Best Online MFT Programs for Maine Students (2027)

Best Online Marriage & Family Therapy Programs for Maine Students

Ranked online MFT degrees that align with Maine's LMFT licensure requirements — with cost, format, and career data.

By Emily CarterReviewed by Editorial & Advisory TeamUpdated September 1, 202625+ min read
Best Online MFT Programs for Maine Students (2027)

What you’ll learn in this article…

  • Maine has no COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs, so students must enroll in online or hybrid programs based in other states.
  • Marriage and family therapists in Maine earn a median annual wage of $68,670, roughly $4,890 above the national median.
  • Maine LMFT licensure requires a qualifying master's degree, supervised clinical hours, and a passing score on the MFT national exam.
  • BLS projects 15 percent job growth for marriage and family therapists from 2022 to 2032, well above the national average.

No COAMFTE-accredited marriage and family therapy programs operate in Maine as of 2026, which means aspiring LMFTs in the state must turn to online or hybrid programs housed elsewhere. That constraint actually narrows the search in a useful way: the programs worth considering are those that accept Maine residents, align with the state's licensure standards, and deliver supervised clinical training you can complete locally.

Maine's median MFT salary of $68,670 outpaces the national figure by nearly $5,000, and projected job growth of 15 percent through 2032 reinforces the credential's long-term value. Still, the distance between finishing a degree and holding a license is measured in specific coursework, exam scores, and thousands of supervised hours, all of which vary depending on the online masters MFT program you choose.

Why Maine Students Need Online MFT Programs

If you have been searching for an in-state marriage and family therapy program in Maine, you have likely come up empty. That is not an oversight on your part. As of 2026, no COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs exist anywhere in the state. Maine students who want to pursue licensure as a marriage and family therapist must look beyond state borders for their education, and best online MFT programs offer the most practical path to do so.

Maine Accepts Online MFT Degrees for Licensure

The good news is that Maine's Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure does not penalize online learners.1 There is no ban or restriction on degrees earned through distance education. The board evaluates your degree based on its content and accreditation, not its delivery format. To qualify for LMFT licensure in Maine, you need a qualifying master's or doctoral degree with at least 60 graduate credits covering required content areas such as marital and family studies, marital and family therapy, diagnosis and treatment, human sexuality, research and evaluation, and professional orientation.

Programs accredited by CACREP in marriage and family counseling or by COAMFTE satisfy these educational standards. Many nationally recognized COAMFTE accredited programs hold one of these accreditations, giving Maine residents a clear route to licensure from home.

Local Clinical Placements Are Possible

One concern students raise about online programs is the hands-on component. Every accredited MFT program requires supervised clinical hours, typically in the form of practicum and internship experiences. Reputable online programs are experienced at arranging fieldwork placements in the student's home state. Maine residents can often complete their clinical training at local counseling centers, community mental health agencies, or private practices without relocating.

Before enrolling, confirm with the program's clinical placement office that they have experience placing students in Maine or that they will support you in securing an approved site.

The Bottom Line

Online MFT programs from regionally accredited, COAMFTE-accredited, or CACREP-accredited institutions give Maine students everything they need to meet the state's LMFT education requirements. The absence of a local program is not a barrier. It simply means your best options are a few clicks away rather than a few miles down the road.

Best Online MFT Programs for Maine Students

Finding a quality MFT program from Maine usually means going out of state, because the state has no COAMFTE-accredited marriage and family therapy master's programs of its own. The online programs below are the ones most accessible to Maine students, balanced across online delivery, licensure preparation, cost, and graduate outcomes. Pay special attention to each program's clinical placement approach, since that determines whether you can complete supervised hours without leaving Maine.

Our ranking methodology
What went into the score
  • Online delivery for Maine students
  • Accreditation and licensure alignment
  • Institution graduation and retention rates
  • Tuition, fees, and net price
  • Median earnings after completion
Where the data comes from
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) — cacrep.org
  • IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
  • U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (earnings and debt) — collegescorecard.ed.gov
  • Independent editorial research
  • Our program database of school-reported details

Northwestern University

#1

Evanston, IL · $55,000/yr

Best for: Remote learners needing Maine clinical placements

Northwestern's online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is one of the few programs built for students in all 50 states. It is COAMFTE-accredited, accepts Maine residents, and its placement specialists can help arrange supervised clinical work near home. The live online classroom, cohort model, and 400-hour fieldwork requirement make it a strong fit for students who want a national-caliber credential without relocating.

COAMFTE accredited
  • COAMFTE-accredited online master's
  • 400 hours of supervised clinical fieldwork
  • Live online classes capped at 15 students
  • Placement specialists help arrange local clinical sites
  • No GRE required; completion in 24 to 36 months
  • Maine residents can complete placements near home

University of Southern California

#2

Los Angeles, CA · $72,000/yr

Best for: Working professionals seeking flexible online study

USC's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy combines an online curriculum with optional on-campus experiences and a 24-month cohort structure. The program is built around California licensure standards, but online students can often complete field training in their home communities with program approval, including Maine. Generous scholarships and strong clinical exam pass rates make it competitive with leading programs.

  • 60-unit curriculum completed in 24 months
  • Online format with optional on-campus experiences
  • Scholarships range from $15,000 to $30,000
  • 92% clinical exam pass rate
  • 98% alumni career effectiveness rate
  • Fieldwork can be arranged in home state with approval

University of South Florida

#3

Tampa, FL · $10,000/yr

Best for: Practicing clinicians adding systemic therapy skills

USF offers a 15-credit graduate certificate in marriage and family therapy rather than a licensure-track master's. It is designed for already-licensed or license-eligible clinicians who want systemic and family therapy skills, and the hybrid format includes some in-person Tampa sessions. Maine students should treat this as a specialization credential, not a standalone route to LMFT licensure.

  • 15-credit certificate for mental health professionals
  • 6 required credits plus 9 electives
  • Does not by itself meet LMFT licensure requirements
  • Hybrid format with some on-campus Tampa sessions
  • Adds systemic and family therapy expertise

California State University-Northridge

#4

Northridge, CA · ~$9,000/yr (est.)

Hispanic-Serving Institution

CSUN is a large California public university whose M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy is COAMFTE-accredited and can be finished in under two years. Courses run one at a time in eight-week blocks, which suits working adults, but the curriculum and clinical training are built around California licensure. Out-of-state students, including Maine residents, should confirm how course content and fieldwork hours transfer to their home state's requirements.

  • COAMFTE-accredited program
  • Prepares for California LMFT and LPCC licensure
  • One course at a time in eight-week blocks
  • Can be completed in less than two years
  • Curriculum includes ethics, assessment, and family therapy theory

Moody Bible Institute

#5

Chicago, IL · $10,000/yr

Moody Bible Institute's graduate certificate in marriage, family, and couples counseling is a faith-integrated credential for licensed professionals, not a full MFT degree. It blends online coursework with campus components in Chicago and costs $539 per credit hour. Maine practitioners looking for a biblical counseling specialty could use it as continuing education, but it is not a path to Maine LMFT licensure.

  • $539 per credit hour
  • For already-licensed or license-eligible professionals
  • Faith-integrated curriculum with biblical counseling focus
  • Hybrid with online coursework and Chicago campus sessions
  • Admission interview required

John Brown University

#6

Siloam Springs, AR · $10,000 – $15,000/yr

John Brown University's 60-credit M.S. in Counseling includes three distinct emphases: marriage and family therapy, play therapy, and adventure therapy. The CACREP-accredited program uses a hybrid delivery with substantial online work plus weekend classes in Arkansas, so Maine students would need to travel for the in-person portions. Strong clinical placement rates and a capped class size make it appealing for students in the region, but less convenient for New England residents.

  • CACREP-accredited 60-credit master's
  • 16 clinical credits plus 3 emphasis credits
  • 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours
  • No GRE or application fee; 2.75 GPA minimum
  • Class size capped at 24 students
  • Hybrid with weekend face-to-face classes
  • Play therapy emphasis in a CACREP-accredited 60-credit master's
  • Over 70% of coursework online or weekend
  • No GRE or application fee
  • 82% NCE pass rate in 2024-2025
  • CACREP-accredited through 2032
  • Adventure therapy emphasis within 60-credit counseling master's
  • NCE pass rate of 82% in 2024-2025
  • 91% job placement rate
  • Two community counseling clinics support clinical training

University of Oregon

#7

Eugene, OR · ~$19,000/yr (est.)

The University of Oregon's Couples and Family Therapy program is COAMFTE-accredited and requires 90 credits plus 350 direct client contact hours. Training happens at the Center for Healthy Relationships and community externship sites in Oregon, so the program is a better fit for Maine students willing to relocate than for those hoping to stay put. A Spanish Language Specialization is available for clinicians seeking to serve Spanish-speaking communities.

COAMFTE accredited
  • COAMFTE-accredited 90-credit degree
  • 350 direct client contact hours
  • Cohort model with 22 to 24 students per year
  • Training at the Center for Healthy Relationships
  • Community externship placements in Oregon
  • Requires in-person residency in Oregon
COAMFTE accredited
  • Spanish Language Specialization within COAMFTE-accredited MS
  • 350 direct hours plus 150 relational system hours
  • Social-justice-oriented curriculum
  • Live and digital supervision with reflecting team practice
  • Requires Oregon-based clinical training

Western Kentucky University

#8

Bowling Green, KY · $12,000 – $18,000/yr

Western Kentucky University's marriage, couple, and family counseling master's is CACREP-accredited and delivered in a hybrid format with on-campus work in Bowling Green. Students complete hands-on clinical training at the on-campus Talley Family Counseling Center. Maine residents would need to factor regular trips to Kentucky into their plans, and the program is not specifically designed for Maine licensure.

CACREP accredited
  • CACREP-accredited counseling master's
  • Hybrid format with on-campus Bowling Green requirements
  • Hands-on training at Talley Family Counseling Center
  • Prepares students for marriage and family counseling licensure paths
  • Financial support may be available

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

#9

Winona, MN · $12,000/yr

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a blended format and 300 clinical contact hours. The program meets Minnesota's LMFT academic requirements, and the university says it cannot guarantee the curriculum aligns with Maine's rules. Maine applicants should compare course content and fieldwork hour requirements with their state board before enrolling.

  • COAMFTE-accredited 48-credit master's
  • 300 clinical contact hours including 150 relational hours
  • Meets Minnesota LMFT academic requirements
  • Blended format with required Minnesota sessions
  • No GRE or MAT; 3.0 GPA minimum

Texas Woman's University

#10

Denton, TX · $9,000/yr

Hispanic-Serving Institution

Texas Woman's University delivers a COAMFTE-accredited M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy in a hybrid format across its Denton, Dallas, and Houston campuses. The program is designed for Texas LMFT licensure, with most students finishing in about three years, and it includes a thesis option. Out-of-state applicants from Maine should check the program's professional licensure disclosure, which states that Maine licensure alignment has not been determined.

  • COAMFTE-accredited program designed for Texas licensure
  • Most students finish in about three years
  • Thesis option available
  • No GRE or letters of recommendation required
  • Hybrid format across Denton, Dallas, and Houston campuses
  • Maine licensure alignment not yet determined

Questions to Ask Yourself

Can I commit to arranging a local clinical practicum in Maine while studying online?
Online MFT programs require you to complete supervised clinical hours at an approved site near you. Securing a practicum placement in Maine is your responsibility, so confirm that qualified sites and supervisors are accessible in your area before enrolling.
Do I need fully asynchronous coursework, or would a hybrid format with occasional residencies serve me better?
Asynchronous programs offer maximum scheduling flexibility, but hybrid models with brief on-campus intensives can strengthen clinical skills through in-person role plays and group practice. Weigh your work and family obligations against the benefits of face-to-face training.
Have I confirmed that my chosen program's accreditation meets Maine's LMFT education requirements?
Maine's licensing board requires a qualifying graduate degree, and not every accredited program automatically satisfies the state's specific coursework mandates. Verify directly with the Maine Board of Licensure that a program's curriculum and accreditation status will be accepted before you invest time and tuition.

Most Affordable Online MFT Programs for Maine Residents

Maine does not currently have in-state MFT programs, but several accredited online and hybrid programs across the country accept Maine students and can be completed remotely. The table below ranks five of the most affordable options by out-of-state tuition. Please note that the net price shown is an institution-wide average for all undergraduate students receiving financial aid; your actual graduate program costs will vary based on enrollment status, financial aid eligibility, and program-specific fees. Contact each school directly for the most accurate cost estimate.

SchoolLocationOut-of-State TuitionNet Price (Avg.)Graduation Rate
Purdue University NorthwestHammond, IN$11,960$6,07942.9%
Saint Mary's University of MinnesotaWinona, MN$12,474$11,70466.0%
Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green, KY$18,340$10,99055.6%
California State University, NorthridgeNorthridge, CA$19,062$7,02156.9%
University of South FloridaTampa, FL$21,126$9,81276.8%

Maine LMFT Licensure Requirements: A Step-By-Step Guide

Becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Maine follows a structured pathway overseen by the Maine Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure. Each step builds on the last, so understanding the full sequence before you enroll in a program can save you time and ensure you meet every requirement.

Six-step LMFT licensure pathway in Maine covering degree, practicum, supervised hours, exam, and application requirements

Maine LMFT Licensure: Education, Exams, and Supervised Hours Explained

Earning your Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) credential in Maine involves meeting specific benchmarks in education, supervised clinical practice, and examination. The Maine Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure oversees the entire process, and understanding each requirement before you enroll in a program will save you time and money.1

Education Requirements

Maine requires a master's or doctoral degree totaling at least 60 semester hours from a program accredited by COAMFTE or CACREP, or one that meets equivalent standards. The curriculum must cover core areas such as human development, family systems theory, marital and family therapy techniques, psychopathology, ethics, and research methodology. Coursework distributions are evaluated by the board, so applicants from programs that are not COAMFTE or CACREP accredited should be prepared to submit detailed syllabi and transcripts demonstrating equivalency.

One question prospective students frequently ask is whether a post-master's certificate in marriage and family therapy can satisfy the education requirement. Maine does accept qualifying post-master's certificates, which can be a practical route for clinicians who already hold a master's degree in a related counseling field and want to specialize in marriage and family therapy without completing a second full degree. The certificate program must still align with the board's content and credit-hour expectations, so confirm this with the board before enrolling.

Supervised Clinical Experience

After completing your degree, you must accumulate 3,000 total supervised hours of clinical experience. Within those hours, at least 1,000 must involve direct contact with couples and families. Your graduate program's MFT clinical internship accounts for 900 of these hours, which must include a minimum of 360 hours of direct client contact. Supervision must be provided at a ratio of no less than one hour of supervision for every 15 hours of clinical work, and your supervisor must hold credentials approved by the board. Most candidates complete the full 3,000 hours within two to three years of post-degree practice, though your pace depends on caseload and setting.

The AMFTRB National Licensing Exam

Maine requires a passing score on the national examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). You register directly through the AMFTRB portal, and the exam is offered at Prometric testing centers. The board sets the passing threshold in line with national standards. If you do not pass on your first attempt, retake policies are governed by the AMFTRB, which typically allows candidates to sit for the exam again after a waiting period. Check with the AMFTRB for the most current scheduling and fee details.

Out-of-State Reciprocity and Endorsement

Maine offers licensure by endorsement for MFTs already licensed in another state. To qualify, you generally need at least five years of licensed practice, a clean disciplinary record, and documentation showing that your original licensure requirements were substantially equivalent to Maine's. You will need to submit verified transcripts, proof of supervised hours, current license verification, a completed application with the $275 fee, and a background check ($21 fee).1 As of 2026, Maine does not participate in any interstate licensure compact for marriage and family therapists, so there is no expedited multi-state pathway. Each endorsement application is reviewed individually by the board. For a broader look at LMFT license requirements by state, consult our national guide.

Key Takeaway

Whether you are starting from scratch or transferring an existing license, the path to becoming an LMFT in Maine is well defined but detail oriented. A full master's degree from a COAMFTE or CACREP accredited program remains the most straightforward route, though qualifying post-master's certificates are also accepted. Build your program search around these requirements so every credit hour and clinical hour counts toward licensure.

MFT Vs. LPC in Maine: Which License Is Right for You?

Maine offers two distinct clinical licenses for therapists who want to practice independently: the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). The state uses the LCPC designation rather than the more common "LPC" label you may see in other states, so keep that distinction in mind when comparing programs and requirements. For a broader look at how these credentials differ nationwide, see our LMFT vs. LPC comparison.

Degree and Practicum Requirements

Both credentials require a master's degree, but the specifics differ. LCPC candidates must complete at least 60 graduate credits from a counseling program, along with 600 to 900 hours of internship or practicum experience during that degree.12 LMFT candidates also earn a master's degree, typically in marriage and family therapy, with coursework grounded in systems theory, family dynamics, and relational treatment models. MFT programs that carry COAMFTE accreditation generally require 500 or more hours of direct client contact during the degree, though exact figures vary by program.

Supervised Experience and Licensing Exams

After graduation, LCPC applicants must accumulate 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience, including at least 1,500 direct client contact hours and a minimum of 100 supervision hours (50 of which must be individual supervision).2 They then pass either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).2 LMFT candidates complete their own post-degree supervised hours, typically under an approved MFT supervisor, and sit for the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) national examination.

Scope of Practice and Work Settings

The practical difference between the two licenses comes down to clinical focus. LMFTs specialize in relational and systems-based therapy, treating couples, families, and individuals within the context of their marriage and family therapy vs. clinical counseling relationship dynamics. LCPCs hold a broader individual counseling scope, addressing conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use across a wider range of therapeutic modalities. In terms of work settings, LCPCs are commonly found in community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, and private practice. LMFTs often gravitate toward private practice, family service agencies, and settings where relational therapy is central to the mission.

When Dual Licensure Makes Sense

Some Maine practitioners hold both credentials. Dual licensure can expand the range of clients you serve, strengthen your marketability to employers, and make it easier to join multiple insurance panels. If your graduate coursework already covers substantial overlap between MFT and clinical counseling curricula, pursuing both licenses may require fewer additional steps than you expect. Dual licensure is especially worth considering if you plan to open a private practice and want the flexibility to treat individuals, couples, and families without referral limitations.

Both renewal cycles require continuing education, so factor in those ongoing obligations as well. LCPC holders must complete 55 continuing education hours every two years, including credits in ethics and interpersonal violence topics.3 Choosing between these paths, or pursuing both, depends on the populations you want to serve and the therapeutic approach that resonates most with your professional goals.

Marriage and Family Therapist Salary and Job Outlook in Maine

Marriage and family therapists in Maine earn a median annual wage of $68,670, which sits roughly $4,890 above the national median of $63,780. This favorable gap is notable given that Maine's cost of living is generally lower than that of several neighboring New England states such as Massachusetts and Connecticut, meaning MFTs in Maine may enjoy stronger purchasing power relative to peers in the broader region. However, the state's total employment count for MFTs is quite small, and precise figures are not publicly reported, so job availability can be more limited than in larger markets. Most MFTs in Maine find employment across private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, and school settings. Aspiring therapists who earn their degrees through online programs and then pursue Maine LMFT licensure should weigh these salary figures alongside the state's growing demand for mental health professionals in both rural and urban communities.

Wage MetricMaineUnited States
Median Annual Wage$68,670$63,780
10th Percentile$52,160$42,610
25th Percentile$67,720$48,600
75th Percentile$85,370$85,020
90th Percentile$90,740$111,610

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for marriage and family therapists will grow by 15 percent from 2022 to 2032, a rate much faster than average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 5,900 openings each year nationwide, driven by rising demand for mental health services.

How to Choose the Right Online MFT Program for Maine Licensure

Selecting the right online MFT program is one of the most consequential decisions you will make on the path to becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in Maine. A poor fit can mean extra coursework, rejected applications, or years of delay. The steps below will help you evaluate programs with confidence.

Prioritize COAMFTE Accreditation

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) is the specialized accrediting body recognized across the profession. A COAMFTE-accredited program has been independently verified to meet rigorous standards for curriculum, clinical training, and faculty qualifications. Maine's licensing board looks favorably on COAMFTE-accredited degrees because they align closely with the state's educational requirements. Choosing an accredited program is the safest, most direct route to satisfying the education component of licensure and avoids potential complications during the application review.

Map the Curriculum to Maine's Credit-Hour Requirements

Maine specifies how your graduate coursework should be distributed across core areas such as human development, family systems, psychopathology, ethics, and research. Before you enroll, request a program's course catalog and compare it, line by line, against the state's credit-hour distribution rules. Some programs are built around a different state's requirements or a more general counseling framework, which can leave gaps. If you spot a shortfall in any required area, ask the program whether an elective or additional course can fill it before you commit.

Evaluate Practicum Placement Support

Clinical experience is a non-negotiable part of MFT training, and where you complete that experience matters. The strongest online programs maintain dedicated placement coordinators who help students secure approved clinical sites in their home state. This is especially important in rural parts of Maine, where approved sites may be fewer and farther between. Ask each program directly: do they have existing partnerships with agencies or clinics in Maine, and what level of support will they provide if a site needs to be newly established?

Contact the Maine Board Before You Enroll

Even programs that check every box on paper can sometimes hit unexpected snags during the licensing review. A brief phone call or email to the Maine Board of Licensure of Medicine (which oversees LMFT credentials) can save you significant time and money. Ask the board whether a specific program you are considering has been accepted in the past and whether any additional coursework or supervised hours might be needed. Getting that confirmation in writing gives you a clear paper trail.

Consider the Practical Details

Beyond accreditation and curriculum alignment, day-to-day logistics will shape your experience:

  • Scheduling format: Asynchronous programs let you watch lectures and complete assignments on your own schedule, which is ideal for working adults. Synchronous sessions add real-time interaction but require fixed availability.
  • Residency requirements: Some online programs include brief on-campus intensives once or twice a year. Factor in travel costs and time away from work.
  • Tuition and reciprocity: Check whether the school offers in-state tuition rates to Maine residents through agreements such as the New England Regional Student Program or SARA authorization.
  • Student support services: Look for programs that provide academic advising, career counseling, and technical support tailored to distance learners.

Taking the time to investigate each of these factors before you apply will put you on a direct, well-supported path toward Maine LMFT licensure. If budget is a major concern, you may also want to explore affordable online MFT programs or accelerated MFT programs that can reduce overall costs by shortening time to graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions About MFT Programs for Maine Students

Below are answers to some of the most common questions Maine students ask when exploring marriage and family therapy programs and licensure. Each response draws on the details covered throughout this guide, so you can quickly find the information you need in one place.

Does Maine have any COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs?
As of 2026, Maine does not have a COAMFTE-accredited MFT program located within the state. However, several nationally accredited online programs accept Maine residents and meet the educational requirements for licensure. When choosing a program, look for COAMFTE accreditation or CACREP accreditation with an MFT specialization, as both pathways can satisfy Maine's Board of Professional Counselors requirements.
Can I get an MFT degree online and still get licensed in Maine?
Yes. Maine allows graduates of accredited online MFT programs to apply for licensure, provided the degree meets the state's coursework and clinical training standards. You will still need to complete supervised clinical hours and pass the required examination. Many online programs coordinate clinical placements in your local area, making it practical to earn your degree remotely while building hands-on experience in Maine.
How many supervised hours do you need for LMFT licensure in Maine?
Maine requires a minimum of two years of postgraduate supervised clinical experience, which typically translates to at least 3,000 hours of supervised work. Of those, a significant portion must involve direct client contact under the guidance of a qualified supervisor. Be sure to confirm the latest requirements with the Maine Board of Professional Counselors, as hour breakdowns and supervision ratios can be updated periodically.
What is the difference between an LMFT and an LCPC in Maine?
Both licenses authorize independent clinical practice, but they differ in focus. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) specialize in relational and systemic therapy, treating couples, families, and individuals through a family systems lens. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) follow a broader counseling model that may address a wider range of mental health concerns. Your choice should reflect the population and therapeutic approach you find most compelling.
How much does a marriage and family therapist make in Maine?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marriage and family therapists in Maine earn a median annual salary that generally falls below the national median, reflecting the state's lower overall cost of living. Earnings vary based on setting, experience, and location within the state. Therapists working in metropolitan areas or in specialized private practice tend to earn more. Check the latest BLS data for the most current figures.
Can I transfer an out-of-state LMFT license to Maine?
Maine does offer a pathway for out-of-state licensed marriage and family therapists to apply for licensure by endorsement. You will need to demonstrate that your education and supervised experience meet Maine's standards and that your current license is in good standing. Additional documentation or coursework may be required if your original state's requirements differ significantly from Maine's. Contact the Board of Professional Counselors to confirm the specific steps for your situation.

More Online MFT Programs Available to Maine Students

The programs below round out our directory with additional online options for Maine students. Each school accepts out-of-state students and offers flexible formats to accommodate different schedules and career goals. Use this list to explore programs that may better match your specific priorities for cost, specialization, or clinical training style.

Oregon Institute of Technology
Oregon Institute of Technology's M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy offers concentrations in Medical Family Therapy, Substance Use Disorder Treatment, and Integrated Behavioral Healthcare. This hybrid program combines online and campus instruction, focusing on rural mental health, multicultural competence, and trauma-informed care.
Prescott College
Prescott College's Master of Science in Counseling with a Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling concentration is a CACREP-accredited hybrid program. Delivered primarily online, it requires a three-day campus residency.
Mercy University
Mercy University offers a 60-credit hybrid MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, combining online coursework with on-campus sessions at Dobbs Ferry. The program emphasizes clinical practice, requiring 300 direct client contact hours.
Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University offers a hybrid M.A. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, blending online coursework with on-campus clinical training. This 60-credit program prepares students for licensure as professional counselors and marriage and family therapists.
Carson-Newman University
Carson-Newman University's Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a CACREP-accredited 60-credit hour program offered in a hybrid format, blending online coursework with on-campus sessions.
Purdue University Northwest
Purdue University Northwest offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy delivered in a hybrid format. The 67-credit scholar/practitioner program requires 500 client contact hours.
Central Connecticut State University
Central Connecticut State University offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with in-person clinical training. The 63-credit program includes practicum and internship components.
Syracuse University
Syracuse University's online M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited, part-time program requiring 60 credits over three years with live synchronous evening classes. Students complete a 500-hour clinical practicum locally.
California Lutheran University
California Lutheran University offers a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) concentration. This hybrid program meets California's Board of Behavioral Sciences educational requirements and aligns with AAMFT core competencies.
Drexel University
Drexel University's Master of Family Therapy with a concentration in Trauma and Addiction is a COAMFTE-accredited hybrid program. The 90-credit curriculum meets Pennsylvania MFT licensure requirements and includes 500 direct client hours.
Regis University
Regis University's M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit hybrid program completed in 2.5-3 years. Classes meet evenings and weekends on the Thornton and Northwest Denver campuses.
Lancaster Bible College
Lancaster Bible College offers a 60-credit Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling through a hybrid format in Lancaster, PA. This program integrates biblical principles with evidence-based counseling.
Manhattan College
Manhattan College's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit, state-registered program that qualifies graduates for New York licensure. This hybrid program blends online synchronous and in-person courses.
Our Lady of the Lake University
Our Lady of the Lake University offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration, delivered in a hybrid format combining online coursework with in-person clinical training.
Regent University
Regent University offers a Graduate Certificate in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling designed for mental health professionals seeking advanced skills in relationship dynamics. This hybrid program combines online flexibility with on-campus sessions.

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