Louisiana's two main MFT graduate programs are at the University of Holy Cross and Tulane University, with tuition ranging widely.
COAMFTE accreditation streamlines LMFT licensure in Louisiana, while CACREP or board-approved degrees may require extra coursework verification.
The full path from enrollment to LMFT licensure typically takes four to six years, including post-degree supervised experience and exams.
Marriage and family therapists in Louisiana earn a median annual salary near the national figure of roughly $58,000.
Louisiana requires a minimum of a master's degree and 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience before a candidate can sit for the LMFT licensing exam, yet the state has only a handful of programs specifically designed to meet those requirements. That scarcity means prospective students face a real tradeoff between a focused in-state option, like the University of Holy Cross with annual tuition near $15,400, and broader online or hybrid pathways from institutions such as Tulane that carry significantly higher price tags.
The programs available span master's and graduate certificate levels, each tied to different accreditation standards and licensure outcomes. For working adults weighing cost against career return, understanding the difference between COAMFTE accredited programs and CACREP approval is not optional; it directly determines whether your degree satisfies the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners.
Top-Ranked MFT Programs in Louisiana for 2026
Louisiana offers a small but focused selection of graduate programs that prepare students for careers in marriage and family therapy. The two institutions below approach family-systems training from different angles: one through a counseling framework and the other through clinical social work. Both provide Louisiana students with strong local practicum networks and flexible scheduling, making them viable pathways toward working with couples and families in the state. Because program-level earnings and debt figures are not yet available for these specific programs, we include institution-wide financial benchmarks to help you weigh costs against long-term value.
Factors considered
Accreditation and board alignment
Tuition and net price
Institutional graduation and retention rates
Program format and flexibility
Local clinical training partnerships
Data sources
Independent program research
NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
Best for: Louisiana residents seeking affordable local training
The University of Holy Cross is a small, Roman Catholic institution in New Orleans with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, creating an intimate learning environment well suited to clinical training. Its counseling program emphasizes service to the culturally diverse, often underserved communities of Greater New Orleans and the Gulf South, with local practicum sites spanning community mental health centers, hospitals, faith-based agencies, and schools. The institution-wide graduation rate is approximately 49%, a figure that reflects the full undergraduate and graduate student body rather than this program alone.
Master of Arts in Counseling, Marriage, Couple, and Family Specialization — On-Campus
On-campus and online delivery options for working professionals
Specialization in systemic and relational counseling within an LPC pathway
Practicum and internship placements at New Orleans area clinical sites
Tuition of roughly $15,400 per year (same rate for all students)
Integrates Catholic values and ethics into counseling curriculum
Flexible scheduling designed for students maintaining employment
Prepares graduates for Louisiana LPC board requirements
Faculty emphasize cultural sensitivity in couple and family work
Tulane University of Louisiana
#2
New Orleans, LA · ~$40,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Working professionals pursuing family-focused social work
Tulane University brings the resources of a top-tier research institution to its online Master of Social Work program, which includes a Mental Health, Addictions, and the Family concentration. Students complete 948 hours of field education, often placed with Louisiana community partners in juvenile justice, addiction recovery, and hospital systems. With an institution-wide graduation rate of about 86% and median earnings of roughly $63,300 ten years after enrollment, Tulane demonstrates strong overall outcomes, though those figures represent all graduates, not this program specifically.
MSW with Mental Health, Addictions, and the Family Focus — Online
Fully online format with flexible part-time and full-time scheduling
948 field education hours completed in students' local communities
Cognitive-behavioral and multisystemic family therapy frameworks
87% pass rate on the National Clinical Licensing Exam
Aligns with Louisiana Board of Social Work Examiners LCSW standards
Tuition of roughly $69,300 per year (uniform for all students)
Deep network of Louisiana field placement partner agencies
Emphasizes community trauma, resilience, and disaster recovery contexts
Louisiana MFT Program Cost & ROI at a Glance
Louisiana MFT programs span a wide cost range, from the affordable University of Holy Cross to the premium Tulane University. Nationally, COAMFTE-accredited master's programs in marriage and family therapy typically run between $25,000 and $50,000 in total program cost, so Louisiana students have options both below and above that benchmark. Program-level earnings data is not yet available for these schools, so the comparison below focuses on published tuition and median graduate debt.
COAMFTE vs. CACREP vs. Board-Approved: Which Accreditation Matters in Louisiana?
Choosing the right program starts with understanding how Louisiana evaluates your degree when you apply for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Not all accreditations carry the same weight, and picking the wrong path can add months of extra paperwork or limit your ability to practice in other states.
COAMFTE: The Gold Standard for MFT Licensure
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education is the programmatic accreditor recognized by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. A COAMFTE-accredited program is purpose-built for MFT practice, covering all content areas Louisiana requires: theoretical foundations, assessment, human development, family studies, ethics, diversity, research, and a minimum of 300 practicum hours within a 60-semester-hour curriculum.1
Because the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners recognizes COAMFTE accreditation directly, graduates from these programs typically face the most streamlined licensure review. There is less back-and-forth over whether specific courses satisfy content requirements. COAMFTE credentials also travel well; most other state licensing boards accept a COAMFTE degree at face value, making this the strongest option if you ever plan to relocate or pursue telehealth clients across state lines. For a broader look at what every state expects, see our guide to becoming an MFT.
CACREP: A Viable Path With Conditions
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs accredits counseling programs rather than MFT programs specifically. However, Louisiana does accept CACREP-accredited degrees for LMFT licensure, provided the program includes MFT-specific coursework that covers every content area the board requires.1 If you are earning a master's in counseling with a marriage and family therapy concentration, confirm that the curriculum maps onto Louisiana's content checklist before you enroll. Missing even one required area can force you into post-degree supplemental coursework. Understanding the LMFT vs LPC distinction can help clarify which credential best fits your career goals.
Board-Approved Programs Without COAMFTE or CACREP
Louisiana also allows graduates of regionally accredited programs that hold neither COAMFTE nor CACREP designation to apply for LMFT licensure.1 In these cases, the LPC Board of Examiners conducts a course-by-course evaluation to determine whether your degree meets all academic requirements, including the full 60 semester hours and every mandated content area. Expect a longer review process, and be prepared to supply detailed syllabi, course descriptions, and practicum documentation. Additional coursework may be required if gaps are identified.
Which Path Should You Choose?
Your decision should reflect how much flexibility and efficiency you need.
Fastest licensure path: A COAMFTE-accredited program gives you the clearest, most direct route to LMFT licensure in Louisiana with minimal extra documentation.
Flexible counseling focus: A CACREP program with a dedicated MFT concentration works well if you want broader counseling training, but verify board alignment before committing tuition dollars.
Board-approved alternative: A regionally accredited program outside COAMFTE or CACREP can qualify, though you should anticipate additional review steps and potential coursework gaps.
If portability matters to you, or if you simply want to avoid surprises during the licensing process, a COAMFTE-accredited program remains the safest investment. Whichever route you pursue, contact the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners early to confirm your chosen program satisfies current requirements before your first semester begins.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you plan to practice exclusively in Louisiana, or might you relocate to another state?
Louisiana accepts multiple accreditation pathways, but other states may require COAMFTE accreditation specifically. Choosing a COAMFTE program now can save you from repeating coursework or facing licensure barriers if you move later.
Can you attend in-person practica at a Louisiana site, or do you need a fully online program with local clinical placement?
Most MFT programs require supervised clinical hours at approved sites. Fully online programs still need you to secure a local practicum, so confirm that placements are available in your area before enrolling.
Is a graduate certificate enough for your career goals, or do you need a full master's degree?
A graduate certificate can add MFT competencies to an existing clinical license, but Louisiana requires a master's degree for LMFT licensure. If independent practice is your goal, only the full degree qualifies you.
How to Become a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Louisiana
Earning your LMFT license in Louisiana is a structured process that typically spans four to six years from the start of your graduate program through full licensure. The timeline includes completing a qualifying degree, accumulating post-degree supervised experience, and passing a national examination. Understanding each stage helps you plan ahead and avoid costly delays, since Louisiana requires all steps to be completed within six years of initial application.
Graduate Certificate in Marriage & Family Therapy: Louisiana Options
A graduate certificate in marriage and family therapy is a focused, post-master's credential designed for professionals who already hold a related graduate degree and want to add MFT competency to their practice. It is most commonly pursued by licensed professional counselors, social workers, or psychologists who want to specialize in couples and family work, as well as career changers whose master's degree covers some but not all of the coursework the Louisiana LPC Board requires for LMFT licensure. For a broader look at these credentials nationwide, see our guide to post-master's certificate in marriage and family therapy programs.
What Louisiana Offers
The University of Louisiana Monroe is the most prominent in-state option, offering a Graduate Certificate in MFT alongside its well-regarded Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy.1 A few key details about the certificate track:
Format: Primarily face-to-face instruction, with occasional online classes.
Accreditation note: The graduate certificate itself is not COAMFTE-accredited, though ULM's full master's program does hold COAMFTE accreditation.
Purpose: The certificate is structured for clinicians who need targeted MFT coursework to round out an existing qualifying degree rather than complete an entirely new master's program.
Because the certificate program shares faculty and curriculum resources with ULM's COAMFTE-accredited master's program, students benefit from the same clinical training philosophy and supervision standards.
The Critical Limitation You Need to Understand
A standalone graduate certificate will not, by itself, qualify you for full LMFT licensure in Louisiana. The Louisiana LPC Board requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of graduate coursework in a qualifying program, along with 500 practicum hours (including 250 hours of direct couple and family therapy). If your existing master's degree plus the certificate coursework together meet or exceed that 60-hour threshold and cover all required content areas, the certificate can fill the gap and complete your academic eligibility.
However, if your prior master's degree is in an unrelated field or falls significantly short of the board's content and hour requirements, the certificate alone will not bridge the distance. In that scenario, pursuing a best master's in marriage and family therapy is the more reliable path to licensure.
Are Out-of-State Certificates Accepted?
The Louisiana board does accept education completed at out-of-state institutions, which means a graduate certificate earned through a program in another state can count toward your academic requirements. The same rules apply: the combined coursework from your master's degree and your certificate must satisfy Louisiana's 60-semester-hour minimum and all content-area mandates. Before enrolling in any out-of-state certificate program, contact the Louisiana LPC Board directly to confirm that the specific courses you plan to take will be recognized.
Who Should Consider This Route
The graduate certificate pathway works best if you already hold a master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a closely related field and need a defined set of MFT-specific courses to meet Louisiana's academic standards. It saves time and money compared to completing an entirely new 60-credit master's program. If you are starting from scratch or lack a qualifying graduate degree, the full master's track (such as ULM's 24-month COAMFTE-accredited program) remains the clearest route to LMFT licensure in the state.
Online & Hybrid MFT Programs Available to Louisiana Students
Earning a marriage and family therapy degree no longer requires relocating or sitting in a classroom five days a week. Several COAMFTE-accredited programs now deliver coursework entirely online or in a hybrid format, and a handful of those are specifically structured to serve students in Louisiana. Before you enroll, however, you need to confirm that the program you choose will satisfy the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners' requirements for LMFT licensure.
In-State Options
The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) is the only Louisiana institution currently holding COAMFTE accreditation for its Master of Arts in Family Therapy program.1 As of 2026, ULM delivers that program face-to-face on campus, so students should plan for an in-person commitment.1 The University of Holy Cross in New Orleans offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with a Marriage, Couple, and Family concentration that includes an online delivery mode, though it is not COAMFTE-accredited. Tulane University provides an online MSW with a family-practice focus and cognitive-behavioral and multisystemic family therapy coursework, but that pathway leads toward LCSW licensure rather than LMFT licensure.
Out-of-State COAMFTE-Accredited Online Programs
Several nationally recognized programs welcome Louisiana residents and hold the COAMFTE accreditation the Louisiana board prefers:
Capella University: Delivers its MS in Marriage and Family Therapy entirely online, making it one of the most flexible COAMFTE-accredited options for working adults in Louisiana.
Touro University Worldwide: Another fully online, COAMFTE-accredited program that allows students to complete didactic coursework from anywhere in the state.
Abilene Christian University Online: Offers a COAMFTE-accredited online MFT degree with a faith-informed perspective and asynchronous course delivery.
Hybrid formats are also available from the University of Rhode Island and the University of Akron, both COAMFTE-accredited. These blended programs require periodic on-campus intensives, so factor travel time and cost into your decision. If budget is a major concern, explore our roundup of affordable online MFT programs before committing to a particular school.
How Practicum Placements Work for Remote Learners
Regardless of where your program is headquartered, you will complete clinical hours in Louisiana. The Louisiana board requires 500 direct client contact hours for LMFT licensure, and those hours must be earned under an approved supervisor. In most online programs, the responsibility for securing a local practicum site falls on the student. You will need to identify agencies, community mental health centers, or private practices in your area willing to host you, then coordinate approval between your site and your program's clinical training office.
Some programs provide placement coordinators who assist with this process, while others simply supply the paperwork and leave the legwork to you. Ask about placement support before you commit, because finding a qualified supervisor in a rural Louisiana parish can be more challenging than in metro areas like New Orleans or Baton Rouge.
A Critical Pitfall to Avoid
Not every online MFT program qualifies you for licensure in Louisiana, even if it carries a respected regional accreditation. The Louisiana LPC Board evaluates programs on a case-by-case basis and considers factors beyond accreditation alone, including whether your coursework covers required topics such as MFT theory, treatment modalities, and professional ethics. A program that lacks COAMFTE accreditation may still be accepted, but the burden of proving equivalency falls on you, and the process can delay your licensure timeline significantly. Before you pay a single tuition dollar, contact the Louisiana LPC Board directly and confirm that your chosen program meets their current standards. That one phone call can save you years of frustration.
Not every regionally accredited or COAMFTE-accredited program automatically satisfies Louisiana LMFT licensure requirements. Before committing tuition dollars, contact the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners directly to confirm that your chosen program qualifies. A quick verification call now can save you thousands of dollars and years of additional coursework later.
Louisiana MFT Career Outlook & Salary Data
Understanding what you can expect to earn and where the jobs are helps you evaluate whether a Louisiana MFT program is worth the investment. The data below draws on the most recent federal occupational wage statistics and national projections.
What MFTs Earn in Louisiana vs. the National Median
Nationally, marriage and family therapists earned a median annual wage of $58,510 as of 2023.1 Louisiana wages for MFTs have historically trended somewhat below that national figure, consistent with the state's overall lower cost of living. The national wage spread offers useful context for what is possible at various career stages:
10th percentile: $39,090 per year
25th percentile: $45,250 per year
75th percentile: $78,440 per year
90th percentile: $104,710 per year
Early-career therapists, especially those still accumulating supervised hours toward full licensure, typically fall closer to the lower percentiles. Seasoned clinicians in private practice or leadership roles can approach or exceed the 75th percentile, even in Louisiana markets. For a deeper breakdown by experience level and location, see our marriage and family therapist salary guide.
Top-Paying Metro Areas in Louisiana
Within the state, the New Orleans-Metairie and Baton Rouge metropolitan statistical areas tend to offer the strongest demand and compensation for licensed MFTs, driven by larger hospital systems, university-affiliated clinics, and higher population density. The Shreveport-Bossier City area also employs a notable number of therapists, though wages there may be slightly more modest. Rural parishes generally have fewer salaried positions but sometimes present opportunities for private practitioners who can serve underserved communities.
Employment Settings and Pay Differences
Where you work shapes your paycheck as much as where you live. In Louisiana, common employment settings include:
Private practice: Offers the highest earning ceiling, though income can vary significantly during the first few years as you build a client base.
Community mental health centers: Provide steady salaries and benefits, often with loan-repayment incentives for working in designated shortage areas.
Hospitals and healthcare systems: Positions within behavioral health units or integrated care teams tend to offer competitive wages plus benefits packages.
Faith-based organizations: Louisiana's strong religious communities support counseling ministries and nonprofit agencies, though these roles may pay toward the lower end of the spectrum.
Program-Level Earnings vs. Occupational Data
You may encounter median earnings figures tied to specific degree programs, typically reported one to four years after graduation. These numbers measure something different from the occupational wage statistics above. Program-level earnings capture all graduates of a given credential regardless of whether they pursued MFT licensure, while occupational data reflects wages for people working specifically as marriage and family therapists. For the Louisiana programs featured on this site, program-specific earnings are not yet available for most MFT concentrations. Use occupational wage data as your primary benchmark and treat program-level figures, when they appear, as a supplementary reference point.
Job Growth Projections
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 13 percent employment growth for marriage and family therapists nationally over the 2024 to 2034 period, well above the average for all occupations.2 Approximately 7,700 openings are expected each year nationwide, fueled by rising awareness of mental health needs, expanded insurance coverage for family therapy, and an aging workforce of retiring clinicians. Louisiana's growing investment in behavioral health services, combined with persistent therapist shortages in many parishes, suggests the state will share in that demand. Exploring marriage and family therapy career outlook data can help you map specific opportunities. Graduates of accredited Louisiana programs are well positioned to step into roles across a range of settings as the profession continues to expand.
Frequently Asked Questions About MFT Programs in Louisiana
Below are answers to the most common questions prospective students ask about pursuing a marriage and family therapy degree and LMFT licensure in Louisiana. For deeper detail on any topic, refer to the relevant sections earlier in this guide.
What are the requirements to become a licensed marriage and family therapist in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires a master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy (or a closely related field) from an accredited institution. Candidates must complete a minimum of 300 hours of direct client contact during graduate training, accumulate at least two years of post-degree supervised clinical experience (including 200 hours of approved supervision), and pass the MFT national licensing examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards.
Which Louisiana universities offer COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs?
As of 2026, the University of Louisiana at Monroe offers a COAMFTE-accredited master's program in marriage and family therapy. It remains the primary in-state option carrying this specialized accreditation. Students may also consider COAMFTE-accredited online programs housed at out-of-state universities, though they should confirm Louisiana LPC Board approval before enrolling.
What is the difference between COAMFTE and CACREP accreditation for MFT programs?
COAMFTE accreditation is granted specifically to marriage and family therapy programs, emphasizing systemic and relational training. CACREP accredits counseling programs more broadly, and some include an MFT specialization track. Both are recognized by the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners, but COAMFTE programs typically align more directly with LMFT licensure coursework requirements, potentially reducing the need for supplemental credits.
How long does it take to become an LMFT in Louisiana?
Plan for roughly five to seven years total. A master's program generally takes two to three years of full-time study. After graduation, you must complete approximately two years of supervised post-degree clinical experience before you are eligible to sit for the national exam and apply for full LMFT licensure. Part-time study or delays in accumulating supervised hours can extend the timeline.
Are there online MFT programs accepted for Louisiana LMFT licensure?
Yes, several regionally accredited universities offer online or hybrid MFT master's programs that Louisiana residents can pursue. Programs from institutions such as Northcentral University, Capella University, and others hold COAMFTE accreditation and deliver coursework online. However, you should verify with the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners that any online program meets the state's specific curricular and clinical hour requirements before enrolling.
How much does an MFT degree cost in Louisiana?
Tuition varies significantly by institution and residency status. In-state students at the University of Louisiana at Monroe can expect total program costs in the range of roughly $15,000 to $25,000 for a master's degree. Private or out-of-state online programs may cost $40,000 to $70,000 or more. Financial aid, graduate assistantships, and employer tuition reimbursement can help offset expenses.
Can I get a graduate certificate in marriage and family therapy in Louisiana?
Graduate certificate options specifically in marriage and family therapy are limited within Louisiana. Some universities offer post-master's certificates in related counseling specialties that may include MFT coursework. A graduate certificate alone does not qualify you for LMFT licensure, but it can supplement an existing counseling degree by adding systemic therapy competencies. Always confirm with the Louisiana LPC Board that certificate coursework counts toward licensure requirements.
