Best MFT Programs in Rhode Island

Marriage and family therapy (MFT) is one of the largest and broadest specializations within the mental health field, but it’s also one of the most in-demand practices. This couldn’t be more representative than in the New England State of Rhode Island, where the vast rural landscape, in combination with the diverse needs of its metropolitan areas, presents a unique opportunity for individuals looking to practice in the state. To start your career as a marriage and family therapist, check out the sections below to learn the educational requirements as well as the steps you’ll need to complete to become licensed in the state.

2026 Best MFT Programs in Rhode Island

Counseling Psychology Organization is proud to present our comprehensive guide to the Best MFT Programs in Rhode Island. Our expert team has carefully evaluated marriage and family therapy programs across the state, considering factors like academic excellence, clinical training opportunities, faculty expertise, and student outcomes. Rhode Island, though small, offers some remarkable educational pathways for aspiring marriage and family therapists. These programs provide students with cutting-edge training, hands-on clinical experiences, and strong professional networks that prepare them for successful careers in mental health counseling. Whether you're a local resident or considering relocating, these top-ranked MFT programs represent the pinnacle of therapeutic education in the Ocean State. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI - Public 4-Year - web.uri.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science

Concentration: Couple and Family Therapy - Campus Based - Visit Website

URI's Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science with a Couple and Family Therapy concentration offers a rigorous, COAMFTE-accredited program designed to transform aspiring therapists. Students benefit from an innovative outcome management training framework that combines theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experience. The program's on-campus therapy clinic provides direct hands-on learning opportunities, allowing students to develop advanced therapeutic skills. With a strong emphasis on diversity, collaboration, and strength-based practices, graduates are comprehensively prepared for professional licensure and mental health careers across various clinical settings. The curriculum strategically integrates evidence-based interventions and culturally sensitive approaches to family and couples counseling.

• COAMFTE Accredited Program
• Innovative Outcome Management Training
• On-campus Therapy Clinic
• Mental Health Licensure Preparation
• Strength-based Learning Approach
• Diverse and Inclusive Environment
• Graduate Employment Nationwide

*Citation: National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

What is an MFT Degree?

An MFT degree is a psychology degree that focuses on therapeutic methods used to help couples and families. An MFT degree prepares counselors, psychologists, and therapists to work with these individuals as a group or individually to work through the common issues that families and couples typically face, such as:

• Substance abuse
• Violence
• Communication failure
• Loss of passion in a relationship
• Trauma
• Adoption or foster care

Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?

One of the most important things to remember as you begin your search for the perfect MFT program is that you should only apply to accredited programs if your goal is licensure. If a program is accredited, it means that it meets the minimum standards for marriage and family therapists as set forth by the state board. Look for schools that have been approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or by CACREP if the program is considered a counseling degree program.

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Rhode Island?

Online programs are the way of the future, and you can find them available in almost every area of practice — including marriage and family therapy. While these programs aren’t currently offered at universities in Rhode Island, there are still ways that students in Rhode Island can receive their education partially or primarily online.

National online MFT programs are widely available, and often allow students to complete their clinical requirements in their own local area. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to fulfill all of Rhode Island’s licensure guidelines if you wish to practice in the state. Check out the online program below as an example of what’s available:

UMass Global: If you’re looking to get your master’s degree, UMass Global offers an Online Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, which allows students to take their classes online and complete clinicals within their community.

MFT Degree Levels

There are several types of MFT degrees available nationwide, but they are primarily offered at the master’s degree and doctorate degree levels. This is because in order to become licensed as a marriage and family therapist, you need to graduate from an MFT graduate degree program.

Apart from MFT graduate degrees, the second most common type of MFT program is an MFT graduate certificate program. Though these are not considered degrees and are not eligible for licensure, they do offer valuable insight into the field of marriage and family therapy.

As of now, there is only one marriage and family therapy degree program offered in the entire state at the University of Rhode Island. If you choose to go with an out-of-state MFT degree program but still want to practice in Rhode Island, you will need to follow the state’s licensure guidelines.

Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?

Depending on the program, you may be required to submit a GRE (Graduate Record Examination) to demonstrate your academic ability at the graduate level. However, it’s not uncommon for MFT graduate certificate programs to waive this requirement for a variety of reasons or not require it at all. Check to see if you’ll need to submit a GRE when applying to your program of choice by looking at the program’s website or contacting the admissions department.

Master's Degree in MFT

MFT master’s degree programs are perfect for students who want to get licensed as quickly as possible without having to pay an arm and a leg in tuition. These two-year programs provide you with everything you need to know to get started as a licensed marriage and family therapist in around 60 credits at $400 to $800 a credit. Currently, the only MFT degree program in the state is a master’s degree program:

University of Rhode Island: The Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Human Development and Family Science with a specialization in Couple and Family Therapy offered by the University of Rhode Island is a shining example of everything that a marriage and family therapy degree should be — a rigorous 78-credit program with over 500 clinical hour requirements and access to two separate clinical training facilities.

Graduate Certificate in MFT

If you’re already licensed as a clinical mental health provider, you may be interested in an MFT graduate certificate. These programs usually last about a year and cost about $1,000 to $1,500, and are a great addition to any graduate student’s educational portfolio. As discussed, there aren’t any MFT graduate certificate programs in Rhode Island, but there are some great options online and nearby:

Fairfield University: Tailored for those already possessing a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field, the Certificate in School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy offered by Fairfield University (based in Fairfield, CT) focuses on integrating family therapy principles into educational environments. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and practical experiences, students learn to navigate the unique dynamics of working with families, children, and school systems. While the program alone will not qualify you for licensure, it will help you transition into a school counselor role from a typical clinical position.

Long Island University: The 39-credit Advanced Certificate program in Marriage and Family Therapy offered by Long Island University is closer to a master’s degree than a traditional graduate certificate, and unlike MFT graduate certificate programs, this program does qualify you for licensure in New York with the addition of 1,500 hours of supervised experience in the practice of marriage and family therapy and a passing grade on the Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

MFT doctorate degrees are a great option for students pursuing higher-level careers that focus on research or education, especially if the program is a PhD program. PsyDs are available to students who want to pursue a higher-level degree but want to focus on their clinical practice. MFT doctorates cost between $35,000 and $300,000 and usually take between four and eight years to complete. There are currently none offered in Rhode Island, but there is one close-by option:

Syracuse University: This 72-credit PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy is perfect for students in Rhode Island who are looking to specialize in MFT research and theory. Syracuse University offers one of the longest-standing MFT departments in the country and pledges a special commitment to incorporating LGBTQ, racial diversity, and cultural context into its PhD program. If you have already obtained your MFT master’s degree, Syracuse University allows you to transfer up to 33 credits to their PhD program.

Becoming an LMFT in Rhode Island

If your plan is to work in a clinical setting, you’ll need to become licensed. Each state has its own specific set of licensure requirements. Here’s what you need to know in Rhode Island:

• Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Ensure your program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or an equivalent accrediting body.
• Supervised Experience: Complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours, typically around 3,000 hours, with at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact. The supervision should be provided by a licensed mental health professional, preferably an LMFT.
• Examination: Pass the national licensing examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). This exam assesses your knowledge of marriage and family therapy principles and practices.
• Application: Submit an application for licensure to the Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists. Include all required documentation, such as transcripts, verification of supervised experience, examination scores, and any other relevant information.
• Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check as part of the application process.
• Fees: Pay the required application and licensure fees.
• Continuing Education: Once you receive your licensure, you’ll need to maintain it. The main requirement for doing this is receiving 20 continuing education hours every two years.

List of MFT Degree Programs in Rhode Island