Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in New York 2025
New York offers a diverse range of COAMFTE-accredited and regionally approved Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs, making it a prime location for students pursuing a career in mental health therapy. With high demand for LMFTs across urban and rural communities, New York provides numerous clinical training opportunities, strong employer networks, and multiple pathways to licensure.
In this guide
2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in New York
Yeshiva University
New York, NY - Private 4-year - yu.edu
Master's - M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy is a comprehensive 60-credit licensure-qualifying program located in New York City, preparing students for careers in psychological counseling. The curriculum emphasizes advanced skills in couples therapy, family dynamics, and crisis intervention, with diverse practicum experiences that allow work with varied populations. Students benefit from expert faculty, extensive networking, and a 100% post-graduation employment rate. This master's-level program does not explicitly state whether an entrance exam is required, so prospective students should verify specific admission requirements directly with the university.
- NYSED Licensure-qualifying program
- 60 credit hours total
- In-person classes in NYC
- Fall semester start
- Pathway to LMFT licensure
- Extensive field placement options
- Four-semester advanced track
- 100% post-graduation employment
- Subspecialties available
- Children and adolescent counseling
Master's - M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Couples and family crisis counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in Couples and family crisis counseling provides specialized training for licensed mental health professionals in New York City. The 60-credit program focuses on counseling techniques for diverse populations and complex family dynamics, offering extensive practical experience through field placements in private practices and community clinics. With a 100% employment rate and opportunities for specialization, students develop advanced skills in therapeutic interventions and crisis counseling. This master's-level program does not explicitly state whether an entrance exam is required, so applicants should check with the university for admission details.
- NYSED Licensure-qualifying program
- 60 credit hour program
- Fall semester start
- In-person NYC classes
- Four semester advanced track
- Extensive field placement network
- Multiple subspecialty options
- 100% employment rate
- Career networking opportunities
- Diverse practicum experiences
Master's - M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Child and adolescent therapy - Campus Based - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy, concentrating on Child and adolescent therapy, is a licensure-qualifying 60-credit program at the Ferkauf Graduate School in New York City. It offers intensive training in couples and family counseling, with specialized practice for diverse populations through extensive field placements. Students gain networking opportunities and a curriculum leading to successful therapy careers, supported by a 100% employment rate. This master's-level program does not explicitly state whether an entrance exam is required, so it is advisable to confirm admission requirements with the institution directly.
- NYSED Licensure-qualifying program
- 60 credit hours full-time
- Fall semester start
- In-person NYC classes
- Extensive field placement options
- Path to becoming LMFT
- Multiple subspecialty tracks
- Career networking opportunities
- 100% employment rate
- Application deadline July 31
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY - Private 4-year - syracuse.edu
Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Syracuse University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy offers comprehensive graduate training through campus-based instruction. This COAMFTE-accredited program emphasizes family systems theory and hands-on clinical practice at the Couple and Family Therapy Center, supported by expert faculty supervision. Students develop robust therapeutic skills through 500 clinical hours, preparing for state licensure and careers in mental health counseling. The program includes optional Certificates of Advanced Study in Trauma-Informed Practice and Child Therapy. No entrance exam is required for admission to this master's level program, which maintains a strong focus on cultural humility and social justice frameworks.
- Master of Arts (M.A.) degree offered
- Residential and online program options
- Hands-on clinical training provided
- Couple and Family Therapy Center
- Faculty-supervised clinical practice
- Optional Certificates of Advanced Study
- Trauma-Informed Practice CAS available
- Child Therapy CAS available
- Located in Peck Hall, Syracuse
- Live and digital supervision methods
Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A. Online
Online Learning - Visit Website
Syracuse University's online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy delivers a fully remote 60-credit curriculum accredited by COAMFTE. This program specializes in addressing complex relationship dynamics, trauma, and LGBTQ concerns while emphasizing cultural humility and social justice principles. Students complete 500 clinical practicum hours under supervision, preparing for diverse career paths in private practice and healthcare settings. With over 50 years of departmental history, the program requires no entrance exam and focuses on developing transformative mental health professionals capable of working with diverse family systems and relationship challenges.
- Fully online master's degree
- 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
- 500-hour clinical practicum
- COAMFTE accredited program
- Over 50 years department history
- Social justice framework
- Prepares for state licensure
- Diverse career path options
- Cultural humility focus
- Supervised clinical training
Manhattan College
Riverdale, NY - Private 4-year - manhattan.edu
Graduate Certificate - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Manhattan College's hybrid Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit, state-registered program that qualifies graduates for New York licensure. It employs a contextual and systemic approach, emphasizing cultural competence, family dynamics, and relational perspectives. The program blends online synchronous and in-person courses for flexibility, includes 500 internship hours for hands-on clinical training, and requires no entrance exam. Students complete 54 core and 6 elective credits, focusing on lifespan development and advanced clinical skills, preparing them for post-graduate licensure steps.
- 60-credit state-registered program
- Licensure-qualifying in New York
- Blended learning format
- Contextual and systemic therapy approach
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Online synchronous and in-person courses
- Focus on cultural competence
- 500 total internship hours
- 54 core course credits
- 6 elective course credits
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY - Private 4-year - rochester.edu
Master's - MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Rochester's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit, COAMFTE-accredited program that prepares culturally-attuned professionals through interdisciplinary training in a medical center environment. Students complete yearlong practicums at multiple clinical sites with weekly individual supervision, emphasizing systemic thinking and adaptability in mental health practice. This campus-based program requires no entrance exam and accepts applications year-round for fall semester starts. Graduates are positioned for successful careers in diverse healthcare settings, with clinical training occurring in both hospital and community-based environments regulated by the NYS Office of Mental Health.
- 60-credit MS program
- COAMFTE Accredited program
- Fall semester start
- Two practicum sites
- Weekly individual supervision
- Clinical training in hospital setting
- Community-based clinical sites
- Applications accepted year-round
- Interdisciplinary mental health training
- NYS Office of Mental Health regulated clinic
Graduate Certificate - Post-degree Certificate Program in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Rochester's Post-degree Certificate Program in Marriage and Family Therapy offers specialized training for professionals with advanced degrees seeking expertise in family therapy. This campus-based program provides comprehensive clinical training through a multidisciplinary, systems-based approach with culturally sensitive therapeutic techniques. Students gain experience across diverse healthcare settings, preparing them to work effectively with individuals, couples, and families. As a post-degree certificate program, no entrance exam is required. The program welcomes full-time professionals and operates within a medical center environment with hospital facilities on campus.
- Post-degree Certificate Program
- For professionals with advanced degrees
- Multi-disciplinary training context
- Clinical placements diverse settings
- Systems-based therapy approach
- Culturally sensitive therapeutic training
- Works with diverse client populations
- Full-time professionals welcome
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY - Private 4-year - hofstra.edu
Master's - Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hofstra University's Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 54-credit campus-based program that prepares students for New York state licensure through intensive academic and clinical training. With no GRE required, the program emphasizes practice-based learning, featuring an integrated internship at the on-campus Counseling and Mental Health Professions Clinic. Dedicated faculty guide students in developing advanced skills to help couples and families navigate complex dynamics, with sessions available in fall, spring, and summer. Graduates benefit from a projected 22% job growth in the field, entering careers with strong opportunities.
- 54-credit in-person degree
- No GRE required
- On-campus clinic internship
- NY state licensure preparation
- Fall, spring, summer sessions
- 22% job growth projected
- Practice-based courses offered
- Dedicated faculty guidance
Long Island University
Brookville, NY - Private 4-year - liu.edu
Master's - MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Long Island University's MS in Marriage and Family Therapy offers a comprehensive 60-credit curriculum designed to meet New York State licensure requirements. Students receive extensive clinical training with 1,500 supervised experience hours, focusing on therapeutic interventions for individuals, couples, and families. The program emphasizes systemic approaches, multicultural competencies, and solution-focused strategies to address complex relational challenges across diverse populations. Graduates develop advanced skills in evidence-based practice and ethical counseling. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this master's level program.
- 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
- Meets NYS Licensure Requirements
- Extensive clinical training
- 1,500 supervised experience hours
- Diverse therapeutic intervention focus
- Multicultural counseling emphasis
- Individual, couple, family therapy
- Clinical problem treatment
- Solution-focused approach
- Internship opportunities
Master's - Advanced Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Long Island University's Advanced Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy provides specialized training through a 60-credit curriculum that meets New York State licensure standards. Students gain comprehensive clinical experience with 1,500 supervised hours, learning systemic therapeutic approaches for individuals, couples, and families. The program emphasizes solution-focused interventions, evidence-based practices, and holistic treatment strategies to address psychological challenges in diverse relationship contexts. Graduates develop advanced counseling skills through internship courses and clinical training. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this certificate-level program.
- 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
- Meets NYS licensure requirements
- 1,500 supervised clinical hours
- Extensive clinical training
- Diverse therapeutic intervention focus
- Multicultural counseling emphasis
- Individual, couple, family therapy
- Solution-focused therapeutic approach
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
- Internship courses included
Graduate Certificate - Advanced Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Long Island University's Advanced Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 39-credit program that prepares students for New York State licensure. This rigorous curriculum focuses on developing clinical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for working with diverse family systems. Graduates must complete 1,500 supervised practice hours and pass the national licensing exam. The program emphasizes therapeutic interventions for complex interpersonal dynamics, providing comprehensive training for mental health professionals seeking specialization in marriage and family therapy. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this certificate-level program.
- 39-credit Advanced Certificate program
- Meets NY State License Requirements
- 1,500 supervised practice hours
- National licensing exam preparation
- Focuses on Marriage and Family Therapy
Mercy University
Dobbs Ferry, NY - Private 4-year - mercy.edu
Graduate Certificate - MS Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mercy University's MS in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit hybrid program that prepares students for licensure through comprehensive training and 300 direct client contact hours. The curriculum addresses diverse issues like substance abuse and intimate partner dynamics, with flexible full-time or part-time options at the Dobbs Ferry campus. Faculty are internationally renowned, and the program emphasizes hands-on clinical experience without requiring an entrance exam. Graduates benefit from strong job prospects in a field projected to grow by 15%, supported by internship opportunities and licensure exam preparation.
- 60-credit Master's program
- 300 clinical contact hours
- Dobbs Ferry campus location
- Full/part-time enrollment
- 15% job market growth
- Licensure exam preparation
- Experienced faculty members
- Internship opportunities
- Diverse therapy focus areas
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
Iona University
New Rochelle, NY - Private 4-year - iona.edu
Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy (MS)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Iona University's MS in Marriage and Family Therapy offers comprehensive systemic training that prepares students for clinical practice across diverse populations. The program emphasizes holistic approaches to address complex family dynamics, with a strong focus on ethical standards and multicultural competence. Students gain hands-on experience through varied clinical opportunities, enhancing their skills in relationship dynamics and professional development. Graduates are well-prepared for national licensure and impactful careers helping individuals, couples, and families. As a master's level program, it may require entrance exams like the GRE, but specific requirements should be verified with the university for accurate details.
- Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy
- Holistic systemic clinical training
- Prepares for national licensing
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Multicultural professional focus
- Professional mentorship approach
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Ethical practice emphasized
- Professional development centered
- Complex relationship dynamics training
New York’s Quickest MFT Programs
- Syracuse University offers a full-time two-year MFT program, allowing students to complete coursework and supervised training efficiently.
- LIU Post and Hofstra University provide MFT degrees that can be completed in 2.5 years, with accelerated coursework options available.
- Some online COAMFTE-accredited programs allow students to finish coursework at an accelerated pace, while completing supervised experience within New York-based clinical settings.
- Students with relevant graduate coursework in psychology or counseling may transfer credits, reducing overall program length.
For students looking to complete their MFT degree as quickly as possible, selecting a structured, full-time program with early internship placements is essential for expediting graduation and licensure eligibility.
New York’s Cheapest MFT Programs
- SUNY and CUNY universities generally offer lower tuition rates for in-state students, making them the most cost-effective options for MFT education.
- Syracuse University and Hofstra University provide financial aid, graduate assistantships, and scholarships, helping reduce tuition costs for qualifying students.
- Loan forgiveness programs for LMFTs working in underserved communities allow students to offset tuition costs while gaining valuable clinical experience.
- Online programs may provide competitive tuition rates, making them a viable option for students who need affordability and flexibility.
For students prioritizing cost-effective education, applying for state-funded tuition assistance, employer reimbursement programs, and LMFT loan repayment incentives can help minimize student debt.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in New York
Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Complete a COAMFTE-accredited or regionally approved MFT program that meets New York’s licensure requirements.
- Ensure coursework includes family therapy models, ethics, and clinical assessment training.
Complete 1,500 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
- Gain post-graduate clinical hours, with 750 hours of direct client contact under a licensed MFT supervisor.
- Work in state-approved therapy settings, such as mental health agencies, hospitals, or private practices.
Pass the National MFT Examination
- Successfully take the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Exam.
- Demonstrate competency in therapy interventions, ethics, and clinical assessments.
Apply for Licensure Through the New York State Office of Professions
- Submit official transcripts, proof of supervised hours, and exam scores for licensure approval.
- Complete any additional requirements mandated by the state licensing board.
Maintain Licensure with Continuing Education
- Complete 36 continuing education (CE) hours every three years, including coursework in ethics, trauma-informed care, and advanced therapy techniques.
- Attend workshops, training programs, and online courses to stay up to date with new mental health research.
Following this structured process ensures a smooth transition from student to licensed professional, qualifying LMFTs to work in private practice, school-based mental health services, and teletherapy programs
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in New York
New York has one of the highest employment rates for LMFTs, with numerous career opportunities in mental health services. The average salary for LMFTs in New York is $75,200 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $110,000 annually.
Where LMFTs Work in New York
- Private practice settings offer higher salaries and flexibility, making it a popular career path for LMFTs.
- Hospital-based therapy programs provide job stability and integrated behavioral health care teams.
- School-based mental health services allow LMFTs to work with children, adolescents, and families in educational settings.
- Teletherapy expansion in New York has increased demand for LMFTs providing remote counseling services.
With strong salary potential, a growing telehealth sector, and expanding mental health initiatives, New York remains one of the best states for LMFT career development.
New York offers top-tier MFT programs, structured licensure pathways, and diverse career opportunities for licensed therapists. With a variety of accredited university programs, flexible learning formats, and financial aid options, the state is an ideal location for aspiring LMFTs.
For students seeking a high-quality, affordable, and career-focused MFT education, New York’s programs provide the knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional credentials necessary to excel in private practice, behavioral health services, and teletherapy programs. Whether working in urban therapy centers or providing mental health care in rural New York, LMFTs play a critical role in strengthening family dynamics and improving mental health outcomes across the state.
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