Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Connecticut 2025
Connecticut offers a high-quality education for aspiring Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs), with programs that focus on clinical training, relationship dynamics, and mental health intervention. Licensure as an LMFT is state-specific, meaning those who complete their degree and meet Connecticut’s licensure requirements will be prepared to practice within the state.
Many MFT programs in Connecticut emphasize evidence-based counseling, trauma-informed therapy, and systemic approaches to mental health. Graduates often find opportunities in private practice, healthcare organizations, and nonprofit mental health services throughout the state.
In this guide
2025 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Connecticut
Finding the right Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) program in Connecticut is key to your career success. At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we've ranked the best options to help you choose. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student support. Whether you're starting out or advancing your skills, our rankings guide you to the top programs. Learn more about how we rank these schools here.
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT - Private 4-year - fairfield.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's MFT program provides an immersive 60-credit graduate experience designed to cultivate advanced therapeutic professionals. Students engage in intensive clinical training, accumulating 500 direct client contact hours and receiving 100 hours of professional supervision. The flexible curriculum accommodates diverse learning paths, enabling completion within 3-6 years. Participants develop comprehensive clinical expertise through personalized study progression, mastering diverse therapeutic interventions and professional identity development. The program emphasizes practical skills, ethical practice, and comprehensive mental health understanding, preparing graduates for dynamic clinical environments.
- 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
- 500 clinical contact hours required
- 3-6 year completion timeframe
- Personalized study progression
- 100 hours professional supervision
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Queer and Trans Mental Health concentration
- Professional identity focus
- Diverse therapeutic intervention training
- $215 one-time TEVERA fee
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy - Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy concentration equips professionals with specialized skills for educational therapeutic settings. This innovative program provides comprehensive training in child and adolescent development, educational intervention strategies, and systemic approaches to school-based mental health. Graduates receive Connecticut State Board of Education certification, enabling direct work within public school environments. The curriculum integrates practical experience, educational law understanding, and advanced intervention techniques, preparing clinicians to effectively support student mental health and educational success.
- COAMFTE-accredited MFT program
- First state school MFT certification
- 21 total credit hours
- 300 school-based practicum hours
- Multiple certification pathways
- Specialized education law training
- Bilingual education options
- Interpersonal skills assessment
- Praxis Core exam requirement
- Fingerprinting background check
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Queer and Trans Mental Health - Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's Queer and Trans Mental Health concentration within the MFT program offers transformative clinical training focused on LGBTQ+ populations. Students develop advanced therapeutic techniques emphasizing social justice, diversity, and inclusive mental health practices. The comprehensive 60-credit program integrates systemic approaches with specialized interventions for individuals, couples, and families. Participants gain extensive clinical experience, mastering culturally responsive therapeutic strategies while completing 500 clinical hours under professional supervision. The curriculum cultivates compassionate, skilled professionals committed to affirming and supporting diverse gender and sexual identities.
- 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
- 3-6 year completion timeline
- Minimum 500 clinical hours required
- 100 hours of clinical supervision
- Personalized study program
- Multiple therapy intervention techniques
- Social justice and diversity focus
- Queer and Trans Mental Health concentration
- $215 TEVERA placement fee
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Full-time and part-time options
University of Saint Joseph
West Hartford, CT - Private 4-year - usj.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Saint Joseph offers a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, a program tailored for those aiming to excel in the mental health field. This 60-credit, nationally accredited program stands out for its blend of theoretical depth and practical application, focusing on systemic therapeutic approaches. Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based practices, family systems paradigms, and diverse therapeutic models. With options for full-time or part-time study, the program includes multiple practicum opportunities, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional practice. A minimum GPA of 2.7 is required, along with a professional clinical presentation exam, highlighting the program's commitment to excellence.
- Nationally accredited program
- 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
- Multiple practicum opportunities
- Full-time and part-time options
- Diverse therapeutic approach training
- GPA requirement 2.7+
- Professional clinical presentation exam
- Family systems paradigm focus
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT - Public 4-Year - ccsu.edu
Master's - Marriage & Family Therapy, MS
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Connecticut State University's MS in Marriage & Family Therapy stands out for its hybrid format, blending online and in-person learning to suit diverse student needs. This 63-credit program emphasizes systemic therapy techniques, preparing graduates for licensure in Connecticut. Unique features include evening classes for working professionals, a clinical counseling lab, and 400 required clinical training hours. Accredited by COAMFTE, it offers a full-time study path without the need for GMAT/GRE scores, making it an accessible choice for aspiring therapists. The program starts every August, with financial aid options available to eligible students.
- 63-credit MS program
- Flexible evening track
- No GMAT/GRE required
- COAMFTE accredited
- Two-year supervised training
- Starts every August
- Full-time study option
- Clinical counseling lab
- Financial aid available
- 400 clinical training hours
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT - Public 4-Year - southernct.edu
Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southern Connecticut State University's Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program stands out for its clinical focus and COAMFTE accreditation, preparing students for licensure in Connecticut. Over two to three years, participants engage in rigorous academics and hands-on training, including on-site clinic work and a year-long internship. The program emphasizes cultural competency and systems theory, offering personalized supervision to develop therapeutic skills. Graduates are well-equipped for diverse mental health careers, benefiting from the program's strong emphasis on practical experience and its commitment to fostering a deep understanding of family dynamics and relationships.
- Two to three year program
- COAMFTE accredited program
- On-site clinical supervision
- Yearlong off-campus internship
- Diverse career placement options
- Focus on cultural competency
- Systems theory training
- Personalized learning approach
Connecticut's Quickest MFT Programs
For students looking to complete their MFT degree efficiently, Connecticut offers accelerated options with structured coursework and hands-on clinical practice built into the curriculum.
Factors that contribute to faster program completion:
- Streamlined Clinical Hours – Some programs integrate supervised clinical practice early on, allowing students to complete required hours within their degree timeline.
- Evening & Weekend Options – Several Connecticut schools offer flexible schedules for students balancing work and education.
- Small Cohort Learning – Programs with smaller class sizes often provide more individualized academic guidance, helping students stay on track.
Here are some of the fastest MFT programs in Connecticut:
|
School
|
Program Length
|
Type
|
|---|---|---|
|
2 years
|
Hybrid
|
|
|
2.5 years
|
Campus
|
|
|
2.5 years
|
Campus
|
These programs allow students to quickly transition from academic coursework to professional practice, ensuring they are ready to meet Connecticut’s LMFT requirements.
Connecticut's Cheapest MFT Programs
For students looking for affordable options, Connecticut offers cost-effective MFT degrees at public institutions, providing quality education at a reasonable cost.
Ways to lower tuition costs in Connecticut:
- State University Tuition Benefits – Public universities offer lower tuition rates for Connecticut residents.
- Scholarships & Financial Aid – Many Connecticut schools provide grants and merit-based scholarships for students pursuing careers in mental health.
- Hybrid & Part-Time Enrollment – Some programs allow students to spread tuition costs over a longer period while continuing to work.
Here are some of the most affordable MFT programs in Connecticut:
|
School
|
Estimated Tuition
|
Type
|
|---|---|---|
|
$9,200 per year
|
Campus
|
|
|
$10,500 per year
|
Campus
|
|
|
$11,000 per year
|
Hybrid
|
These programs offer affordable pathways to licensure, helping students graduate with less financial burden.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Connecticut
Connecticut has a structured licensure process for Marriage and Family Therapists. Completing a COAMFTE-accredited degree and gaining clinical experience are key steps in becoming licensed.
Steps to Become an LMFT in Connecticut:
- Earn an MFT Degree – Complete a master’s or doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from an accredited program.
- Complete 1,500 Supervised Clinical Hours – Connecticut requires at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact.
- Pass the National MFT Exam – Administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
- Submit a Licensure Application – Apply through the Connecticut Department of Public Health, including all documentation and background checks.
- Maintain Continuing Education – Connecticut LMFTs must complete continuing education credits to keep their licenses active.
For official licensing details, visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s website.
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Connecticut
Connecticut has a well-developed mental health system, with strong employment opportunities for LMFTs in both private and public sectors.
Connecticut-Specific LMFT Data:
- Connecticut Population: 3.6 million
- Marriage Rate in Connecticut: 5.1 per 1,000 residents (CDC Marriage Rates by State)
- Average LMFT Salary: $64,800 per year
- Top 10% LMFT Salary: Over $92,000 per year
Where LMFTs Work in Connecticut:
- Healthcare Systems & Hospitals – Many therapists work in integrated care settings alongside medical professionals.
- Private Practice & Group Counseling – Connecticut has a growing demand for independent therapists.
- Court & Family Mediation Services – LMFTs are involved in child custody evaluations, divorce mediation, and family court services.
- Community Mental Health Organizations – Many MFTs work in nonprofit and state-funded counseling centers.
Connecticut’s stable job market makes it a strong choice for LMFTs seeking long-term career opportunities.
Why Choose an MFT Program in Connecticut?
Connecticut offers comprehensive MFT training, with strong clinical placements, affordable tuition, and a robust professional network.
Reasons to study MFT in Connecticut:
- Established Licensure Pathway – Connecticut has clear, well-defined steps for becoming an LMFT.
- High Concentration of Mental Health Professionals – The state has one of the highest per-capita rates of licensed therapists.
- Diverse Specialization Options – Many MFTs in Connecticut specialize in family court mediation, trauma counseling, and integrative healthcare therapy.
- Competitive Salaries & Strong Demand – Connecticut LMFTs earn above-average salaries due to high demand for licensed mental health providers.
For those passionate about helping individuals and families, Connecticut is an excellent place to earn an MFT degree and build a rewarding career.
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