Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Louisiana 2026

The path to becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in Louisiana involves completing a graduate-level education, supervised clinical experience, and obtaining licensure through the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners. The state has a growing need for licensed mental health professionals, particularly in family and relationship therapy, as demand for counseling services increases across urban and rural areas alike.

Louisiana’s MFT programs focus on family systems therapy, trauma recovery, addiction counseling, and cultural competency, ensuring graduates can effectively work with the state’s diverse communities. Many universities integrate clinical training into their programs early on, allowing students to gain direct experience in real-world settings, such as private practices, community clinics, and healthcare facilities.

Students interested in an MFT degree in Louisiana can choose from campus-based, hybrid, or fully online programs, with flexible scheduling options that accommodate working professionals and career changers. Programs with strong internship placement networks provide students with valuable hands-on experience, helping them develop the clinical skills necessary for state licensure.

In this guide

2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Louisiana

Finding the best marriage and family therapy programs in Louisiana helps you start a rewarding career. At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we rank these programs based on factors like accreditation, faculty expertise, and student outcomes. Our rankings guide you toward quality education that meets professional standards. Explore our list to discover top options in the state. For details on how we create these rankings, visit https://www.marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/.

University of Holy Cross

New Orleans, LA - Private 4-year - uhcno.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling (Marriage, Couple, and Family)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Holy Cross offers a Master of Arts in Counseling program with a specialized concentration in Marriage, Couple, and Family therapy. This on-campus program prepares students for licensure as marriage and family therapists through a curriculum focused on clinical mental health counseling and relationship dynamics. The program includes essential practicum and internship components for hands-on clinical experience. While admissions require a bachelor's degree and application materials, the program does not require an entrance exam. As a Roman Catholic institution, it provides this specialized training with a tuition structure that varies by credit hour.

Master of Arts degree
Counseling program
Marriage, Couple, and Family specialization
Online delivery mode
Clinical Mental Health specialization available
School Counseling specialization available
Master's degree level
Part of degrees and programs
Listed in program table
Mode of delivery online

Tulane University of Louisiana

New Orleans, LA - Private 4-year - tulane.edu

Graduate Certificate - MSW with a Mental Health, Addictions, and the Family focus (Cognitive-behavioral and Multisystemic Family Therapy)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Tulane University's online Master of Social Work program offers a specialized concentration in Mental Health, Addictions, and Family Practice, focusing specifically on Cognitive-behavioral and Multisystemic Family Therapy. This program prepares students to address complex family challenges through evidence-based therapeutic techniques, with an emphasis on cultural sensitivity. Students complete 948 hours of field education in their local communities, gaining practical experience. The program requires no entrance exam and boasts an 87% pass rate on the National Clinical Licensing Exam. Flexible scheduling options make it accessible for working professionals seeking to become family intervention specialists.

Online MSW with Family Practice Focus
948 hours field education
87% LCSW exam pass rate
Flexible part-time schedules
Cultural sensitivity training
Multiple intervention techniques
Community-centered approach
Local field placement opportunities

*IPEDS 2024 institutional statistics, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

Other MFT Programs Available in Louisiana

Louisiana offers several COAMFTE-accredited and regionally approved MFT programs, ensuring that students receive training aligned with state and national licensing requirements.

These programs provide coursework in clinical mental health assessments, ethical considerations, couples and family counseling, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Many programs also incorporate community outreach and research components, giving students the opportunity to engage with local mental health initiatives.

With a mix of public universities and private institutions, students can find programs that suit their career goals, whether they are looking to work in school-based therapy, hospital settings, or private counseling practices.

Key MFT programs in Louisiana include:

University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) – Also provides a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, another COAMFTE-accredited program requiring a minimum of 69 post-master’s credit hours. This three-year, on-campus program trains advanced clinicians for roles in academia, research, and clinical supervision, focusing on systemic theory, qualitative and quantitative research, and clinical practice.
Southeastern Louisiana University – Offers a Master of Science (MS) in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, a 60-credit, on-campus program that prepares students for LMFT licensure in Louisiana. This program combines counseling core courses (39 credits) with specialty courses in marriage and family therapy, covering topics like research methods, legal and ethical issues, and clinical practice, with field training at on-campus and off-campus sites.

When selecting an MFT program in Louisiana, students should consider accreditation, program format, clinical training opportunities, and alignment with Louisiana’s LMFT licensure requirements. These programs ensure graduates are ready to address the state’s mental health needs, particularly in communities affected by socioeconomic challenges and natural disasters.

Louisiana’s Quickest MFT Programs

Accelerated MFT degrees: Some programs offer fast-track master’s degrees that can be completed in as little as two years, allowing students to transition quickly into professional practice.
Integrated clinical hours: Some universities structure their curriculum to include clinical training from the start, so students can complete required hours while finishing coursework.
Year-round enrollment options: Certain programs provide summer courses and shortened semester formats, reducing the time it takes to complete degree requirements.
Hybrid learning flexibility: Online and hybrid programs allow students to complete coursework remotely while gaining supervised experience through local placements, offering a balance between speed and convenience.

For students who want to become licensed as quickly as possible, enrolling in a structured program with an accelerated curriculum and early clinical integration is an effective way to fast-track their MFT career.

Louisiana’s Cheapest MFT Programs

Affordable tuition at public universities: In-state students benefit from lower tuition rates at Louisiana’s public institutions, making education more accessible.
Scholarships and financial aid availability: Many MFT programs offer tuition assistance, need-based scholarships, and graduate assistantships, reducing the financial burden on students.
Work-study and employer tuition assistance programs: Students employed in mental health, social services, or healthcare fields may qualify for tuition reimbursement through their workplace.
Loan forgiveness for therapists in high-need areas: Louisiana provides student loan repayment programs for LMFTs who work in underserved regions, particularly in rural areas with limited access to mental health services.

For students seeking a cost-effective route to an MFT degree, Louisiana’s public university system, financial aid options, and loan repayment programs offer affordable pathways to licensure.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Louisiana

Step 1: Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
To qualify for LMFT licensure in Louisiana, students must complete a COAMFTE-accredited or state-approved graduate program in MFT or a closely related field. The program must include coursework in family therapy techniques, ethical considerations, and mental health assessments.

Step 2: Complete 3,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
After completing their graduate education, candidates must gain hands-on clinical experience under a licensed supervisor. Louisiana requires 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised practice, with 1,500 hours dedicated to direct client interaction.

This stage helps future therapists develop real-world skills in diagnosing and treating relationship-based mental health issues, including couples therapy, family conflict resolution, and crisis intervention.

Step 3: Pass the National MFT Examination
All applicants must pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Exam, which assesses an applicant’s knowledge of therapy techniques, legal and ethical standards, and clinical decision-making skills.

The exam includes:

Clinical case scenarios and intervention strategies
Professional ethics and legal responsibilities
Family dynamics and relational therapy techniques
Crisis intervention and trauma-informed care

Step 4: Submit an Application for Licensure
Once candidates meet the education and experience requirements, they must submit their official transcripts, proof of clinical hours, national exam scores, and background check results to the Louisiana State Board of Licensed Professional Counselors.

After approval, candidates receive their LMFT license, allowing them to practice independently within the state.

Step 5: Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education
To renew their license, LMFTs in Louisiana must complete forty (40) continuing education (CE) hours every two years, including:

Three hours in ethics and legal standards
Diversity, cultural competency, or trauma-informed training
Advanced clinical skill workshops or online training modules

Ongoing education helps therapists stay updated with current research, improve their clinical skills, and fulfill state licensure renewal requirements.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Louisiana

Average Salary: $55,300 per year
Top 10% Salary: $81,000+ per year
Entry-Level Salary: $43,500 per year
High-Demand Areas: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette
Primary Work Environments: Private practice, addiction recovery centers, school-based mental health programs, hospitals, and community counseling centers

Louisiana’s mental health sector is expanding, with LMFTs playing a critical role in providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families. Therapists working in urban areas tend to earn higher salaries, while those in rural communities may qualify for loan forgiveness programs due to high demand for mental health services.

Louisiana provides numerous opportunities for aspiring LMFTs, with accredited programs, structured pathways to licensure, and strong career prospects in the mental health field. The availability of public university options, hybrid learning models, and financial aid programs makes it easier for students to obtain affordable and high-quality education in marriage and family therapy.

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