Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Washington 2025
Washington offers several COAMFTE-accredited Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs, providing students with comprehensive clinical training and licensure preparation for diverse therapy careers. With a growing emphasis on mental health services, the state has a high demand for LMFTs, particularly in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and rural areas where access to mental health care is limited.
Students pursuing an MFT degree in Washington benefit from multiple accredited programs that emphasize systemic therapy, trauma counseling, and couples and family interventions. Programs offer flexible learning formats, including on-campus, hybrid, and online options, making education accessible to full-time students and working professionals alike. Additionally, universities in Washington have strong clinical training partnerships, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in hospitals, community clinics, private practices, and school-based counseling programs. As the demand for licensed therapists continues to grow, particularly in underserved communities, LMFTs play an essential role in expanding private practice, hospital-based mental health care, and teletherapy services throughout the state.
In this guide
2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Washington
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, WA - Private 4-year - spu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Seattle Pacific University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited program that integrates Christian-informed, culturally sensitive training with comprehensive clinical practice. The 70-credit curriculum spans two to three years, emphasizing personal growth and professional excellence through a cohort-centered approach. Students complete a 400-hour clinical internship and develop advanced therapeutic skills for diverse populations. The program does not require an entrance exam and costs $827 per credit, with an application deadline of January 24, 2026. It is ranked #1 in Washington and includes optional certificates like Medical Family Therapy.
- COAMFTE accredited program
- 70 credits to complete
- $827 per credit
- 2-3 year program options
- 400-hour clinical internship
- On-campus training
- Christian contextual training
- Application deadline: 1/24/2026
- Focuses on 'self-of-therapist' development
- Cohort-centered curriculum
Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Medical Family Therapy Certificate - Campus Based - Visit Website
Seattle Pacific University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy with a Medical Family Therapy Certificate focuses on integrating medical and mental health care. This COAMFTE-accredited program offers a two-year full-time or three-year part-time option, requiring 70 credits at $827 per credit. Students engage in a 400-hour clinical internship and Christian-contextual training, preparing for careers in diverse settings. No entrance exam is required, and the application deadline is January 24, 2026. The program is ranked #1 in Washington and emphasizes clinical portfolio development for professional readiness.
- Two-year full-time program
- $827 per credit cost
- COAMFTE accredited program
- 400-hour clinical internship
- Christian context training
- 70 total credits required
- Application deadline: 1/24/2026
- Clinical portfolio requirement
- On-campus learning format
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA - Private 4-year - plu.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
At Pacific Lutheran University, the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy features a 48-semester-hour curriculum with a holistic, biopsychosocialspiritual approach and a four-semester practicum. This program emphasizes contextual family therapy, advanced clinical supervision, and AAMFT ethics training, recruiting a diverse student body with minimal prerequisites. Admission requires an entrance exam and an interview, with a fall deadline of January 31 and a $300 advance deposit. As a military-friendly institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, it prepares therapists to address complex family dynamics using cutting-edge techniques.
- 48 semester hour program
- Fall application deadline: January 31
- Diverse student body recruitment
- Four semester practicum
- AAMFT professional ethics training
- Contextual family therapy approach
- Advanced clinical supervision
- Minimum prerequisites required
- $300 advance deposit needed
- Interview part of admission process
Graduate Certificate - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pacific Lutheran University's COAMFTE-accredited Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy offers a comprehensive curriculum with guaranteed internship placements and 500 clinical therapy hours through its on-campus community clinic. This campus-based program emphasizes small cohort learning and diverse perspectives, preparing graduates for high licensure exam pass rates and multiple career paths in mental health. The program requires an entrance exam as part of the admission process, which includes an interview. Rooted in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, it maintains a military-friendly environment while focusing on systemic therapy for individuals, couples, and families.
- COAMFTE accredited program
- 500 clinical therapy hours
- On-campus community clinic
- Guaranteed internship placement
- Small cohort learning model
- Diverse learning community
- High national licensure exam pass rate
- Multiple career placement options
- Located in Pacific Northwest
Whitworth University
Spokane, WA - Private 4-year - whitworth.edu
Master's - Marriage & Family Therapy, M.A.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Whitworth University's 23-month Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy provides a rigorous 64-credit curriculum that prepares students for licensure through hands-on clinical training at its on-site center and community partnerships. With a 100% national exam pass rate and 95% completion rate, this Presbyterian-affiliated program emphasizes cohort learning and faculty mentorship, offering summer start dates and a February 1 application deadline. Tuition is $690 per credit, and no specific undergraduate major is required. The program focuses on developing clinical skills to help individuals, couples, and families, and it does not require an entrance exam for admission.
- 64-credit MA program
- 23 months full-time completion
- In-person daytime classes
- $690 per credit tuition
- Summer term start annually
- Application deadline Feb. 1
- No specific undergrad major required
- 95% program completion rate
- 100% national exam pass rate
- On-site clinical training center
Seattle University
Seattle, WA - Private 4-year - seattleu.edu
Graduate Certificate - Couples and Family Therapy, MA
Campus Based - Visit Website
Seattle University's COAMFTE-accredited Couples and Family Therapy MA program trains professionals in systemic, trauma-informed care over a rigorous two-year, 56-credit curriculum. Students complete 400+ clinical hours and a 12-month internship, gaining skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for diverse clients. With a 99% licensure success rate for graduates becoming Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associates, the program emphasizes social justice and does not require an entrance exam, preparing students for impactful careers in mental health counseling.
- COAMFTE accredited program
- Two-year full-time master's
- 56 total program credits
- In-person campus learning
- 400+ clinical training hours
- 99% licensure success rate
- Systemic therapy approach
- 12-month internship experience
- Trauma-informed curriculum
- Social justice integrated training
City University of Seattle
Seattle, WA - Private 4-year - cityu.edu
Master's - M.A. in Counseling
Concentration: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
City University of Seattle's M.A. in Counseling with a Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling concentration prepares professionals to transform relationship dynamics through advanced therapeutic skills and cultural competence. This hybrid program emphasizes ethical foundations and personal growth, enabling students to support couples and families in various settings. It requires an entrance exam for master's level admission. Highlights include in-person and mixed mode formats, a culturally attuned approach, and a focus on professional expertise development.
- In-person and mixed mode formats
- Culturally attuned therapeutic approach
- Professional expertise development
- Ethically grounded curriculum
- Focus on personal and professional growth
Washington’s Quickest MFT Programs
For students looking for the quickest way to become an LMFT in Washington, the key factors are program duration, clinical training availability, and full-time enrollment options.
Steps to Speed Up Your MFT Journey
- Choose an Accelerated or Full-Time Program: Some COAMFTE-accredited programs allow students to graduate in as little as 2 years by taking full course loads each term.
- Start Clinical Training Early: Programs that integrate practicum and internship experiences within the first year help students fulfill their supervised experience hours more quickly.
- Consider Online & Hybrid Options: For working professionals, hybrid or online MFT programs provide flexibility while allowing students to complete coursework at an accelerated pace.
- Utilize Prior Experience: Students with previous graduate coursework in counseling, psychology, or social work may be eligible to transfer credits, shortening program length.
By selecting an efficient program structure with early clinical training opportunities, students can fast-track their licensure eligibility while maintaining a strong academic and hands-on learning experience.
Washington’s Cheapest MFT Programs
Pursuing an MFT degree in Washington can be affordable with careful financial planning. Students can explore public universities, online programs, and financial aid options to lower costs.
Ways to Reduce MFT Education Costs
- Choose Public Universities: Schools like Pacific Lutheran University and Whitworth University offer lower in-state tuition rates compared to private institutions.
- Apply for Scholarships & Financial Aid: Many MFT programs provide merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid to help reduce tuition costs.
- Utilize Loan Forgiveness Programs: Washington participates in federal and state loan repayment programs for LMFTs working in rural or underserved communities.
- Consider Employer Tuition Assistance: Some hospitals, mental health agencies, and nonprofit organizations offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing MFT degrees.
- Work While Studying: Hybrid and online MFT programs allow students to continue working while completing coursework, helping offset education costs.
By combining financial aid, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs, students can make earning an MFT degree in Washington more cost-effective.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Washington
1. Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Enroll in a COAMFTE-accredited or regionally accredited MFT program that aligns with Washington’s licensing board requirements.
- Complete coursework in family therapy models, mental health interventions, trauma-informed care, and ethical counseling practices.
2. Complete 3,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
- Gain post-graduate clinical hours, including 1,000 hours of direct client contact under the supervision of an LMFT-approved supervisor.
- Work in state-approved therapy settings, such as community mental health clinics, hospitals, or private practices.
3. Pass the National MFT Examination
- Successfully take and pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Exam.
- Demonstrate proficiency in clinical therapy interventions, ethical decision-making, and relational counseling techniques.
4. Apply for Licensure Through the Washington State Department of Health
- Submit an application including official transcripts, proof of supervised hours, and passing exam scores.
- Complete any additional state-mandated licensing requirements, such as background checks and professional ethics training.
5. Maintain Licensure with Continuing Education
- Complete 36 continuing education (CE) hours every renewal period, with coursework in ethics, trauma-informed care, and advanced therapy practices.
- Stay up to date through workshops, conferences, and online training programs to enhance professional development and career growth.
Following these steps ensures a smooth transition from student to licensed LMFT, opening doors to diverse career opportunities in Washington’s growing mental health sector. If you want to learn more about how to become a licensed marriage and family therapist you can find the full guide here.
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Washington
Washington provides strong job prospects for LMFTs, with demand rising across private practices, hospitals, school counseling programs, and teletherapy services. The average salary for LMFTs in Washington is $69,800 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $105,000 annually.
Washington LMFT Employment Trends
- High-Demand Cities: Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Bellevue, Bellingham
- Top Work Settings: Private practice, outpatient clinics, community mental health, school-based counseling
- Job Growth Projection: 14% increase over the next decade
The statewide demand for LMFTs is increasing, particularly as mental health awareness expands and more insurance providers cover therapy services. Washington’s job market for LMFTs is expected to remain strong, providing numerous employment opportunities for licensed professionals.
Washington offers several accredited MFT programs, structured licensure pathways, and growing job opportunities for licensed therapists. With affordable tuition rates, flexible learning options, and state-backed financial incentives, Washington remains a top choice for aspiring LMFTs.
For students looking for a high-quality, career-focused MFT education, Washington’s programs provide the training, licensure preparation, and clinical experience needed to succeed in private practice, behavioral health, and community mental health services.
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