Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Tennessee 2026
Tennessee is home to several COAMFTE-accredited and regionally approved Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs, providing students with high-quality training in clinical practice, family systems therapy, and mental health counseling. With a growing demand for licensed therapists in both urban and rural communities, Tennessee presents diverse career opportunities for LMFTs in private practice, hospitals, and community mental health centers.
In this guide
2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Tennessee
Lee University
Cleveland, TN - Private 4-year - leeuniversity.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lee University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares students for licensure through a comprehensive 60-credit curriculum. The program emphasizes relational and systemic approaches, requiring 500 direct client hours and 100 supervision hours during clinical practicum and internship. Students can choose between a 2-year or 3-year track, with courses covering ethics, psychopathology, family therapy, and cultural contexts. The program requires a background check and liability insurance, and includes a comprehensive examination and final project. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this master's level program.
- Master of Science degree.
- 60 semester hours required.
- 2-year or 3-year track.
- Clinical practicum and internship.
- 500 direct client hours.
- 100 supervision hours.
- Background check required.
- Liability insurance required.
- Courses in ethics and legal issues.
- Psychopathology course included.
Doctorate - Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lee University's Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit doctoral program designed for advanced clinical practice, research, and teaching. The three-year sequence includes teaching practicums, doctoral internships, and a dissertation, with coursework in advanced relational theory, research methods, and supervision. The program covers specialized topics like attachment theory, trauma treatment, and play therapy, while emphasizing ethics and social justice. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this doctoral program, which prepares graduates for licensure and academic careers.
- Doctor of Philosophy degree
- Marriage and Family Therapy program
- 60 credit hours required
- Three-year program sequence
- Teaching practicum included
- Doctoral internship required
- Dissertation requirement
- Comprehensive exam required
- Advanced research courses
- Clinical theory courses
Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy, Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lee University's Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy provides advanced clinical training through a structured three-year program. The 60-credit curriculum focuses on evidence-based practices, contemporary applications, and systemic supervision, with required teaching practicums, doctoral internships, and a dissertation. The program emphasizes ethics, social justice, and preparation for licensure exams, incorporating advanced research methods and relational clinical theory. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this doctoral program, which targets professionals seeking leadership roles in therapy and research.
- Doctor of Philosophy degree
- Marriage and Family Therapy program
- 60 credit hour requirement
- Advanced research courses included
- Teaching practicum components
- Doctoral internship required
- Dissertation completion needed
- Three-year program sequence
- Focus on ethics and social justice
- Evidence-based strategies covered
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - lipscomb.edu
Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lipscomb University's COAMFTE-accredited Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program in Nashville delivers a comprehensive 60-credit-hour curriculum over 24 months. This campus-based cohort program emphasizes systems theory and diversity while requiring at least 300 clinical training hours. Admissions criteria include a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, application materials, and an interview, with no entrance exam specified. At $962 per credit hour, financial aid options like graduate assistantships support students. The program offers specializations in play therapy and integrated behavioral healthcare, preparing graduates for licensure through small class sizes and hands-on training.
- 60 credit hours.
- In-person format.
- 24 months duration.
- Nashville, Tennessee location.
- Master of Marriage and Family Therapy degree.
- 300 clinical hours minimum.
- COAMFTE accredited.
- Cohort model.
- Bachelor's degree required.
- 3.0 GPA admissions requirement.
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - trevecca.edu
Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Counseling
Campus Based - Visit Website
Trevecca Nazarene University's Master of Marriage and Family Counseling is a 60-credit CACREP-accredited program preparing students for Tennessee licensure as LPC-MHSP or LMFT. This campus-based program requires a 290 GRE score and 2.7 GPA for admission, though conditional options exist. With small cohort classes and over 60 internship agencies, students gain hands-on experience in family systems theory, crisis intervention, and ethics. Tuition costs $775 per credit hour, totaling approximately $46,500 plus additional fees. The program emphasizes a Christ-centered community while maintaining professional clinical training standards.
- 60 credit hour program
- CACREP accredited
- Prepares for LPC-MHSP licensure
- Prepares for LMFT licensure
- Face-to-face class format
- Small class sizes
- Supportive cohort model
- Internship at 60+ agencies
- Minimum 2.7 GPA required
- 290 GRE score required
Carson-Newman University
Jefferson City, TN - Private 4-year - cn.edu
Graduate Certificate - Master of Science in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Carson-Newman University's Master of Science in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration offers a 60-credit hour hybrid program combining online coursework with on-campus components. This CACREP-accredited curriculum prepares students for licensure as marriage and family therapists through extensive clinical internships at multiple sites. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with diverse populations, supported by personal faculty advisors. With nearly 100% post-graduation placement and competitive tuition at $475 per credit hour, students typically complete the program in 7-9 semesters while taking two-three courses per term. No entrance exam is required for admission.
- 60 credit hour program
- Hybrid online/onsite learning
- CACREP accredited program
- Nearly 100% post-graduation placement
- $475 per credit hour tuition
- Professional licensure preparation
- Multiple clinical internship sites
- Personal faculty advisor assigned
- 7-9 semesters typical completion
- Two-three courses per semester
Other MFT Programs Available in Tennessee
Tennessee provides several accredited MFT programs, ensuring students receive rigorous academic training and practical clinical experience to meet licensure requirements.
Accredited MFT Programs in Tennessee
- COAMFTE-accredited program that combines evidence-based therapy training with research and clinical application.
- Emphasizes relationship counseling, child and adolescent therapy, and multicultural therapy approaches.
Students gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical training at the on-campus therapy center and local community agencies.
Tennessee’s Quickest MFT Programs
- Lipscomb University’s Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program can be completed in two years, with structured coursework and internship placements.
- Trevecca Nazarene University offers a 2.5-year MFT program, integrating supervised clinical training and coursework.
- Online COAMFTE-accredited programs from other states allow Tennessee students to accelerate coursework while completing clinical hours locally.
- Students with prior psychology or counseling coursework may qualify for transfer credits, reducing program length.
For students seeking a fast-track to LMFT licensure, enrolling in a structured program with full-time study options and early internship placements is the best strategy. Here is a guide to getting an MFT degree quickly.
Tennessee’s Cheapest MFT Programs
- Lipscomb University offers one of the most affordable COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs, making it an excellent choice for students seeking affordability and accreditation.
- Lee University provides financial aid, graduate assistantships, and tuition assistance programs, helping students reduce 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, giving students financial flexibility and convenient learning options.
For students prioritizing affordability, exploring state-funded tuition assistance, employer tuition reimbursement, and loan repayment programs can help minimize financial burdens.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Tennessee
1. Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Complete a COAMFTE-accredited or regionally accredited MFT program that meets Tennessee’s licensure requirements.
- Ensure coursework covers family therapy models, ethics, trauma-informed care, and mental health assessments.
2. Complete 3,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
- Gain post-graduate clinical hours, including 1,500 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 Tennessee Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists
- 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 two years, 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 Tennessee
Tennessee 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 Tennessee is $60,800 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $90,000 annually.
Where LMFTs Work in Tennessee
- 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, Tennessee is a great state for LMFT professionals.
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