Best MFT Programs in California

Azusa Pacific University's Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy provides a comprehensive graduate program that prepares compassionate counselors to support individuals, couples, and families. Students develop advanced skills through an interdisciplinary curriculum blending theoretical practice, psychotherapy techniques, theology, and ethical foundations. The program emphasizes professional counseling expertise with a unique Christ-centered approach, equipping graduates to make meaningful therapeutic interventions and transformative impacts in clients' lives.

• Master's with MFT emphasis
• Christ-centered counseling approach
• Interdisciplinary curriculum
• Theoretical and applied practice
• Focuses on individual/family counseling
• Professional counseling preparation
• Includes theology and ethics studies

Azusa Pacific University's Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy prepares compassionate professionals to help individuals, couples, and families through a comprehensive, Christ-centered counseling approach. The program combines rigorous academic training with interdisciplinary studies in theology, ethics, and psychotherapy, equipping students with a holistic foundation in professional counseling techniques. Graduates develop advanced skills to address complex interpersonal dynamics and support mental health and relationship wellness across diverse populations.

• Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy
• Christ-centered counseling approach
• Interdisciplinary theological studies
• Professional counseling techniques
• Holistic mental health training

Azusa Pacific University's Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy prepares compassionate counselors to support individuals, couples, and families with a holistic approach. This comprehensive graduate program integrates theoretical training with practical skills, emphasizing interdisciplinary studies in theology, ethics, and psychotherapy. Students develop a solid foundation in professional counseling techniques, guided by experienced faculty committed to nurturing both academic excellence and personal growth. The program equips graduates to make meaningful impacts in mental health counseling, blending professional expertise with a heart-centered approach.

• Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy
• Interdisciplinary theological approach
• Professional counseling emphasis
• Comprehensive psychotherapy training
• Christ-centered counseling perspective

California Lutheran University's Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) offers a comprehensive, professionally accredited program preparing students for licensure. The curriculum meets rigorous American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) competency standards and is fully approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Students receive expert training in therapeutic techniques, professional ethics, and practical skills essential for successful mental health counseling careers. The program ensures graduates are well-equipped to provide high-quality, compassionate therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families.

• AAMFT core competency focused
• Board of Behavioral Sciences approved
• Meets state licensure requirements
• Professional mental health preparation
• Comprehensive therapeutic training

California Lutheran University offers a comprehensive Master's in Counseling Psychology with a Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) concentration. Students gain advanced clinical skills through hands-on training in community counseling centers, experiencing diverse therapeutic approaches. The program emphasizes systemic understanding, cultural competence, and professional ethics, preparing graduates for successful licensure with impressive exam pass rates. Students can specialize in areas like trauma, attachment theory, and private practice, creating personalized learning pathways.

• 12-month practicum placement
• Two community counseling centers
• 750 clinical training hours
• Cohort-based learning model
• Multiple clinical specializations
• High licensure exam pass rates
• Systemic therapy approach
• Diversity and cultural competence
• On-site clinical training
• Professional identity development

California Lutheran University offers a comprehensive Master's in Counseling Psychology with a specialized Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) track. This immersive program prepares students for professional licensure through rigorous training in systemic therapy approaches, clinical practice, and diverse therapeutic interventions. Students gain hands-on experience in community counseling centers, developing advanced clinical skills across individual, couple, and family therapeutic contexts. The program emphasizes cultural competence, ethical practice, and specialized clinical training with unique opportunities in trauma, attachment theory, and private practice specializations.

• Cohort-based learning model
• Two community counseling centers
• 12-month clinical practicum
• Multiple clinical specializations
• High licensing exam pass rates
• Diverse theoretical training
• Up to 750 clinical hours
• Systemic therapy approach
• Trauma specialization available
• Online trauma courses

California Lutheran University's Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program provides comprehensive training for aspiring mental health professionals. Students gain advanced clinical skills through unique learning experiences, including on-site counseling centers and specialized clinical training. The cohort-based program emphasizes systemic understanding, cultural competence, and professional ethics. Graduates consistently outperform state licensing exam averages, demonstrating the program's high-quality preparation for professional practice.

• Systemic understanding approach
• 12-month practicum placement
• Two community counseling centers
• Clinical specialization options
• High licensing exam pass rates
• Cohort-based learning model
• Multiple location options
• Diverse theoretical training
• 750 clinical training hours
• Trauma specialization available

USC's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) offers a comprehensive online program designed to prepare versatile therapists for modern mental health challenges. The curriculum blends academic knowledge with practical skills, emphasizing research and cultural competence. Students develop expertise in delivering both in-person and telehealth therapy, positioning themselves for diverse career opportunities in mental health agencies, schools, community centers, and private practice. The program provides a structured pathway toward professional licensure and equips graduates with advanced therapeutic techniques.

• Fully online MFT program
• 2-year full-time enrollment
• California licensure pathway
• Field work in residence state
• Holistic mental health approach
• Telehealth and in-person skills
• Cultural humility focus
• Supervised clinical work
• Multiple career opportunities
• Research-practice integration

The University of San Francisco's Marriage & Family Therapy Master's Program provides a comprehensive professional education for aspiring mental health professionals. Designed to meet California's rigorous licensure requirements, this program prepares students to become licensed marriage and family therapists through an accredited curriculum that blends clinical theory, practical skills, and ethical practice. Students gain advanced therapeutic techniques and specialized knowledge to address diverse mental health challenges, positioning them for successful careers in counseling and clinical settings.

• BBS accredited program
• Meets California licensure requirements
• Part of School of Education
• Professional Clinical Counselor License track
• Specialized mental health training

University of San Francisco's Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program prepares compassionate clinicians dedicated to social justice and community mental health. Located in Silicon Valley, the program offers a comprehensive 60-credit curriculum designed for working professionals, with evening and weekend classes. Students engage in transformative learning experiences that emphasize advocacy, cultural competence, and making meaningful differences in vulnerable populations' mental health support.

• 60-credit graduate program
• Silicon Valley location
• Evening and Saturday classes
• Cohort-based learning model
• Fall semester entry
• Social justice focused curriculum
• Community mental health emphasis
• Working adult-friendly schedule

University of La Verne's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy provides a comprehensive 61-credit program designed to transform passionate students into skilled mental health professionals. Spanning three years of full-time study, the curriculum integrates extensive clinical experience with rigorous academic training. Students gain hands-on expertise through a practice-focused approach, meeting California Board of Behavioral Sciences licensure requirements. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and community engagement, preparing graduates to create meaningful therapeutic interventions and support diverse populations effectively.

• 61-credit MS program
• 3 years full-time
• California LMFT licensure preparation
• Late afternoon/evening classes
• Minimum 225 hours fieldwork
• Starts Fall semester
• Application deadline February 1
• $915 per unit
• WASC Senior College accredited
• Diversity and inclusivity focused

Dive into a comprehensive Master's in Marital and Family Therapy with specialized art therapy training at Loyola Marymount University. This two-year full-time or three-year part-time program equips students with advanced verbal and nonverbal therapeutic skills. Graduates emerge as highly-qualified licensed marital and family therapists, prepared for California state licensure. The curriculum blends rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical traineeships, offering unique expertise in both psychological and artistic therapeutic approaches.

• Two-year full-time or three-year part-time
• 60 semester hours required
• 840 clinical traineeship hours
• Minimum 350 art therapy hours
• California MFT licensure preparation
• Studio arts or psychology backgrounds
• Personal psychotherapy recommended
• Two clinical supervision hours weekly
• B average academic requirement
• Art Therapy Credential Board eligible

Loyola Marymount University offers a comprehensive Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy with specialized art therapy training. This unique two-year full-time program combines rigorous academic coursework with clinical traineeships, preparing graduates for California state licensure. Students gain expertise in both verbal and nonverbal therapeutic modalities, with opportunities to develop skills through extensive clinical practice and art therapy techniques.

• Full-time two-year MA program
• Modified three-year option available
• 60 semester hours required
• Two clinical traineeships
• 840 total clinical hours
• Minimum 350 art therapy hours
• Weekly supervision provided
• California MFT licensure preparation
• Psychology or arts background accepted
• Maintain B average requirement

Chapman University's Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) offers a comprehensive, COAMFTE-accredited program designed to prepare compassionate mental health professionals. Students complete 60 units over 3 years, gaining extensive clinical experience through onsite and telehealth training. The program provides small class sizes, personalized learning, and rigorous supervision, helping students develop advanced therapeutic skills. With a competitive admission rate and flexible scheduling, students can balance academic pursuits with professional growth, positioning themselves for successful careers in counseling, private practice, and mental health services.

• COAMFTE accredited program
• 60 total program units
• 3-year full-time option
• 20-30% admission rate
• Classes Monday-Thursday evening
• Small 25-30 student classes
• Onsite MFT training clinic
• Optional part-time enrollment
• GRE optional with 3.3+ GPA
• Two annual admission periods

Discover a transformative Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy at Biola University's Talbot School of Theology. This comprehensive program equips aspiring therapists with advanced clinical skills, spiritual depth, and intercultural competence. You'll gain 300+ practicum hours, develop profound self-understanding, and prepare for California state licensure. With a Christ-centered approach, the program focuses on personal formation, biblical integration, and professional excellence. Total program tuition is estimated at $58,022, with a 3-year standard completion time and rigorous admission requirements including a 3.0 GPA.

• On-campus, 67 total credits
• 3-year standard completion time
• Cost per credit: $866
• 300+ practicum hours
• Year-long clinical internship
• Prepare for CA licensure
• Christ-centered approach
• Cohort community learning
• Accredited by WSCUC/ATS/BBS
• GPA requirement: 3.0

Prepare for a transformative career in marriage and family therapy at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. This comprehensive program equips students with essential clinical skills, theological insights, and professional competencies required for California licensure. Integrating psychology, theology, and personal formation, students develop deep understanding of counseling techniques, cross-cultural communication, and therapeutic practices. The program prepares graduates for diverse clinical settings, emphasizing holistic healing and professional excellence through rigorous academic training and supervised practical experience.

• 105 total program units
• Prepare for California licensure exams
• Integrates theology and counseling
• Diverse practicum opportunities
• Published faculty with clinical experience
• Main campus in Fresno
• MFT and ministry combined courses
• Online course options available
• Accredited by ATS and WASC
• 71% licensed clinical exam pass rate

California State University-Long Beach offers a comprehensive Master's in Counseling Psychology with a Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) track. This rigorous 65-unit program prepares students for professional licensure, equipping them to provide counseling services across diverse settings. Students gain advanced skills in trauma work, family systems, and cross-cultural interventions. The program features a flexible 2-2.5 year format, no GRE requirement, and an on-site clinic for hands-on training. Graduates are prepared for careers in private practice, community agencies, hospitals, and government settings.

• 65-unit comprehensive program
• LMFT and LPCC licensure preparation
• No GRE required
• 2-2.5 year track options
• WASC fully accredited
• On-site clinical training
• Multicultural clinical faculty
• Live supervision experience
• Diverse community practice sites
• Board of Behavioral Sciences approved