Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Louisiana 2025
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
University of Holy Cross
New Orleans, LA - Private 4-year - uhcno.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: Marriage, Couple, and Family - Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Holy Cross offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with a specialized Marriage, Couple, and Family concentration that prepares students for therapeutic practice addressing complex relationship dynamics. This on-campus program develops advanced counseling skills through evidence-based interventions, focusing on supporting individuals, couples, and families. The curriculum emphasizes empathy-building and practical application in diverse interpersonal contexts. As a master's level program, it may require entrance exams like the GRE, though specific requirements should be verified with the institution.
- Master's in Counseling degree
- Marriage, Couple, & Family specialization
- On-campus and online formats
- Master's (MA) degree level
- Multiple counseling specializations available
Doctorate - PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website
The PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at University of Holy Cross features a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration, preparing graduates for leadership roles as educators, supervisors, and practitioners. This CACREP-accredited online program requires 117 semester credits, including clinical practicum, internship experiences, and a dissertation. Students develop expertise in counseling theory, research methodologies, and multicultural counseling. Doctoral programs typically require entrance exams such as the GRE; applicants should confirm current admission requirements with the university.
- 117 semester credits required
- CACREP-accredited program
- Online and traditional options
- Doctoral practicum and internship
- Prepares counselor educators and leaders
- Multiple specialization options
- International study opportunities
- Minimum 600 internship hours
- Dissertation research component
- Professional association memberships required
Doctorate - PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Concentration: School Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Holy Cross provides a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with a School Counseling concentration, designed for professionals advancing into educational leadership and research roles. This online, CACREP-accredited program spans 117 semester credits and includes clinical practicum, internships, and dissertation completion. The curriculum focuses on advanced counseling theories, multicultural perspectives, and research methods tailored to school settings. Entrance exams like the GRE are commonly required for doctoral programs; prospective students should check the university's specific admission criteria.
- CACREP Accredited Program
- 117 semester credits required
- Online and traditional options
- Clinical practicum and internship
- Dissertation required
- Leadership in counseling focus
- Faculty mentorship opportunities
- International study institutes available
- 10-year maximum program completion
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA - Private 4-year - tulane.edu
Graduate Certificate - MSW with a Mental Health, Addictions, and the Family focus
Concentration: Cognitive-behavioral and Multisystemic Family Therapy - Online Learning - Visit Website
Tulane University of Louisiana's online Master of Social Work program features a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, Addictions, and Family Practice, concentrating on Cognitive-behavioral and Multisystemic Family Therapy. This program equips students with advanced skills in evidence-based therapeutic techniques, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and complex family interventions. It requires 948 field education hours completed locally, ensuring practical experience. With an 87% pass rate on the National Clinical Licensing Exam and flexible scheduling options, it's ideal for working professionals. No entrance exam is specified for this master's-level program, which is military-friendly and supported by an on-campus hospital.
- 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
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
New Orleans, LA - Public 4-Year - lsuhsc.edu
Master's - Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Campus Based - Visit Website
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a 60-credit program that prepares students for professional counseling roles in community and clinical settings. The on-campus, daytime curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and skill development, with classes typically held from 9am to 1pm. This program requires an entrance exam for admission. Graduates are well-equipped to contribute to mental health services locally and nationally, supported by the university's military-friendly environment and comprehensive training approach.
- CACREP fully accredited program
- 60 credit hour graduate degree
- On-campus daytime instruction
- Clinical mental health focus
- Prepares for community counseling
- Day classes 9am-1pm
- Professional counseling preparation
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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