Learn More – M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy
M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy
Become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Our COAMFTE-accredited M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program—offered fully online with live residency or on-campus in Southern California—prepares you for LMFT licensure.
“I really wanted to stand up to the stigma of therapy—especially couples therapy. I wanted people to understand therapy and not be afraid of it.”
Nazila Amighi, M.A., LMFT
Graduate, Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program
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Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
COAMFTE accreditation means your degree meets the highest requirements for licensure eligibility.
Time to Graduate in 3 years
Our structured curriculum means you always know where you are and what comes next.
Gain a minimum of 300 face-to-face clinical hours
California students gain up to 1,300 practicum hours that count directly toward licensure eligibility.
Program Description
Marriage and family therapy is one of the fastest-growing mental health fields in the country. Unlike individual therapy, MFT practice is rooted in systems thinking, understanding that individuals must be fully understood in the context of their relationships, families, and environments. This perspective makes MFT practitioners uniquely effective across a wide range of clinical situations.
In this program, you will develop scientific grounding, theoretical depth, and hands-on clinical skills to work confidently with:
- Individuals, couples, and families
- Children and clients across the developmental spectrum
- Those navigating emotional, intellectual, and psychological challenges
- Groups in community, clinical, and private practice settings
You will graduate not just trained, but practice-ready with the clinical hours, supervised experience, and theoretical foundation required for licensure as a marriage and family therapist.
The standard three-year completion timeline is based on a fall start. Students beginning in spring or summer may require additional time due to course sequencing and practicum availability.
Accreditation
Our program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
Career Pathways
The need for qualified marriage and family therapists has never been greater. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 13% employment growth for MFTs through 2034, much faster than average, driven by a growing recognition of the relational and systemic dimensions of mental health.
As an LMFT, you will be qualified to practice across a broad and expanding range of settings:
- Community mental health centers and agencies
- Hospitals and integrated healthcare systems
- Schools, colleges, and educational settings
- Substance abuse and addiction treatment programs
- Private practice
- Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
- Higher education and training roles
The demand for MFTs extends beyond traditional therapy offices. Increasingly, employers in healthcare, education, and community services are seeking practitioners trained to work systemically with individuals, couples, and families together rather than in isolation.
Locations
Anaheim
Discover fieldwork opportunities from a vibrant and diverse group of learners and educators.
Los Angeles
Examine global perspectives with diverse communities in a city known for its countless opportunities. Explore our undergraduate and graduate programs offered at our Los Angeles Campus.
Online
The Chicago School’s online learning experience allows you to transform your life without putting it hold.
Our Approach
The Chicago School Approach is an immersive, applied learning model focused on developing professionals who can address present challenges and anticipate future needs. It combines four core elements of The Chicago School experience—Education, Innovation, Community, and Impact—to give students a practical and solutions-oriented education.
Education
Preparing tomorrow’s integrated health professionals.
Innovation
Embracing next-gen learning and practice.
Community
Creating connection, inclusion, and belonging.
Impact
Supporting individuals, organizations, and communities.
