Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Louisiana 2025
The path to becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in Louisiana involves completing a graduate-level education, supervised clinical experience, and obtaining licensure through the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners. The state has a growing need for licensed mental health professionals, particularly in family and relationship therapy, as demand for counseling services increases across urban and rural areas alike.
Louisiana’s MFT programs focus on family systems therapy, trauma recovery, addiction counseling, and cultural competency, ensuring graduates can effectively work with the state’s diverse communities. Many universities integrate clinical training into their programs early on, allowing students to gain direct experience in real-world settings, such as private practices, community clinics, and healthcare facilities.
Students interested in an MFT degree in Louisiana can choose from campus-based, hybrid, or fully online programs, with flexible scheduling options that accommodate working professionals and career changers. Programs with strong internship placement networks provide students with valuable hands-on experience, helping them develop the clinical skills necessary for state licensure.
In this guide
2025 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Louisiana
Finding the right Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) program in Louisiana matters for your career. At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we ranked the best options to help you choose. Our list looks at quality, cost, and what graduates say. Start your journey with a program that fits your goals. Learn how we picked these programs https://marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/.
University of Holy Cross
New Orleans, LA - Private 4-year - uhcno.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: Marriage, Couple, and Family - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Holy Cross provides a Master of Arts in Counseling with a focus on Marriage, Couple, and Family therapy, ideal for those aiming to specialize in relationship dynamics. This program blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, offering both on-campus and online learning options to accommodate diverse student needs. It equips graduates with the expertise to address complex family and couple issues, fostering healthier relationships through evidence-based practices. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for licensure and professional practice in various counseling settings.
- Master's in Counseling degree
- Marriage, Couple, & Family specialization
- On-campus and online formats
- Master's (MA) degree level
- Multiple counseling specializations available
Doctorate - PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website
For professionals targeting leadership roles in clinical mental health counseling, the University of Holy Cross offers a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. This CACREP-accredited program emphasizes advanced research, ethical practice, and multicultural counseling, delivered through flexible online and traditional formats. With a requirement of 117 semester credits, including clinical practicum and internship, it prepares graduates for academia, supervision, and specialized counseling roles. The program's comprehensive approach ensures students are well-equipped to contribute significantly to the counseling field.
- 117 semester credits required
- CACREP-accredited program
- Online and traditional options
- Doctoral practicum and internship
- Prepares counselor educators and leaders
- Multiple specialization options
- International study opportunities
- Minimum 600 internship hours
- Dissertation research component
- Professional association memberships required
Doctorate - PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Concentration: School Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website
Aspiring leaders in school counseling can pursue a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Holy Cross. This program, accredited by CACREP, focuses on developing advanced skills in counseling theory, research, and practice, with a particular emphasis on school settings. The 117-credit curriculum includes clinical experiences and a dissertation, preparing graduates for roles as counselor educators, supervisors, and researchers. Flexible online and traditional learning options make it accessible for working professionals seeking to advance their careers.
- CACREP Accredited Program
- 117 semester credits required
- Online and traditional options
- Clinical practicum and internship
- Dissertation required
- Leadership in counseling focus
- Faculty mentorship opportunities
- International study institutes available
- 10-year maximum program completion
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
New Orleans, LA - Public 4-Year - lsuhsc.edu
Master's - Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans provides a Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a program designed to equip students with the expertise needed for a successful career in mental health. This 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program focuses on professional counseling within clinical and community settings, offering daytime on-campus classes for immersive learning. Students gain hands-on experience, preparing them to address mental health challenges effectively. The program's curriculum is tailored to foster skills in counseling, with a strong emphasis on practical application in real-world scenarios.
- CACREP fully accredited program
- 60 credit hour graduate degree
- On-campus daytime instruction
- Clinical mental health focus
- Prepares for community counseling
- Day classes 9am-1pm
- Professional counseling preparation
Other MFT Programs Available in Louisiana
Louisiana offers several COAMFTE-accredited and regionally approved MFT programs, ensuring that students receive training aligned with state and national licensing requirements.
These programs provide coursework in clinical mental health assessments, ethical considerations, couples and family counseling, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Many programs also incorporate community outreach and research components, giving students the opportunity to engage with local mental health initiatives.
With a mix of public universities and private institutions, students can find programs that suit their career goals, whether they are looking to work in school-based therapy, hospital settings, or private counseling practices.
Key MFT programs in Louisiana include:
- University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) – Also provides a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, another COAMFTE-accredited program requiring a minimum of 69 post-master’s credit hours. This three-year, on-campus program trains advanced clinicians for roles in academia, research, and clinical supervision, focusing on systemic theory, qualitative and quantitative research, and clinical practice.
- Southeastern Louisiana University – Offers a Master of Science (MS) in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, a 60-credit, on-campus program that prepares students for LMFT licensure in Louisiana. This program combines counseling core courses (39 credits) with specialty courses in marriage and family therapy, covering topics like research methods, legal and ethical issues, and clinical practice, with field training at on-campus and off-campus sites.
When selecting an MFT program in Louisiana, students should consider accreditation, program format, clinical training opportunities, and alignment with Louisiana’s LMFT licensure requirements. These programs ensure graduates are ready to address the state’s mental health needs, particularly in communities affected by socioeconomic challenges and natural disasters.
Louisiana’s Quickest MFT Programs
- Accelerated MFT degrees: Some programs offer fast-track master’s degrees that can be completed in as little as two years, allowing students to transition quickly into professional practice.
- Integrated clinical hours: Some universities structure their curriculum to include clinical training from the start, so students can complete required hours while finishing coursework.
- Year-round enrollment options: Certain programs provide summer courses and shortened semester formats, reducing the time it takes to complete degree requirements.
- Hybrid learning flexibility: Online and hybrid programs allow students to complete coursework remotely while gaining supervised experience through local placements, offering a balance between speed and convenience.
For students who want to become licensed as quickly as possible, enrolling in a structured program with an accelerated curriculum and early clinical integration is an effective way to fast-track their MFT career.
Louisiana’s Cheapest MFT Programs
- Affordable tuition at public universities: In-state students benefit from lower tuition rates at Louisiana’s public institutions, making education more accessible.
- Scholarships and financial aid availability: Many MFT programs offer tuition assistance, need-based scholarships, and graduate assistantships, reducing the financial burden on students.
- Work-study and employer tuition assistance programs: Students employed in mental health, social services, or healthcare fields may qualify for tuition reimbursement through their workplace.
- Loan forgiveness for therapists in high-need areas: Louisiana provides student loan repayment programs for LMFTs who work in underserved regions, particularly in rural areas with limited access to mental health services.
For students seeking a cost-effective route to an MFT degree, Louisiana’s public university system, financial aid options, and loan repayment programs offer affordable pathways to licensure.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Louisiana
Step 1: Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
To qualify for LMFT licensure in Louisiana, students must complete a COAMFTE-accredited or state-approved graduate program in MFT or a closely related field. The program must include coursework in family therapy techniques, ethical considerations, and mental health assessments.
Step 2: Complete 3,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
After completing their graduate education, candidates must gain hands-on clinical experience under a licensed supervisor. Louisiana requires 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised practice, with 1,500 hours dedicated to direct client interaction.
This stage helps future therapists develop real-world skills in diagnosing and treating relationship-based mental health issues, including couples therapy, family conflict resolution, and crisis intervention.
Step 3: Pass the National MFT Examination
All applicants must pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Exam, which assesses an applicant’s knowledge of therapy techniques, legal and ethical standards, and clinical decision-making skills.
The exam includes:
- Clinical case scenarios and intervention strategies
- Professional ethics and legal responsibilities
- Family dynamics and relational therapy techniques
- Crisis intervention and trauma-informed care
Step 4: Submit an Application for Licensure
Once candidates meet the education and experience requirements, they must submit their official transcripts, proof of clinical hours, national exam scores, and background check results to the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners.
After approval, candidates receive their LMFT license, allowing them to practice independently within the state.
Step 5: Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education
To renew their license, LMFTs in Louisiana must complete forty (40) continuing education (CE) hours every two years, including:
- Three hours in ethics and legal standards
- Diversity, cultural competency, or trauma-informed training
- Advanced clinical skill workshops or online training modules
Ongoing education helps therapists stay updated with current research, improve their clinical skills, and fulfill state licensure renewal requirements.
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Louisiana
- Average Salary: $55,300 per year
- Top 10% Salary: $81,000+ per year
- Entry-Level Salary: $43,500 per year
- High-Demand Areas: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette
- Primary Work Environments: Private practice, addiction recovery centers, school-based mental health programs, hospitals, and community counseling centers
Louisiana’s mental health sector is expanding, with LMFTs playing a critical role in providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families. Therapists working in urban areas tend to earn higher salaries, while those in rural communities may qualify for loan forgiveness programs due to high demand for mental health services.
Louisiana provides numerous opportunities for aspiring LMFTs, with accredited programs, structured pathways to licensure, and strong career prospects in the mental health field. The availability of public university options, hybrid learning models, and financial aid programs makes it easier for students to obtain affordable and high-quality education in marriage and family therapy.
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