Virginia's median LMFT salary of roughly $80,670 exceeds the national median by more than $22,000 per year.
COAMFTE and CACREP accredited programs both satisfy Virginia Board of Counseling education requirements for licensure.
Total tuition for Virginia MFT graduate programs ranges from approximately $20,000 to $45,000 depending on residency and format.
Virginia requires at least 600 practicum hours, including 240 direct client contact hours, before graduation.
Virginia's Board of Counseling recognizes fewer than ten graduate programs that meet its requirements for LMFT licensure, yet demand for marriage and family therapists in the state continues to climb, with a median salary near $80,670, well above the national figure. That scarcity of approved programs makes the choice consequential: accreditation type, total cost, and clinical hour requirements all vary enough to add semesters or thousands of dollars to your timeline.
Whether a program holds COAMFTE or CACREP accreditation determines how the Board evaluates your coursework and supervised experience. Getting that detail wrong can delay licensure by a year or more. For a broader view of the full licensing sequence, our guide to becoming an MFT maps each milestone from enrollment through independent practice.
Best Marriage & Family Therapy Degree Programs in Virginia
Virginia offers a small but focused selection of MFT graduate programs, ranging from the state's only COAMFTE-accredited master's and doctoral degrees to specialized graduate certificates designed for working counselors. Because Virginia requires at least 600 practicum hours (with 240 direct client contact hours) for LMFT licensure, choosing a program with strong local clinical placements is critical. Below are the top Virginia programs for 2026, evaluated on accreditation, clinical training infrastructure, cost, and alignment with state licensure requirements.
NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
Independent program research
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
#1
Blacksburg, VA · $25,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Clinicians seeking COAMFTE-accredited campus training
Virginia Tech is the only institution in the Commonwealth offering COAMFTE-accredited MFT degrees at both the master's and doctoral levels. Its campus in Blacksburg anchors clinical training at the Family Therapy Center while placing students with community services boards, school systems, and integrated care settings across Southwest Virginia. An institution-wide graduation rate of roughly 86% and robust assistantship funding make it one of the strongest value propositions for in-state students pursuing licensure.
COAMFTE-accredited doctoral program focused on research, theory, and advanced practice
Requires a clinical master's degree and minimum 3.0 GPA for admission
All full-time PhD students receive assistantship with stipend, tuition waiver, and benefits
On-campus instruction with interdisciplinary collaboration across psychology and public health
Research tied to Virginia child welfare, foster care policy, and Appalachian family well-being
December 1 application deadline; no GRE required unless otherwise specified
Prepares graduates for academic, policy, and advanced clinical careers
Regent University
#2
Virginia Beach, VA · ~$20,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Working counselors adding family therapy credentials
Regent University in Virginia Beach offers a hybrid Graduate Certificate in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling geared toward licensed counselors and ministry professionals who want to deepen their family-systems expertise without completing a second full master's degree. Its Hampton Roads location gives students access to practicum opportunities with military-connected families and faith-based counseling centers. Note that this certificate is not currently accredited by COAMFTE or CACREP, so prospective students should verify how the 12-credit program applies to their specific licensure goals with the Virginia Board of Counseling.
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling — Hybrid
12-credit hybrid program with online and on-campus options in Virginia Beach
Tuition of approximately $730 per credit hour (total roughly $8,760 for the certificate)
Multiple session start dates throughout the year for scheduling flexibility
Focuses on couples therapy, sexual dysfunction treatment, and addiction counseling
Positioned as a licensure endorsement add-on for Virginia LPCs and school counselors
Strong ties to Hampton Roads military and faith-based counseling communities
Institution-wide graduation rate of about 57% (not program-specific)
Not currently COAMFTE- or CACREP-accredited; confirm licensure applicability
Most Affordable MFT Programs in Virginia
Tuition for graduate MFT programs in Virginia generally ranges from roughly $20,000 to $45,000 in total program cost, though actual expenses vary based on residency status, credit load, and program format. The table below compares published per-credit tuition rates and estimated totals for programs where reliable 2026 figures are available. Because not every Virginia MFT program publishes granular per-credit pricing in the same way, some estimates should be confirmed directly with each school's admissions office.
School
Program
Per-Credit Tuition
Total Credits
Estimated Total Tuition
Format
Regent University
M.A. in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (Online)
$730
60
~$43,800
Online
Regent University
M.A. in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (On-Campus)
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (Out-of-State)
Contact school
Contact school
Contact school
On-Campus
COAMFTE vs CACREP Accreditation: What Virginia MFT Students Should Know
Choosing an MFT program in Virginia is not just about curriculum or campus location. The type of programmatic accreditation your graduate program holds directly affects how smoothly you move from diploma to licensed practice. Understanding the differences between COAMFTE and CACREP accreditation, and what happens if your program holds neither, can save you months of extra paperwork and frustration.
COAMFTE: The MFT-Specific Standard
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) operates under the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and is the only accreditor designed exclusively for MFT training.1 Programs with COAMFTE accreditation structure their coursework, practicum hours, and clinical supervision requirements around the specific competencies Virginia expects of LMFT applicants. Because the training aligns so closely with state board expectations, graduates of COAMFTE programs typically experience the most streamlined licensure application process.
CACREP: Broad Counseling Accreditation
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits a wider range of counseling specializations, including marriage, couple, and family counseling tracks. Virginia recognizes CACREP-accredited programs for LMFT licensure, and graduates can absolutely qualify.2 However, because CACREP covers counseling more broadly, applicants may need to verify that their specific coursework and clinical training meet the Virginia Board of Counseling's MFT-focused requirements, including the mandate that at least 50% of practicum direct client contact hours involve couples or families.3
How Accreditation Affects Clinical Hour Carryover
One tangible advantage of attending either a COAMFTE or CACREP program is the number of practicum hours that can carry over toward your post-degree residency. Graduates of accredited programs (COAMFTE or CACREP) may carry over up to 900 hours of internship experience toward the 4,000-hour residency requirement.4 Graduates of non-accredited programs, by contrast, are limited to carrying over just 600 hours.4 That 300-hour gap can translate into several additional months of supervised practice before you qualify to sit for the national exam. For a broader look at how these milestones fit into the full licensing journey, see our guide to becoming an MFT.
What If Your Program Is Not COAMFTE or CACREP Accredited?
Graduates of regionally accredited programs that lack COAMFTE or CACREP recognition can still pursue LMFT licensure in Virginia, but the path requires significantly more documentation. The Virginia Board of Counseling will conduct a course-by-course evaluation of your transcripts and syllabi to determine whether your education meets the state's content requirements.5 You will need to demonstrate equivalency across all required subject areas, including the full 60-semester-hour (or 90-quarter-hour) graduate curriculum.3
Virginia does offer a pre-review option for LMFT applicants who want confirmation before completing all licensure steps. This allows you to submit your educational materials early and receive feedback on whether your coursework will satisfy the board's standards.5
The Bottom Line for Virginia MFT Students
Selecting a COAMFTE or CACREP-accredited program is one of the most practical decisions you can make as an aspiring LMFT in Virginia. Either accreditation significantly reduces the administrative burden on your licensure application, maximizes the clinical hours you can carry forward, and helps you avoid the uncertainty of a course-by-course review. If you are comparing programs, pay close attention to the accreditation listed for each school. It is one of the clearest indicators of how efficiently your education will translate into a Virginia license.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you prioritize COAMFTE accreditation, or would a CACREP-accredited program that also qualifies you for LPC dual licensure be a better fit?
COAMFTE programs align most directly with Virginia's LMFT licensure requirements, while CACREP programs can position you for both LMFT and LPC credentials. Choosing one path over the other shapes your clinical identity and long-term career flexibility.
Can you complete practicum and clinical hours in person at a Virginia site, or do you need a program with flexible placement options?
Many MFT programs require hundreds of direct client-contact hours at approved sites. If you live far from a university campus or a metro area with ample clinical placements, look for programs that help arrange supervised hours closer to your location.
Is total tuition cost or time to completion the bigger constraint, and does the program offer part-time scheduling?
Some Virginia MFT programs cost significantly less but may take three or more years part time. If finishing quickly matters more than saving on tuition, a full-time cohort model may serve you better, so weigh both factors against your financial situation.
How to Become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Virginia
Virginia's path to LMFT licensure follows a structured sequence overseen by the Virginia Board of Counseling. Each step builds on the last, so understanding the full timeline before you enroll helps you plan efficiently and avoid costly delays.
Virginia LMFT Licensure: Step-by-Step Requirements
Earning a graduate degree is just the beginning. Virginia's Board of Counseling sets specific requirements for each stage of the LMFT licensure process, and understanding them early will help you plan your timeline and avoid surprises.
Step 1: Complete a Qualifying Graduate Degree
Virginia requires a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. Your program must include specific coursework categories mandated by the Board:
MFT Theory and Techniques: Courses covering major therapeutic models, systems theory, and evidence-based interventions.
Human Development: Study of individual and family development across the lifespan.
Ethics and Professional Identity: Training in legal and ethical standards governing MFT practice in Virginia.
Clinical Practicum: Supervised direct client contact hours completed during your degree program.
Graduating from a COAMFTE-accredited or CACREP-accredited program typically satisfies these coursework requirements, though the Board evaluates transcripts individually for graduates of non-accredited programs.
Step 2: Complete the Supervised Residency
After earning your degree, you must accumulate 4,000 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience before applying for full licensure. Virginia requires that this residency span at least two calendar years and include a substantial portion of direct client contact hours. During this period, you practice under a registered supervisory arrangement with a Board-approved supervisor who holds an active Virginia license. You will register with the Board as a "Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy," which authorizes you to provide therapy while completing your hours. For a closer look at what the difference between AMFT and LMFT designations means during this transitional stage, it is worth familiarizing yourself with how each credential functions.
Choosing the right supervisor matters. Look for someone whose clinical orientation aligns with your professional goals and who has a track record of guiding residents through the process efficiently.
Step 3: Pass the National Licensing Examination
Virginia requires a passing score on the national examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). You register for the exam through AMFTRB directly, and the test is delivered at Pearson VUE testing centers across the state. The Board accepts results once you meet or exceed the established passing threshold. Many candidates sit for the exam during their residency so they can apply for full licensure as soon as their supervised hours are complete.
Step 4: Apply for Full LMFT Licensure
Once you have satisfied the education, residency, and examination requirements, you submit your application to the Virginia Board of Counseling along with all supporting documentation. After the Board verifies your credentials, you receive your LMFT designation, authorizing independent clinical practice.
Virginia distinguishes between the standard LMFT license and a separate supervisory designation. Licensed therapists who wish to supervise future residents must meet additional criteria, including advanced post-licensure experience and supervisor training. For a broader overview of every milestone in the process, our guide to becoming an MFT covers national patterns and state-by-state variations. This tiered structure ensures that new clinicians receive guidance from seasoned professionals throughout their development.
Online vs On-Campus MFT Programs in Virginia
Choosing between an online, hybrid, or fully on-campus MFT program is one of the most practical decisions you will make. Virginia offers options across the spectrum, and understanding the trade-offs will help you pick the format that fits your life and career goals.
Online and Hybrid Programs in Virginia
Several Virginia schools have designed their MFT-focused programs with working professionals in mind:
Regent University: Offers an M.A. in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling through an online/hybrid format. Coursework is delivered online, but required clinical components are completed in person. The program holds CACREP accreditation.
Liberty University: Provides an M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy in an online/hybrid format that is explicitly mapped to Virginia Board of Counseling educational requirements for LMFT licensure.2
Eastern Mennonite University: Delivers a hybrid M.A. in Counseling with an MFT-oriented path, blending online and on-campus courses.
Campus-Based Programs
Virginia Tech: The M.S. in Human Development with an MFT concentration is the only COAMFTE-accredited MFT program in Virginia and is offered exclusively on campus.
Marymount University: Its CACREP-accredited M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which includes MFT electives, is primarily campus-based with some hybrid elements. Note that the degree itself is in clinical mental health counseling, not MFT.
Advantages of Online or Hybrid Formats
Flexibility: You can complete coursework around a full-time job or family responsibilities.
Potential cost savings: Eliminating relocation and daily commuting can lower total program expenses.
Continuity of employment: Staying in your current role while earning your degree means less financial disruption.
Drawbacks to Consider
Even in an online program, practicum and internship hours must be completed face-to-face at an approved clinical site, typically within Virginia. Building relationships with local supervisors and clinical agencies can be harder when you are not physically on campus, where faculty often have established referral networks. Some employers also express a preference for candidates who trained in traditional, campus-based settings, particularly for positions at established group practices or hospital-affiliated clinics.
Does the Virginia Board Care About Modality?
The short answer is no. The Virginia Board of Counseling does not distinguish between online and campus-based MFT degrees when evaluating LMFT licensure applications. What matters is that your program meets the required content areas, carries appropriate accreditation, and includes supervised clinical hours completed in person. If those boxes are checked, an online or hybrid degree carries the same weight as a traditional one for licensure purposes.
The bottom line: choose the format that lets you perform at your best academically and clinically. If you need schedule flexibility, a well-structured hybrid program from Regent, Liberty, or Eastern Mennonite can get you to licensure just as effectively as a campus-based path. If you thrive on immersive learning and direct faculty mentorship, or if you want to pursue accelerated MFT programs, Virginia Tech's COAMFTE-accredited program stands apart.
LMFT Salary and Job Outlook in Virginia
Virginia offers competitive compensation for licensed marriage and family therapists, with median salaries varying significantly by metro area. The Charlottesville region leads the state, with a median salary topping $106,000, while Richmond and the Virginia Beach corridor offer strong mid-career earnings in the low $80,000s. For those considering academic or teaching roles, postsecondary psychology faculty positions across the state also present attractive salary ranges. Below is a breakdown of reported wages for MFTs and related postsecondary teaching roles across Virginia's major metro areas.
Metro Area
Occupation
Total Employed
25th Percentile Salary
Median Salary
75th Percentile Salary
Mean Salary
Charlottesville
Marriage and Family Therapists
40
$58,080
$106,870
$140,140
$100,960
Richmond
Marriage and Family Therapists
180
$52,700
$82,540
$91,950
$81,690
Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk (VA/NC)
Marriage and Family Therapists
250
$56,670
$81,400
$81,430
$79,530
Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
60
$81,920
$101,310
$105,200
$101,460
Richmond
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
150
$60,880
$81,020
$101,640
$86,770
Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk (VA/NC)
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
190
$57,820
$77,520
$98,550
$86,570
Harrisonburg
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
100
$64,850
$84,140
$106,360
$84,210
Roanoke
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
40
$46,320
$62,680
$75,080
$66,270
Virginia's median salary for marriage and family therapists is approximately $80,670, which sits well above the national median of roughly $58,510, a difference of more than $22,000 per year. That premium means graduates of even moderately priced Virginia MFT programs can expect a strong return on their educational investment, often recouping tuition costs faster than peers in lower paying states.
Frequently Asked Questions About MFT Programs in Virginia
Choosing the right MFT program in Virginia means understanding licensure rules, accreditation standards, and cost considerations before you enroll. Below are answers to the questions prospective students ask most often, drawn from Virginia Board of Counseling requirements and current program offerings.
What MFT programs are approved by the Virginia Board of Counseling?
The Virginia Board of Counseling does not publish a single approved list. Instead, it accepts graduates of regionally accredited institutions whose transcripts show required coursework, including six semester hours in marriage and family therapy, six in marriage and family counseling, and three in human development, plus 600 practicum hours. Programs accredited by COAMFTE or CACREP generally satisfy these requirements, but applicants should verify course-by-course alignment with the Board.
Can I get an MFT degree online and still become licensed in Virginia?
Yes, as long as your online program is housed at a regionally accredited institution and meets every Virginia coursework and practicum requirement. You will still need to complete 600 supervised practicum hours (with at least 240 direct client contact hours and 120 couple or family hours) in a clinical setting, so fully remote completion is not possible. Check that your program arranges approved practicum placements in or near Virginia.
How many supervised hours do you need for LMFT in Virginia?
Virginia requires 3,400 post-degree residency hours, including at least 1,000 hours of direct client contact and 500 hours specifically with couples or families. Throughout that residency, you must accumulate 200 hours of clinical supervision, with a minimum of 100 of those hours provided by a licensed marriage and family therapist. Graduates of CACREP or COAMFTE programs may carry over up to 900 internship hours toward the residency total.
Can I get dual licensure as both an LMFT and LPC from the same program in Virginia?
It is possible at certain programs. Eastern Mennonite University, which holds CACREP accreditation, offers a tailored curriculum with an MFT emphasis that positions graduates to pursue both LMFT and LPC credentials. Virginia Tech also makes dual licensure plausible with careful course planning. In each case, you will need to meet the distinct coursework, practicum, and examination requirements for both licenses, so work closely with your advisor from day one.
Can I complete an MFT program out of state and still get licensed in Virginia?
Yes. The Virginia Board of Counseling accepts out-of-state MFT program graduates who hold a master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution and meet all Virginia-specific coursework and practicum requirements. If you already hold an active LMFT license in another state and have practiced for at least five years, you may also apply for licensure by endorsement, which carries a $140 application fee.
What is the cheapest MFT program in Virginia?
Among Virginia-based options, public university programs typically offer the lowest tuition, especially for in-state residents. Exact costs shift each academic year, so compare the latest published tuition rates on each school's graduate admissions page. Factor in practicum fees, technology charges, and whether a program qualifies you for assistantships or federal financial aid. The most affordable sticker price is not always the lowest net cost after scholarships and funding packages.
