Best MFT Programs in Tennessee

If you’re interested in the mental health field but not sure what area to specialize in, marriage and family therapy (MFT) may provide a rewarding career option. Marriage and family therapy is a broad mental health practice that primarily focuses on relationships and common issues that come up within the familial unit. To learn about how you can get started, take a look at the sections below.

2026 Best MFT Programs in Tennessee

Navigating the world of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Tennessee can be challenging, but counselingpsychology.org is here to help. Our expert team has carefully evaluated and ranked the top MFT programs across the state, considering factors like academic reputation, student outcomes, faculty expertise, and clinical training opportunities. Tennessee offers some exceptional educational pathways for aspiring marriage and family therapists, with programs that provide rigorous academic preparation and hands-on experience. Whether you're looking to start your MFT journey or seeking to advance your professional skills, our comprehensive rankings will guide you toward the most outstanding programs in the state. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

Lee University

Cleveland, TN - Private 4-year - leeuniversity.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

Lee University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy provides a comprehensive graduate program preparing professionals with advanced counseling expertise. Students complete a rigorous curriculum blending theoretical knowledge and practical clinical experiences across two to three years. The program requires 60 semester hours, offering extensive supervised counseling opportunities and developing competencies in diverse population interactions. Graduates are positioned for licensure with strong systemic and relational therapy foundations. Program highlights include 500 hours of direct client services, professional supervision, and mandatory AAMFT conference attendance, all integrated with a Christian perspective and real-world faculty insights.

• Two/three-year tracks available
• Minimum 60 semester hours
• 500 hours direct client services
• 100 hours professional supervision
• AAMFT conference attendance required
• Comprehensive exam mandatory
• Christian perspective integrated
• Diverse clinical placements
• Licensure exam preparation
• Faculty with real-world experience

Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Marriage and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

Lee University's PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy offers a transformative doctoral journey for mental health professionals seeking advanced clinical and research capabilities. Designed for working professionals, the program cultivates innovative clinicians, educators, supervisors, and researchers committed to serving underserved communities through Christian organizations. Students engage in comprehensive training emphasizing compassionate care, advanced clinical techniques, and holistic therapeutic approaches. As the first MFT doctoral program of its kind, graduates are prepared to address complex psychological and social challenges with sophisticated systemic interventions.

• First MFT doctoral graduates
• Christian organizational focus
• Launched fall 2020
• Serves underserved communities
• Develops innovative clinicians

Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Marriage and Family Therapy

Concentration: Racial trauma and cultural competence - Campus Based - Visit Website

Lee University's PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, specializing in Racial Trauma and Cultural Competence, provides a distinctive doctoral pathway for professionals dedicated to understanding systemic cultural dynamics. The program prepares innovative clinicians with a critical focus on racial trauma interventions and cultural sensitivity. Students develop advanced research skills, practical clinical expertise, and leadership capabilities through a comprehensive curriculum integrating Christian organizational perspectives. Emphasizing transformative practice, graduates are equipped to address complex mental health challenges, particularly within underserved and marginalized communities.

• First MFT doctoral graduates
• Christian organizational focus
• Launched fall 2020
• Clinical leadership training
• Trauma and systemic approach

Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Marriage and Family Therapy

Concentration: Trauma and PTSD - Campus Based - Visit Website

Lee University's PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, concentrating on Trauma and PTSD, offers an advanced doctoral program for mental health professionals seeking specialized expertise in psychological trauma. The curriculum combines rigorous academic training with practical clinical approaches, preparing students as innovative clinicians, educators, and researchers. Graduates develop sophisticated skills in systemic supervision and community-focused interventions, with a strong emphasis on serving underserved populations. The program's Christian-centered approach integrates compassionate care with evidence-based trauma treatment methodologies, positioning students to make meaningful impacts in counseling and research.

• First MFT doctoral graduates
• Christian-centered approach
• Launched fall 2020
• Focus on serving underserved communities
• Develops innovative clinicians
• Prepares systemic supervisors
• Trains pragmatic researchers
• Community-focused program

Show 3 More Programs ˅

#2

Lipscomb University

Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - lipscomb.edu

Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

Lipscomb University's Marriage and Family Therapy program stands out with its rigorous COAMFTE-accredited curriculum designed to equip future therapists with advanced clinical skills. Located in Nashville, the two-year cohort model integrates 300 hours of hands-on clinical training, ensuring students develop comprehensive therapeutic competencies. With a competitive $962 per credit hour rate and a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, the program emphasizes cultural sensitivity and systemic therapeutic approaches. Students benefit from specialized training that prepares them for professional licensure, with fall 2025 application deadlines set for March 1st. Assistantship opportunities further enhance the program's appeal for aspiring marriage and family therapists.

• 60-credit hour comprehensive curriculum
• COAMFTE accredited program
• 300 hours clinical training
• Two-year cohort model
• $962 per credit hour
• Nashville, Tennessee location
• Specialization options available
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Fall 2025 deadline: March 1
• Assistantships available

#3

Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - trevecca.edu

Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Counseling

Campus Based - Visit Website

Trevecca Nazarene University's Marriage and Family Counseling program stands out as a robust CACREP-accredited graduate pathway preparing aspiring mental health professionals. Students benefit from an immersive 60-credit curriculum featuring small, collaborative learning environments and extensive practical training through partnerships with over 60 local agencies. The program strategically prepares graduates for LPC-MHSP and LMFT licensure, offering a comprehensive approach to counseling diverse populations. With a recommended GRE score of 290 and a 2.7 minimum GPA requirement, the program maintains high academic standards while providing flexible admission with three annual entry cycles. The competitive tuition of $775 per credit hour makes advanced counseling education accessible.

• 60-credit CACREP accredited program
• Prepares for LPC-MHSP/LMFT licensure
• $775 per credit hour
• Total tuition: $46,500
• On-campus face-to-face format
• 60+ internship agency partners
• Small class collaborative learning
• 2.7 GPA minimum requirement
• GRE score of 290 recommended
• Three annual admission cycles

#4

Carson-Newman University

Jefferson City, TN - Private 4-year - cn.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Counseling

Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Carson-Newman University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling MFT program delivers comprehensive training through an innovative hybrid learning model. Students explore advanced therapeutic techniques while preparing for professional licensure in a 60-credit curriculum. The program uniquely balances online flexibility with critical on-campus intensive experiences, ensuring graduates develop robust clinical skills. With CACREP accreditation and nearly 100% post-graduation placement, students benefit from extensive field experiences and a professional network. The program requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and offers competitive tuition at $475 per credit hour, making it an attractive option for aspiring marriage and family therapists seeking comprehensive professional preparation.

• 60 credit hour program
• Hybrid online/onsite format
• CACREP accredited program
• $475 per credit hour
• Fall/Spring enrollment
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
• Professional licensure preparation
• Nearly 100% post-graduation placement
• Multiple specialization options
• Clinical field experience included

#5

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN - Public 4-Year - etsu.edu

Master's - Counseling

Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

East Tennessee State University's Marriage and Family Therapy program offers a cutting-edge hybrid learning experience designed to cultivate advanced counseling professionals. Students benefit from a CACREP-accredited curriculum that emphasizes specialized training in couple and family systems therapy. The program strategically prepares graduates for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) certification through comprehensive coursework and practical training. With flexible full and part-time study options, students can complete the program within 6-8 semesters. Small class sizes capped at 20 students ensure personalized attention, while graduate assistantships and scholarships help make advanced education more financially accessible. The program's Community Counseling Clinic provides hands-on clinical experience, bridging academic learning with real-world therapeutic practice.

• CACREP-accredited counseling program
• Courses capped at 20 students
• Multiple licensure pathways
• Full and part-time study options
• Community Counseling Clinic available
• Summer courses offered
• National Counseling Exam preparation

*Source: NCES, IPEDS 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

What is an MFT Degree?

An MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy) degree is a comprehensive degree program that provides students with the training and tools they need to succeed as a therapist working with couples and families. The curriculum usually covers topics such as:

• Addiction
• Communication
• Relationships
• Boundaries
• Parenting
• Human Development
• Trauma

Graduating from an MFT degree program enables a student to become licensed as a marriage and family therapist. They may also choose to seek valuable careers as researchers, administrators, educators, and program leaders.

Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?

Regardless of what program you choose, you’ll want to make sure that your program is accredited. Accreditation ensures that your program is approved by the state board and that you can pursue licensure upon graduation if you so choose. The main accrediting bodies for MFT programs is the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and CACREP. As long as your program is accredited by one of these two accrediting bodies, you will be eligible for licensure upon graduation.

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Tennessee?

Absolutely! Online MFT programs are a popular choice for students looking for convenience and flexibility. There are several great online MFT programs available to students in Tennessee, as well as nationally-available online options. But before you begin applying, it’s good to be aware of a few things.

Whether you opt for a Tennessee-based online MFT program or a national online option, you will need to complete any in-person clinical requirements, which can often be arranged in your local area. If you do choose an out-of-state online program, you will also need to make sure that it fulfills Tennessee’s specific licensure requirements.

MFT Degree Levels

There are many different types of MFT degrees, and depending on your career goals, it might make sense to go with one over the other. Most individuals looking to start working as soon as possible usually go with a master’s degree. Students looking to spend more time on their education and seek advanced roles in the field may want to consider a doctoral degree. There is a third option — clinicians who are already licensed or students who have already specialized in another mental health practice may be interested in pursuing a graduate certificate program. This enables students to gain more insight into the field of marriage and family therapy without needing to become licensed a second time.

Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?

You might. Some schools require applicants to submit a GRE or a (Graduate Record Examination for short) which measures their academic ability in certain areas. Not all schools, however, mandate this requirement. Contact your school’s registrar or take a look at their website to learn if this requirement applies to you.

Master's Degree in MFT

MFT master’s degrees are 2-year degrees that train students on the essentials of working as a marriage and family therapist. These are primarily clinical-focused and require 60 credits to graduate, along with several hundred practicum hours. On average, you can expect to pay between $400 and $800 per credit, depending on the program. There is currently one MFT master’s degree program located in the state:

Lipscomb University: This Christian-based Master of Marriage and Family Therapy boasts a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and an on-campus Family Therapy center located in Nashville where students can complete their required 300 clinical hours working first-hand with families in the community. Apart from this, Lipscomb University’s program also offers a diverse network of internship opportunities for students looking for additional practice.

Graduate Certificate in MFT

MFT graduate certificates, though not degrees, are a great option for students who are not interested in licensure, or have already obtained licensure through a clinical mental health-related graduate degree program. These types of certificate programs are open to graduates at all levels and provide valuable context to marriage and family therapy in a succinct format. Most MFT graduate degrees last about a year or less and cost between $1,000 and $1,200. There are currently no MFT graduate certificates available in Tennesee, however, you can find these programs widely available in nearby states or online. Here are a few worth considering:

University of Georgia: The University of Georgia offers a Marriage and Family Therapy Certificate that elaborates on the student’s psychology background to create a broader scope of practice through exposure to the fundamentals of marriage and family therapy. The program will not allow you to be licensed as a practicing marriage and family therapist, but it does grant you the skills to use MFT concepts in your own designated practice.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University: If you’re looking to get a general context into the therapeutic methods employed to help families and couples succeed in their relationships, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University offers a Marriage and Family Counseling Certificate program for students who are currently enrolled in a counselor education graduate degree program. This program requires the completion of 15 credit hours in-person at the university’s Greensboro campus.

MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

If you want to go beyond the minimum requirements for MFT licensure, you may want to consider an MFT doctoral degree program. Doctors of marriage and family therapy have many more options when it comes time to define your career pathway. Ph.D. programs in marriage and family therapy are typically research and education-oriented, while PsyDs offer a route to clinical practice.

MFT doctorate degrees typically last between four and eight years and cost between $30,000 and $300,000. While there are currently no MFT degree programs offered at the doctorate level in Tennessee, you can find them offered in nearby states. Here are a few to consider:

The Chicago School: Currently the only PsyD in Marital and Family Therapy offered in the State of Illinois, The Chicago School’s program focuses on the clinical aspects of marriage and family therapy. It also allows students to seek careers in grant writing and education, in addition to clinical work. Students can complete this degree program in three years following their master’s degree and can become licensed upon graduation.

Saint Louis University: Students who have a special interest in the healthcare field may be interested in this program. Saint Louis University offers a Ph.D. in Family Therapy that comes with the option to specialize in medical family therapy, allowing students to seek careers in medical centers, hospitals, clinics, and other medically focused healthcare organizations. The program requires 51 credit hours plus a dissertation and a number of clinical hours to graduate.

Becoming an LMFT in Tennessee

The final step to becoming a marriage and family therapist is receiving your licensure. There are several steps you’ll need to complete first to do this:

• Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or a regionally accredited institution.
• Supervised Experience: Complete the required supervised clinical experience. In Tennessee, this typically involves accumulating 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, with at least 200 hours of direct client contact. The supervision must be provided by an approved supervisor.
• Examination: Pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Board’s (AMFTRB) national examination. You’ll also need to pass a jurisprudence exam which tests you on laws and regulations concerning marriage and family therapy.
• Application: Submit an application for licensure to the Tennessee Board for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists, and Licensed Pastoral Therapists. Include all necessary documentation, such as transcripts, verification of supervised experience, examination scores, and any other required materials.
• Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check as part of the licensure process.
• Fees: Pay the required application and licensure fees.
• Continuing Education: Upon licensure, fulfill any continuing education requirements to maintain your license. In Tennessee, LMFTs must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 3 hours in ethics.

List of MFT Degree Programs in Tennessee