Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Connecticut 2026
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 can be completed in 3-6 years with a 3.0 GPA requirement. The curriculum includes 500 direct clinical hours with supervision, covering relational theories, clinical techniques, ethics, and diverse communities. A concentration in Queer and Trans Mental Health is available for specialized training. The program prepares graduates for licensure as marriage and family therapists through comprehensive clinical training and research components, including a capstone presentation and thesis seminar.
- 60 credit master's program
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- 500 direct clinical hours
- 100 hours of supervision
- 3-6 year completion time
- Personalized study plan
- Clinical training sequence
- Relational therapy focus
- Diverse communities coursework
- Ethics and legal issues
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's Certificate in School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy focuses specifically on preparing candidates for Connecticut State Board of Education certification to work in public schools. This 21-credit program requires seven courses in educational psychology, learning theories, human development, and special education, plus a school-based practicum with 300 supervised hours. Admission requires standardized test scores (Praxis Core, SAT, ACT, or GRE), fingerprinting/background check, and program advisor contact. The certificate can be taken concurrently with or after a COAMFTE-accredited MFT master's degree.
- Certificate program for school certification.
- Requires 21 total credits.
- Seven required courses.
- Includes school-based practicum.
- 300 hours supervised experience.
- For MFT master's students.
- For licensed MFT graduates.
- Connecticut state certification focus.
- COAMFTE-accredited program required.
- Admission via program advisor.
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (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 is a 60-credit program requiring 500 direct clinical hours with supervision. This 3-6 year program maintains a 3.0 GPA requirement and includes a specialized 9-credit concentration covering advanced topics in LGBTQ+ mental health. Students complete clinical training sequences, capstone presentations, and thesis seminars. The program prepares graduates for licensure and clinical practice with expertise in serving queer and trans individuals, couples, and families through systemic therapeutic approaches.
- 60-credit master's degree.
- 3.0 GPA required.
- 500 direct clinical hours.
- 100 hours of supervision.
- 3-6 year completion time.
- Full-time option available.
- Personalized program of study.
- Queer and Trans Mental Health concentration.
- Concentration requires 9 credits.
- Clinical training sequence mandatory.
Graduate Certificate - Certificate in School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy (School-Based)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's Certificate in School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy prepares professionals to work in educational settings, focusing specifically on school-based interventions. This COAMFTE-accredited program emphasizes social justice and diversity while providing 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 and includes a one-time $215 technology fee. Graduates become eligible for professional licensure, equipped to support students and families within school systems.
- 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
Campus Based - Visit Website
Fairfield University's Certificate/Concentration in Queer and Trans Mental Health provides specialized training for mental health professionals working with LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families. This COAMFTE-accredited program emphasizes social justice, ethical practice, and systemic approaches within a socially conscious curriculum. Designed for working professionals, it offers advanced clinical training with diverse faculty mentorship. The program requires an in-person group interview and includes a $215 technology fee. Graduates gain specialized skills to support queer and trans communities in various therapeutic settings.
- 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 and Family Therapy is a 63-credit hybrid program that prepares students for Connecticut licensure. The COAMFTE-accredited program features a flexible evening schedule ideal for working adults, with no GRE or GMAT required for admission. The curriculum emphasizes systemic therapy approaches through theoretical foundations and extensive clinical training, including practicum and internship components. Students can complete the program in three years while gaining access to state-of-the-art clinical labs and supervised clinical placements that meet all state licensure requirements.
- Master of Science degree
- 63-credit program
- Flexible evening schedule
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Financial aid available
- COAMFTE accredited
- Meets CT licensure requirements
- Practicum and internship included
- Full-time study option
- Three-year completion timeline
Graduate Certificate - Advanced Official Certificate Program in School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy (School-Based)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Connecticut State University's Advanced Official Certificate Program in School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy is designed for post-graduate professionals pursuing state certification. This specialized 12-credit program focuses exclusively on marriage and family therapy within educational settings, offering targeted training in counseling ethics, family dynamics, and school-based interventions. The program includes two practicum seminars and prepares students for the Praxis I exam, leading to a provisional educator certificate. This certificate program emphasizes professional development for those seeking to integrate therapeutic practices into school environments.
- 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
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT - Public 4-Year - southernct.edu
Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southern Connecticut State University's COAMFTE-accredited Marriage and Family Therapy program offers both on-ground and online tracks with identical coursework. The on-ground track includes on-site clinic experience over two or three years, while the online track is a two-year program with off-campus clinical placements. Both emphasize systems theory, human development, and self-of-the-therapist development, culminating in a mandatory year-long internship. Graduates are eligible for Connecticut licensure and AAMFT clinical membership. No entrance exam is required.
- Clinically focused training program
- Rigorous academics and personalized supervision
- Focus on self-of-the-therapist development
- Values diversity and cultural competency
- Emphasizes experiential learning
- Courses in systems theory
- Courses in human development
- Students see clients under supervision
- AAMFT-approved supervisors
- Mandatory year-long internship
Graduate Certificate - Master of Family Therapy (MFT)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southern Connecticut State University's COAMFTE-accredited Master of Family Therapy program offers comprehensive clinical training over two to three years. This rigorous program emphasizes personalized supervision, systems theory, and cultural competency, with hands-on experience through on-site clinic training and a yearlong internship. Graduates are prepared for diverse mental health settings and Connecticut licensure. 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
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
The University of Saint Joseph's campus-based Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. Using a family systems approach with structural, strategic, and solution-focused models, it develops clinical competency through courses covering Basic Therapy Skills, Family Systems Theory, and practicum experiences. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 2.7 GPA, two reference letters, a personal essay, and a group interview. The program includes both full-time and part-time options, culminating in a comprehensive examination and preparation for clinical practice.
- 60-credit program.
- Master of Arts degree.
- Family systems orientation.
- Nationally accredited program.
- Full-time study option.
- Part-time study option.
- Includes practicum courses.
- Covers basic therapy skills.
- Includes family systems theory.
- Covers human development.
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 master's program that trains compassionate clinicians through a family systems paradigm. Emphasizing hands-on clinical skills, it explores diverse therapeutic modalities including couple counseling and evidence-based interventions. This program requires a comprehensive clinical examination for graduation. Admission requires a minimum 2.7 undergraduate GPA, professional reference letters, and a group interview. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical experience through comprehensive practicum training, preparing graduates to address complex family dynamics effectively.
- 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
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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