Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Connecticut 2025
Connecticut offers a high-quality education for aspiring Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs), with programs that focus on clinical training, relationship dynamics, and mental health intervention. Licensure as an LMFT is state-specific, meaning those who complete their degree and meet Connecticut’s licensure requirements will be prepared to practice within the state.
Many MFT programs in Connecticut emphasize evidence-based counseling, trauma-informed therapy, and systemic approaches to mental health. Graduates often find opportunities in private practice, healthcare organizations, and nonprofit mental health services throughout the state.
In this guide
2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Connecticut
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT - Private 4-year - fairfield.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit graduate program that transforms students into skilled therapists through advanced clinical training. It requires 500 direct clinical contact hours and 100 hours of professional supervision, with a flexible 3-6 year completion timeframe. The curriculum includes a Queer and Trans Mental Health concentration and focuses on diverse therapeutic interventions. No entrance exam is specified for this master's level program, which emphasizes personalized study paths and professional identity development, preparing graduates for licensure and diverse practice settings.
- 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
- 500 clinical contact hours required
- 3-6 year completion timeframe
- Personalized study progression
- 100 hours professional supervision
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Queer and Trans Mental Health concentration
- Professional identity focus
- Diverse therapeutic intervention training
- $215 one-time TEVERA fee
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy - Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a School-Based concentration prepares professionals for roles in educational systems, focusing on child and adolescent development and school interventions. This 21-credit program includes 300 school-based practicum hours and leads to Connecticut State Board of Education certification. It covers specialized education law and bilingual options, requiring the Praxis Core exam for certification. No additional entrance exam is specified for the master's program. Graduates are trained to address family dynamics in public school environments, enhancing student support services.
- COAMFTE-accredited MFT program
- First state school MFT certification
- 21 total credit hours
- 300 school-based practicum hours
- Multiple certification pathways
- Specialized education law training
- Bilingual education options
- Interpersonal skills assessment
- Praxis Core exam requirement
- Fingerprinting background check
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Queer and Trans Mental Health - Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a Queer and Trans Mental Health concentration offers a 60-credit graduate program focused on systemic approaches and ethical practice. Students complete at least 500 clinical hours and 100 supervision hours over 3-6 years, with personalized study options. The curriculum emphasizes social justice and diversity, training professionals to serve LGBTQ+ populations. No entrance exam is mentioned for this master's level program. It includes hands-on clinical experience and prepares graduates for licensure, supporting compassionate care for individuals, couples, and families.
- 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
- 3-6 year completion timeline
- Minimum 500 clinical hours required
- 100 hours of clinical supervision
- Personalized study program
- Multiple therapy intervention techniques
- Social justice and diversity focus
- Queer and Trans Mental Health concentration
- $215 TEVERA placement fee
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
Graduate Certificate - Certificate in School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: School-Based - Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's Certificate in School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy focuses on preparing professionals for therapeutic roles within educational settings. This COAMFTE-accredited program emphasizes social justice and diversity, offering clinical training at the Koslow Center. Students gain expertise in systemic family dynamics and diverse therapeutic approaches, with multiple clinical placement opportunities. The program requires an in-person group interview but no specific entrance exam is mentioned. Graduates are eligible for professional licensure, equipped to support individuals, couples, and families in school-based environments.
- COAMFTE accredited through 2027
- Social justice-focused curriculum
- Master of Arts degree offered
- Clinical training in Koslow Center
- Eligible for professional licensure
- Diverse therapeutic approaches taught
- In-person group interview required
- Technology fee $215 one-time
- Multiple clinical placement opportunities
- Mentorship from diverse faculty
Graduate Certificate - Certificate/Concentration in Queer and Trans Mental Health
Concentration: Queer and Trans Mental Health - Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's Certificate/Concentration in Queer and Trans Mental Health provides specialized training for mental health professionals to support LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families. This COAMFTE-accredited program uses a social justice framework, emphasizing ethical practice and systemic approaches. It includes clinical training and diverse faculty mentorship, with options for School-Based and Queer and Trans certifications. An in-person group interview is required, but no entrance exam is mentioned. Designed for working professionals, it offers flexible pathways for career advancement and state licensure preparation.
- COAMFTE accredited through 2027
- In-person group interview required
- Technology fee of $215
- Multiple certificate options
- Social justice framework
- Professional ethics emphasized
- Clinical training included
- State licensure preparation
- Diverse faculty mentorship
- Advanced clinical facility
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT - Public 4-Year - ccsu.edu
Master's - Marriage & Family Therapy, MS
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Connecticut State University's Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy is a 63-credit hybrid program offering advanced clinical training for aspiring therapists. With no GMAT/GRE required, it features flexible evening classes, COAMFTE accreditation, and supervised practicum experiences totaling 400 clinical hours. The curriculum focuses on systemic approaches to working with individuals, couples, and families, meeting Connecticut licensure requirements and providing robust career preparation in a diverse learning environment.
- 63-credit MS program
- Flexible evening track
- No GMAT/GRE required
- COAMFTE accredited
- Two-year supervised training
- Starts every August
- Full-time study option
- Clinical counseling lab
- Financial aid available
- 400 clinical training hours
Graduate Certificate - Advanced Official Certificate Program in School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: School-Based - Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Connecticut State University's Advanced Official Certificate Program in School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy delivers specialized training for post-graduate professionals pursuing state certification. This 12-credit program emphasizes marriage and family therapy within educational environments, covering counseling ethics, family dynamics, and school-based interventions. It includes two practicum seminars and requires the Praxis I exam for provisional educator certification, preparing graduates for professional practice in school settings.
- 12 Total Credit Hours
- Post-graduate Professional Certificate
- School-Based MFT Focus
- CT State Education Certification
- Four Specialized Courses
- Professional Ethics Included
- Two Practicum Seminars
- Praxis I Exam Required
- Provisional Educator Certificate
- Professional Development Program
University of Saint Joseph
West Hartford, CT - Private 4-year - usj.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
At the University of Saint Joseph, the campus-based Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy provides a 60-credit curriculum blending theoretical knowledge with practical training in systemic approaches and diverse therapeutic models. Students develop clinical skills through multiple practicum opportunities and must meet a 2.7 GPA requirement, with no entrance exam mentioned for this master's program. It focuses on evidence-based practices and family systems, preparing graduates to become compassionate, competent therapists in various mental health settings.
- Nationally accredited program
- 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
- Multiple practicum opportunities
- Full-time and part-time options
- Diverse therapeutic approach training
- GPA requirement 2.7+
- Professional clinical presentation exam
- Family systems paradigm focus
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
Graduate Certificate - M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Saint Joseph's hybrid M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy is a nationally accredited 60-credit program that trains clinicians in systemic therapeutic approaches, focusing on family dynamics and evidence-based interventions. It emphasizes hands-on clinical skills through comprehensive practicum experiences and requires a 2.7 undergraduate GPA, group interview, professional references, and a clinical examination. No entrance exam is specified for this master's program, and it offers full-time or part-time options to prepare graduates for impactful roles in family therapy.
- Nationally accredited program
- 60-credit Master's degree
- Full-time and part-time options
- Comprehensive practicum experience
- Family Systems paradigm focus
- Multiple therapeutic approaches
- Minimum 2.7 undergraduate GPA
- Group interview required
- Professional reference letters needed
- Comprehensive clinical examination
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT - Public 4-Year - southernct.edu
Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
This Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program at Southern Connecticut State University focuses on hands-on clinical development through a two to three-year curriculum grounded in systems theory. With COAMFTE accreditation, it includes on-site supervision, a year-long internship, and cultural competency training, equipping graduates for licensure and varied mental health roles without an entrance exam requirement.
- Two to three year program
- COAMFTE accredited program
- On-site clinical supervision
- Yearlong off-campus internship
- Diverse career placement options
- Focus on cultural competency
- Systems theory training
- Personalized learning approach
Graduate Certificate - Master of Family Therapy (MFT)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southern Connecticut State University's COAMFTE-accredited Master of Family Therapy program delivers intensive clinical training over two to three years, emphasizing systems theory and cultural competency. Students benefit from personalized supervision, on-site clinic experience, and a yearlong internship that prepares them for Connecticut licensure and diverse mental health careers. The program does not require an entrance exam.
- COAMFTE accredited program
- Two to three-year study
- On-site clinical supervision
- Yearlong clinical internship
- Diverse career placement settings
- Focuses on cultural competency
- Systems theory grounding
- Connecticut licensure eligible
- Personalized clinical training
- Multiple employment opportunities
Connecticut's Quickest MFT Programs
For students looking to complete their MFT degree efficiently, Connecticut offers accelerated options with structured coursework and hands-on clinical practice built into the curriculum.
Factors that contribute to faster program completion:
- Streamlined Clinical Hours – Some programs integrate supervised clinical practice early on, allowing students to complete required hours within their degree timeline.
- Evening & Weekend Options – Several Connecticut schools offer flexible schedules for students balancing work and education.
- Small Cohort Learning – Programs with smaller class sizes often provide more individualized academic guidance, helping students stay on track.
Here are some of the fastest MFT programs in Connecticut:
|
School
|
Program Length
|
Type
|
|---|---|---|
|
2 years
|
Hybrid
|
|
|
2.5 years
|
Campus
|
|
|
2.5 years
|
Campus
|
These programs allow students to quickly transition from academic coursework to professional practice, ensuring they are ready to meet Connecticut’s LMFT requirements.
Connecticut's Cheapest MFT Programs
For students looking for affordable options, Connecticut offers cost-effective MFT degrees at public institutions, providing quality education at a reasonable cost.
Ways to lower tuition costs in Connecticut:
- State University Tuition Benefits – Public universities offer lower tuition rates for Connecticut residents.
- Scholarships & Financial Aid – Many Connecticut schools provide grants and merit-based scholarships for students pursuing careers in mental health.
- Hybrid & Part-Time Enrollment – Some programs allow students to spread tuition costs over a longer period while continuing to work.
Here are some of the most affordable MFT programs in Connecticut:
|
School
|
Estimated Tuition
|
Type
|
|---|---|---|
|
$9,200 per year
|
Campus
|
|
|
$10,500 per year
|
Campus
|
|
|
$11,000 per year
|
Hybrid
|
These programs offer affordable pathways to licensure, helping students graduate with less financial burden.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Connecticut
Connecticut has a structured licensure process for Marriage and Family Therapists. Completing a COAMFTE-accredited degree and gaining clinical experience are key steps in becoming licensed.
Steps to Become an LMFT in Connecticut:
- Earn an MFT Degree – Complete a master’s or doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from an accredited program.
- Complete 1,500 Supervised Clinical Hours – Connecticut requires at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact.
- Pass the National MFT Exam – Administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
- Submit a Licensure Application – Apply through the Connecticut Department of Public Health, including all documentation and background checks.
- Maintain Continuing Education – Connecticut LMFTs must complete continuing education credits to keep their licenses active.
For official licensing details, visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Connecticut
Connecticut has a well-developed mental health system, with strong employment opportunities for LMFTs in both private and public sectors.
Connecticut-Specific LMFT Data:
- Connecticut Population: 3.6 million
- Marriage Rate in Connecticut: 5.1 per 1,000 residents (CDC Marriage Rates by State)
- Average LMFT Salary: $64,800 per year
- Top 10% LMFT Salary: Over $92,000 per year
Where LMFTs Work in Connecticut:
- Healthcare Systems & Hospitals – Many therapists work in integrated care settings alongside medical professionals.
- Private Practice & Group Counseling – Connecticut has a growing demand for independent therapists.
- Court & Family Mediation Services – LMFTs are involved in child custody evaluations, divorce mediation, and family court services.
- Community Mental Health Organizations – Many MFTs work in nonprofit and state-funded counseling centers.
Connecticut’s stable job market makes it a strong choice for LMFTs seeking long-term career opportunities.
Why Choose an MFT Program in Connecticut?
Connecticut offers comprehensive MFT training, with strong clinical placements, affordable tuition, and a robust professional network.
Reasons to study MFT in Connecticut:
- Established Licensure Pathway – Connecticut has clear, well-defined steps for becoming an LMFT.
- High Concentration of Mental Health Professionals – The state has one of the highest per-capita rates of licensed therapists.
- Diverse Specialization Options – Many MFTs in Connecticut specialize in family court mediation, trauma counseling, and integrative healthcare therapy.
- Competitive Salaries & Strong Demand – Connecticut LMFTs earn above-average salaries due to high demand for licensed mental health providers.
For those passionate about helping individuals and families, Connecticut is an excellent place to earn an MFT degree and build a rewarding career.
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