MFT Programs in New York
While the city may be the first thing you think of when someone says “New York,” the state has far more to offer than the Big Apple. Mountains, wine, and Niagara Falls are just a few of the attractions that draw people to the state. Did you know the state also offers many diverse programs for students searching for online and on-campus marriage and family therapy programs? Schools in the state offer master of marriage and family therapy and Ph.D. degree programs, and the following document also provides insight into which are accredited and which programs don’t require the GRE. To get a better feel for what this state has to offer, let’s take a look at New York’s training programs and explore how to become a licensed marriage and family counselor in the state.
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy Programs
For those students looking to become marriage and family therapists in the state of New York, a master’s in MFT program is generally a good place to start. For a LMFT license, a master’s degree in MFT is usually the first step and will provide the foundation for students to continue into the practicum requirements of the state. The following master’s degree programs are broken down by accreditation (COAMFTE or CACREP) and whether or not the GRE is required for admission,. The state also has a number of CACREP accredited masters in counseling programs.
Accredited MFT Programs in New York
When looking for a graduate school MFT program, students should make sure it is accredited by one of the recognized accrediting agencies. One of the most well-known agencies for assessing the qualifications of clinical mental health programs is the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This agency examines any mental health program, but there are also accrediting bodies that specifically focus on marriage and family therapy programs. One of the most well-known MFT program accrediting agencies is the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). The main difference between COAMFTE and CACREP accreditation is that the former is only for marriage and Family Therapy programs, while the latter is for counseling programs primarily, but may also cover MFT programs.
COAMFTE Accredited New York MFT Programs
If you are looking for programs in New York, you might find that most if not all of the programs are accredited by COAMFTE. While there are 43 CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling programs in New York, the state has no MFT programs accredited by CACREP. Instead, program requirements in New York are based on COAMFTE accreditation standards. The COAMFTE lists six accredited institutions with MFT graduate programs in New York.| Name | City | State | Degree Level | Accreditation | GRE Required? | Full Program Name | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercy College | Manhattan | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | N/A | MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY Master of Science | Learn More |
| Long Island University | Brooklyn | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | N/A | M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy | Learn More |
| Manhatan College | Riverdale | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | N/A | MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY - M.S. | Learn More |
| Nyack College (MA) | New York | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | No | M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy | Learn More |
| Iona College (MS) | New Rochelle | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | No | M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy | Learn More |
| University of Rochester (MS) | Rochester | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | No | M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy | Learn More |
| Syracuse University (PhD) | Syracuse | NY | Doctoral | COAMFTE | No | Marriage & Family Therapy Ph.D. | Learn More |
| Hofstra University | Hempstead | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | No | MA in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) | Learn More |
| Syracuse University (MA) | Syracuse | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | Yes | M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy | Learn More |
| Falk College | Syracuse | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | Yes | Marriage & Family Therapy M.A. | Learn More |
| Falk College | Syracuse | NY | Doctoral | COAMFTE | Yes | Marriage & Family Therapy Ph.D. | Learn More |
Mercy College – The Master of Science degree in marriage and family therapy consists of a 51-credit curriculum that meets the requirements for licensure as an LMFT. Students typically take about two and a half years to complete the degree, attending only evening classes, which makes it an ideal program for those seeking to pursue a program whilst attending a full-time position. The program offers multiple practicum placements for students to choose from to enhance their clinical training and skill set. This program offers several financial assistantships and funding opportunities along with hands-on training consisting of 9 credit hours to ensure producing competent clinicians.
Long Island University – This Master of Science degree in marriage and family therapy consists of a 60-credit-hour curriculum that meets the requirements and standards for licensure in the state of New York. The program offers students opportunities to enhance skills as competent clinicians and students academic research skills, to prepare those interested in pursuing further education. This program typically takes two and a half years to complete and students are required to be enrolled full-time. Students may also pursue dual licensure as an LMHC and an LMFT.
Manhattan College offers a Master of Science degree in marriage and family therapy that is available in a blended online and in-person format. The curriculum consists of a minimum of 60 credit hours. Students will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of clinical training settings and the small class sizes of 18 to 20 students offer a personal support system for students to advance in their personal and professional development. With a diverse faculty, students are encouraged to be involved in academic research which will prepare them to pursue further education. Students have the opportunity of being enrolled full-time or part-time which serves a larger population, especially those seeking a graduate degree whilst maintaining a full-time job.
Syracuse University (Ph.D.) – This COAMFTE-accredited doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy consists of 72 credit hours and meets the requirements for graduates to attain state licensure upon graduation. The curriculum consists of 72 credit hours and a 9-month clinical internship. Students are prepared for roles in teaching, supervision, and research in various settings. There is a heavy emphasis on a career in academia and research where students will be required to complete a thesis and dissertation requirement. Students will be able to pick a faculty mentor and are supported by faculty throughout their academic research endeavors. The program also offers many scholarships and funding opportunities that assist students in supporting themselves throughout their educational endeavors.
Hofstra University – The marriage and family therapy program is career-focused and students are prepared to meet licensure requirements in New York as they earn their graduate degrees. The curriculum consists of 54 credit hours and typically takes three years to complete. Students are required to complete a two-year internship that varies between on-campus and off-campus practicum sites. Since the program meets licensure requirements, all accrued hours are counted towards the required clinical hours for licensure. Students have an opportunity to advance their academic research skills by collaborating with faculty on research projects and attending networking and academic conferences that advance personal and professional development.
Syracuse University (MA) – The master’s program at Syracuse University is the first COAMFTE-accredited MFT Master of Arts degree in the country and is offered online for those who want the option of distance education. This program is 60 credit hours and offers opportunities for certifications in child therapy and trauma-informed practice. For clinical practicum training, students will receive experience through in-person and virtual modalities. An advantage of pursuing this MA program is that it sets students up for further educational endeavors to pursue a Ph.D. at the same institution should they choose to, through advancement in academic research collaborations.
Nyack College:
M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Nyack College’s goal is to provide Christian training for future MFT therapists in prevention, intervention, and healing for individuals, couples, and families. Located near New York City, the COAMFTE-accredited program touts itself as one which both delves deeply into therapy and helps students gain hands-on experience through required internships. Furthermore, the school also houses an observation facility where students can gain knowledge through observation by watching school faculty conduct live therapy sessions. The program emphasizes prevention training, diversity, and faith-based training. Furthermore, students can opt to specialize in other areas of MFT, including play therapy, sex therapy, and medical family therapy.
University of Rochester:
M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Accredit by the COAMFTE, the University of Rochester offers students a unique setting to learn the theory and clinical application of marriage and family therapy. The program falls within the Department of Psychiatry, which is housed at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The Center is a clinical practice and hospital rather than a traditional college campus, so students in this program get the unique opportunity to learn in an interdisciplinary environment. Furthermore, when it comes time to complete your clinical internships, the University of Rochester partners with several local marriage and family therapy clinics to help place students. The university also has an onsite clinic regulated by the NYS Office of Mental Health where students can get hands-on experience.
Iona University:
M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Iona’s COAMFTE-accredited MFT program develops students’ theoretical and practical knowledge while also forming the student’s identity as a counselor by exploring the “Self-of-the-Therapist.” The program further stresses the fostering of prepared trainees who apply their knowledge hands-on through the Iona Family Therapy Center and other clinics in New York City and around the state. As an added perk, students have the chance to do rotations and clinicals at NewYork-Presybterian Hospital, a top-ranked institution in the U.S. After completing the program, students will be considered for open positions in the hospital’s network.
The program boasts a 100 percent pass rate for the National Exam.
No GRE Required MFT Programs in New York
Students researching about graduate school programs are likely aware of the requirement by many schools to receive minimum scores from the GRE, a standardized test to assess candidate readiness for postsecondary education. However, since the inception of Covid19, many schools have opted to focus on other qualifications like letters of recommendation and undergraduate GPAs rather than the GRE. Many have erased the requirement to take the test altogether. If you are hoping to avoid taking an hours-long test, here are some programs in New York that do not require the GRE.| Name | City | State | Degree Level | Accreditation | GRE Required? | Full Program Name | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nyack College (MA) | New York | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | No | M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy | Learn More |
| Iona College (MS) | New Rochelle | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | No | M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy | Learn More |
| University of Rochester (MS) | Rochester | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | No | M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy | Learn More |
| Syracuse University (PhD) | Syracuse | NY | Doctoral | COAMFTE | No | Marriage & Family Therapy Ph.D. | Learn More |
| Hofstra University | Hempstead | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | No | MA in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) | Learn More |
What will you learn in a New York MFT program?
MFT programs in New York are required to combine the learning of counseling techniques and theory with the practical application of content learned in the program. You can expect your courses to cover theoretical foundations in marriage and family systems, assessments, diagnosis, treatments, lifespan development, personality, and human sexuality. COAMFTE-accredited programs are required to offer students courses exploring ethics and research as well. Many of these courses are designed to help you develop your professional identity as a counselor and navigate complex legal and ethical issues you are likely to encounter in your career as a marriage and family counselor in New York.
In New York, the hands-on application of course learning culminates in a supervised practicum and internship. Foundational practice hours in programs with COAMFTE accreditation must total at least 300 hours in client contact, with 100 hours directly supervised by an approved supervisor.
How to Become an LMFT in New York
New York requires fewer training hours than some states, so if you’re planning on practicing in a different state, make sure the program you choose satisfies the qualifications for becoming an LMFT. Below are the steps required to become an LMFT in NY state.
- Earn a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. To qualify as an LMFT in New York, candidates must have a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited university or a license-qualifying program. That means 45 semester hours in various areas of content, including human development; marriage and family therapy clinical knowledge; psychopathology; marriage and family therapy theoretical knowledge; family law; research; and ethics. Students are also required to complete coursework or training in how to identify and report instances of child abuse. The training program must be offered by a New York state-approved provider.
- Complete a supervised practicum. Your educational training will culminate in a supervised practicum. The practicum takes place in supervised clinical settings approved by your school. A minimum of 300 client contact hours and 100 supervised hours are required. In New York, those who complete a master’s or higher degree in an equivalent field are also considered eligible for licensure so long as the degree is approved by the state.
- Complete client interaction hours. After you complete your graduate degree, the next step is obtaining 1,500 hours of direct client interaction in a supervised clinical placement. These hours can be gotten as part of your educational training, as long as the 300 practicum hours have already been satisfied. However, if you are completing the hours in a New York clinic after graduation, you will need to apply for a limited permit, which expires after one year but can be renewed if you need more time to complete your hours. Your supervisor for this post-graduation experience must be state-approved.
- Take the AMFT exam. When you have completed your 1,500 hours, you are now eligible to apply for The Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards exam. Students hoping to take the exam for licensure by the Office of the Professions should submit a licensing application and fee of $371 to the Board and await instructions. Students receive approval around 6 weeks after their application is sent. Once approved, you can register for the exam with the Professional Examination Service, which will require a $220 fee.
- Earn your license. Once you finish the test, you get to wait while New York reviews your test scores, education, and application. If your application and exam scores meet the requirements, you should receive notification that you have approval for licensure.
What does an LMFT in New York do?
An LMFT performs many of the same duties and techniques as a clinical mental health counselor. However, an LMFT will specifically deal with couples, families, and individuals with a great emphasis on relationships and interpersonal healing and growth. You may also be called on to act as a barrier-buster for clients if there are systemic blocks to client wellness. Connecting clients to help is important for creating an environment where clients can thrive, not just survive.
New York LMFT Career and Salary Opportunities
As a whole, the marriage and family therapist career has a bright future, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The industry is projected to grow by 16% nationwide by 2030, which is much faster than average compared to other professions. If you choose to practice in New York, you will join a thriving community of licensed marriage therapists. As of May 2021, New York had around 1,070 LMFTs employed. The yearly mean salary for New York LMFTs in 2021 was $62,210, which is among the states that see marital and family therapists with higher wages. While many students looking to enter the helping career usually do so out of a desire to make a difference, knowing the LMFT occupation has upward growth and monetary stability is a plus.
All Marriage and Family Therapy Programs in New York (Complete List)
The following is a complete list of all the Marriage and Family Therapy Programs that are available in New York.| Name | City | State | Degree Level | Accreditation | GRE Required? | Full Program Name | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercy College | Manhattan | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | N/A | MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY Master of Science | Learn More |
| Long Island University | Brooklyn | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | N/A | M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy | Learn More |
| Manhatan College | Riverdale | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | N/A | MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY - M.S. | Learn More |
| Nyack College (MA) | New York | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | No | M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy | Learn More |
| Iona College (MS) | New Rochelle | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | No | M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy | Learn More |
| University of Rochester (MS) | Rochester | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | No | M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy | Learn More |
| Syracuse University (PhD) | Syracuse | NY | Doctoral | COAMFTE | No | Marriage & Family Therapy Ph.D. | Learn More |
| Hofstra University | Hempstead | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | No | MA in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) | Learn More |
| Syracuse University (MA) | Syracuse | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | Yes | M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy | Learn More |
| Falk College | Syracuse | NY | Masters | COAMFTE | Yes | Marriage & Family Therapy M.A. | Learn More |
| Falk College | Syracuse | NY | Doctoral | COAMFTE | Yes | Marriage & Family Therapy Ph.D. | Learn More |
New York MFT Resources
If you are interested in New York schools with marriage and family therapy programs, here are links to the programs we’ve already mentioned.
Additional Resources:
Nyack College: Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
University of Rochester: M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Iona University: M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
