15 Best Online MFT Programs in California: No GRE Required (2025 Guide)

Want to find online MFT programs in California without the GRE hassle? You’re making a smart career move. Marriage and family therapy jobs are projected to grow an impressive 16% between 2023 and 2033 – way ahead of most other careers.

The career outlook looks promising. California MFTs earn over $65,000 annually on average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. You’ll find 28 Online Master’s in MFT programs throughout the state that give you plenty of options. These online programs maintain high standards and require at least 150 hours of face-to-face client experience and 75 hours of client-centered advocacy or additional counseling. The best marriage and family therapy programs in California help you complete the 3,000+ supervised work hours required for licensure.

California’s best online MFT programs let you balance your life while getting quality education. More universities are dropping GRE requirements, making these programs available to more people. This change comes at the right time as California’s large and diverse population just needs qualified therapists. These COAMFTE-accredited programs can help you succeed in this growing field, whether you’re starting out or advancing your career.

Northcentral University

Northcentral University leads the way among online MFT programs in California. It stands out as the first distance education program with COAMFTE accreditation. The San Diego-based program delivers convenient online learning with comprehensive clinical training.

Northcentral University Key Features

NCU’s Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program gives students unique advantages:

• One-on-one learning with 100% doctoral faculty
• Clinical practicum starts after completing just 9 credit hours
• Students can start any Monday throughout the year
• California Licensure Track comes pre-approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences
• CAMFT members get a 15% tuition discount

The program blends online coursework with hands-on clinical training. Students work directly with clients in their local communities under qualified local supervision.

Accreditation

The Marriage and Family Therapy program has earned the prestigious Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) accreditation. This credential carries significant weight since all but one of these states automatically approve COAMFTE-accredited program graduates for licensure. The university also holds regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Tuition and Duration

Students need 45-60 credit hours based on state licensure requirements. Each credit hour costs around $850, with total program costs ranging from $41,540 to $55,270. Students can complete the program in 33 months on the preferred schedule, though typical completion takes 59 months. NCU gives students up to 6 years to finish.

Who Is This Program Best For?

Working professionals who need flexibility while getting quality education thrive in this program. The program serves:

• Military personnel at home, on base, or abroad
• Students who need degree portability between states
• Working professionals who can’t attend campus-based programs
• Students looking for a program without GRE requirements that meets California licensure standards

NCU understands professionals often move between states during their careers. The program design helps students get licensed across states easily.

Alliant International University

Alliant International University stands out in California by offering one of the few COAMFTE-accredited Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy programs. Students can choose between online and on-campus options, giving them flexibility to complete their education.

Key Features

The MA in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Alliant International University has these distinctive elements:

• Detailed online COAMFTE-accredited curriculum with 60 credit hours
• Campus locations in Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento
• Real-world clinical training with 500 hours of direct client contact, 250 supervision hours, and 100 professional development hours
• Certificate options in Chemical Dependency, Gerontology, Infant-Preschooler Mental Health, Latin American Family Therapy, and LGBT Human Services
• Strong focus on cultural competency to prepare graduates who work with diverse client populations

Students learn about parent-child therapy, couples therapy, MFT theories, sex therapy, and other mental health-related topics.

Accreditation

Alliant has earned the prestigious Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) accreditation. This recognition helps students complete licensure requirements and move between states more easily. The university’s PsyD in Marriage and Family Therapy was the first COAMFTE-accredited PsyD program in the country.

Tuition and Duration

The on-campus MA in Marital and Family Therapy program costs $1,434 per unit for 2025. Students can complete the 60-credit program in two years minimum. Online students pay a lower rate of $1,113 per unit. The program structure allows completion in six semesters or 13 terms based on student preference.

Who Is This Program Best For?

This program works best for:

• Students who need flexibility between online and on-campus learning
• Those planning to practice in different states and need license portability
• Therapists wanting specialized certificate programs
• Students aiming to meet California MFT licensure requirements
• People interested in loan reimbursement programs (up to $50,000 from National Health Services Corps)

Graduates learn to support families, couples, and individuals through a culturally responsive therapy approach.

Bethel University

Bethel University offers a unique online MFT program that combines Christian theology with clinical practice. Students can become licensed marriage and family therapists through a hybrid format. The program balances online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences.

Key Features

The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program shines through these distinctive elements:

• Most coursework happens online with a one-week intensive residency
• Clinical theory and practice blend seamlessly with Christian theology
• Students complete 380 required hours of detailed clinical training (300 client hours, 80 supervision hours)
• Students can meet nationwide licensure requirements without moving
• The program emphasizes cultural competency and social justice
• Working professionals benefit from evening classes and flexible schedules

Most students pass their national licensing exam on their first try.

Accreditation

The university maintains several prestigious accreditations:

• Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
• Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
• Higher Learning Commission (continuous accreditation since 1959)
• California Board of Behavioral Sciences approval

These credentials validate the program’s high standards in theological education and marriage and family therapy training.

Tuition and Duration

The MA in Marriage and Family Therapy program includes:

• 60 total credits
• $541 per credit hour tuition rate
• Total program cost around $33,000
• Full-time students finish in 3 years, part-time in 4 years

Who Is This Program Best For?

The program works great for:

• Students who want to blend faith with therapeutic practice
• Professionals needing schedule flexibility
• People currently serving in ministry roles
• Those looking for nationwide career options without relocating
• Students who value both online convenience and face-to-face learning

Bethel’s focus on cultural competency, social justice awareness, and faith integration helps graduates succeed in a variety of settings.

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University delivers a unique faith-based approach to marriage and family therapy education through its online and on-campus MFT programs in California. The program blends spiritual aspects with clinical practice, reflecting its Seventh-day Adventist foundation.

Key Features

The MS in Marital and Family Therapy program stands out with several advantages:

• Students learn in cohorts that provide peer support and shared academic resources
• Students can enhance their skills with specialized Medical Family Therapy training in healthcare settings
• The campus program offers combined degrees including MFT with Counseling plus Drug and Alcohol Counseling certificate
• The curriculum prepares students to work with military personnel and veterans
• Students need a 3.0 GPA minimum with no GRE requirements or course prerequisites
• The curriculum emphasizes professional self-care throughout the program

The program equips students to handle various mental health challenges such as co-occurring disorders, crisis care, and chronic mental illness.

Accreditation

The program has earned full Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) accreditation, making it one of the most prominent MFT programs in California. This national accreditation confirms detailed academic and clinical training. The university also maintains regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission.

Tuition and Duration

Students must complete 90 quarter units with tuition at $845 per unit and an additional $50 per clinical training/non-academic unit (15 units). Full-time students complete the on-campus program in 2 years or the online program in 2.5 years. Part-time students take 3 years (on-campus) or 3.5 years (online). Students have five years to finish their degree.

Who Is This Program Best For?

The program matches students who want:

• A faith-integrated approach to therapeutic practice
• Multidisciplinary training with LLU Medical Center resources
• Priority interviews for behavioral health positions at Loma Linda University Health after graduation
• California licensure preparation without GRE requirements

Pacific Oaks College

Pacific Oaks College brings Quaker traditions of social justice and inclusion to life through its specialized online MFT program. The program stands out with its trauma studies focus. Students learn marriage and family therapy while gaining deep insights into trauma diagnosis and intervention. This prepares them to work in mental health settings of all types.

Key Features

The Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy: Trauma Studies program highlights these distinctive elements:

• 100% online delivery specifically for California residents
• Supervised field experiences through partnerships with mental health facilities across Los Angeles and Pasadena
• Curriculum that meets all SB 33 and Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) requirements
• Optional LPCC Specialization pathway to earn dual licensure
• Comprehensive, inclusive curriculum that emphasizes trauma diagnosis and intervention
• Personal therapy requirement of 36 hours (20 hours before practicum, 16 hours before graduation)

Pacific Oaks’ foundation remains strong in Quaker values that champion respect, diversity, and social justice.

Accreditation

The WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission (WSCUC) has accredited Pacific Oaks College. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has approved their teacher credentialing programs. The MFT program prepares students to take the California MFT exam and obtain licensure through the California BBS.

Tuition and Duration

The program includes:

• 60-68 credits to graduate
• $1,210-$1,250 per credit hour (2024-2025 rates)
• Full-time students complete in two-and-a-half years
• Minimum 225 clinical hours (part of the 3,000 supervised hours needed for California licensing)

Who Is This Program Best For?

This program serves:

• Students who want to specialize in trauma-focused therapy
• People committed to helping populations affected by violence, neglect, assault, or abandonment
• Future therapists planning to practice in California
• Those who believe in a social justice approach to therapy
• Students who need online program flexibility without compromising clinical training

Graduates can build careers in mental health facilities, veterans’ hospitals, gang intervention programs, domestic abuse centers, and counseling settings of all types.

Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide is among the top online MFT programs in California with its virtual learning platform and specialized tracks that align with various career paths. The program is part of the Touro College and University System and shapes students into competent, ethical, and culturally aware marriage and family therapists.

Key Features

The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program at TUW has several distinctive qualities:

• Students can choose from Clinical (72 credits), Non-Clinical (54 credits), and Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling (82 credits) tracks
• A flexible online format without mandatory login times or live lectures
• The program runs eight-week courses with six annual start dates
• Students learn through a scientist-practitioner model to make unique contributions to the field
• All materials are available online with no required textbooks
• The program has California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) approval for MFT and LPCC licensure

The clinical track at TUW requires 300 total practicum client contact hours, and students must dedicate at least 100 hours to couples and family therapy.

Accreditation

The program’s clinical track holds the prestigious Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) accreditation through May 2026. COAMFTE accreditation represents the highest standard for MFT programs. The WASC Senior College and University Commission provides regional accreditation to the university.

Tuition and Duration

When compared to other best online MFT programs California has to offer, TUW’s pricing remains competitive:

• Each credit costs $525 per semester
• A 3-credit course amounts to $1,575
• Complete program costs range from $28,350 (Non-Clinical), $37,800 (Clinical), to $43,050 (LPCC Track)
• Students pay a one-time $25 application fee
• The Capstone course includes a $116 material fee for exam preparation

Students studying full-time can complete the program in 18 months (Non-Clinical), 2 years (Clinical), or 2.5 years (LPCC). The maximum time allowed is 5 years.

Who Is This Program Best For?

The program works particularly well for:

• Professionals who need a flexible, asynchronous learning format
• Students planning to pursue MFT or LPCC licensure in California
• Those looking for a strongly accredited program without GRE requirements
• People who prefer self-paced study without group projects or scheduled logins
• Students seeking an affordable path to become a marriage and family therapist

Graduates can pursue careers as marriage and family therapists, couples therapists, family therapists, addiction counselors, or clinical supervisors.

Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University provides multiple paths to become a marriage and family therapist. The programs come in flexible formats that adapt to students’ needs. The institution sits in beautiful Southern California and consistently ranks among the best MFT programs in California. It combines academic excellence with outstanding clinical training.

Key Features

The MA in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine stands out with:

• Three format choices: daytime (Malibu), evening (West LA, Irvine, Calabasas), or fully online
• A practitioner-scholar model that combines thorough coursework with clinical training
• Clinical practice starts in the second term with access to 130+ practicum sites
• No GRE requirement for admission
• A curriculum that examines how socioeconomics and poverty affect families and couples
• Faculty members who run private practices while teaching

Class sizes stay small with 14 students (online) to 25 students (evening format), which ensures personal attention throughout your learning experience.

Accreditation

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) has granted Pepperdine University regional accreditation. In spite of that, the program lacks specialized programmatic accreditation from COAMFTE.

Tuition and Duration

Each format has different costs:

• Daytime: $2,030 per unit (62 units total) – 2 years to complete
• Evening: $1,630 per unit (60-66 units) – 2.5-3 years to complete
• Online: $1,945 per unit (62-68 units) – 27 months to complete

The total program cost ranges from $97,800 to $125,860 based on your chosen format.

Who Is This Program Best For?

The program works best for:

• Students who love the beautiful Malibu campus with Pacific Ocean views
• Working professionals who need evening or online flexibility
• Those who want early hands-on clinical experience (starting second term)
• Students who value learning from practicing therapist faculty
• People planning to get LMFT or LPCC licensure in California

California Southern University

California Southern University provides a flexible path to earn your Marriage and Family Therapy credentials through its online curriculum and self-paced options. The program’s asynchronous format eliminates classroom attendance and scheduled meetings.

Key Features

The MA in Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at CalSouthern stands out with these features:

• A fully online university that doesn’t require travel or classroom attendance
• Students can begin on the first day of any month with no fixed login times
• Students complete coursework at their own pace while managing other commitments
• The California Board of Behavioral Sciences approved dual LMFT/LPCC track
• One-on-one mentoring sessions with faculty members
• Students complete 300 hours of practicum experience

Students must complete 16 hours of personal therapy between enrollment and practicum eligibility.

Accreditation

The American InterContinental University System includes CalSouthern as a member. The Higher Learning Commission, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, accredits this system. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences has approved the program’s educational requirements for MFT and LPCC licensure.

Tuition and Duration

Program requirements include:

• 60 credits total
• Each credit costs $645
• The total program costs approximately $32,700
• Full-time students complete the program in 4 years
• Course terms last 8 weeks, typically one course at a time

Each course requires 15-20 hours weekly. Your tuition rate stays constant throughout continuous enrollment.

Who Is This Program Best For?

The program suits:

• Professionals who need flexible schedules
• Students pursuing California licensure from any location
• Self-motivated learners who prefer independent study
• Students looking for stable tuition rates
• Those who value direct faculty guidance
• Candidates seeking both LMFT and LPCC credentials

Fresno Pacific University

Fresno Pacific University’s MFT program blends theological principles with clinical training to create faith-centered therapists ready for practice settings of all types. Under Dr. Cynthia McGrady’s leadership, the program stands out by weaving Christian values into clinical counseling theory.

Key Features

The Marriage and Family Therapy program offers several unique benefits:

• Evening classes meet once weekly (2-5pm or 6-9pm timeslots)
• Class sizes stay small with 10-25 students
• Students can start in Fall (August) or Spring (January)
• Students complete 300 clinical hours that count toward California licensure
• A detailed thesis requires a 25-30 page advanced family paper
• Students receive financial help for personal therapy during practicum
• The program has pre-approved clinical practicum site collaborations

The curriculum weaves Christian theology with psychological theory, character development, and professional practice. Students participate in personal counseling to gain self-awareness and understand the therapeutic process better.

Accreditation

The MFT program holds accreditation from both the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). These credentials validate the program’s high standards in theological education and clinical preparation. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences has approved the program, confirming it meets all state licensure requirements.

Tuition and Duration

The program includes:

• 65 minimum units required to graduate
• Graduate tuition for MFT/Counseling courses: $610 per unit (2024-25) and $590 per unit (2025-26)
• Student services fee: $180 (2024-25) and $175 (2025-26)
• Total program cost runs approximately $35,750
• Students finish in 3 years full-time or 4 years part-time
• Starting in Spring adds six months to completion time

Who Is This Program Best For?

The program works best for:

• Students who want to combine theology with psychological practice
• People dedicated to Christian ministry and service
• Those who need evening classes to balance work and life
• Students who thrive in small class settings
• Future therapists drawn to faith-based treatment and church environments

Graduates work successfully in community mental health, business, private practice, research, church, missions, and other settings.

Palo Alto University

Palo Alto University stands out among online MFT programs in California with its innovative videoconference-based learning model. Students get the best of both worlds – convenient distance education and meaningful face-to-face connections. This creates a strong educational foundation for future therapists.

Key Features

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers several unique advantages:

• Live videoconference classes each week let you interact with professors and peers in real time
• Classes scheduled in the evening so you can work during the day
• Strong emphasis on culture, social justice, and family dynamics
• Students can choose between fully online or hybrid learning paths
• Online students attend two mandatory in-person residencies to build clinical skills
• Full approval from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Graduates qualify to pursue both Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licenses.

Accreditation

The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) has accredited Palo Alto University. The MA in Counseling program’s two specializations – Marriage, Family and Child emphasis and Clinical Mental Health emphasis – have held CACREP accreditation since January 2017 with an 8-year validation period.

Tuition and Duration

Students should consider these program costs and requirements:

• MA in CMHC costs $676 per unit ($615 tuition + $61 fees)
• Total yearly expenses including housing run about $33,801 for four quarters
• Students need 9-11 quarters to complete coursework
• You can finish the program in 2 years and 3 months at minimum
• Clinical work requires at least 700 hours of counseling experience (280 direct client hours)

Who Is This Program Best For?

This program works well if you:

• Want to keep your day job during the first year
• Prefer live video interactions over self-paced online learning
• Care about social justice and multicultural therapy approaches
• Plan to get MFT or LPCC licensure in California
• Value small class sizes and personal attention

University of Massachusetts Global

UMass Global, which was Brandman University, offers a online MFT program in California that combines marriage and family therapy with professional clinical counseling. The program gives busy professionals flexible options. Students graduate with versatile skills ready to pursue various mental health careers.

Key Features

The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program stands out with these advantages:

• A dual emphasis option that blends MFT and Professional Clinical Counseling preparation
• Online coursework combined with hands-on clinical learning experiences
• A Clinical Support Team that helps secure practicum placements
• A well-laid-out curriculum with didactic and practicum sections
• Training focused on systemic/relationship approaches with cultural humility
• A complete transfer credit policy that accepts up to 12 semester credits

Students complete 400 clinical hours in the MFT track or 500 hours in the dual MFT/PCC track.

Accreditation

The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) provides regional accreditation to the university. This accreditation will give a solid foundation that meets quality standards for higher education institutions. Students can prepare for California licensure requirements set by the Board of Behavioral Sciences through this program.

Tuition and Duration

Program requirements include:

• 60 credits for MFT track or 69 credits for dual MFT/PCC emphasis
• $782 per credit hour (estimated from total program cost)
• $46,920 total program cost
• Full-time students typically finish in 2.5 years[454]
• Students must complete the program within 7 years[454]

Who Is This Program Best For?

This program serves:

• Professionals who want both MFT and PCC licenses
• Students looking for online flexibility with practical experience
• People planning careers in community clinics, child welfare, court mediation, or private practice[452]
• Working adults needing placement support
• California residents pursuing state licensure requirements

Hope International University

Hope International University stands out among MFT programs in California with its unique Christian-centered approach to marriage and family therapy education. Located in Fullerton, HIU delivers a challenging program that blends faith principles with professional counseling development. Students become therapists who excel in clinical practice while embracing spiritual understanding.

Key Features

HIU’s Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program shines with these distinctive elements:

• A seamless blend of Christian principles with marriage and family therapy theory and practice
• Expert faculty who guide professional growth through academic work, clinical courses, and self-assessment
• A required 300 clinical hours that count toward California licensure requirements
• Classes that run 8-16 weeks with flexible morning, afternoon, and evening schedules
• The convenient Hope Counseling Center right on campus that provides clinical training
• Strong focus on personal growth that encourages self-reflection throughout the program

Students learn to address relational mental health issues with individuals, couples, and families using a systemic approach while staying true to Christian principles.

Accreditation

HIU boasts several prestigious accreditations. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) has recognized HIU since 1969. The MFT program holds accreditation from the Commission of Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). The International Accreditation Commission for Systemic Therapy Education (IACSTE) has also certified the program. These credentials make it easier for graduates to transfer their licenses between states.

Tuition and Duration

The MFT program requirements include:

• 60 units to graduate
• $775 per unit (2025-2026 rates)
• Total program cost around $46,500
• Student fees: $500 for online students, $650 for on-campus students
• $1,200 fee when starting clinical practice
• $200 for California-required seminars

Students typically complete the program in 2-3 years with various scheduling options.

Who Is This Program Best For?

This program works great for:

• Students who want to combine Christian faith with professional therapy training
• Future therapists planning to work in California (the program meets all BBS requirements)
• People who need morning, afternoon, or evening class options
• Students looking for growth in academic, clinical, and spiritual areas
• Future therapists who want to serve diverse communities with multicultural training

Vanguard University

Vanguard University fosters a supportive Christian learning environment in its Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program. Students can choose between online and on-campus pathways to become skilled therapists. The program focuses on therapeutic relationship development and provides comprehensive training for California licensure.

Key Features

The MS in Clinical Psychology program stands out with these distinctive elements:

• Both online and on-campus options with late afternoon/evening classes that fit working professionals’ schedules
• Small, intimate class sizes (15 students maximum for clinical courses, 8 for practicum)
• Faith integration approach that connects Christian principles with psychological practice
• “Journeys at Vanguard” on-site counseling center provides practicum opportunities
• Program completion takes 2-4 years based on your schedule
• Student growth and self-awareness develop through required personal therapy (30 sessions)

The curriculum explores therapeutic relationships and emphasizes transferential information within an experiential learning framework.

Accreditation

The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredits the program. Students meet all academic requirements set by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to become Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC).

Tuition and Duration

Your program planning should consider:

• Required units: 61-66 total
• Cost per unit: $840 (2025 rates)
• Total program cost estimate: $48,495-$52,470
• Application deadlines: Fall (July 1) and Spring (October 1)
• Track options: full-time (2 years) or part-time (up to 4 years)

Students complete at least 225 clinical hours with a minimum of 150 face-to-face client contact hours.

Who Is This Program Best For?

The program is ideal if you:

• Want to integrate Christian faith with psychological practice
• Need evening class schedules as a working professional
• Value small class sizes and personalized attention
• Plan to pursue California MFT/LPCC licensure
• Want practicum experience at the university’s counseling center

Sentio University

Sentio University brings a fresh perspective to online MFT programs in California with its unique hybrid approach that focuses on practice and clinical skill mastery. The Los Angeles-based program delivers comprehensive therapist training through a well-structured cohort experience.

Key Features

The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Sentio stands out with these distinctive elements:

• Hybrid format that blends online coursework with five intensive 4-day in-person residencies
• Small cohort model with a maximum of 16 students per class for individual mentorship
• Guaranteed practicum placement at Sentio Counseling Center offering over 500 clinical hours
• Practice-based skill rehearsal throughout the program (over 500 hours)
• Five sequential semesters with weekly Zoom classes that include lectures, discussions, and video demonstrations
• Clinical Research Project based on personal outcome data from client work

The program follows a scientist-practitioner model where students study peer-reviewed literature, conduct research on clinical data, and apply MFT principles with a variety of client populations.

Accreditation

Sentio University has approval from the California Bureau for Private and Post-Secondary Education (BPPE). The institution currently seeks national and regional accreditation but hasn’t received it yet. This status allows graduates to qualify for licensure in California, with possible limitations in other states.

Tuition and Duration

The program requires:

• 60 total units
• $1,120 per unit cost
• $67,200 total program tuition
• 20-month completion timeframe
• Five semesters of structured coursework

Who Is This Program Best For?

The program works best for:

• Students ready to commit to a full-time 20-month program
• People who want extensive clinical experience (500+ hours) during their training
• Students interested in evidence-based practice with outcome measurement
• California residents planning to work in California
• Those who prefer hybrid learning that combines online flexibility with in-person sessions

California Institute of Integral Studies

California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) takes a unique integrated approach to online MFT programs in California. The institute combines rigorous psychological training with spiritual awareness and social justice principles. Their San Francisco campus provides different paths for aspiring therapists who want a non-traditional education.

Key Features

CIIS offers Marriage and Family Therapy preparation through several programs. The Community Mental Health and Integral Counseling Psychology tracks stand out. These programs include:

• A hybrid format that blends asynchronous online lectures with five in-person weekend immersions each semester
• Cohort-based learning communities that build strong relationships between students and faculty
• A curriculum that brings together mind, body, and spirit in therapeutic practice
• A strong multicultural emphasis on clinical needs in a variety of populations
• Three award-winning Integral Counseling Clinics for practicum experience

The therapeutic relationship remains central to all coursework. Students develop self-awareness and clinical skills together.

Accreditation

CIIS has managed to keep its accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) since 1981. The counseling psychology programs meet all educational requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensure in California. CIIS graduates show exceptional results with a 98% pass rate on the MFT licensure exam. They hold the #1 position for California pass rates over the last six exam cycles.

Tuition and Duration

Master’s Division students pay $1,331 per unit for the 2024-2025 academic year. This rate increases to $1,374 per unit in 2025-2026. Total program costs vary by track, ranging from $74,520 to $84,456 for the 60-68 unit programs. Full-time students complete the program in 2-3 years. Part-time options take 3-4 years.

Who Is This Program Best For?

This program works well for:

• Students who want to combine spirituality with psychological practice
• People seeking education that values personal growth with professional training
• Those planning careers to help diverse and underrepresented populations
• Working professionals who need weekend formats and hybrid learning options

Students must complete 50 hours of personal psychotherapy during their studies. This requirement shows CIIS’s belief that personal growth and effective therapeutic practice go hand in hand.

Comparing Online MFT Programs with No GRE Requirement in California

Get Started Today

Getting into a top online MFT program in California will kickstart your career in this fast-growing field. Marriage and family therapy jobs will grow by 16% through 2033, and this is a big deal as it means that other professions won’t keep up. Your investment in this education leads to great career prospects, with California therapists earning more than $65,000 annually.

Online education used to make people wonder about quality and rigor. These programs now show that you don’t have to choose between flexibility and excellence. Schools now offer detailed clinical training and online coursework that work together. You’ll build both theory knowledge and hands-on skills. Programs come in different formats – fully online or hybrid models. They all share one goal: to prepare you for the 3,000+ supervised work hours you need for California licensure.

More students can now join these programs since schools dropped the GRE requirements. California needs qualified therapists to serve its varied population, and this timing couldn’t be better. The programs have options that line up with your career goals and the way you learn best. You’ll find programs focused on faith integration, trauma training, and multicultural views.

Take time to look at each program’s accreditation, cost, timeline, and clinical requirements. The right program will match your situation, career dreams, and learning style. Good research and clear priorities will help you find your path to becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in California.