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

Pursuing a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) degree in Michigan provides students with access to high-quality education, diverse clinical training experiences, and strong career prospects. As Michigan faces a growing demand for licensed mental health professionals, particularly in rural areas and urban centers like Detroit and Grand Rapids, LMFTs play a crucial role in supporting individuals, couples, and families struggling with mental health concerns.

Michigan’s MFT programs emphasize evidence-based therapy techniques, trauma-informed care, addiction counseling, and child and adolescent mental health treatment. Students are required to complete supervised practicum and internship placements, which take place in community mental health centers, hospitals, private practices, and school-based therapy programs.

With a variety of program formats, including traditional on-campus, hybrid, and fully online degrees, Michigan offers flexible options for working professionals, career changers, and full-time students. Graduates of MFT programs in the state are well-equipped to pursue licensure and professional practice in private practice, healthcare organizations, and state-funded mental health programs.

In this guide

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

Looking for the best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Michigan? At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we've ranked the top options to help you find the right fit. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student support. 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 Michigan schools made the cut. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI - Public 4-Year - msu.edu

Doctorate - Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

Michigan State University's Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy stands out as a COAMFTE-accredited program that delves deep into relational processes and clinical research. Tailored for those aiming to make a difference in academia, research, or clinical practice, it emphasizes empirically-supported interventions and advanced research methodologies. With a strong focus on social justice, students benefit from interdisciplinary scholarship and mentorship by leading faculty, preparing them to address complex family dynamics and contribute to the field's body of knowledge.

COAMFTE-accredited doctoral program
Focus on relational processes
Empirically-supported interventions
Clinical research methodology training
Interdisciplinary scholarship approach
Mentorship with expert faculty
Social justice research orientation

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI - Public 4-Year - wmich.edu

Master's - M.A. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Western Michigan University offers a Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, blending hybrid learning formats to suit diverse student needs. This 60-credit program stands out for its family systems approach, preparing graduates to tackle modern relationship issues effectively. With a focus on hands-on clinical training at Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids clinics, students meet the 3.0 GPA requirement to embark on a licensure path in counseling or marriage and family therapy. The curriculum balances in-person and online coursework, fostering collaboration with Family Sciences for a well-rounded educational experience.

60-hour master's program
Family systems approach
3.0 GPA minimum requirement
On-site clinics Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids
Licensure pathway options
Mostly in-person instruction
Hybrid/online course options
Collaboration with Family Sciences

*Data derived from the 2023 IPEDS survey conducted by NCES.

Other MFT Programs Available in Michigan

Michigan offers several COAMFTE-accredited and regionally accredited MFT programs, ensuring that students receive training aligned with state and national licensure requirements.

MFT programs in Michigan cover key areas of clinical practice, such as relationship dynamics, psychological assessment, ethical therapy practices, and mental health advocacy. Many universities integrate real-world training opportunities into their curriculum, ensuring that students graduate with practical experience in therapeutic settings.

Graduates from Michigan’s MFT programs frequently find employment in state-funded mental health programs, nonprofit counseling centers, and school-based therapy services, helping to address the statewide need for behavioral health professionals.

Eastern Michigan University – Marriage and Family Therapy (MS)

COAMFTE accredited.
Emphasis on systemic thinking, clinical skills, and research.
Required clinical practicum experiences.
Prepares for Michigan LMFT licensure.

Oakland University – Master of Arts in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling

Not COAMFTE Accredited
Emphasizes skill development in working with diverse clients.
Prepares students for licensure as a LLMFT.

Michigan’s Quickest MFT Programs

Some universities in Michigan provide accelerated pathways for MFT students, allowing them to complete their degree in as little as two years. These programs often integrate practicum and clinical supervision early, enabling students to fulfill supervised experience requirements while completing coursework.

For students needing flexibility, hybrid and online programs allow them to take additional courses per semester while maintaining their professional obligations. Some universities accept transfer credits from previous graduate-level psychology or counseling coursework, which may reduce the total credit hours required for graduation.

Since Michigan has a well-established mental health infrastructure, students have access to numerous internship and practicum placement opportunities at mental health clinics, private therapy practices, and hospitals, allowing them to gain hands-on clinical experience efficiently.

Michigan’s Cheapest MFT Programs

The cost of pursuing an MFT degree in Michigan depends on the institution, program type, and available financial aid. Public universities offer more affordable tuition rates for in-state residents, making them a cost-effective choice for many students.

Many MFT programs in Michigan provide financial aid options, including scholarships, assistantships, and grants, reducing the financial burden on students. Hybrid and online learning models also help reduce costs by allowing students to continue working while earning their degree.

For those committed to working in underserved communities, Michigan offers loan forgiveness programs for LMFTs who practice in state-funded mental health clinics, rural therapy centers, and addiction treatment facilities. These programs help reduce student debt while supporting public mental health initiatives.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Michigan

Step 1: Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
The first step to becoming an LMFT in Michigan is earning a graduate degree from a COAMFTE-accredited or state-approved MFT program. Coursework must include clinical training in psychotherapy, family systems, ethics, and mental health assessment.

Step 2: Complete 1,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
Michigan requires LMFT candidates to complete 1,000 hours of post-graduate supervised experience, with at least 500 hours of direct client contact. These hours must be completed under a licensed MFT supervisor, ensuring that candidates develop strong clinical skills in therapy and counseling.

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 individual’s clinical competency, ethical decision-making, and ability to diagnose and treat relational issues.

The exam ensures that LMFTs in Michigan meet national standards for providing effective therapy.

Step 4: Apply for Licensure Through the Michigan Board of Counseling
After fulfilling all educational and clinical requirements, candidates must submit their official transcripts, verification of supervised hours, national exam scores, and background check to the Michigan Board of Counseling. Once approved, applicants receive their LMFT license, allowing them to practice independently in the state.

Step 5: Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education
To renew their license, LMFTs in Michigan must complete 30 continuing education (CE) hours every renewal cycle, including courses in legal and ethical training, trauma-informed therapy, and specialized mental health treatment approaches.

Ongoing education ensures that therapists remain updated on best practices, emerging treatment techniques, and changes in regulatory standards.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Michigan

LMFTs in Michigan play an essential role in mental health services across the state, working in private practices, healthcare organizations, community mental health agencies, and schools. The average salary for LMFTs in Michigan is $62,400 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $90,000 annually.

Salaries for LMFTs vary based on location, specialization, and work setting. LMFTs practicing in major cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor tend to earn higher salaries due to increased demand for mental health services. Additionally, those who specialize in addiction counseling, trauma recovery, or child and adolescent therapy often have access to higher-paying positions.

Michigan has also seen a rise in teletherapy services, expanding job opportunities for LMFTs in remote therapy and hybrid mental health services. With the state continuing to prioritize mental health accessibility, licensed therapists are expected to see strong job stability and career growth in the coming years.

Michigan offers high-quality MFT programs, structured licensure pathways, and diverse career opportunities, making it a top choice for students pursuing a career in marriage and family therapy. With varied learning options, financial aid availability, and growing mental health initiatives, Michigan provides a strong foundation for aspiring LMFTs.

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