Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Washington DC 2025

Washington, D.C., provides unique opportunities for students pursuing a career in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). As the nation’s capital, the district is home to a diverse population with increasing demand for licensed mental health professionals, particularly in family therapy, couples counseling, and community-based mental health services. While Washington, D.C., has limited COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs, students can explore regionally accredited programs within the district, as well as hybrid and online options from nearby states.

For aspiring Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Washington, D.C., offers a strong job market in private practice, government agencies, healthcare facilities, and nonprofit organizations. Due to the district’s small geographic area, students also have the option to complete their education and clinical training in surrounding states, such as Maryland and Virginia, while pursuing licensure in Washington, D.C.

In this guide

MFT Programs Available in Washington DC

Washington, D.C., has limited in-state COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs, but students can find regionally accredited master’s programs that offer a specialization in marriage and family therapy. Additionally, many students choose to enroll in MFT programs in nearby states while fulfilling licensure requirements within the district.

Top MFT Programs in the District

The George Washington University – Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
 This regionally accredited counseling program offers courses in family therapy, couples counseling, and mental health interventions. While it is not COAMFTE-accredited, it prepares students for LMFT licensure through specialized coursework and clinical training opportunities.

Howard University – Master of Science in Counseling Psychology 
Howard University provides a strong foundation in counseling and psychotherapy, with coursework in family therapy and relational counseling. Graduates interested in becoming LMFTs in Washington, D.C., should ensure that their supervised clinical hours meet state licensure requirements.

For students seeking COAMFTE-accredited programs, options in neighboring states like Maryland and Virginia provide fully accredited MFT training while allowing students to complete supervised clinical hours within Washington, D.C.

Washington DC’s Quickest MFT Programs

While Washington, D.C., does not have COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs, students seeking the fastest path to licensure can consider regionally accredited counseling programs that meet LMFT requirements. These programs offer accelerated coursework, intensive clinical placements, and year-round enrollment options, allowing students to complete their education more efficiently.

Factors That Speed Up MFT Completion

Several factors can help students complete their MFT degree more quickly:

Full-Time Enrollment: Completing coursework on a full-time schedule can shorten the degree timeline to two years.
Accelerated Online Programs: Some out-of-state COAMFTE-accredited programs allow Washington, D.C., residents to complete coursework in 18 to 24 months, provided they fulfill clinical hours locally.
Early Internship Placements: Programs that allow students to start clinical hours in their first year provide a more efficient path to licensure eligibility.
Transfer of Graduate Credits: Students with previous coursework in counseling, psychology, or social work may be able to transfer credits, reducing overall degree requirements.

For students who want to become an LMFT in Washington, D.C., as quickly as possible, choosing an intensive full-time program with an early clinical practicum is the best option.

Washington DC’s Cheapest MFT Programs

Tuition costs vary for MFT programs, but students in Washington, D.C., can find affordable pathways to licensure by choosing regionally accredited programs with lower tuition rates or exploring online options.

Ways to Lower MFT Education Costs

Choose Public Universities: Public institutions in neighboring states like Maryland and Virginia often have lower tuition rates than private universities in Washington, D.C.
Apply for D.C.-Based Scholarships: Some nonprofit organizations and mental health agencies in D.C. offer scholarships for students entering family therapy careers.
Utilize Loan Forgiveness Programs: Licensed LMFTs who work in underserved communities may qualify for federal and state loan forgiveness programs, helping them pay off student debt after graduation.
Seek Employer Tuition Assistance: Many government agencies, nonprofit mental health organizations, and hospital systems in D.C. offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing MFT degrees.
Consider Online MFT Programs: Some out-of-state COAMFTE-accredited universities provide lower tuition rates than private institutions in Washington, D.C., while allowing students to complete clinical training locally.

By combining tuition assistance programs, financial aid, and employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement, students can make their MFT education more affordable while gaining valuable experience in the Washington, D.C., mental health sector.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Washington DC

Educational Requirements for LMFT Licensure
To become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Washington, D.C., students must complete a master’s or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related mental health field. While a COAMFTE-accredited program is not required, the program must include coursework in marriage and family therapy theories, ethical practices, and clinical interventions.

Supervised Clinical Experience
After completing an MFT degree, LMFT candidates in Washington, D.C., must complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. This includes face-to-face client contact hours under the supervision of a licensed MFT or other approved mental health professional. Many students gain these hours through internships in private practices, hospitals, community counseling centers, and government health agencies.

Passing the National MFT Exam
To qualify for licensure, applicants must pass the Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Examination. This exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge of systemic therapy models, treatment planning, and ethical decision-making in family therapy practice.

State Licensure Application & Fees
Once all educational and clinical training requirements are met, candidates must submit an application to the Washington, D.C., Department of Health Board of Marriage and Family Therapy. The application includes official transcripts, proof of clinical hours, exam scores, and applicable licensing fees.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Washington DC

Employment Trends for LMFTs
As a densely populated urban area, Washington, D.C., has a high demand for licensed therapists, particularly in family therapy, couples counseling, and trauma-informed care. LMFTs are employed in private practices, government agencies, hospitals, and nonprofit mental health organizations.

LMFT Salary in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., offers competitive salaries for LMFTs, with average earnings higher than the national average due to the high cost of living and demand for mental health professionals.

Average LMFT Salary: $73,200 per year
Top 10% Salary: $105,000+ per year
Entry-Level Salary: $56,000 per year
Job Growth Rate: 15% increase projected over the next decade
High-Demand Areas: Government agencies, private practice, nonprofit mental health organizations, teletherapy

Washington, D.C., offers a growing market for licensed MFTs, even though the district has limited COAMFTE-accredited programs. Students can pursue regionally accredited counseling programs with an MFT emphasis or enroll in fully accredited programs in nearby states, such as Maryland and Virginia.

With a strong job market, competitive salaries, and increasing mental health awareness, Washington, D.C., is a great place to launch a career as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. By completing an MFT program that aligns with licensure requirements, gaining supervised clinical experience, and passing the National MFT Exam, students can take advantage of the many opportunities available in the district’s mental health sector.

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