Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Washington 2025
Washington offers several COAMFTE-accredited Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs, providing students with comprehensive clinical training and licensure preparation for diverse therapy careers. With a growing emphasis on mental health services, the state has a high demand for LMFTs, particularly in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and rural areas where access to mental health care is limited.
Students pursuing an MFT degree in Washington benefit from multiple accredited programs that emphasize systemic therapy, trauma counseling, and couples and family interventions. Programs offer flexible learning formats, including on-campus, hybrid, and online options, making education accessible to full-time students and working professionals alike. Additionally, universities in Washington have strong clinical training partnerships, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in hospitals, community clinics, private practices, and school-based counseling programs. As the demand for licensed therapists continues to grow, particularly in underserved communities, LMFTs play an essential role in expanding private practice, hospital-based mental health care, and teletherapy services throughout the state.
In this guide
2025 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Washington
Looking for the best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Washington? At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we've ranked the top options to help you find the right fit. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, our rankings guide you to the best programs. Learn more about how we rank these schools here.
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA - Private 4-year - plu.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pacific Lutheran University offers a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) designed to cultivate highly skilled therapists through a holistic and systemic approach. This program stands out for its integration of biopsychosocialspiritual perspectives, preparing graduates to navigate the complexities of human relationships with empathy and expertise. With a 48-semester hour curriculum, students delve into family dynamics, developmental challenges, and mental health assessments, supported by advanced clinical supervision and a four-semester practicum. The program emphasizes contextual family therapy and adheres to AAMFT professional ethics, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Admission requires an interview, with a fall application deadline of January 31.
- 48 semester hour program
- Fall application deadline: January 31
- Diverse student body recruitment
- Four semester practicum
- AAMFT professional ethics training
- Contextual family therapy approach
- Advanced clinical supervision
- Minimum prerequisites required
- $300 advance deposit needed
- Interview part of admission process
Whitworth University
Spokane, WA - Private 4-year - whitworth.edu
Master's - Marriage & Family Therapy, M.A.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Whitworth University offers a distinguished Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy, a 23-month, campus-based program that stands out for its rigorous 64-credit curriculum and hands-on clinical training. With a focus on preparing students for licensure, the program boasts a 100% national exam pass rate and a 95% completion rate. Students engage in both on-site and community clinical experiences, benefiting from a cohort learning model and personalized faculty mentorship. The program, starting each summer with a February 1 application deadline, requires no specific undergraduate major and offers competitive tuition at $690 per credit. Highlights include in-person daytime classes and exceptional job placement rates.
- 64-credit MA program
- 23 months full-time completion
- In-person daytime classes
- $690 per credit tuition
- Summer term start annually
- Application deadline Feb. 1
- No specific undergrad major required
- 95% program completion rate
- 100% national exam pass rate
- On-site clinical training center
- Community clinical partnerships
- Cohort learning model
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, WA - Private 4-year - spu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Seattle Pacific University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy stands out as a COAMFTE-accredited program that blends rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical training. With a focus on holistic and culturally sensitive therapy, this program offers a unique Christian-informed perspective, preparing students for diverse mental health careers. The curriculum spans 70 credits, including a 400-hour clinical internship, and is available in two or three-year formats. Priced at $827 per credit, it emphasizes the 'self-of-therapist' development and offers an optional Medical Family Therapy Certificate. Ranked #1 in Washington, it sets a high standard for MFT education.
- COAMFTE accredited program
- 70 credits to complete
- $827 per credit
- 2-3 year program options
- 400-hour clinical internship
- On-campus training
- Christian contextual training
- Application deadline: 1/24/2026
- Focuses on 'self-of-therapist' development
- Cohort-centered curriculum
- Optional Medical Family Therapy Certificate
Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Medical Family Therapy Certificate - Campus Based - Visit Website
Specializing in Medical Family Therapy, Seattle Pacific University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy provides a COAMFTE-accredited pathway for students aiming to integrate medical and psychological care. This program, requiring 70 credits and a 400-hour clinical internship, is designed for those seeking to work in healthcare settings. With a per-credit cost of $827 and options for full-time or part-time study, it combines Christian contextual training with practical clinical experience. The program's focus on medical family therapy prepares graduates to address the complex needs of patients and families facing health challenges, making it a standout choice in Washington.
- Two-year full-time program
- $827 per credit cost
- COAMFTE accredited program
- 400-hour clinical internship
- Christian context training
- 70 total credits required
- Application deadline: 1/24/2026
- Clinical portfolio requirement
- On-campus learning format
City University of Seattle
Seattle, WA - Private 4-year - cityu.edu
Master's - M.A. in Counseling
Concentration: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
City University of Seattle offers a hybrid M.A. in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, designed to equip students with the skills to address complex relationship dynamics. This program stands out for its culturally sensitive approach, blending in-person and online learning to accommodate diverse student needs. It emphasizes ethical practice, self-awareness, and the development of professional expertise, preparing graduates to make a significant impact in various mental health settings. The curriculum is tailored to foster both personal and professional growth, ensuring students are well-prepared to support couples and families through therapeutic interventions.
- In-person and mixed mode formats
- Culturally attuned therapeutic approach
- Professional expertise development
- Ethically grounded curriculum
- Focus on personal and professional growth
Washington’s Quickest MFT Programs
For students looking for the quickest way to become an LMFT in Washington, the key factors are program duration, clinical training availability, and full-time enrollment options.
Steps to Speed Up Your MFT Journey
- Choose an Accelerated or Full-Time Program: Some COAMFTE-accredited programs allow students to graduate in as little as 2 years by taking full course loads each term.
- Start Clinical Training Early: Programs that integrate practicum and internship experiences within the first year help students fulfill their supervised experience hours more quickly.
- Consider Online & Hybrid Options: For working professionals, hybrid or online MFT programs provide flexibility while allowing students to complete coursework at an accelerated pace.
- Utilize Prior Experience: Students with previous graduate coursework in counseling, psychology, or social work may be eligible to transfer credits, shortening program length.
By selecting an efficient program structure with early clinical training opportunities, students can fast-track their licensure eligibility while maintaining a strong academic and hands-on learning experience.
Washington’s Cheapest MFT Programs
Pursuing an MFT degree in Washington can be affordable with careful financial planning. Students can explore public universities, online programs, and financial aid options to lower costs.
Ways to Reduce MFT Education Costs
- Choose Public Universities: Schools like Pacific Lutheran University and Whitworth University offer lower in-state tuition rates compared to private institutions.
- Apply for Scholarships & Financial Aid: Many MFT programs provide merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid to help reduce tuition costs.
- Utilize Loan Forgiveness Programs: Washington participates in federal and state loan repayment programs for LMFTs working in rural or underserved communities.
- Consider Employer Tuition Assistance: Some hospitals, mental health agencies, and nonprofit organizations offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing MFT degrees.
- Work While Studying: Hybrid and online MFT programs allow students to continue working while completing coursework, helping offset education costs.
By combining financial aid, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs, students can make earning an MFT degree in Washington more cost-effective.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Washington
1. Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Enroll in a COAMFTE-accredited or regionally accredited MFT program that aligns with Washington’s licensing board requirements.
- Complete coursework in family therapy models, mental health interventions, trauma-informed care, and ethical counseling practices.
2. Complete 3,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
- Gain post-graduate clinical hours, including 1,000 hours of direct client contact under the supervision of an LMFT-approved supervisor.
- Work in state-approved therapy settings, such as community mental health clinics, hospitals, or private practices.
3. Pass the National MFT Examination
- Successfully take and pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Exam.
- Demonstrate proficiency in clinical therapy interventions, ethical decision-making, and relational counseling techniques.
4. Apply for Licensure Through the Washington State Department of Health
- Submit an application including official transcripts, proof of supervised hours, and passing exam scores.
- Complete any additional state-mandated licensing requirements, such as background checks and professional ethics training.
5. Maintain Licensure with Continuing Education
- Complete 36 continuing education (CE) hours every renewal period, with coursework in ethics, trauma-informed care, and advanced therapy practices.
- Stay up to date through workshops, conferences, and online training programs to enhance professional development and career growth.
Following these steps ensures a smooth transition from student to licensed LMFT, opening doors to diverse career opportunities in Washington’s growing mental health sector. If you want to learn more about how to become a licensed marriage and family therapist you can find the full guide here.
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Washington
Washington provides strong job prospects for LMFTs, with demand rising across private practices, hospitals, school counseling programs, and teletherapy services. The average salary for LMFTs in Washington is $69,800 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $105,000 annually.
Washington LMFT Employment Trends
- High-Demand Cities: Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Bellevue, Bellingham
- Top Work Settings: Private practice, outpatient clinics, community mental health, school-based counseling
- Job Growth Projection: 14% increase over the next decade
The statewide demand for LMFTs is increasing, particularly as mental health awareness expands and more insurance providers cover therapy services. Washington’s job market for LMFTs is expected to remain strong, providing numerous employment opportunities for licensed professionals.
Washington offers several accredited MFT programs, structured licensure pathways, and growing job opportunities for licensed therapists. With affordable tuition rates, flexible learning options, and state-backed financial incentives, Washington remains a top choice for aspiring LMFTs.
For students looking for a high-quality, career-focused MFT education, Washington’s programs provide the training, licensure preparation, and clinical experience needed to succeed in private practice, behavioral health, and community mental health services.
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