COAMFTE vs CACREP Accreditation: What’s the Difference?

If you’re looking into MFT master’s programs, you’ve probably run into two accreditation names: COAMFTE and CACREP. Both accredit graduate counseling and therapy programs across the U.S., but they come from different professional traditions and have different requirements. COAMFTE is specific to marriage and family therapy, while CACREP covers a broader range of counseling specialties. The one you choose can affect your coursework, supervised clinical hours, and how easily your degree transfers across state lines for LMFT licensure.

This guide breaks down both accrediting bodies, their benefits, example programs, and what the differences actually mean for your career as a marriage and family therapist.

Quick Facts: COAMFTE vs CACREP at a Glance

	COAMFTE	CACREP
Full Name	Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education	Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Parent Organization	AAMFT (American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy)	ACA (American Counseling Association)
Focus Area	Marriage and family therapy only	Counseling broadly (clinical mental health, school, rehabilitation, MFT, etc.)
Typical Credit Hours	60–77 semester hours	48–60 semester hours
Clinical Hours Required	500 direct client contact hours	Varies by specialty; typically 600+ total practicum/internship hours
Faculty Requirement	Faculty must be licensed MFTs	Faculty are licensed professional counselors (various specialties)
State Licensure Portability	Accepted in all 50 states for MFT licensure	Accepted in most states; some require additional MFT coursework
Recognized By	CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation)	CHEA

Why is accreditation important?

Enrolling in an accredited master’s program is an important decision for your academic and professional career. In order to earn a MFT or other license, state licensing boards typically require an applicant to have earned their degree from an accredited program. Many state boards prefer the COAMFTE as the accrediting organization of the educational institution where their employee attended. However, 27 states also accept CACREP accreditation, as it meets the same qualifications as COAMFTE in the eyes of those states. 

Accreditation is important because it encourages schools to meet certain quality standards within their specific programs, so that students graduate adequately prepared for their career. Accrediting organizations work to improve the quality of their programs. For COAMFTE and CACREP, this means marriage and family therapy or counseling programs. The goals of a high quality program should be one that prepares you not just for your exam, but also for your future career. There are many individuals involved within each organization that work to make that happen, including figuring out what “good quality” looks like in the classroom and how it applies post graduation for future generations. 

Another reason to attend an accredited program is for future employment. Many organizations may mandate that applicants have graduated from one of the accredited programs, and some even specify which one they require. This is due to a lot of reasons, but it can be summed up as the organization feels that accreditation provides the most adequate and quality education.

What is COAMFTE?

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), established in 1974, is one of the main accrediting agencies for marriage and family therapy educational and training programs. The organization accredits masters and doctoral degree programs, as well as clinical training programs for post-graduates. The goal of the COAMFTE, per their website, is to “promote best practices for MFT educational programs through the establishment, review, and revision of accreditation standards and policies, and the accreditation of graduate and post-graduate educational programs”. The Council on Higher Education (CHEA) recognizes the COAMFTE as the only agency responsible for accrediting MFT programs in Canada and the United States. The COAMFTE works with the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA). ASPA is a non-profit that is also dedicated to promoting high-quality education, and as such, ensures that the COAMFTE works using innovative best practices when going through the process of accrediting educational institutions and developing the criteria.

Benefits of COAMFTE

Attending a COAMFTE-accredited school is worth the investment if you want to become a marriage and family therapist, both while you are in school and once you have entered your profession. 

You can feel assured that you are receiving a high-quality education while preparing for a rewarding but potentially demanding career, and receive said education from instructors who are dedicated to and familiar with the field. The requirements implemented into MFT programs are the most highly accepted in the US, so it allows a student to transfer their license between states more easily. The same requirements help you prepare for your licensing exam. COAMFTE is a recognizable accreditation that may be helpful when trying to obtain employment as an MFT. Another benefit is that the National Health Corps Service (NHSC) offers the chance for student loan reimbursement for those who qualify and commit to serving two years at a NHSC-approved site. Another main benefit of attending a COAMFTE-accredited program is that you will be able to apply for and grow within jobs in veteran’s association organizations. Even though CACREP is trying to change this, only therapists who have attended COAMFTE-accredited programs are eligible to climb the ladder, and is strongly preferred for employment as well. 

Once you are a marriage and family therapist, there are benefits to joining the membership offered by the organization. This includes things like member discounts, insurance, news subscriptions and journals, and more, depending on qualifications.

Master’s Programs accredited by COAMFTE

The COAMFTE website has a directory of accredited programs across the US. The programs may be offered online or in-person. Each of them offer a master of arts (MA), master of science (MS), or PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy. 

To be admitted into a COAMFTE- accredited marriage and family therapy program, you may have to submit different items that are dependent on the school. However, they frequently include: 

• Having earned at least a 3.0 GPA in undergraduate studies and/or the GRE
• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution
• Transcripts from all schools attended 
• An application fee
• A statement of interest/goals
• Letters of recommendations (two to four, usually, depending on the school)
• Resume of professional or academic experience 

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Below is an example of COAMFTE-accredited programs.

Alliant International University – California (Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego, or Sacramento)

What is CACREP?

The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), founded in 1960, works to develop and maintain standards for counseling programs across the United States. The goal of CACREP, like the COAMFTE, promotes innovation and excellence in educational programs for counseling. The organization is made up of leaders and experts who are passionate about the field and want to make it better for their communities and those who are enrolled in higher education. CACREP strives to make their education programs help prepare students to become independent and professional counselors who follow a code of ethics. This assessment of quality is done through a peer-reviewed system, where programs submit a study they did of themselves, which is then assessed by professionals in the field like counselors and counselor educators. The ultimate goal of CACREP, along with promoting the development and improvement of counseling programs, is to help prepare professionals who understand human development to the highest ideal. 

The kinds of counseling programs that CACREP accredits include:

• School counseling
• Addiction counseling
• Clinical mental health counseling 
• And more

Benefits of CACREP

CACREP-accredited organizations are considered institutional. As a result, they are required to address issues at the institutional level. This means that the program focuses on issues such as how affordable a program is, financial aid, and student resources. This can provide many benefits to students. Additionally, if a program seeks CACREP accreditation, they are stating that they want to be held accountable for the education they are providing and are focused on accomplishing their mission. Students can be assured that they will be prepared for their exam and their careers in counseling. Upon graduation, students will have a wide variety of employment opportunities.

Master’s Programs accredited by CACREP

The CACREP website offers a directory to those who are interested in looking into accredited schools. It offers information on programs that are currently and were previously accredited and schools that are in process. 

The requirements to qualify for a CACREP-accredited counseling program may differ between states and universities, but if you want to apply for one, you might expect the following:

• To have earned a bachelor’s degree, ideally in something related to counseling like psychology, sociology, or social work.
• Have a good GPA of at least 3.0 in your undergraduate work.
• Fill out the application for the school.
• Submit transcripts
• Submit a resume with educational and professional experience. 
• Submit letters of recommendation (usually two to four depending on the school). 

Below is an example of some CACREP-accredited schools offering different kinds of counseling programs.

2026 Updates for MFT Program Accreditation

• MFT Compact progress: The MFT Interstate Compact continues to gain member states, making COAMFTE accreditation increasingly valuable for therapists who plan to practice across state lines. Check your state’s participation status at mftcompact.org.
• CACREP 2024 Standards now in effect: CACREP released updated accreditation standards in 2024, which programs are now implementing. These include expanded requirements for telehealth training and crisis intervention coursework.
• BLS salary data (May 2024): The median annual salary for marriage and family therapists was $63,780, with projected job growth of 13% from 2024 to 2034.
• Telehealth supervision policies: More state boards now accept telehealth-based clinical supervision hours for AMFT licensure candidates, though requirements vary by state.

Summary: COAMFTE vs CACREP

Both COAMFTE and CACREP are recognized by CHEA and accredit quality graduate programs. Both organizations have a review process to ensure programs meet educational standards so graduates are prepared for licensing exams and clinical practice.

The main differences come down to scope and portability. COAMFTE accredits only MFT programs, requires faculty who are licensed marriage and family therapists, and is accepted in all 50 states for MFT licensure. CACREP accredits a wider range of counseling programs and is well-recognized, but some states require additional MFT-specific coursework from CACREP graduates seeking an LMFT license.

If you know you want to be a marriage and family therapist and think you might relocate at some point, COAMFTE accreditation gives you the most straightforward path to licensure in any state. If you’re still deciding between MFT and another counseling specialty, a CACREP program with an MFT track gives you more flexibility. Either way, make sure the program you choose meets your state board’s specific requirements before enrolling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is COAMFTE or CACREP better for becoming an LMFT?

For MFT licensure specifically, COAMFTE is generally the safer bet. Every state licensing board accepts COAMFTE-accredited degrees for MFT licensure, and the curriculum is built around MFT clinical training from day one. CACREP programs can also prepare you for LMFT licensure, but you may need to verify that the program includes enough MFT-specific coursework to satisfy your state board’s requirements.

Can I get licensed as an MFT with a CACREP degree?

Yes, in most states. Many state licensing boards accept CACREP-accredited degrees for MFT licensure, particularly if you completed an MFT specialization track. However, some states may require you to complete additional MFT coursework or supervised hours beyond what a general CACREP counseling program provides. Always check with your specific state’s licensing board before choosing a program.

How many COAMFTE-accredited programs exist?

As of 2026, COAMFTE accredits over 100 master’s, doctoral, and post-degree programs across the United States and Canada. You can search the full directory on the COAMFTE website. The number is smaller than CACREP’s directory because COAMFTE only accredits MFT programs, while CACREP covers all counseling specialties.

Does accreditation affect my salary as an MFT?

Accreditation itself doesn’t directly determine your salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $63,780 for marriage and family therapists regardless of which accreditation their program held. That said, attending an accredited program (whether COAMFTE or CACREP) is typically required for licensure, and licensed therapists earn significantly more than unlicensed ones. Your salary will depend more on your state, setting (private practice vs. agency), years of experience, and any specializations you develop.