Best MFT Programs in Washington

Marriage and family therapy (MFT) is one of the fastest-growing fields in the mental health industry, and studies show that it will continue growing for many years to come. Students in Washington looking for an engaging way to serve families, couples, children, and adolescents may want to consider this rewarding field of study. The best way to get started is with an MFT degree.

2026 Best MFT Programs in Washington

Discovering the top Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Washington State can be a game-changer for aspiring counselors. Counselingpsychology.org has meticulously analyzed and ranked the state's most exceptional graduate programs, considering factors like faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, student outcomes, and overall academic reputation. Whether you're looking to launch a meaningful career helping families navigate complex emotional landscapes or seeking advanced professional development, our comprehensive rankings provide an essential roadmap for your educational journey. These selected programs represent the gold standard in MFT education, offering students cutting-edge training and transformative learning experiences that prepare them for impactful counseling careers. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA - Private 4-year - spu.edu

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

Seattle Pacific University's Marriage and Family Therapy program offers a comprehensive, Christ-centered approach to clinical training. COAMFTE-accredited and ranked #1 in Washington, the program provides a 70-credit curriculum emphasizing holistic therapeutic development. Students engage in a robust 400-hour clinical internship, learning culturally sensitive intervention strategies across a two or three-year format. The program uniquely integrates psychological, social, and spiritual perspectives, preparing graduates to become compassionate, skilled therapists capable of working with diverse populations. Clinical training focuses on 'self-of-therapist' development within a cohort-centered learning environment.

• COAMFTE accredited program
• 70 credits to complete
• $827 per credit
• 2-3 year program options
• 400-hour clinical internship
• On-campus training
• Christian contextual training
• Application deadline: 1/24/2026
• Focuses on 'self-of-therapist' development
• Cohort-centered curriculum

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

Concentration: Medical Family Therapy Certificate - Campus Based - Visit Website

Seattle Pacific University's Medical Family Therapy Certificate program provides specialized training for mental health professionals seeking advanced interdisciplinary skills. This COAMFTE-accredited track combines rigorous academic coursework with targeted medical systems training. Students explore complex healthcare interactions, learning to navigate intricate patient-provider dynamics across medical settings. The certificate complements the core MFT curriculum, offering practitioners enhanced capabilities in integrated healthcare delivery. With a competitive per-credit cost and comprehensive clinical preparation, graduates gain sophisticated skills for addressing multifaceted health and therapeutic challenges in contemporary medical environments.

• Two-year full-time program
• $827 per credit cost
• COAMFTE accredited program
• 400-hour clinical internship
• Christian context training
• 70 total credits required
• Application deadline: 1/24/2026
• Clinical portfolio requirement
• On-campus learning format

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#2

Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA - Private 4-year - plu.edu

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

Pacific Lutheran University's Marriage and Family Therapy program offers a comprehensive 48-semester hour master's degree that distinguishes itself through a unique biopsychosocialspiritual therapeutic approach. Students engage in rigorous coursework focusing on systemic family dynamics, advanced clinical techniques, and contextual understanding of human relationships. The program features a four-semester practicum, AAMFT professional ethics training, and advanced clinical supervision. Prospective students must complete a minimum prerequisite review and participate in an admission interview. With a strong commitment to diverse student recruitment and contextual family therapy principles, graduates emerge as empathetic, professionally skilled therapists prepared to address complex mental health challenges across varied client populations.

• 48 semester hour program
• Fall application deadline: January 31
• Diverse student body recruitment
• Four semester practicum
• AAMFT professional ethics training
• Contextual family therapy approach
• Advanced clinical supervision
• Minimum prerequisites required
• $300 advance deposit needed
• Interview part of admission process

#3

Whitworth University

Spokane, WA - Private 4-year - whitworth.edu

Master's - Marriage & Family Therapy, M.A.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Nestled in Spokane, Whitworth University's Marriage & Family Therapy M.A. program stands out as a transformative 23-month educational journey for aspiring mental health professionals. With a robust 64-credit curriculum, the program guarantees comprehensive clinical training through innovative on-site and community partnerships. Students benefit from an exceptional learning environment featuring a cohort model, personalized faculty mentorship, and impressive outcomes including a 95% program completion rate and 100% national exam pass rate. The program's flexible admission requirements and competitive $690 per credit tuition make it accessible to diverse students passionate about family systems therapy. Summer term start and February 1st application deadline provide strategic entry points for motivated candidates.

• 64-credit MA program
• 23 months full-time completion
• In-person daytime classes
• $690 per credit tuition
• Summer term start annually
• Application deadline Feb. 1
• No specific undergrad major required
• 95% program completion rate
• 100% national exam pass rate
• On-site clinical training center

#4

City University of Seattle

Seattle, WA - Private 4-year - cityu.edu

Master's - M.A. in Counseling

Concentration: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

City University of Seattle's Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling program stands out for its innovative hybrid learning model, providing flexible educational pathways for aspiring therapists. The program uniquely emphasizes cultural competence and ethical practice, preparing students to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with advanced therapeutic skills. Students can expect a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experience, focusing specifically on transforming relationship systems and promoting mental wellness. The program's culturally attuned approach ensures graduates are equipped to serve diverse client populations with empathy, skill, and professional expertise. Military-friendly and designed for professional growth, this program prepares counselors to make meaningful impacts in various mental health settings.

• In-person and mixed mode formats
• Culturally attuned therapeutic approach
• Professional expertise development
• Ethically grounded curriculum
• Focus on personal and professional growth

*Source: IPEDS 2023 survey results, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

What is an MFT Degree?

A Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) degree is a specialized graduate degree that prepares students to become licensed therapists who work specifically with couples, families, and individuals experiencing relationship challenges. MFT programs combine theoretical knowledge with extensive supervised clinical training, usually requiring 300-1000 hours of direct client contact, to prepare graduates for state licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists who can provide therapeutic services in private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. The curriculum usually covers topics such as:

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

Completing 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?

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), and sometimes CACREP, are responsible for accrediting most MFT programs. This ensures that the program meets the state board’s requirements for licensure and that you will be receiving the most quality and ethically-sound education. Check all prospective websites to make sure that the program that you are applying to is accredited if your goal is to become licensed.

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Washington?

Definitely! Like many other types of degree programs, MFT degree programs are largely available online. However, due to the required clinical hours associated with MFT degree programs, you will likely still need to participate in person to some capacity. For this reason, we recommend that you research each program thoroughly so that you understand exactly what is expected of you and if you will be required to be near or on campus for any portion of the curriculum.

There are limited online options based in the state of Washington (including City University of Seattle’s program), but also a few in the neighboring state of Oregon, including:

Oregon Institute of Technology: This 3-year Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy is a great option for students who want to take their classes primarily online. There is a one-year required in-person practicum in the second year of study. Apart from that, most classes can be taken online or on weekends and evenings, providing a full spectrum of learning options for students with busy schedules. Oregon Institute of Technology also offers further specialization within the marriage and family therapy specialization. You can choose to focus your area of study on Integrated Behavioral Healthcare & Medical Family Therapy, Substance Misuse, Addiction and Recovery, or Rural Mental Healthcare Emphasis.

George Fox University: George Fox University offers a fantastic Master’s Degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling that also offers clinical licensure as a counselor or therapist — or both. Students who want to take advantage of online learning can do so in their second year of study once their clinical hours have been taken care of. George Fox University is historically a Quaker school which means that their MFT program will have a degree of Christian theology attached to it, for students looking to become faith-based therapists, this is an added bonus.

Short Length MFT Programs in Washington

Students looking for the fastest route to licensure should stick to MFT master’s degree programs. These programs usually last between 2 and 4 years, and many programs are available in Washington that are on the lower end of this range. Here are a few worth considering:

Affordable MFT Programs in Washington

In addition to timeliness, the cost of the program is often a major consideration for MFT students. Many programs based in Washington can cost over $1,000 per credit but if you’re looking to save money on your tuition, there are alternative options:

MFT Degree Levels

There are several different levels of degrees that focus on marriage and family therapy. While MFT undergraduate degrees are offered to students in some states, you must graduate from either a master’s or doctorate degree program to become licensed as a marriage and family therapist. Some students who have already graduated from a graduate degree program in a mental health practice may be interested in graduate certificates in MFT which give you some insight into the profession without clinical hours.

Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?

A GRE is a common tool used by colleges and universities to measure an applicant’s placement in certain educational areas. However, there are many schools in Washington that don’t require a GRE including Seattle Pacific University. To find out if a given school requires a GRE to enroll, check the admissions page of your program’s website.

Master's Degree in MFT

The minimum educational requirement for becoming a marriage and family therapist is a master’s degree. MFT master’s degrees last two years and require a combination of around 60 credits and several hundred hours of supervised clinicals. On average, you can expect to pay $51,008 in tuition costs in Washington. MFT master’s degrees are the most common type of MFT degree, and they are widely available in Washington State. Here are a few to consider:

Seattle University: The Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy offered at Seattle University is perfect for students looking to expand their knowledge on the various therapeutic methods that apply to marriages and families and become licensed as a marriage and family counselor or therapist. Seattle University prides itself on its graduate success rate – 99% of students who graduate from SU's program become LMFTs.

Seattle Pacific University: Seattle Pacific University offers a 70-credit Master of Science in MFT that is primarily focused on a Christian context, but its curriculum examines the roles that science, biology, spirituality, and sociology play in our understanding of relationships and family dynamics. This program is perfect for individuals looking to become biblical counselors specializing in helping couples with their marriage or family issues.

Graduate Certificate in MFT

Graduate certificates are a quick and efficient way to specialize in marriage and family therapy when you already have a graduate degree in psychology. Students who already have a degree in marriage and family therapy (or another clinical mental health practice) can further develop their skills through this non-degree certificate.

MFT graduate certificates typically take a year or less to complete and require 15-30 credits. On average, students in Washington pay around $1,000 to $1,500 for their MFT graduate certificate. There is currently one option for students looking to pursue a graduate certificate in Washington State:

Seattle Pacific University: The MFT master’s degree offered by Seattle Pacific University is a solid choice, but if you already have a master’s degree and don’t require MFT licensure, you can sign up for Seattle Pacific University’s Medical Family Therapy Certificate. This unique program covers the relationship between healthcare and family therapy, providing a comprehensive approach to both.

MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

If you get to the end of your master’s degree program and you’d like to develop your MFT studies further, MFT doctorate degree programs provide a more in-depth and expansive MFT education. Graduating from an MFT doctorate degree program also allows students to tap into more niche job markets and therapeutic roles. With a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy, you can pursue research or educational roles (through an MFT Ph.D.) or more advanced clinical roles (through a PsyD).

Doctorate degree programs typically last 4 to 6 years and cost around $35,000 to $300,000, depending on the length and location of the program. As of now, there are currently no MFT doctorate degree programs that are based in Washington. However, you can find them available in nearby states or online:

Loma Linda University: This Ph.D. in Systems, Families, and Couples offered by Loma Linda University is a great example of MFT graduate-level education in California. The program offers insight into the theory, research, and practice of family and couples therapy, mental health disorders, substance abuse, and all of the necessary topics associated with this specialization. The program takes four years to complete.

Alliant International University: Another great doctoral MFT program in California is Alliant International University’s PsyD in Marriage and Family Therapy. This program focuses on the mental health clinical aspects of marriage and family therapy and offers a hybrid learning option that balances online courses and hands-on experience, allowing for both convenience and immersive expertise.

Becoming an LMFT in Washington

Education is a big part of becoming a marriage and family therapist, but you’ll also need to become licensed if you want to work in a clinical setting. Securing licensure is a multi-step process. Here’s what you need to know:

• Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a closely 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: Accumulate postgraduate supervised clinical experience. In Washington, you need to complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised experience, with 1,000 hours in direct client contact. This experience should be completed over a period of at least two years.
• Examination: Pass the National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
• Criminal Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check. This involves submitting fingerprints for a background check to the Washington State Department of Health.
• Application: Complete the application for LMFT licensure through the Washington State Department of Health. This includes providing all necessary documentation, such as transcripts, verification of supervised experience, examination scores, and payment of the application fee.
• Continuing Education: After obtaining licensure, maintain your license by fulfilling continuing education requirements. In Washington, LMFTs must complete 36 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license.

List of MFT Degree Programs in Washington