensed. The job market looks bright too. California expects a 10.5% growth in marriage and family therapist roles from 2020-2030, beating the average job growth rate.
This guide breaks down the 13 best MFT programs in California for 2025. We reviewed each school’s program quality, accreditation, clinical training opportunities, and costs. Our detailed guide will help you pick the right program for your future career.
Alliant International University
Alliant International University ranks among the best MFT programs in California thanks to its decades-old presence in marriage and family therapy education. The university prepares future therapists through a distinctive program structure and clinical opportunities that take an all-encompassing approach.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy program helps students become professional marriage and family therapists through intensive theoretical and hands-on training. Students learn to integrate treatment models in multicultural environments while focusing on relationships and interaction patterns. The MA MFT degree takes at least two years to finish with 60 required credits, spread across six semesters or 13 terms based on your chosen calendar format. The program teaches various aspects of family therapy such as parent-child therapy, group therapy, trauma and crisis intervention, and behavioral science principles. Graduates find work in hospitals, clinics, social service agencies, churches, educational institutions, and private practices.
Accreditation & modality
The university offers one of California’s few COAMFTE-accredited MA MFT programs. This accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) makes meeting licensure requirements easier across states. Students can choose how they want to study. The program runs at campuses in San Diego, Los Angeles, Irvine, and Sacramento, with a fully online option available. The online MFT program stands out as one of the few nationwide programs with COAMFTE accreditation.
Alliant International University clinical training & practicum
Students benefit from a strong clinical training component. The program requires a minimum one-year practicum commitment where students must log at least 500 direct client contact hours, including 200 hours with couples and families. Students receive 100 hours of individual and group supervision, with 50 hours based on direct observation or audio/videotape. The program requires 100 professional development hours, and students can use up to 25 hours of personal therapy toward this requirement. Students typically accumulate between 600-1,300 hours during practicum, counting toward California’s 3,000-hour MFT licensure requirement.
Tuition
Program costs vary between delivery formats. The on-ground MA MFT program costs $1,389 per unit for the 2024-2025 academic year. The online version costs less at $1,078 per unit. Total program costs reach approximately $73,500 for in-person study and $57,000 for online study, based on the 60-credit requirement. Additional costs include a $130 per semester institutional services fee and other program-specific fees. The National Health Services Corps offers qualified students up to $50,000 in loan reimbursement when they work two years in an underserved area.
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda University stands out with its all-encompassing approach to marriage and family therapy education through its whole-person care philosophy. This makes it one of the best MFT programs in California that values education.
Program overview
Loma Linda offers two Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy programs—one campus-based and one online. Students progress together in a cohort learning model that creates a supportive environment to share academic resources and knowledge. The program’s mission aims to bring “health, healing, wholeness, and hope to individuals, families, and communities through education, research, clinical training, and community service”. Students learn to meet relational needs throughout the lifespan in community and global contexts through this complete approach. The on-campus program lets students pursue a combined degree with Counseling (MS/MS) that has a Drug and Alcohol Counseling certificate. Students interested in healthcare settings can choose a Medical Family Therapy Specialization to work as members of shared healthcare teams that address patients’ biopsychosocial-spiritual needs.
Accreditation & modality
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) fully accredits both campus-based and online programs at Loma Linda. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) provides regional accreditation. California Board of Behavioral Sciences approves these programs, which meet all statutory requirements to get marriage and family therapy licensure. Campus-based students need only 4 additional units to get California Professional Clinical Counselor licensure with their MFT license.
Clinical training & practicum
Clinical training requirements line up with COAMFTE standards. Students must complete 300 direct face-to-face client contact hours, and at least 100 of these must be relational/systemic hours. Students need 100 hours of clinical supervision, with at least 50 hours using observable data (audio, video, or live session). The supervision-to-treatment ratio must be at least one hour of supervision to five hours of clinical contact. Online program students complete their practicum placements in person within their geographic location, and all sites need program approval.
Tuition & affordability
Full-time enrollment costs vary and might change due to inflation in the professional education sector. The MS/MS dual degree program costs approximately $104,302. Students who add Play Therapy or Drug and Alcohol Counseling certificates to their program might qualify to get tuition waivers. Students can get financial help through merit-based awards (teaching fellowships, research assistantships) and need-based aid (loans, work-study programs). Online students pay no quarterly enrollment fees.
Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University’s marriage and family therapy program blends academic excellence with hands-on training. The program ranks among the top marriage and family therapy graduate programs in California.
Program overview
The university offers a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Students can become licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT) or licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCC) in California. The program looks at how socioeconomics, poverty, and social stress affect individuals, couples, and families. Students can pick from three flexible formats. The daytime option at the beautiful Malibu campus takes 2 years with 62 units. The evening format runs at West Los Angeles, Irvine, and Calabasas locations spanning 2.5-3 years with 60-66 units. A fully online option is also available. The curriculum teaches current psychotherapy methods. Graduates learn to diagnose clients, develop clinical cases, create treatment plans, and guide therapeutic processes.
Accreditation & modality
The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) provides regional accreditation to Pepperdine University. The program has offered online learning since 2017, making it available to both working professionals and full-time students. Pepperdine takes a fair approach to admissions. They look at your ability and dedication rather than just test scores.
Clinical training & practicum
Hands-on clinical practice is the key to Pepperdine’s approach to training licensed therapists. Students start their practical training in the second term. The clinical training staff guides them throughout their fieldwork. The university partners with over 130 practicum sites across Southern California. This gives students experience with different types of clients. Small class sizes of 14-25 students create a close-knit learning environment.
Tuition & affordability
The program’s cost varies by format. The daytime program costs $2,030 per unit, while the evening format runs $1,630 per unit. The online program charges $2,030 per unit, totaling approximately $97,440 for 48 units. Students can get financial aid through Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (up to $20,500 yearly) and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans. Most students receive financial help, and Pepperdine GSEP gives out over $6 million in scholarships each year.
University of Southern California (USC)
USC’s Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy program focuses on cultural competency. The program helps graduates revolutionize systems in mental health clinics, schools, and private practice settings.
Program overview
The USC Rossier School of Education’s MS in Marriage and Family Therapy teaches students to handle relationship stressors, family dysfunction, parenting concerns, and behavioral difficulties. Students can complete this 60-unit program in 24 months full-time. The curriculum combines research and self-reflection while focusing on three key themes: therapy skills development, cultural sensitivity with a social justice lens, and research-supported interventions. Students who complete the program and meet state requirements can apply for California’s Marriage and Family Therapy license. Local agencies consistently rate USC graduates as top candidates.
Accreditation & modality
The program meets all California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements. Students can choose between online (synchronous) and in-person options. Online classes run Monday through Thursday during evening hours (Pacific Time). Students attending on-campus take classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays in afternoons and evenings (4:00-6:45 p.m. & 7:00-9:45 p.m.). Summer classes might start earlier, but most begin at 2:00 p.m. or later. USC excels at preparing therapists who can work effectively in both in-person and telehealth settings.
Clinical training & practicum
First-year students take part in videotaped clinical sessions in classroom settings. They then pick placement sites to complete additional hours toward California’s licensing requirement. USC uses Tevera software to make practicum needs easier and streamline the path to licensure, even beyond California. Students need 3,000 supervised clinical work hours, and they usually finish about 1,000 hours before graduation.
Tuition & affordability
The 2025-2026 tuition costs $2,467 per unit, making the total program cost about $148,020 for 60 units. Students must pay a one-time $55 orientation fee, $700 health service fee (6+ units per semester), $40 graduate programming fee (per semester), $11 Norman H. Topping student aid fund fee, and $146 transportation fee. Students can receive scholarships between $15,000 and $30,000 without submitting a separate application. 92% of USC’s MFT graduates pass their clinical exams, and 84% find jobs within six months after licensure.
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University’s MFT program stands out by blending Christian values with professional counseling education. This makes it one of the best MFT programs in California for students seeking faith-based education.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at APU focuses on Marriage and Family Therapy. Students learn through a systemic family psychology approach to become licensed marriage and family therapists. The program gives students Gottman Level 1 training. This training provides research-based assessment and intervention skills based on the Gottman Sound Relationship House Theory. Students get certification and become eligible for Level 2 training after completion. Students can become dual-licensed as both LPCC and MFT by taking just one extra course. They can also earn a certificate in substance use disorders by completing 11 more units – a valuable skill in today’s healthcare field.
Accreditation & modality
The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredits APU, making it eligible for federal funding. The university currently holds “Accredited with Notice of Concern” status as of June 28, 2024. Students can take the master’s program at several locations. These locations are the main Azusa campus and regional campuses in Inland Empire, Orange County, and San Diego. Students must take all their courses at their admitted location throughout the program.
Clinical training & practicum
Students need 300 hours of direct client experience to get MFT licensure. They can complete supervised practicum placements in 12-30 months based on their course track. Students must get one hour of individual or two hours of group supervision for every five hours they spend with clients. They also need to complete 40 hours of individual psychotherapy. Students can replace 20 of these hours with group therapy if they choose.
Tuition & affordability
The Clinical Psychology MFT program will cost $865 per unit in 2025-2026. Students need 63 units, bringing the total tuition to about $54,495. APU gives qualifying students an alumni tuition discount of $500 per term, up to $2,000 total. Military members often get financial help for tuition, housing, and books. Their dependents might qualify too, since APU is both a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School.
California State University, Northridge
California State University, Northridge stands out among top public universities for MFT education. The school’s complete program strikes a perfect balance between academic excellence and hands-on experience, making it one of the best MFT programs in California.
Program overview
Students pursuing the Master of Science in Counseling with an option in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling can qualify for dual licensure as both a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California and most other states. The cutting-edge curriculum highlights strengths-based approaches, diversity, and evidence-based practices while developing the person-of-the-therapist. Students work toward six key learning outcomes that cover family therapy theories, ethics, research, diversity awareness, assessment, and clinical intervention. Graduates can work in public mental health, community agencies, hospitals, schools, private practice, or continue their education with doctoral studies.
Accreditation & modality
The program’s excellence shows in its dual accreditation from the Commission for the Accreditation of Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and the International Accreditation Commission for Systemic Therapy Education (IACSTE). This recognition extends to all states and most countries worldwide. Students learn in cohorts and must take summer classes. Most courses happen in-person, though some hybrid options exist. The flexible schedule includes day and evening classes, which lets students work part-time (10-30 hours per week) during their studies.
Clinical training & practicum
Students begin with extensive practicum experiences in their first year. The second year focuses on intensive field training at community mental health agencies, public mental health settings, and school-based locations. The program needs 600 clinical hours, with at least 500 direct client hours and 100 supervision hours. Each student must also complete 20 hours of personal psychotherapy—split between the first and second years.
Tuition & affordability
CSUN’s public institution status makes it one of the most affordable top marriage and family therapy graduate programs with estimated total program tuition of $20,924. California residents pay $7,824 per academic year in basic tuition and fees for 2025-2026. This combination of quality and affordability makes CSUN a standout choice among the best marriage and family therapy programs in California.
Chapman University
Chapman University stands out with its extensive on-site clinical training facility, making it one of the best MFT programs that offers hands-on therapeutic experience.
Program overview
Chapman University’s Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares students to become licensed marriage and family therapists through a systems-oriented approach. Students must complete 60 semester credits. The program aligns with California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) requirements for licensure in marriage and family therapy and professional clinical counseling. Students learn to become multiculturally competent, ethical therapists who can assess research in the field. The program accepts applications twice a year with deadlines on February 1 for fall and October 1 for spring. Students can create their own study plan that takes 2½ to 3 years to finish.
Accreditation & modality
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) has accredited this program. This makes it one of only twelve marriage and family therapy programs in California with this recognition. COAMFTE accreditation makes it easier to transfer coursework, clinical hours, and credits between accredited programs, which helps with the licensure process when moving to another state. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) provides institutional accreditation to Chapman University.
Clinical training & practicum
Students spend a full year in clinical practicum at the Frances Smith Center for Individual and Family Therapy. This state-of-the-art facility has eight observation rooms with digital recording capabilities. The program requires students to complete 300 hours of direct client contact, with 120 hours dedicated to couples and families. Licensed marriage and family therapists provide weekly individual and group supervision throughout this experience. Students must also complete 16 hours of personal therapy as part of their professional growth.
Tuition & affordability
The 2025-2026 tuition rate is $1,435 per credit, bringing the program’s total cost to about $78,900. Students can access FAFSA-based assistance and fellowships if they’re top candidates. Most full-time practitioners need 2-3 more years after graduation to complete their remaining licensure hours.
University of San Diego
The University of San Diego stands out with its clinically intensive MFT program that provides ground training opportunities. Students seeking hands-on therapeutic preparation consider it among the best MFT programs in California.
Program overview
USD’s Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy needs 51 units of coursework and 6.5 units in continuing education. Students must pass a complete written examination that tests theory, assessment, and legal/ethical knowledge instead of writing a thesis. Fall-start students can finish the program in two full academic years. Spring-start students need at least two and a half years because practicum placements start only in summer and fall. USD looks at problems from a biopsychosocial point of view. This approach sees issues as results of complex interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors. Most students study full-time, but mental health professionals can choose part-time options.
Accreditation & modality
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) accredits the program. COAMFTE is the Department of Education’s standard-setting organization for family therapy. On top of that, it meets all California Board of Behavioral Sciences guidelines for MFT licensure statewide. USD runs this program only on campus.
Clinical training & practicum
The program’s core includes a 12-month clinical practicum. Students complete 500 direct client contact hours, with at least 250 hours working with couples and families. Faculty and site supervisors provide over 200 hours of supervision during this experience. Students work at pre-approved community agencies like Rady Children’s Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry. Most graduates collect about 1,100 hours toward California’s required 3,000 MFT licensure hours. Students must complete 25 hours of personal counseling before they start their practicum.
Tuition & affordability
The School of Leadership and Education Sciences sets graduate program rates at $1,700-$1,748 per unit. This brings the total program tuition to approximately $93,300. New students must pay a $200 deposit. Students can access various scholarships and federal loan options to help with expenses.
Northcentral University
Northcentral University leads the way in distance education for marriage and family therapy. As the first online MFT program to receive prestigious COAMFTE accreditation, it ranks among the best MFT programs in California.
Overview
The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) at Northcentral helps students become skilled at clinical practice through a well-laid-out curriculum designed for working professionals. Students need 45-60 credit hours to complete the program, depending on their state’s licensure requirements. The program pairs students with doctoral faculty members in a unique learning model that emphasizes systemic thought application, ethical practice, and cultural humility. Students can complete the program in as little as 33 months, though the median completion time is 49 months. Graduates gain expertise in working with diverse populations, family systems theory, therapy models, and ethical decision-making.
Accreditation & modality
The MFT program has earned dual accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and International Accreditation Commission for Systemic Therapy Education (IACSTE). This creates a major advantage since all but one of the U.S. states automatically approve graduates from COAMFTE-accredited programs for licensure. Students can start the fully online program any Monday throughout the year.
Clinical training & practicum
The program maintains rigorous clinical training standards despite its online format. Students must complete:
- 500 hours of direct client contact (minimum 250 relational hours)
- 100 hours of supervision (at least 50 face-to-face)
- Weekly 2-hour group supervision sessions
Students find local clinical placements and supervisors who meet specific qualifications. Students might need to pay for local supervision based on their placement location.
Tuition & affordability
The MAMFT program’s total cost ranges from $41,540 to $55,270 depending on the chosen track. Each three-credit course costs $2,646 plus a $105 course materials fee. CAMFT members can benefit from a 15% tuition discount through partnership preferred rates.
Pacific Oaks College
Pacific Oaks College takes pride in its culturally-centered approach to marriage and family therapy education. The college stands out as one of the best MFT programs in California for students who care deeply about social justice and diversity.
Program details
The Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy program combines developmental and family systems theories with evidence-based practice. Students can choose from four unique specializations:
- African American Family Studies
- Latinx Family Studies
- LGBTQIA+ Studies
- Trauma Studies
Students can add trauma studies as a second specialization by making this request before their second semester ends. Those who want dual licensure can qualify for LPCC certification through extra courses that cover career development theories, advanced addiction counseling, and psychopharmacology.
Accreditation & modality
The WASC Senior College and Universities Commission (WSCUC) has accredited the college. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences has approved the program, which meets all SB 33 and BBS requirements. Graduates can take the California MFT licensure exam. Students can choose from three online MFT degrees or traditional in-person options.
Clinical training & practicum
Students need to complete 225 clinical hours before graduation toward the BBS requirement of 3,000 supervised hours for licensing. LPCC students must complete 280 hours. Most students find placements in community agencies throughout Los Angeles and Pasadena. Students must complete 20 hours of personal therapy with a licensed mental health professional before starting practicum. The program requires an additional 16 hours before graduation.
Tuition & affordability
Graduate tuition for 2025-2026 costs $1,288 per credit hour. The total program cost ranges from $69,000 to $78,200 based on chosen specializations. Full-time students who start with zero credits and take 9 credits each semester typically finish the program in eight semesters.
Biola University
Biola University stands out among the best marriage and family therapy programs in California by blending Christian theology with marriage and family therapy education.
Program overview
Biola University’s Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy helps students combine family therapy science with Christian theology. The program uses a scholar/practitioner model that connects theological education with systemic family therapy training. Students build a strong biblical foundation and develop clinical skills to help improve the biopsychosocial, spiritual, and relational well-being of individuals, couples, and families. Students must complete 67 semester credits through courses like Research Methods and Design, Community Mental Health, Family Life Cycle and Aging, and Couples and Sex Therapy. The program requires students to maintain a 3.0 GPA with no grade below B- in all courses.
Accreditation & modality
The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) has accredited Biola University since 1961. Both WSCUC and the Association of Theological Studies (ATS) have accredited the Marriage and Family Therapy Program. The program meets California’s Board of Behavioral Science (BBS) educational requirements, which lets graduates take state licensure examinations. Biola’s main campus in La Mirada, California offers the MA MFT degree.
Clinical training & practicum
Students begin clinical training after passing the three-part Practicum Qualifying Exam (PQE): live skills evaluation, law and ethics exam, and faculty interview. The program requires students to complete at least 300 clinical training hours, including 225 direct client contact hours. Students receive supervision that meets BBS client-to-supervision ratio requirements during practicum. Students must also complete 35 hours of personal psychotherapy with a program-approved licensed therapist before starting Practicum I.
Tuition & affordability
The MFT program’s tuition costs $866 per credit for the 2025-26 academic year, bringing the total program cost to about $58,022. Full-time students taking 9 credits per term pay approximately $7,794 each semester. The yearly cost reaches $45,516 when including housing, food, personal expenses, transportation, books, and fees. Biola helps students manage these costs through various scholarships and loan options.
California State University, Chico
CSU Chico stands out among the best MFT programs in California. Their track record speaks volumes – over 90% of graduates pass the LMFT clinical exam on their first try.
Program overview
CSU Chico offers an MS in Psychology with Marriage and Family Therapy focus. Students need 60 units to graduate from this three-year program that aligns with California’s licensing requirements. The curriculum builds on three essential areas:
- Academic research foundations
- Clinical practice development
- Personal growth and self-care
The program shapes students into “exemplary, passionate, research-informed, culturally-sensitive, client-centered, systemic therapists capable of excelling in a multitude of mental health settings through innovative and experiential learning”. Each cohort welcomes about 18 students, which allows tailored attention and strong connections with faculty.
Accreditation & modality
The program meets all educational requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure under California State law (SB-33; Section 4980.36). Students attend classes weekdays from 8AM-6PM and spend 3-4 days on campus during their first two years. The third year shifts focus to community-based clinical work.
Clinical training & practicum
Students gain practical experience through laboratory courses, on-campus training, and off-campus internships. The university’s strategic collaborations with over 20 agencies result in 100% placement for clinical traineeships. Students typically accumulate 400-500 hours of clinical experience, well beyond the required 225 face-to-face clinical hours for graduation. This gives them a strong start toward the 3,000 hours needed for California licensure.
Tuition & affordability
California residents pay about $10,332 per academic year in graduate tuition and fees. Non-resident students face additional fees of $444 per unit, bringing their annual total to roughly $17,436. Students can access various financial support options including the Graduate Equity Fellowship Program, merit scholarships, and federal aid through FAFSA.
Touro University Worldwide
Touro University Worldwide has earned its place among the best MFT programs in California with a fully online MFT program that focuses on systems-oriented marriage and family therapy. This program works well if you need flexible education options.
Program overview
The online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Touro prepares students through a scientist-practitioner model that helps treat individuals, couples, and families in their relational contexts. The program tackles modern-day problems from both systemic and family/community viewpoints. Graduates can choose several career paths such as marriage and family therapists, couples therapists, addiction counselors, or clinical supervisors. The career outlook looks promising – the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 16% job growth in the field over the next decade with a median annual salary of $58,510.
Accreditation & modality
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) accredits Touro’s MFT program clinical track, which allows licensure in all 50 states. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) provides institutional accreditation to Touro University Worldwide. Students can complete their coursework at their own pace since the program runs completely online with no required login times, exams, cohorts, or live lectures. The program starts six times a year with 8-week sessions. Non-clinical students can finish in 18 months, while those seeking licensure typically complete it in two years.
Clinical training & practicum
Clinical track students must log 300 practicum client contact hours, with at least 100 hours dedicated to couples and family sessions. Students get 100 supervision hours from both site supervisors and TUW supervisors during this time. Students need to find their own practicum sites since TUW doesn’t provide placement services. Raw data requirements include at least 50 hours of live/video sessions, while audio recordings can’t exceed 25 hours.
Tuition & affordability
Touro’s 2025 locked-in tuition rate is $525 per semester credit. Each three-credit course runs for 8 weeks and costs $1,575. The total cost varies by track: non-clinical track costs $28,350, clinical track $37,800, and LPCC track $43,050. Students pay a $25 application fee and a $116 material fee for exam preparation during the capstone course. Students can access various financial help options including tuition assistance programs, scholarships, and student loans.
Choose the Best MFT Program in California
Picking the right MFT program is one of the most crucial steps in your professional path. This piece explores 13 outstanding programs in California that prepare you for a rewarding career in marriage and family therapy. Each program comes with its own strengths and specializations.
California leads the nation in MFT practice, making it the perfect place to study. Programs here match every need. CSU Northridge offers affordability at $20,924, USC boasts a 92% exam pass rate with excellent clinical training, and Pacific Oaks provides cultural specializations. You’ll find a program that fits your goals.
Your program’s accreditation status needs careful thought. Programs with COAMFTE accreditation like Alliant, Loma Linda, and Touro give you better options for interstate license mobility. Many schools also let you pursue dual licensure as both an LMFT and LPCC, which opens more career doors after graduation.
Clinical training requirements vary between schools. Chapman University provides on-site training facilities, while other schools maintain strong community partnerships. The practicum structure should match your learning style and career goals before you commit to any program.
Program format plays a key role in your decision. Campus-based programs give you face-to-face interaction and networking chances. Online options from schools like Northcentral University work better for professionals who need flexibility with work or family commitments.
The job outlook for marriage and family therapists looks bright, with 10.5% growth expected in California through 2030. Tuition costs range from $20,000 at state universities to $148,000 at private schools. The strong job market and meaningful work make this education worth the investment.
The best program depends on what matters most to you – academic excellence, clinical opportunities, specialty options, or cost. With this complete information, you can take your next step toward becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in California with confidence.