MFT Programs in California

If you’re thinking about advancing your career and education by pursuing a license in marriage and family therapy (MFT) but don’t know where to start, look no further. There are many graduate-level marriage and family therapy programs in California available for enrollment either remotely or in person. This article reviews them in depth, from MFT degrees from some of the best schools in the state to ones that hold specific accreditations. The article has been broken down into sections, with the first highlighting all the Master’s in MFT programs in the state: those that are accredited by COAMFTE, those that don’t require the GRE for admission, and finally a collection of online MFT programs. We have also provided a robust overview of the licensing requirements to become an LMFT in the state of California, as well as MFT programs in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego . This robust list of over 40 program overviews is available to educate you extensively on the most up-to-date information on available marriage and family therapy degree programs in the state of California, so you will find a program that aligns with your needs, graduate from the program knowledgeable and be prepared for the real work ahead in the field of helping others.

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Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in California

In the state of California, there are 36 Masters in MFT programs that are available to applicants. A master’s in marriage and family therapy degree consists of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours. Generally, students are required to undergo six semester hours of practicum, which includes 150 face-to-face counseling hours. While many courses are offered online, certain aspects of the programs, such as clinical supervision, practicums, and internships, are likely to take place in the community in which you reside. The specifics of the practicum may include 75 hours of client advocacy, but if not, then the student will also engage in 75 more hours of face-to-face counseling. The total length of an MFT program depends on the university and how much time a student can commit, but is generally the equivalent of two full-time years of coursework following your undergraduate program. However, some programs may be more flexible and allow students to complete the program over three years.

25 COAMFTE Accredited California MFT Programs

Once you’ve decided that you want to become licensed in marriage and family therapy, it’s important to choose the right school. When searching, it’s important to look for a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). This accrediting body ensures that the program meets the mental health standards for MFT education, and also ensures that the school is in good standing. While there are many California online marriage and family programs available, you might be looking for something specific. Perhaps you would like to attend in person, or maybe you need online marriage and family therapy courses so you can easily work around your schedule. Either way, both online and in-person classes are available in California, and some examples are summarized here.

Name	City	State	Degree Level	Modality	GRE Required?	Full Program Name	URL
Alliant International University – Irvine	Irvine	CA	Masters	Campus	No	MA in MFT	Click Here
Alliant International University – Los Angeles	Alhambra	CA	Masters	Campus	No	MA in MFT	Click Here
Alliant International University – Sacramento	Sacramento	CA	Masters	Campus	No	MA in MFT	Click Here
Alliant International University – San Diego	San Diego	CA	Masters	Campus	No	MA in MFT	Click Here
Alliant International University – Irvine	Irvine	CA	Doctoral	Online	No	PsyD in MFT	Click Here
Bethel Seminary	San Diego	CA	Masters	Campus & Online	No	MA in MFT	Click Here
California State University, Northridge	Northridge	CA	Masters	Campus	Yes	Master of Science in MFT	Click Here
Campbellsville University	Chatsworth	CA	Masters	Campus	N/A	M.A. in MFT	Click Here
Chapman University	Orange	CA	Masters	Campus	Yes	M.A. in MFT	Click Here
Hope International University	Fullerton	CA	Masters	Campus	No	MA in MFT	Click Here
Loma Linda University	Loma Linda	CA	Doctoral	Hybrid	No	Doctor of MFT	Click Here
Loma Linda University	Loma Linda	CA	Masters	Campus & Online	No	MS in MFT	Click Here
Loma Linda University	Loma Linda	CA	Doctoral	Campus	Yes	Systems, Families, and Couples (PhD)	Click Here
National University	San Diego	CA	Masters	Online	No	MA in MFT	Click Here
National University	San Diego	CA	Doctoral	Online	No	Doctor of Philosophy in MFT	Click Here
Pacific Oaks College	San Jose	CA	Masters	Campus	N/A	Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy	Click Here
Pacific Oaks College	Pasadena	CA	Masters	Campus	N/A	M.A. in MFT: African American Family Studies Specialization	Click Here
Pacific Oaks College	Pasadena	CA	Masters	Campus	N/A	M.A. in MFT: Latinx Family Studies Specialization	Click Here
Pacific Oaks College	Pasadena	CA	Masters	Campus	N/A	M.A. in MFT: LGBTQIA+ Studies Specialization	Click Here
Pacific Oaks College	San Jose	CA	Masters	Online	N/A	M.A. in MFT: Trauma Studies Specialization	Click Here
San Diego State University	San Diego	CA	Masters	Campus	No	MA in MFT	Click Here
Touro University Worldwide	Los Alamitos	CA	Masters	Online	No	MA in MFT	Click Here
University of San Diego	San Diego	CA	Masters	Campus	No	MA in MFT	Click Here
University of San Francisco	San Francisco	CA	Masters	Campus	N/A	MA in MFT	Click Here
University of the West	Rosemead	CA	Masters	Online	Yes	MA in MFT	Click Here

16 California MFT Programs That Don’t Require The GRE

The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) exam is a standardized test that is still used by some institutions as part of their admissions process. The good news for applicants is that many universities are moving away from the GRE, and some schools have wiped out its requirement entirely. The following list includes all of the MFT programs in California that don’t require the GRE for admission.

Name	City	State	Degree Level	Accreditation	GRE Required?	Full Program Name	URL
Antioch University	Los Angeles	CA	Masters	HLC	No	MA in Clinical Psychology	Learn More
Antioch University	Santa Barbara	CA	Masters	HLC	No	MA in Clinical Psychology	Learn More
Biola University	La Mirada	CA	Masters	WSCUC	No	MA in Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
California Lutheran University	Thousand Oaks	CA	Masters	WASC	No	MS in Counseling Psychology (MFT)	Learn More
California Southern University	Costa Mesa	CA	Masters	HLC	No	Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology, with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
California State University, Bakersfield	Bakersfield	CA	Masters	CACREP	No	Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
California State University, Chico	Chico	CA	Masters	CACREP	No	Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
California State University, Fullerton	Fullerton	CA	Masters	CACREP	No	Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
California State University, Long Beach	Long Beach	CA	Masters	CACREP	No	Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
California State University, Los Angeles	Los Angeles	CA	Masters	CACREP	No	Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
California State University, Sacramento	Sacramento	CA	Masters	CACREP	No	Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
Chicago School of Professional Psychology	Los Angeles	CA	Masters	WSCUC	No	Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology: Marital and Family Therapy Specialization	Learn More
Palo Alto University	Palo Alto	CA	M.A.	CACREP	No	M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling	Learn More
San Diego State University	San Diego	CA	Masters	COAMFTE	No	MA in Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
Touro University Worldwide	Los Alamitos	CA	Masters	COAMFTE	No	MA in Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
University of San Diego	San Diego	CA	Masters	COAMFTE	No	MA in Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More

Online MFT Programs in California

Featured Accredited MFT Programs

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For applicants who don’t physically reside next to a university, an online Marriage and Family Therapy degree in California might be a good option. In-state tuition, especially for public schools in the state, tends to be very favorable for residents of California, so if you live in California, a state-based program is probably your best option. Digital learning has also rapidly progressed over the past few years, and many universities were forced to introduce online program offerings with COVID. Most online programs are taught by the same faculty that teach on-campus options, which will ensure that you receive the same type of high-quality instruction that you would in an on-ground program. Online programs will also allow you to complete your clinical work in your local community. Given that many MFT graduates are looking to serve either public or private institutions locally, having the flexibility to complete this training locally can open doors to opportunities in their communities. The following universities in the state of California offer 100% online MFT programs:

1. National University – Online Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy
2. Alliant International University – Online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
3. Bethel University – Online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
4. Loma Linda University – Online Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy
5. Pacific Oaks College – Online Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy: Trauma Studies
6. Touro University Worldwide – Online Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy

What Will I Learn in a California MFT Degree Program?

California marriage and family therapy programs are intended to ensure that graduates are able to comprehend complex situations and apply their skills to empower their clients to improve their lives. Students will find that their program will address the following:

• Cultural competency
• Resilience
• Professional ethics and law (as applicable to California)
• Psychopathology
• Socioeconomic status
• Case management and system of care
• Cross-cultural interaction
• Life events that affect relationships
• Developmental issues across the lifespan
• Human sexuality
• Substance abuse and co-occurring disorders

While some individuals might be interested in pursuing marriage and family therapy at an undergraduate level, to become a licensed marriage and family therapist you must pursue a graduate-level degree program. An alternative is to enroll in a Ph.D. or Doctoral program in Marriage and Family Therapy, but those programs tend to be more research-focused and specialize in a specific subset within the field.

How to Become an LMFT in California

In order to complete the process to become a licensed marriage and family therapist in California, you will want to complete the process to obtain your LMFT license. In short, this process includes:

• Obtaining a qualifying Master’s degree. Research the best MFT program that suits your needs, whether you are considering the price, location, accreditation, and more.
• Registering as an AMFT. After graduation, you can complete this registration through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. This will allow you to practice therapy under the supervision of someone who is already licensed. This is an important step of the licensing process.
• Completing a live scan. A live scan is a background check that is an important part of employment.
• Undergoing a criminal background check.
• Taking and passing the California Law and Ethics Exam. Passing this exam is a required pre-requisite to AMFT practice because it ensures that you are familiar with the ethics of providing mental health care, such as patient privacy.
• Accruing supervised experience. Since you registered as an AMFT, this step allows you to work with clients while being supervised by someone with a license, so you can reflect on your performance with someone who can give you feedback.
• Passing the LMFT Clinical Exam. Aspects of this exam will test what you learned in your master’s program, as well as what you learned in your post-graduation experience. Nearly all states, including California, has require passing the MFT exam.
• And finally, obtaining an official LMFT license. This includes registering with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) and sending them the documents they require. You can learn more about the requirements on the BBS website.

The process of obtaining a qualifying master’s degree involves enrolling in a qualifying California marriage and family program that is generally the equivalent of two full-time years of coursework to complete. This typically involves an internship and other client-facing activities as well as a rigorous course load. See: “What Will I Learn in an LMFT Program?” Before becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, you must first become what is called an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). The important difference here is that an AMFT is a marriage and family therapist under the supervision of a practicing LMFT. To register as an AMFT, you must pass the California Law and Ethics Exam following the completion of your degree and face-to-face client counseling and advocacy hours. After registering, the next step is to complete two years of post-degree work as an MFT. This process includes:

• Completing 3,000 hours (minimum) of supervised experience within a period of 104 weeks.
  • A maximum of 1,300 of these hours can be obtained during graduate training.
  • A minimum of 1,700 hours are required to be earned post-degree.
  • A minimum of 1,750 hours of direct counseling should be provided to families, couples, groups, and/or individuals, with a minimum of 500 of those hours dedicated to families, couples, or children.
  • A maximum of 1,250 hours of nonclinical practice must be completed.
  • For every five hours of client contact, one hour of direct supervisor contact is required. However, credited supervision hours should not exceed sex hours in any single week.

Once you have registered, the registration must be renewed every six years by taking the clinical exam.

How Long Does It Take to Become an LMFT in California?

If you are starting from scratch, expect the path to full LMFT licensure in California to take between five and seven years. The first step is earning a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field, which typically takes two to three years of full-time study. Most programs require 60 semester units, though some thesis-track options may require additional time. After graduating, you will register with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). California requires 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, which most associates complete in about two years of full-time work. At least 1,750 of those hours must be gained after you receive your degree, and you will need a minimum of 104 weeks of supervision during that time. Once your supervised hours are complete, you will sit for two licensing examinations: the California MFT Law and Ethics Exam and the National Clinical MFT Licensing Examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). After passing both exams, you can apply for your full LMFT license. For most people, the entire journey from the first day of graduate school to holding a license takes roughly six years.

What does an LMFT in California do?

Licensed marriage and family therapists in California handle a wide array of complex clinical mental health and relationship issues. The main goal of an LMFT is to provide solution-focused, therapeutic services that are individualized to each client with an end goal of improved functioning as a family. This process may involve the LMFT handling a number of conditions, such as marital issues, complications surrounding parent-child relationships, mental health diagnosis such as depression or anxiety, and much more. LMFT’s are capable and licensed to evaluate, treat, and diagnose mental health conditions, emotional disorders, behavioral issues, health issues, and identify complex relationship dynamics. In order to assist clients through these difficult situations, an LMFT uses a variety of interviewing and interpersonal skills to help the client(s) feel comfortable enough to open up and share their lives and how they are feeling. An LMFT may also find themselves dealing with crises from time to time, but should be well equipped with the skills to handle it by the end of their licensing process. A successful LMFT should be non-judgemental and not make assumptions about a client. Often, an LMFT will follow a client for a significant amount of time in their life, from a few months to even a few years or more. As an LMFT, you will also complete other tasks besides interacting with clients. Some of your daily tasks will include creating and maintaining client records, documenting therapy sessions, handling insurance and coordinating with insurance companies, scheduling appointments with clients, and sending and reading emails. Another important task in which you will engage in is developing individualized treatment plans to help a client address their struggles and behaviors. Within this, you will get to know and assess their post-therapy activities and monitor their progress, and adjust plans as needed. An LMFT must have a number of both hard and soft skills and abilities, including:

• Deductive reasoning
• Problem sensitivity
• Active listening
• Social perceptiveness
• Complex problem solving
• Judgment and decision making
• The ability to create and maintain trusting relationships
• Technology skills
  • Accounting software
  • Electronic mail software
  • Medical software
  • Presentation software
  • Spreadsheet software

If you have or develop these skills, obtaining a license in marriage and family therapy is a valuable way to open up the doors to many rewarding career opportunities.

California LMFT Career and Salary Opportunities

As a licensed marriage and family therapist, you will have a variety of options in which to conduct your practice. This can include hospitals, family courts, community health organizations, or you can even set up private practice. LMFTs generally work full time, but some also work evenings and weekends to accommodate their client’s schedule. There are pros and cons to each option, but you can explore them in your career to find one that is right for you. The salary of an LMFT in California is, on average, about $63,780 annually ($5,315 per month), but this can vary depending on the industry in which you work, as different industries pay different salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the breakdown of median wages among different industries is as follows:

• State government (excluding education and hospitals): $82,510
• Outpatient care centers: $61,250
• Offices of other health practitioners: $52,440
• Individual and family services: $51,090

Marriage and family therapist job opportunities are projected to increase 10.5% in California between 2020-2030, which is a higher than average job growth.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

California LMFTs must renew their license every two years with the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Each renewal cycle requires 36 hours of continuing education (CE), and at least 18 of those hours must come from coursework directly related to marriage and family therapy. The remaining hours can be drawn from related clinical topics. California also has specific mandated CE topics that must be completed during each renewal period. These include courses on law and ethics, child abuse assessment and reporting, human trafficking, aging and long-term care, suicide risk assessment and intervention, and implicit bias. The exact hour requirements for each topic are set by the BBS and can change, so it is worth checking the BBS continuing education page at the start of each renewal cycle to confirm what is required. Most LMFTs complete their CE requirements through a combination of online courses, workshops, and professional conferences. The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) is a popular provider, but any BBS-approved CE provider will count toward your renewal hours.

Out-of-State Licensure and Reciprocity

California does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states for LMFT licensure, which means the process for out-of-state therapists looking to practice in California requires some additional steps. If you hold an LMFT license in another state, you will need to apply to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and demonstrate that your education and clinical experience meet California’s specific requirements. California’s requirements are among the most rigorous in the country. The BBS will evaluate your graduate program to confirm it included the specific coursework California mandates, which covers areas like human sexuality, substance use disorders, child abuse assessment, and spousal or partner abuse. If your out-of-state program did not include all required topics, you may need to complete additional coursework before California will issue your license. If you are a California LMFT looking to move to another state, the process varies depending on the destination. Some states accept California’s training hours and exam results with minimal additional requirements, while others may require you to sit for their own state-specific exam or complete additional supervised hours. The AMFTRB maintains a resource on state licensing requirements that can help you compare what each state expects.

Frequently Asked Questions About MFT in California

Can I become an LMFT in California with a CACREP-accredited degree?

Yes. California accepts CACREP-accredited degrees for LMFT licensure, provided your program included the specific coursework topics the California Board of Behavioral Sciences requires. Some CACREP programs may not cover all of California’s mandated content areas (such as California-specific law and ethics), so you should confirm with the BBS that your program meets their standards or plan to complete any missing coursework.

What is the difference between an AMFT and a full LMFT in California?

An AMFT (Associate Marriage and Family Therapist) is someone who has completed their graduate degree but is still accumulating the 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience required for full licensure. AMFTs can see clients and practice therapy, but they must work under the supervision of a licensed professional. Once the supervised hours and licensing exams are complete, the AMFT can apply for full LMFT status and practice independently.

How long does it take to become an LMFT in California?

The full path typically takes five to seven years. This includes two to three years for a master’s degree and approximately two years of post-degree supervised clinical experience (3,000 hours). Add in time for exam preparation and the licensing application process, and most people are fully licensed within six years of starting graduate school.

Does California have reciprocity with other states for LMFT licensure?

California does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states. Out-of-state LMFTs must apply to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and demonstrate that their education and clinical experience meet California’s specific requirements. Depending on your original training, you may need to complete additional coursework in California-mandated topics before receiving your license.

What continuing education do I need to renew my California LMFT license?

California requires 36 hours of continuing education every two years, with at least 18 hours in marriage and family therapy topics. Additionally, you must complete specific mandated courses in areas like law and ethics, child abuse reporting, human trafficking, suicide risk assessment, and aging and long-term care. Check the BBS website for current requirements before each renewal.

Are there accredited online MFT programs available in California?

Yes. Several COAMFTE-accredited institutions offer online or hybrid MFT programs that accept California students, including Alliant International University, National University (formerly Northcentral University), Loma Linda University, and Touro University Worldwide. CACREP-accredited online options are also available through institutions like Pepperdine University, Walden University, and others. Online programs still require clinical practicum hours, which are typically completed at approved sites in your local area.

MFT Programs in Southern California

The following list includes all Marriage and Family Therapy programs that are available in Southern California. This list includes MFT programs in San Diego and MFT programs in Los Angeles, but also includes a few other cities that exist in the southern California area.

Name	City	State	Degree Level	Accreditation	GRE Required?	Full Program Name	URL
Alliant International University – Irvine	Irvine	CA	Masters	COAMFTE	No	MA in Marital and Family Therapy	Learn More
Alliant International University – San Diego	San Diego	CA	Masters	COAMFTE	No	MA in Marital and Family Therapy	Learn More
Alliant International University – Irvine	Irvine	CA	Doctoral	COAMFTE	No	PsyD in Marital and Family Therapy	Learn More
Antioch University	Los Angeles	CA	Masters	HLC	No	MA in Clinical Psychology	Learn More
Bethel Seminary (MA)	San Diego	CA	Masters	COAMFTE	No	MA in Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
California Lutheran University	Thousand Oaks	CA	Masters	WASC	No	MS in Counseling Psychology (MFT)	Learn More
California Southern University	Costa Mesa	CA	Masters	HLC	No	Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology, with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
California State University, Fullerton	Fullerton	CA	Masters	CACREP	No	Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
California State University, Long Beach	Long Beach	CA	Masters	CACREP	No	Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
California State University, Los Angeles	Los Angeles	CA	Masters	CACREP	No	Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
Chapman University	Orange	CA	Masters	COAMFTE	Yes	M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
Chicago School of Professional Psychology	Los Angeles	CA	Masters	WSCUC	No	Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology: Marital and Family Therapy Specialization	Learn More
Hope International University (MA)	Fullerton	CA	Masters	COAMFTE	No	MA in Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
Loma Linda University	Loma Linda	CA	Doctoral	COAMFTE	No	Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy	Learn More
Loma Linda University	Loma Linda	CA	Masters	COAMFTE	No	MS in Marital and Family Therapy	Learn More
Loma Linda University	Loma Linda	CA	Doctoral	COAMFTE	Yes	Systems, Families, and Couples (PhD)	Learn More
National University	San Diego	CA	Masters	COAMFTE	No	MA in Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
National University	San Diego	CA	Doctoral	COAMFTE	No	Doctor of philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
Pacific Oaks College	Pasadena	CA	Masters	COAMFTE	N/A	M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy: African American Family Studies Specialization	Learn More
Pacific Oaks College	Pasadena	CA	Masters	COAMFTE	N/A	M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy: Latinx Family Studies Specialization	Learn More
Pacific Oaks College	Pasadena	CA	Masters	COAMFTE	N/A	M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy: LGBTQIA+ Studies Specialization	Learn More
Pepperdine University	Malibu	CA	Masters	WSCUC	Yes	M.A. in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy	Learn More
San Diego State University	San Diego	CA	Masters	COAMFTE	No	MA in Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More
University of San Diego	San Diego	CA	Masters	COAMFTE	No	MA in Marriage and Family Therapy	Learn More

California MFT Resources

What Does a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Do? | PLNU (pointloma.edu) LMFT: Job Duties, Occupational Outlook, and Education Requirements (learn.org) Marriage and Family Therapists Overview (onetonline.org) Marriage and Family Therapists- Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy