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

Massachusetts is an excellent place to pursue a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), offering a supportive environment for aspiring therapists and strong pathways to licensure. With a high demand for mental health professionals and a diverse population in both urban and rural areas, the state provides meaningful clinical training opportunities for students pursuing careers as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs). Whether you’re seeking a flexible online program or an immersive on-campus experience, Massachusetts offers a range of accredited MFT programs that prepare graduates for licensure and professional practice in a variety of clinical settings.

In this guide

2025 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Massachusetts

Finding the right Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) program in Massachusetts can shape your future career. At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we've ranked the best MFT programs to help you make an informed choice. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. Whether you're starting or advancing your career, our rankings guide you to the top options. Learn how we picked these programs by visiting our rankings methodology page.

William James College

Newton, MA - Private 4-year - williamjames.edu

Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

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

William James College stands out with its Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, specifically the Couples and Family Therapy concentration. This hybrid program is tailored for those aiming to specialize in therapeutic interventions for couples and families, offering a robust 63-credit curriculum. It uniquely prepares students for dual licensure as both Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists. The program is designed with a strong emphasis on multicultural competence and includes extensive clinical training, requiring at least 960 hours. Flexible scheduling accommodates both full-time and part-time students, ensuring a comprehensive education that's adaptable to individual needs. Highlights include a multicultural curriculum focus and individual field placement support, making it a standout choice for aspiring therapists.

63-credit Master's concentration
Dual licensure track (LMHC/LMFT)
Minimum 960 clinical hours
Full-time (2 years) or part-time (3 years)
Multicultural curriculum focus
On-campus program
Individual field placement support
Licensure-preparation curriculum

Springfield College

Springfield, MA - Private 4-year - springfield.edu

Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

Springfield College offers a distinguished Marriage and Family Therapy program that stands out for its commitment to developing skilled therapists through a blend of academic rigor and hands-on clinical experience. The program is tailored for those seeking to make a difference in the lives of individuals, couples, and families, offering both Master's and Certificate pathways. With options for full or part-time enrollment and evening classes, it accommodates diverse schedules. Students benefit from a 12-month clinical experience, engaging in 15 hours of weekly fieldwork, and are trained in multiple therapeutic approaches. The curriculum is rooted in the Humanics philosophy, fostering a holistic view of counseling without requiring undergraduate prerequisites.

Master's and Certificate options
Full and part-time study available
Evening course schedules
12-month clinical experience
15 hours weekly fieldwork
Multiple therapy approach training
Dual concentration option
No undergraduate prerequisites
Humanics philosophy emphasis
Comprehensive counseling skills development

*Dataset citation: NCES. (2023). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Other MFT Programs Available in Massachusetts

Boston College – Lynch School of Education and Human Development
Boston College’s Lynch School offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master’s in Counseling, with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. This rigorous program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical clinical skills, leveraging the school’s strong ties to community mental health agencies for extensive internship opportunities (700+ hours required). Students benefit from a cohort model promoting collaboration and mentorship, and have access to specialized faculty expertise in areas like trauma-informed care, systemic family therapy, and culturally responsive practice. Notable program strengths include a high licensure exam pass rate and a dedicated career services department assisting graduates in securing post-graduate employment in diverse settings, from private practice to hospitals.

UMass Global – Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (Online)
UMass Global offers an online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) designed to equip students with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of relationships and help individuals, couples, and families overcome challenges. The curriculum, developed by practicing therapists, focuses on clinical evaluation, therapeutic environment creation, and evidence-based counseling techniques. The program emphasizes practical application through 400 supervised, in-person practicum hours, with field support available to assist students in securing clinical placements within their communities. Graduates are prepared for licensure and diverse career paths, including licensed marriage and family therapist, couples therapist, and child and adolescent therapist, leveraging their strengths in active listening, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.

Massachusetts’s Quickest MFT Programs

Some universities in Massachusetts offer accelerated pathways for students looking to complete their MFT degree in as little as two years. Several institutions structure their programs to integrate clinical training early, allowing students to complete supervised hours alongside coursework, which speeds up the process of meeting state licensure requirements.

For students needing flexibility, hybrid and online MFT programs allow them to take additional courses per semester while maintaining local practicum placements. Transfer students with previous psychology or counseling coursework may be eligible for course waivers, reducing overall time spent in the program.

Massachusetts has a strong network of hospitals, mental health clinics, and therapy practices, making it easier for students to find internship and practicum placements that fit their career goals. The ability to secure hands-on experience early significantly impacts how quickly students can transition into licensed professional roles.

Massachusetts’s Cheapest MFT Programs

The cost of earning an MFT degree in Massachusetts varies based on program type, school status (public vs. private), and available financial aid. Public universities offer lower tuition rates for in-state residents, making them a more cost-effective option for students.

Many MFT programs in Massachusetts provide scholarships, assistant-ships, and need-based grants, reducing the financial burden on students. Hybrid and online learning options allow students to reduce housing and commuting costs, making education more accessible.

Students working in mental health, social services, or related fields may qualify for employer tuition reimbursement, allowing them to earn their degree at a reduced cost. Additionally, Massachusetts participates in loan forgiveness programs for therapists who commit to working in underserved areas, particularly in community mental health settings.

With multiple funding opportunities and flexible degree formats, students in Massachusetts can complete their MFT education without accumulating excessive debt.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Massachusetts

Step 1: Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
To become a licensed MFT in Massachusetts, students must complete a graduate program accredited by COAMFTE or an equivalent state-approved program. Coursework must include clinical training in psychotherapy, family systems, ethics, and mental health assessment.

Step 2: Complete 3,360 Hours of Supervised Experience
Massachusetts requires LMFT candidates to complete 3,360 hours of supervised clinical work, with at least 1,000 hours dedicated to direct client interaction. These hours must be overseen by a licensed MFT or an equivalent clinical supervisor.

This supervised experience allows candidates to apply their academic knowledge to real-life therapy settings, working with individuals, couples, and families to address mental health and relational concerns.

Step 3: Pass the National MFT Examination
LMFT candidates in Massachusetts must pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Exam. This standardized test assesses an applicant’s ability to conduct therapy, diagnose conditions, and develop effective treatment plans.

The exam ensures that therapists in Massachusetts meet national competency standards, ensuring they can provide high-quality mental health care.

Step 4: Apply for Licensure Through the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions
After completing the required clinical experience and passing the national exam, candidates must submit an application for licensure through the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions. This includes submitting proof of education, clinical hours documentation, national exam scores, and a background check.

Once approved, candidates receive their LMFT license, allowing them to practice independently.

Step 5: Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education
Licensed MFTs in Massachusetts must renew their license every two years, completing 30 continuing education (CE) hours per renewal period. CE coursework must include:

Legal and ethical training in family therapy
Advanced clinical techniques in couples and family counseling
Workshops on trauma-informed care and cultural competency

Maintaining continuing education requirements ensures that therapists remain updated on the latest therapy techniques and mental health research.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Massachusetts

Marriage and Family Therapists in Massachusetts work in a variety of settings, including private practice, community counseling centers, hospitals, and school-based therapy programs. The average salary for LMFTs in Massachusetts is $67,500 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $95,000 annually.

Salaries and job opportunities vary based on geographic location and specialization. LMFTs working in Boston and Cambridge tend to earn higher salaries, while those in rural regions may qualify for loan forgiveness programs due to a higher demand for therapists.

The rise in telehealth services has further expanded job prospects, allowing LMFTs to provide therapy remotely while reaching clients in under-served areas across Massachusetts.

Massachusetts offers a diverse and rewarding career landscape for aspiring MFTs, with strong educational programs, structured licensure pathways, and growing job opportunities in both traditional and telehealth therapy. With numerous financial aid options, career specialization pathways, and a strong demand for mental health professionals, Massachusetts remains a top choice for students pursuing a career in Marriage and Family Therapy.

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