Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Georgia 2025

Georgia offers several highly regarded Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs, providing students with comprehensive clinical training, flexible learning options, and a strong professional network. As one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., Georgia has an increasing demand for licensed mental health professionals, making it an excellent place for students to pursue a career in family and relationship therapy.

Many of the state’s top universities, such as Mercer University, Valdosta State University, and Thomas University, offer COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs, ensuring that graduates meet Georgia’s licensing requirements. These programs emphasize family systems theory, clinical assessment, and intervention techniques, preparing students to work in private practice, hospitals, community counseling centers, and school-based therapy settings. Additionally, students benefit from internship opportunities at some of Georgia’s largest healthcare providers, allowing them to gain real-world clinical experience while completing their degrees.

Georgia’s MFT programs also provide various learning formats to accommodate students with different scheduling needs. Schools such as Mercer University and Valdosta State University offer on-campus and hybrid learning options, giving students the flexibility to balance coursework with professional and personal commitments. Some programs also provide evening and weekend courses, making them accessible to working professionals looking to transition into the mental health field.

In this guide

2025 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Georgia

Looking for the best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Georgia? 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, these programs stand out. We did the research so you don't have to. Check out our rankings to see which schools made the cut. Learn more about how we picked them here.

Toccoa Falls College

Toccoa Falls, GA - Private 4-year - tfc.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Toccoa Falls College's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy stands out for its unique blend of rigorous academic training and Christian values, preparing students for licensure as LMFTs or LPCs. This hybrid program combines online asynchronous coursework with practical experience, offering flexibility for working professionals. With a total tuition under $31,000 and a completion time of two-and-a-half years, it's an affordable and efficient path to a rewarding career in therapy. The program's emphasis on a Christian worldview, small class sizes, and expert faculty ensures a supportive and enriching learning environment. Accredited by SACSCOC and pursuing COAMFTE accreditation, it promises quality education and professional readiness.

60 credit hour program
Online asynchronous coursework
Total tuition under $31,000
Prep for LMFT licensure
Christian worldview integration
Small class sizes
Two-and-a-half year completion
SACSCOC accredited
Pursuing COAMFTE accreditation
Qualified industry expert professors

Valdosta State University

Valdosta, GA - Public 4-Year - valdosta.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

Valdosta State University offers a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, a COAMFTE-accredited program designed to develop skilled clinicians. This 60-semester-hour curriculum emphasizes systemic therapy, cultural sensitivity, and professional ethics, preparing students for licensure and advanced studies. A standout feature is the 12-month clinical practicum, providing hands-on experience in a real-world setting. Graduates emerge ready to address diverse family dynamics with a research-informed approach, making significant contributions to the field of mental health counseling.

60 semester hour curriculum
12-month clinical practicum
COAMFTE accredited program
Prepares for MFT licensure
Systemic therapy approach
Culturally sensitive training
Professional ethics focus
Research-informed practice

*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/ (IPEDS 2023).

Other MFT Programs Available in Georgia

Georgia is home to some of the best MFT programs in the Southeastern U.S., with universities that provide high-quality education, hands-on training, and licensure preparation. These programs are designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and clinical expertise, ensuring that they are prepared for state licensure and professional practice.

Several top-tier MFT programs in Georgia include:

Mercer University – Offers an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy with a clinical training emphasis and strong faculty mentorship.
Thomas University – Features a Master’s in MFT program with small class sizes, fostering personalized instruction and hands-on training.
Georgia State University – While not a traditional MFT program, the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers an MFT track, preparing students for family-focused therapy careers.
Richmont Graduate University – Provides an MFT program with an integrative approach, blending faith-based counseling with clinical training.

These universities have established partnerships with Georgia-based hospitals, mental health clinics, and family counseling organizations, giving students access to valuable internship placements and networking opportunities.

Georgia's Quickest MFT Programs

For students looking to earn their degree in a shorter time frame, Georgia offers several fast-track MFT programs that allow full-time students to graduate in as little as two years. These programs focus on year-round enrollment, structured clinical placements, and intensive coursework, allowing students to meet their licensing requirements more efficiently.

One of the best ways to accelerate program completion is to enroll in full-time courses and begin clinical training early. Some programs integrate practicum experiences into the first year, helping students gain hands-on therapy experience while completing coursework. Valdosta State University and Mercer University both offer structured cohorts, where students progress together in a focused academic track designed for timely graduation.

Another factor influencing degree completion time is whether a program offers summer and accelerated courses. Schools that provide continuous enrollment options allow students to take courses year-round, reducing the total time needed to complete degree requirements. Additionally, students who transfer previous psychology or counseling coursework may be able to waive elective credits, further shortening the program duration.

Graduates from Georgia’s quickest MFT programs enter the workforce sooner and can start gaining supervised experience towards full licensure, making these accelerated options ideal for students who want to establish their careers quickly.

Georgia's Cheapest MFT Programs

For students looking for affordable education options, Georgia has several cost-effective MFT programs, particularly at public universities. Schools such as Valdosta State University and Thomas University offer some of the lowest tuition rates in the state, making them an attractive choice for students seeking quality education without excessive student debt.

One of the advantages of choosing a public university in Georgia is the availability of in-state tuition discounts, making these programs significantly more affordable for Georgia residents. Additionally, some schools provide graduate assistantships and research opportunities, which can offset tuition costs through stipends or tuition remission programs.

Online and hybrid learning formats also play a role in reducing educational expenses. By choosing a hybrid or part-time MFT program, students may be able to spread tuition costs over a longer period while continuing to work. Programs that offer flexible learning schedules, such as those at Mercer University and Georgia State University, allow students to pursue their degree while maintaining employment, reducing the need for student loans or additional financial aid.

Additionally, students should explore scholarship opportunities, both through their universities and external mental health organizations. Many professional organizations, such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and the Georgia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (GAMFT), offer scholarships and grants for students pursuing careers in family therapy.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Georgia

To become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Georgia, students must follow a structured path that includes education, supervised experience, and licensing exams. The Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists oversees the licensure process.

The first step is earning a master’s or doctoral degree in MFT from a COAMFTE-accredited program or an equivalent program approved by the board. After completing their degree, candidates must accumulate 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, which includes direct client contact hours under the supervision of a licensed MFT.

Once students meet the experience requirements, they must pass the National MFT Exam, administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). This exam evaluates the candidate’s knowledge of clinical assessment, therapeutic interventions, and ethical standards in the field.

After passing the exam, candidates can submit their licensure application to the Georgia Composite Board, along with proof of completed clinical hours and supervision documentation. To maintain licensure, LMFTs in Georgia must complete continuing education credits, ensuring they stay current with best practices and emerging trends in the field.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Georgia

Georgia has seen a steady rise in demand for marriage and family therapists, especially in Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah, where mental health services are expanding. The state’s population growth and increased funding for behavioral health programs have led to a greater need for licensed therapists in both private and public sectors.

The average salary for LMFTs in Georgia ranges from $55,000 to $75,000 per year, with therapists working in urban areas and specialized fields earning on the higher end of the scale. Job opportunities exist in hospitals, private practices, community mental health organizations, and school-based counseling programs. Additionally, Georgia’s growing teletherapy sector provides LMFTs with options to work remotely or in hybrid therapy models, increasing accessibility for clients across the state.

Average Salary: $57,200 per year
Top 10% Salary: $87,000+ per year
Entry-Level Salary: $45,000 per year
Highest-Paying Cities: Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah
Urban vs. Rural Demand: High demand in rural areas due to therapist shortages
Primary Work Environments: Private practice, hospitals, community mental health, school-based therapy, telehealth

With strong job prospects, affordable education options, and a growing mental health sector, Georgia is an excellent state for students pursuing a career in Marriage and Family Therapy. Whether attending a public university with lower tuition rates or a private institution with specialized clinical training, Georgia provides numerous opportunities to gain experience, obtain licensure, and build a successful career as an LMFT.

Edit Template