Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Maine 2025

Maine offers a few excellent options for individuals seeking a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. This guide provides detailed information to help you make an informed decision about which program best aligns with your career goals and personal preferences.

Pursuing a career in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) in Maine presents a unique opportunity to work in a state that places a high emphasis on mental health services for rural and underserved communities. With an increasing need for licensed therapists and a growing focus on behavioral health programs, Maine offers a supportive environment for those looking to enter the field.

While Maine does not currently have COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs, students can still pursue regionally accredited counseling degrees with an MFT specialization that meet licensure requirements. Many students in the state opt for online or hybrid programs that allow them to complete coursework remotely while fulfilling supervised clinical hours locally. Schools in neighboring states like Massachusetts and New Hampshire also offer MFT programs that may be viable options for Maine residents looking for in-person training opportunities.

The focus of MFT education in Maine aligns with addressing mental health disparities in rural areas, expanding teletherapy services, and supporting families through community-based interventions. Many programs emphasize evidence-based therapy approaches, ensuring that students gain a strong foundation in clinical skills, ethics, and family systems theory before entering the workforce.

In this guide

MFT Programs in Maine

Although Maine lacks COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs, several universities provide regionally accredited counseling programs with MFT tracks. These programs allow students to meet licensure requirements while gaining clinical experience in Maine-based mental health settings.

Many students in Maine opt for online or hybrid programs from out-of-state institutions, particularly those in New England, where licensing reciprocity agreements may allow for a smoother transition into clinical practice. Additionally, some programs incorporate practicum and internship opportunities within Maine, ensuring that students can fulfill their supervised clinical experience requirements locally.

Students should verify that their chosen program meets Maine’s Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure requirements, particularly regarding coursework in family therapy models, ethics, and clinical assessment techniques.

As of October 2024, Maine has limited options for fully-fledged Master’s programs in MFT. This is an important consideration, potentially necessitating online programs from out-of-state or hybrid models. The most prominent option within Maine has historically been at the University of Southern Maine.

Considerations for prospective MFT students in Maine:

Program Availability: Due to the limited number of programs within Maine, prospective students should consider the possibility of:
Online MFT Programs: Several accredited online programs cater to students across the US, including those in Maine. Look for COAMFTE-accredited options.
Hybrid Programs: Some programs offer a blend of online coursework and in-person clinical training or intensive weekend sessions.
Programs in Neighboring States: Consider exploring programs in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or other nearby states, especially if you’re willing to commute.
Accreditation: This is the single most important factor to consider. Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) signifies a program meets rigorous standards for quality and ensures your degree will be recognized for licensure in most states, including Maine.

Maine’s Quickest MFT Programs

For those looking to complete their degree efficiently, several factors can help shorten the time required to earn an MFT degree in Maine. Some programs offer accelerated learning tracks that allow full-time students to graduate within two years, including both coursework and supervised training. Online and hybrid programs provide flexible scheduling, which allows students to complete their degree at a faster pace by taking additional courses per semester.

Clinical experience is a significant component of MFT education, and programs that integrate practicum placements early allow students to accumulate required supervised hours while finishing coursework. This helps speed up the transition from student to licensed professional. Additionally, students with a background in psychology, counseling, or social work may qualify for transfer credits, further reducing the time to graduation.

Since Maine has a shortage of mental health professionals, especially in rural areas, many community health organizations are willing to partner with students for internship placements. This allows aspiring LMFTs to gain experience while completing their educational requirements, putting them on a faster track toward licensure.

Maine’s Cheapest MFT Programs

The cost of earning an MFT degree in Maine varies depending on program format, school type, and financial aid availability. Public universities generally offer lower tuition rates for in-state residents, while private institutions and out-of-state programs may be more expensive. However, financial aid opportunities, grants, and employer tuition reimbursement programs can help offset costs.

Some students opt for online MFT programs, which allow them to reduce transportation and housing costs, making their education more affordable. Scholarships are available for students pursuing careers in mental health, addiction counseling, and rural family therapy, with many organizations offering tuition assistance in exchange for a service commitment in high-need areas.

Loan forgiveness programs also benefit students who choose to work in community-based mental health centers or state-funded counseling initiatives. These programs help reduce student debt in exchange for several years of service in underserved areas, making an MFT degree a financially viable option for many students. Check out the cheapest MFT programs.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Maine

Step 1: Earn a Graduate Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy
The first step to becoming an LMFT in Maine is completing a master’s or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related mental health field. While Maine does not have a COAMFTE-accredited MFT program, students can choose regionally accredited programs that meet state coursework requirements.

Programs must include coursework in family therapy models, mental health diagnosis, ethical practices, and clinical skills development. Most programs also incorporate a supervised practicum or internship component, which is essential for gaining hands-on experience before graduation.

Step 2: Complete 3,000 Hours of Supervised Experience
Maine requires LMFT candidates to complete 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical work, with at least 1,500 hours in direct client contact. These hours must be overseen by a licensed MFT or an approved mental health professional, ensuring that candidates develop the necessary skills for independent practice.

This experience allows new therapists to apply their academic knowledge to real-world scenarios, working with individuals, couples, and families facing relational and mental health challenges.

Step 3: Pass the National MFT Examination
After completing the required supervised hours, candidates must pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Exam. This test evaluates an individual’s clinical competency, ethical decision-making, and understanding of therapeutic interventions.

The exam ensures that candidates are prepared to handle complex client cases and maintain the highest professional standards in therapy practice.

Step 4: Apply for Licensure Through the Maine Board of Counseling Professionals
Once all educational and clinical requirements are met, candidates must submit their official transcripts, proof of supervised experience, and exam scores to the Maine Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure. A background check and licensing fee are also required.

Once the application is approved, candidates receive their LMFT license, allowing them to begin independent practice.

Step 5: Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education
To keep their license active, LMFTs in Maine must complete 55 continuing education (CE) hours every renewal cycle, including:

Ethical and legal training in mental health practice
Specialized workshops in trauma therapy, addiction treatment, or teletherapy
Advanced clinical skills training through professional development courses

Ongoing education ensures that therapists remain up to date on the latest mental health research, treatment methods, and best practices.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Maine

Marriage and Family Therapists in Maine play a vital role in improving mental health outcomes across the state, particularly in rural areas where behavioral health services are expanding. Many LMFTs work in private practice, hospital settings, school-based mental health programs, and addiction recovery centers.

The average salary for LMFTs in Maine is $57,800 per year, with experienced professionals earning upwards of $85,000 annually. Salaries vary based on location, specialization, and work setting, with therapists working in urban centers like Portland and Bangor typically earning higher wages than those practicing in rural areas.

Maine’s increasing emphasis on teletherapy services has also expanded job opportunities for LMFTs, allowing them to serve clients statewide, regardless of geographical location.

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