Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Virginia 2026

Virginia offers several COAMFTE-accredited and regionally approved Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs, providing students with high-quality clinical training and state-approved pathways to licensure. As demand for mental health professionals continues to grow, particularly in urban centers like Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Northern Virginia, as well as rural communities, LMFTs play an important role in expanding mental health and family support services.

In this guide

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

Finding the best Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Virginia helps you start a rewarding career. At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we rank these programs based on key factors like accreditation, faculty expertise, and student outcomes. Our rankings guide you toward quality education that prepares you for licensure and effective practice. Explore our list to discover top Virginia schools offering comprehensive MFT training. Learn more about how we create these rankings at https://www.marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA - Public 4-Year - vt.edu

Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

Virginia Tech's Master of Marriage and Family Therapy is the nation's oldest continuously accredited MFT doctoral program. This campus-based program emphasizes clinical practice, research, and mentorship, with students participating in faculty-led research on LGBTQ+ families, trauma, and telemental health. Clinical training occurs at the Family Therapy Center, providing low-cost community services. The program requires a strong academic background for admission and offers opportunities for publication in top-tier journals. As a doctoral-level program, it does not require entrance exams like the GRE unless otherwise specified in application materials.

Doctoral degree program
Oldest continuously accredited MFT
Campus-based delivery
Clinical training at Family Therapy Center
Faculty-led research projects
Focus on LGBTQ+ families
Trauma and resilience studies
Telemental health research
Mentorship opportunities
Publication in top journals

Doctorate - PhD in Human Development with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy (Marriage and Family Therapy)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Virginia Tech's PhD in Human Development with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy is designed for students with a clinical master's degree, focusing on research, theory, and practice. The on-campus program in Blacksburg includes coursework in developmental theories, research methods, and statistics. Admissions require a bachelor's and master's degree with a 3.0 GPA, TOEFL/IELTS for non-U.S. residents, transcripts, letters of recommendation, a letter of interest, CV, and a writing sample. All full-time PhD students receive assistantship funding with stipend, tuition waiver, and health benefits. The program does not require entrance exams like the GRE unless otherwise specified.

Ph.D. degree level.
Marriage and Family Therapy concentration.
On-campus in-person instruction.
Blacksburg, VA campus.
Requires clinical master's degree.
Focus on theory and research.
Individualized faculty attention.
Funding through assistantships.
Research opportunities available.
Career options in academia.

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Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA - Private 4-year - regent.edu

Graduate Certificate - Certificate of Graduate Studies in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Regent University's Certificate of Graduate Studies in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling offers mental health professionals specialized training in relationship dynamics through a 12-credit hybrid program. This certificate enhances therapeutic expertise with focus on couples therapy, sexual dysfunction treatment, and addiction counseling, preparing practitioners for diverse counseling settings. The program's flexible online and on-campus format accommodates working professionals with multiple session start dates throughout the year. At $730 per credit hour, this competitively priced certificate provides professional endorsement for licensure without requiring entrance exams, making advanced marriage and family counseling education accessible to qualified professionals seeking career advancement.

Online and on-campus options
12 total credit hours
$730 per credit hour
Multiple session start dates
Professional endorsement for licensure
Focuses on marriage counseling techniques
Prepares for various counseling settings
Next session starts May 12, 2025

*Data obtained from: IPEDS 2024 survey (NCES).

Other Accredited MFT Programs in Virginia

Expanding Mental Health Workforce – Virginia is experiencing a rising need for licensed MFTs, especially in rural areas and community-based counseling centers.
COAMFTE-Accredited Programs – Multiple universities in Virginia offer COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs, ensuring that students meet national and state licensure standards.
Comprehensive Clinical Training – Students gain real-world therapy experience through supervised clinical internships in hospitals, private practices, and mental health organizations.
Flexible Learning Options – Many programs provide on-campus, hybrid, and online courses, making it easier for working professionals and full-time students to complete their degrees.

Virginia offers several accredited MFT programs, ensuring students receive theoretical and practical training required for licensure as an LMFT.

Accredited MFT Programs in Virginia

Regent University – Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling

Regionally accredited counseling program with an MFT specialization, preparing students for LMFT licensure.
Integrates clinical psychology, relationship counseling, and Christian-based therapy.
Offers hybrid and online learning options for greater flexibility.

Eastern Virginia Medical School – Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

COAMFTE-accredited program with a focus on evidence-based therapy, relational interventions, and family dynamics.
Students complete supervised clinical training in diverse mental health settings, including hospital-based therapy programs and private practices.
Prepares students for careers in behavioral health, school-based therapy, and private practice.

Virginia’s Quickest MFT Programs

Virginia Tech’s MFT program can be completed in two years, with structured coursework and early internship placements.
Regent University’s program offers a 2.5-year MFT track, allowing students to gain supervised experience while finishing coursework.
Online COAMFTE-accredited programs from neighboring states allow Virginia students to accelerate coursework while completing clinical hours locally.
Students with prior graduate-level psychology or counseling coursework may qualify for transfer credits, reducing total program length.

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

Getting an MFT fast allows you to accelerate your path to becoming an LMFT. If you want to learn more about quick MFT programs and what to look for, check out our full guide on quick MFT programs.

Virginia’s Cheapest MFT Programs

Virginia Tech offers one of the most affordable COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious students.
Eastern Virginia Medical School provides tuition assistance, financial aid, and graduate assistantships, reducing 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, providing greater affordability and flexibility for working students.

For students prioritizing affordability, exploring state tuition assistance programs, scholarships, and employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement can make MFT education more accessible. Students have many options when pursuing an MFT degree to become a therapist which is great in terms of finding a cost-effective program with significant financial aid, scholarships or lower cost programs. Check out our full guide on cheap MFT programs.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Virginia

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

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

2. Complete 3,400 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience

Gain post-graduate clinical hours, including 1,750 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 Virginia Board of Counseling

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 40 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 Virginia

Virginia 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 Virginia is $65,400 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $100,000 annually.

Where LMFTs Work in Virginia

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, Virginia is a great state for LMFT professionals. Getting an MFT degree opens up many job opportunities and getting licensed as an LMFT expands your options even more. Check out our full jobs guide for prospective MFT students.

Virginia offers several accredited MFT programs, structured licensure pathways, and growing career opportunities for licensed therapists. With affordable tuition rates, flexible program options, and financial incentives for therapists working in underserved areas, Virginia remains an ideal location for aspiring LMFTs.

For students seeking a well-rounded, affordable, and career-driven MFT education, Virginia’s programs provide the clinical training, licensure preparation, and hands-on experience necessary to excel in private practice, community mental health, and behavioral health organizations. Whether working in urban therapy centers or rural mental health programs, LMFTs in Virginia play a vital role in strengthening family relationships and improving mental health care across the state.

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