Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Texas 2025

Texas is home to several COAMFTE-accredited and regionally approved Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs, offering students high-quality training in clinical practice, family systems therapy, and mental health counseling. With a growing demand for licensed therapists in both urban and rural communities, Texas presents diverse career opportunities for LMFTs in private practice, hospitals, and community mental health centers.

In this guide

2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Texas

Looking for the best marriage and family therapy programs in Texas? At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we carefully review and rank top MFT programs across the state to help you find the right fit for your education and career goals. Our rankings highlight schools that offer strong clinical training, experienced faculty, and good support for students. We focus on programs that prepare you well for licensure and practice in Texas. Choosing a quality MFT program is a big step toward helping couples and families build healthier relationships. https://marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

Abilene Christian University

Abilene, TX - Private 4-year - acu.edu

Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

Online Learning - Visit Website

This online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program at Abilene Christian University delivers rigorous professional preparation for aspiring therapists. Spanning approximately 33 months, the 60-credit COAMFTE-accredited degree offers specialized concentrations in Child and Adolescent Therapy, Medical Family Therapy, and Trauma Treatment. Students receive comprehensive training in systemic assessment, mental health intervention, and couples counseling. The program's competitive $799 per credit hour tuition, flexible online format, and robust internship opportunities create an accessible pathway to professional licensure and meaningful clinical practice.

  • COAMFTE-accredited online program
  • 60 credit hours, 33 months
  • $799 per credit hour
  • 5 unique concentrations
  • Prepares for national licensure
  • 100+ internship supervision hours
  • Christ-centered learning environment
  • Flexible online format
  • Multiple start dates annually

Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

Concentration: Medical Family Therapy Treatment of Trauma - Online Learning - Visit Website

Focusing on Medical Family Therapy Treatment of Trauma, this online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program equips professionals with advanced clinical skills. The COAMFTE-accredited curriculum delivers specialized training in addressing complex medical and traumatic family dynamics. Students navigate a flexible 60-credit program designed for working professionals, with competitive $799 per credit hour tuition. The comprehensive approach includes 100+ hours of supervised internship, positioning graduates for success across diverse clinical settings like hospitals, mental health agencies, and private practices.

  • COAMFTE-accredited online program
  • 60 credit hours, 33 months minimum
  • 5 unique concentration tracks
  • $799 per credit hour
  • 100+ hours supervised internship
  • Prepare for national licensure exam
  • Christ-centered learning approach
  • Flexible online format
  • Multiple start dates available
  • Practice settings: clinics, hospitals, agencies

Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

Concentration: Child and Adolescent Therapy - Online Learning - Visit Website

Specializing in Child and Adolescent Therapy, this online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program offers transformative professional development. The COAMFTE-accredited curriculum provides intensive training in addressing complex pediatric and adolescent mental health challenges. Students benefit from a flexible 60-credit format, comprehensive 100+ hour internship experience, and specialized therapeutic approaches. Priced at $799 per credit hour, the program prepares graduates to sit for national licensing exams while developing sophisticated skills in family systems, developmental psychology, and therapeutic intervention strategies.

  • COAMFTE-accredited online program
  • 60 credit hours, 33 months
  • Multiple therapy concentrations
  • Cost: $799/credit hour
  • 100+ internship supervision hours
  • Prepares for national licensing exam
  • Christ-centered learning environment
  • Flexible online format
  • Start dates: March, May 2025
  • College of Health/Human Services

Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

Concentration: Therapy with Military Families - Online Learning - Visit Website

Designed for professionals interested in Therapy with Military Families, this online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program delivers specialized clinical training. The 60-credit COAMFTE-accredited curriculum offers comprehensive preparation for working with military-connected populations, emphasizing evidence-based therapeutic approaches. With flexible online learning, students explore intricate family dynamics unique to military contexts. Priced at $799 per credit hour, the program includes extensive internship experiences and a Christ-centered educational philosophy, preparing graduates for national licensure and meaningful therapeutic practice.

  • 60-credit COAMFTE-accredited program
  • Online flexible learning format
  • Five specialized concentrations
  • $799 per credit hour
  • 33-month minimum completion time
  • 100+ hours supervised internship
  • Prepares for national licensure exam
  • Christ-centered educational approach
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement

Graduate Certificate - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

Online Learning - Visit Website

Abilene Christian University's online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy represents an innovative pathway for mental health professionals seeking comprehensive training. The COAMFTE-accredited program provides a flexible 60-credit curriculum tailored for working professionals, emphasizing practical therapeutic skills across multiple domains. Students explore diverse concentrations including child therapy, trauma treatment, and military family dynamics. With affordable tuition at $799 per credit hour, the program guarantees extensive clinical experience through 100+ hours of supervised internship. Graduates are well-positioned to pursue national licensing and develop transformative therapeutic approaches within a Christ-centered educational framework.

  • COAMFTE-accredited online program
  • 60 credit hours, 33 months
  • $799 per credit hour
  • Five concentration options
  • Prepares for national licensing exam
  • 100+ hours supervised internship
  • Christ-centered curriculum
  • Flexible online learning
  • Multiple start dates annually
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required

Graduate Certificate - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

Abilene Christian University's campus-based Master of Marriage and Family Therapy provides an immersive two-year educational experience for emerging mental health professionals. The program distinguishes itself through a comprehensive 500-hour clinical internship, preparing students for diverse counseling careers. With 60 total credit hours priced at $1,383 per credit, students benefit from flexible thesis and non-thesis tracks, multilingual training opportunities, and a strong emphasis on Christian leadership. Multiple application deadlines and interview options enhance accessibility for prospective students seeking comprehensive therapeutic education.

  • COAMFTE accredited program
  • Two-year master's degree
  • 60 total credit hours
  • Tuition $1,383 per credit
  • 500-hour clinical internship
  • Thesis and non-thesis tracks
  • Prepares for national licensure exam
  • Multiple application deadlines
  • Priority deadline January 17
  • Multiple interview options
Show 5 More Programs ˅
#2

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX - Public 4-Year - ttu.edu

Master's - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Master’s Degree

Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Tech University's Master's in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy is a rigorous, campus-based program preparing students for LMFT licensure. It emphasizes hands-on clinical training in the on-campus Family Therapy Clinic, with specialized opportunities in addiction treatment, military marriages, and family resilience. Students collaborate with experienced faculty on research that can lead to publications. The program meets Texas state certification requirements and supports career advancement in therapy or doctoral studies. For master's level programs, an entrance exam is required unless otherwise stated.

  • Campus-based Master's degree program
  • Licensure preparation for LMFT
  • Specialized addiction treatment focus
  • Research and publication opportunities
  • Large, experienced faculty group
  • Clinical training in Family Therapy Clinic
  • Prepares for doctoral studies
  • Meets Texas state certification requirements
  • Diverse research specialization options
  • Collaborative graduate environment

Master's - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Master’s Degree

Concentration: Treatment of addictions - Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Tech University's Master's in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy with a concentration in treatment of addictions provides specialized training for aspiring mental health professionals. This campus-based program focuses on addiction treatment, offering clinical experiences and research opportunities to prepare for licensure as LMFTs. Students develop expertise in areas like substance abuse, supported by a large faculty and collaborative learning environments. For master's level programs, an entrance exam is required unless otherwise stated.

  • Campus-based Master's degree program
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist preparation
  • Unique addiction treatment focus
  • Strong clinical training opportunities
  • Research publication possibilities
  • Large marriage and family therapy faculty
  • State certification eligible program
  • Specialized research areas available
  • Doctoral program pathway
  • Practicum and clinical experience included

Master's - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Master’s Degree

Concentration: Family resiliency during health care crises - Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Tech University's Master's in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy with a concentration on family resiliency during health care crises equips students for licensure as LMFTs or Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors. The program features hands-on training in the campus Family Therapy Clinic, focusing on resilience in health crises, military marriages, and substance abuse. It meets state certification requirements and includes research opportunities. For master's level programs, an entrance exam is required unless otherwise stated.

  • Campus-based Master's program
  • Strong clinical focus
  • Large marriage therapy faculty
  • Addictions treatment specialization
  • Licensure exam preparation
  • Research publication opportunities
  • State certification compliant
  • Practical career development
  • Multiple research focus areas

Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Tech University's Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy offers advanced clinical and research training for academic and clinical leadership. With a 100% licensure success rate and the nation's largest graduate faculty, students gain extensive experience in the campus Family Therapy Clinic and interdisciplinary research. The program prepares graduates for faculty positions and licensure, with supervised therapy hours counting in Texas. For doctorate level programs, an entrance exam is required unless otherwise stated.

  • Ph.D. program fully accredited
  • Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
  • 100% professional licensure success
  • Nation's largest graduate-level faculty
  • Interdisciplinary research opportunities
  • Research spans diverse topics
  • Strong clinical practice focus
  • Supervised therapy experience
  • Prominent national researchers
  • Licensure hours count in Texas

Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.

Concentration: Military marriages - Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Tech University's Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy with a concentration in military marriages prepares students for advanced clinical and academic roles. Accredited since 1981, it offers interdisciplinary research and extensive clinical training in the campus clinic, achieving 100% licensure success. The program emphasizes military marriage issues, with licensure hours valid in Texas and strong job placement. For doctorate level programs, an entrance exam is required unless otherwise stated.

  • Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
  • 100% professional licensure success
  • Nationally largest graduate faculty
  • Accredited since 1981
  • Interdisciplinary research opportunities
  • Extensive clinical training
  • Research covering diverse topics
  • Licensure hours in Texas
  • Strong academic job market placement

Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.

Concentration: Substance abuse in adults and adolescents - Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Tech University's Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy with a concentration on substance abuse in adults and adolescents provides comprehensive training in research and clinical practice. Students conduct high-quality research, gain hands-on experience in the campus clinic, and benefit from a 100% licensure success rate and large faculty. The program focuses on substance abuse topics, preparing graduates for academic and professional success. For doctorate level programs, an entrance exam is required unless otherwise stated.

  • Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy
  • Accredited since 1981
  • Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
  • 100% licensure exam success
  • Nation's largest graduate-level faculty
  • Interdisciplinary research approach
  • Licensure hours count in Texas
  • Research spans diverse topics
  • Strong clinical preparation
  • Nationally prominent researchers
Show 5 More Programs ˅
#3

Hardin-Simmons University

Abilene, TX - Private 4-year - hsutx.edu

Master's - Clinical Counseling & Marriage and Family

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hardin-Simmons University's Master's in Clinical Counseling & Marriage and Family Therapy is a CACREP-accredited hybrid program requiring 60 credits and 700 clinical hours. It prepares students for LPC and LMFT licensure through a faith-integrated curriculum emphasizing ethical practice, diverse counseling settings, and cultural competence. Admission requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, an interview, and GRE score recommendations, with fall and spring start options. The program includes 12 psychology prerequisites and focuses on advanced clinical skills, research methods, and holistic mental health treatment, allowing up to seven years for completion.

  • CACREP Accredited Program
  • 60 Total Credit Hours
  • 700 Clinical Experience Hours
  • LPC and LMFT Licensure Paths
  • 3.0 Undergraduate GPA Required
  • Fall/Spring Admission Options
  • Interview Required for Admission
  • Multiple Mental Health Credentials
  • 12 Psychology Prerequisites
  • GRE Score Recommendations
#4

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX - Private 4-year - smu.edu

Master's - M.S. in Counseling

Concentration: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern Methodist University's M.S. in Counseling with a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist concentration offers a comprehensive 60-credit curriculum focused on family systems, couples therapy, and clinical methods. This rigorous program prepares graduates for state licensure through supervised clinical practicum and diverse coursework. With a three-year full-time completion option, students develop evidence-based therapeutic skills for various settings. The program requires a personal interview and may require the GRE entrance exam, providing flexible specialization areas and internship opportunities.

  • 60 total credit hours
  • 3-year full-time completion
  • Personal interview required
  • Multiple specialization areas
  • Supervised clinical practicum
  • Licensure preparation track
  • Diverse course offerings
  • Flexible six-year maximum completion
  • Internship opportunities included
  • GRE may be required

Master's - M.S. in Counseling

Concentration: Licensed Professional Counselor - Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern Methodist University's M.S. in Counseling with a Licensed Professional Counselor concentration delivers advanced training in therapeutic techniques and clinical assessment. This 60-credit program emphasizes diverse counseling specializations, including play therapy and LGBTQ counseling, preparing students for state licensure. Featuring a three-year completion option, it includes supervised clinical practicum and internships. The admission process requires an interview and makes the GRE optional for applicants with high GPAs, offering multiple concentration tracks for flexible learning.

  • 60 total credit hours
  • Three-year completion option
  • State licensure preparation
  • Diverse counseling specializations
  • Supervised clinical practicum
  • Multiple concentration tracks
  • Comprehensive admission process
  • Interview required for admission
  • GRE optional with high GPA
  • Internship opportunities included

Master's - M.S. in Counseling

Concentration: School Counselor - Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern Methodist University's M.S. in Counseling with a School Counselor concentration provides a 60-credit curriculum focused on therapy, assessment, and clinical practice. This program prepares graduates for state licensure with specialized tracks in family systems and couples therapy, supported by expert faculty and hands-on experience. Requiring a personal interview, three recommendation letters, and possibly the GRE entrance exam, it offers on-campus and summer study options, diverse course offerings, and a three-year full-time completion path.

  • 60 total credit hours
  • Three-year full-time completion
  • Personal interview required
  • State licensure preparation
  • Specialized counseling tracks
  • Clinical practicum included
  • Multiple specialization options
  • Diverse course offerings
  • Three recommendation letters needed
  • GRE may be required
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#5

Houston Christian University

Houston, TX - Private 4-year - hc.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Houston Christian University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a comprehensive 60-hour graduate program offered in a hybrid format, blending online flexibility with residential components to meet Texas licensure standards. Students develop advanced clinical skills through rigorous coursework and a 700-hour supervised practicum, preparing them for diverse settings like private practices, mental health centers, and hospitals. The program emphasizes research-supported techniques and personal growth, empowering graduates to make meaningful therapeutic interventions. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required, and a comprehensive exam is part of the curriculum, though no specific entrance exam is mentioned for admission.

  • 60-hour graduate coursework
  • 100% online and residential
  • Leads to MFT licensure
  • 700 hours practicum/internship
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Texas licensure compliant
  • Comprehensive exam required
  • National exam preparation
#6

Lubbock Christian University

Lubbock, TX - Private 4-year - lcu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Emphasis in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Lubbock Christian University's hybrid Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy emphasis offers a graduate-level, 60-hour program that integrates faith-based principles with evidence-based counseling techniques. Students develop advanced therapeutic skills through hands-on clinical internships and small, collaborative classes led by experienced practitioners. The program prepares graduates for diverse roles in community mental health, trauma support, and relationship counseling, emphasizing ethical foundations and holistic approaches. As a master's program, it requires a bachelor's degree for admission, but no entrance exam is specified in the provided details.

  • Faith-integrated counseling education
  • Experienced practitioner faculty
  • Small collaborative class sizes
  • Holistic therapeutic approach
  • Extensive clinical internship opportunities
  • Requires bachelor's degree
  • 60-hour graduate program
  • Clinical placement network
  • Professional development resources
  • CACREP accreditation preparation

Doctorate - Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

Lubbock Christian University's campus-based Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy master's program provides comprehensive training in systemic family dynamics and individual mental health. This 60-hour curriculum blends faith-inspired learning with clinical practice, focusing on ethical standards and evidence-based approaches. Students benefit from faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and extensive internship placements to build practical counseling skills. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement; no entrance exam is mentioned in the data, aligning with the program's emphasis on holistic professional development.

  • 60-hour master's degree program
  • Faith-inspired therapeutic learning
  • Experienced faculty mentorship
  • Small class sizes
  • Clinical internship opportunities
  • Research engagement possibilities
  • Comprehensive professional development
  • Requires bachelor's degree
  • Diverse clinical placement network
  • Evidence-based counseling approaches
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#7

Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX - Public 4-Year - twu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Woman's University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited hybrid program that emphasizes a systems approach to enhance family dynamics through research-driven training. It prepares students for Texas state licensure with a strong track record of 100% national exam pass rates and offers flexible three-year completion options. The program provides real-world experience and research opportunities, including a thesis option, and requires a 3.0 GPA for admission. Notably, no GRE is required, but an on-campus interview is necessary, with application deadlines in fall (January 15) and spring (September 1).

  • COAMFTE Accredited Program
  • 3-Year Typical Completion
  • 100% National Exam Pass Rate
  • No GRE Required
  • Thesis Research Option
  • Texas State Licensure Prep
  • 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
  • Fall Application Deadline: Jan 15
  • Spring Application Deadline: Sept 1
  • On-Campus Interview Required
#8

Amberton University

Garland, TX - Private 4-year - amberton.edu

Master's - Master of Arts - Marriage & Family Therapy

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Amberton University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit hybrid program designed for working adults, blending classroom and online learning at $300 per credit. It prepares students for Texas LMFT licensure with a focus on counseling theories, life span development, and ethical practices, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program emphasizes multicultural counseling and includes a counseling skills practicum for hands-on experience, with no entrance exam required. Graduates are equipped for careers in community and social service organizations, offering flexibility and affordability.

  • 60 total credit hours
  • Classroom and online courses
  • Cost: $300 per credit
  • Texas LMFT licensure preparation
  • Next term starts 3/15/25
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Counseling skills practicum
  • Focused on marriage/family therapy
  • Multiple counseling electives
  • Multicultural counseling emphasis
#9

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Belton, TX - Private 4-year - go.umhb.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling - Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling

Concentration: Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's Master of Arts in Counseling with a Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling concentration is a CACREP-accredited hybrid program that prepares students for LMFT licensure through 60 credit hours of rigorous coursework. The curriculum includes 36 hours of counseling core, 12 hours of specialized MFT courses, and 9 hours of clinical instruction, emphasizing multicultural competencies and ethical practice. Students gain hands-on experience via practicum and internship, developing advanced therapeutic skills for diverse client populations. A comprehensive exam is required, but no entrance exam is specified. This Baptist-affiliated, military-friendly program equips graduates for impactful careers in marriage and family therapy.

  • CACREP-accredited program
  • 60 total credit hours
  • Counseling core: 36 hours
  • Specialized MFT courses: 12 hours
  • Clinical instruction: 9 hours
  • Comprehensive exam required
  • Prepares for LMFT licensure
  • Multiple specialized counseling courses
  • Practicum and internship experiences
  • Diverse course offerings
#10

Our Lady of the Lake University

San Antonio, TX - Private 4-year - ollusa.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy

Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Campus Based - Visit Website

At Our Lady of the Lake University's Houston campus, the Master of Science in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy specialization offers a rigorous, 60-credit curriculum focused on systemic and non-pathological therapeutic models. This COAMFTE-accredited program meets Texas LMFT licensure requirements, featuring Saturday classes and small group learning over three years. Students develop skills for diverse populations without an entrance exam, preparing for roles as licensed therapists through strengths-based approaches.

  • 60-credit hour program
  • Three-year completion time
  • COAMFTE accredited
  • Meets LMFT licensure requirements
  • Saturday course schedule
  • Small group learning pods
  • Strengths-based therapy approach
  • Multiple therapy model training
  • Application deadline June 1st
  • Part-time student status

Master's - Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy

Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Campus Based - Visit Website

Our Lady of the Lake University's campus-based Master of Science in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration provides a 60-semester-hour, COAMFTE-accredited path to Texas licensure. The program emphasizes strengths-based psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families, with practicum experiences and multiple campus options. No entrance exam is required, but prerequisites include a 2.50 GPA and 12 undergraduate psychology hours, preparing graduates for mental health counseling careers.

  • 60 semester hour program
  • COAMFTE accredited concentration
  • Multiple campus locations: San Antonio, RGV, Houston
  • Meets Texas MFT licensure requirements
  • GPA requirement: 2.50 overall or 3.00 last 60 hours
  • 12 psychology undergraduate hours prerequisite
  • Fall admission deadline: April 1st
  • Criminal background check required
  • Practicum experience included
  • Professional licensure preparation

Graduate Certificate - Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy

Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Our Lady of the Lake University's hybrid Master of Science in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration is a 60-credit, COAMFTE-accredited program designed for aspiring therapists. Emphasizing cultural competence and strengths-based psychotherapy, students gain practical skills through university clinics and off-campus practicums, completing 500 supervised hours. With evening classes and a two-year full-time option, it suits working professionals. The program does not require an entrance exam, and graduates can pursue competitive salaries in a growing field.

  • 60-credit hour program
  • COAMFTE accredited degree
  • Two-year full-time completion
  • Evening classes offered
  • University-based clinic training
  • 500 hours supervised practice
  • Tuition $2,973 per course
  • Multiple campus options
  • Cultural competence focus
  • February 1 priority deadline
Show 2 More Programs ˅
*Source: IPEDS 2023 survey results, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

Other MFT Programs Available in Texas

Texas provides several accredited MFT programs, ensuring students receive rigorous academic training and practical clinical experience to meet licensure requirements.

Top Accredited MFT Programs in Texas

Our Lady of the Lake University – Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

  • COAMFTE-accredited program emphasizing multicultural therapy, clinical assessment, and relational interventions.
  • Includes internships and practicum experiences, allowing students to gain real-world therapy experience before graduation.
  • Offers bilingual training opportunities, preparing students to work with Spanish-speaking clients in diverse communities.

University of Houston-Clear Lake – Master of Arts in Family Therapy

  • Provides a COAMFTE-accredited curriculum, ensuring students receive clinical training that meets Texas licensure requirements.
  • Offers practicum placements in diverse mental health settings, including school-based therapy programs and community health centers.
  • Prepares students for careers in private practice, behavioral health agencies, and family service organizations.

Texas’s Quickest MFT Programs

  • Texas Tech University’s MFT program can be completed in two years, with structured coursework and internship placements.
  • Abilene Christian University offers a 2.5-year MFT program, ensuring students gain supervised experience while completing coursework.
  • Online COAMFTE-accredited programs allow Texas students to accelerate coursework while completing clinical hours locally.
  • Students with prior psychology or counseling coursework may qualify for transfer credits, reducing program length.

For students seeking a fast-track to LMFT licensure, enrolling in a structured program with full-time study options and early internship placements is the best strategy.

Texas’s Cheapest MFT Programs

  • Texas Tech University offers one of the most affordable COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs, making it an excellent choice for students seeking affordability and accreditation.
  • Our Lady of the Lake University provides financial aid, graduate assistantships, and tuition assistance programs, helping students reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs.
  • Loan forgiveness programs for LMFTs working in underserved areas allow students to offset tuition expenses while gaining clinical experience.
  • Online and hybrid MFT programs may offer lower tuition rates, giving students financial flexibility and convenient learning options.

For students prioritizing affordability, exploring state-funded tuition assistance, employer tuition reimbursement, and loan repayment programs can help minimize financial burdens. Find the cheapest MFT programs available to students with our full guide here.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Texas

1. Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy

  • Complete a COAMFTE-accredited or regionally accredited MFT program that meets Texas’s licensure requirements.
  • Ensure coursework covers family therapy models, ethics, trauma-informed care, and mental health assessments.

2. Complete 3,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience

  • Gain post-graduate clinical hours, including 1,500 hours of direct client contact under a licensed MFT supervisor.
  • Work in approved therapy settings, such as mental health agencies, hospitals, private practices, or school counseling programs.

3. Pass the National MFT Examination

  • Successfully take and pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Exam.
  • Demonstrate competency in therapy interventions, ethical decision-making, and relationship counseling techniques.

4. Apply for Licensure Through the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council

  • Submit official transcripts, proof of supervised clinical hours, and passing exam scores for licensure approval.
  • Complete any state-specific licensing requirements, including background checks and ethics training.

5. Maintain Licensure with Continuing Education

  • Complete 30 continuing education (CE) hours every renewal cycle, including coursework in ethics, trauma-informed care, and specialized therapy techniques.
  • Attend professional workshops, conferences, and online training programs to stay updated on best practices in family therapy.

Following these steps ensures a smooth transition from student to licensed LMFT, qualifying professionals to work in private practice, behavioral health organizations, and school-based therapy programs.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Texas

Texas offers strong career opportunities for LMFTs, with demand increasing in private practices, school-based counseling programs, and behavioral health organizations. The average salary for LMFTs in Texas is $64,700 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $100,000 annually.

Where LMFTs Work in Texas

  • Private therapy practices offer high earning potential and flexible work schedules.
  • Hospitals and behavioral health organizations employ LMFTs for crisis intervention and integrated care.
  • School-based therapy programs allow LMFTs to support children, adolescents, and families in academic settings.
  • Teletherapy services are expanding, increasing remote work opportunities for LMFTs.

With competitive salaries, high job demand, and diverse career opportunities, Texas is a great state for LMFT professionals.