phd in marriage and family therapy online

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The 100% online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy (60 credits) is specially designed for people looking to expand their hearts and minds while developing skills to meet the challenges of 21st Century life. Research and study in counseling theories and practice are integrated with theological inquiry in this vibrant doctoral program.  

You may also be interested in: Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy .

Program Details

• Note: Internship placements will be in-person at a location near you.
• Additional credits required until the completion of dissertation; additional credits may also be required if interested in pursuing state license)
• Enrolling New Students: August (View application deadlines) .
• $28,800 total in tuition & fees for the full 60-credit program (2023-2024)
• Financial Aid: Explore our federal financial aid options that may be available to you.

100% Online. Flexible. Affordable.

• Integration of Psychology & Christianity : Students assess individuals, couples, families, and congregations from an integrated point of view, incorporating theological issues with Marriage and Family systems theory and pertinent psychological perspectives in pastoral or clinical settings.
• Broad Audience : Students demonstrate advanced counseling skills appropriate to meet the needs of individuals, couples, families, and congregations seeking mental health services and programs.
• Self-Reflection : Students practice in-depth self-reflection to enhance their ongoing personal and professional development.
• Significant Research Project: Students create and present a significant research project resulting in a dissertation that contributes to the field of marriage and family therapy.
• Enrichment Programs : Students create and deliver integrated psychological and spiritual enrichment programs.  Examples of previous enrichment programs created by Eastern doctoral students include workshops for individuals, couples, and families, as well as seminars offered on special topics in a clinical or church setting.

Brooke Wheeler, PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy ’25

Our Mission

The PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy trains students in professional mental health and pastoral counseling fields to be skilled scholar/practitioners in marriage and family therapy who apply their minds and hearts to promoting processes of change and growth in individuals, couples, families, and communities. This scholar/practitioner research program prepares students for leadership roles in academia, research, behavioral healthcare, and pastoral care.

State Authorizations

Please check the  State Authorizations page  to determine if Eastern University’s program fulfills your state credentialing requirements. Students who seek similar credentialing in states other than Pennsylvania are advised to contact the appropriate credentialing agency within their home state to seek information and additional guidance about credentialing in your state of residence. Additional state or local requirements may exist for field placements or practica in this state. Out-of-state student placements/practica cannot be guaranteed by the program or the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Students are responsible for following all state and local requirements and regulations for their field placement/practica coursework.

Learn More: PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy

• Admissions Requirements
• Course Descriptions
• Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy
• DMin in Contextual Leadership
• PhD in Organizational Leadership

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EdD in Community Care & Counseling: Marriage & Family Transform Families and Communities

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Help Build Stronger Families with a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy

Families are the backbone of society. They are the smallest social units, yet familial relationships are critical to mental health from the individual to the global level. As someone who has worked in or studied mental health, you probably understand how important these relationships are.

Are you eager to help couples and families work through their problems and find healing? Liberty University’s EdD in Community Care and Counseling Marriage and Family may be for you. This program is an advanced, terminal degree designed to help you counsel families. Whether you are a licensed counselor, marriage and family therapist (MFT), or ministry associate looking for further training, an EdD or PhD in marriage and family therapy online can help.

Please note: This EdD degree is not designed to meet state counseling licensure requirements. If you are interested in a state counseling license, please see our Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling , Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy , or Master of Education in School Counseling .

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• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty University’s Marriage and Family Therapy Doctorate?

With Liberty University’s marriage and family therapy program, you can gain ethical, evidence-based knowledge. As a Christian university, we prioritize biblical principles to help you become a leader of integrity. You can learn to effectively minister to people in a complex, diverse society.

Here are some of the benefits of earning Liberty University’s MFT online doctorate:

• Our online EdD in marriage and family counseling is a practice-focused degree that emphasizes solving real-world problems with advanced research.
• Current state licensure in clinical counseling is not required to pursue this degree. Our program is designed to advance your skills and knowledge, whether or not you are in a licensed clinical counseling role.
• The integrated dissertation process allows you to work on this part of your education while completing other coursework. You will receive a clear, step-by-step path to finishing your doctoral studies in as little as 2.5 years.
• This EdD program contains content that will apply towards numerous marriage and family counseling certifications including Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts (SYMBIS) and Prepare and Enrich (PE).

What Will You Study in Our Marriage and Family EdD in Counseling?

Throughout this program, our professors provide a robust foundation in research while preparing for the integrated dissertation project. You will study counseling topics such as applied counseling theories and teaching and learning techniques. You can learn how to apply your new skills to advanced counseling theories and real-world human services problems.

The EdD in marriage and family therapy will focus on specialized assessment tools and methods to help your clients develop better relationships and build stronger families. This degree will help you advance your counseling skills and apply theories to specific issues for married couples, families, and the counseling field in general.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Academic researcher
• Church counselor
• Marriage and family counselor
• Outpatient care therapist
• Social worker

Featured Courses

• EDCO 806 – Premarital and Remarriage Counseling
• EDCO 811 – Marriage Counseling
• EDCO 815 – Family Development
• EDCO 817 – Trauma and Current Issues in Marital Counseling

Degree Information

• This Ed.D. program falls under the School of Behavioral Sciences .
• View the Graduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides (login required).
• View the Ed.D. in Community Care and Counseling Handbook for more information on the dissertation process and other aspects of this online marriage and family counseling doctoral degree.

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

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Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

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Admission Requirements for Our EdD in Community Care and Counseling

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants lacking a graduate-level statistics course will be required to complete CEFS 515 Research and Program Evaluation (3 c.h.), or EDUC 518 Educational Research and Assessment (3 c.h.), or its equivalent prior to EDCO 735 in the Ed.D.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

The Office of Graduate Admissions may request additional documentation while conducting admission reviews to evaluate a candidate’s record before a final admission decision can be made.

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

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Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a phd in marriage and family therapy.

If you’re considering a PhD in marriage and family therapy program online, it’s important to know what you’re committing to. Most PhD programs take approximately 7 years to complete.*

The good news is that with Liberty University’s doctorate in counseling, you can get a respected terminal degree in half the time. Our EdD in Community Care and Counseling is comparable to a PhD in marriage and family counseling – and you can earn this doctorate in just 2.5 years!

*U.S. News & World Report, at How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree? (viewed online June 15, 2021).

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15 Best Online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy Programs [2024 Guide]

A PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy can help you grow your expertise and qualifications in the field of family therapy.

Similar programs focus on narrowing the curriculum so that graduates can directly enter the field of counseling or psychology as practicing professionals. A PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy is more versatile than similar degrees because it can help prepare students to become educators, researchers, or clinical practitioners.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Read on to see if a PhD program in marriage and family therapy fits your goals.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Amridge University

Amridge University offers a doctoral program in Marriage and Family Therapy. The program is research-oriented and requires the completion of 60 semester hours beyond a master’s degree. It is available in a distance format to provide flexibility for working adults. Potential courses include Analysis of Substance Abuse Interventions, Applied Adult Development, and Medical Family Therapy.

Amridge University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

2. Antioch University

Antioch University offers a low-residency program for a PhD in Couple and Family Therapy. The program requires three 5 day residencies each year and participation in local practical experiences. The rest of the classes are attended via video conferencing. The degree can typically be finished in 3 years of full-time attendance, 2 for coursework and 1 for the dissertation.

Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

3. Chaminade University of Honolulu

The Chaminade University of Honolulu offers a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy. The program is 100% online. Some classes are synchronous, while others are asynchronous. Each course is 10 weeks long, and the full program can usually be completed with a cohort in 3 years.

Chaminade University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

4. Drexel University

Drexel University’s Doctor of Couple and Family Therapy program aims to provide advanced training in clinical practice. The program offers 100% online courses and one-on-one faculty mentorship. For a hands-on experience, the completion of a teaching practicum and an internship are required. The program is designed to be completed in 3 years of part-time study.

Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

5. Eastern University

Eastern University’s PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy requires the completion of 60 credits. The program is mostly online but does require some on-campus residencies. The curriculum includes the completion of a dissertation and the study of counseling techniques from a Christian point of view. New students may begin every May. The program usually takes 4 to 6 years to complete.

Eastern University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

6. Fuller Theological Seminary

Fuller Theological Seminary offers a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy. The program is mostly online but does require weekend intensives. It consists of 70 quarter units that can typically be completed in 2 years. The curriculum emphasizes culturally competent practice and the application of Christian faith in counseling.

Fuller Theological Seminary is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

7. Liberty University

Liberty University offers an EdD in Community Care and Counseling: Marriage and Family. Courses can be taken fully online, and each course is 8 weeks long. The program requires the completion of 57 credit hours and takes an average of 2.5 to finish. The dissertation process is integrated into the coursework.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

8. Loma Linda University

Lorna Linda University seeks to provide a Christian environment that emphasizes compassion and respect for everyone. The school offers a Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy. Courses are offered online through synchronous and asynchronous formats. The required practicum may be completed locally. The program requires the completion of 77 quarter units and usually takes 3 years to finish.

Loma Linda University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

9. Mount Mercy University

Mount Mercy University’s PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy program requires the completion of 60 credit hours and usually takes 3 years to complete. It is available on campus, and select courses are also available online. There are three specialization tracks to choose from Advanced Couples Therapy, Leadership, and Social Justice, and Neuroscience and Psychophysiology.

Mount Mercy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

10. Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers a hybrid program for a PhD in Counseling. The program’s face-to-face classes meet twice each quarter during the weekends, and it is otherwise online. Internships may be completed locally. New students can begin every summer, and it typically takes 3 to 4 years to graduate. The program requires the completion of 150 quarter credits.

Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

11. Regent University

Regent University offers a PhD in Counseling and Psychological Studies—Marriage and Family Ministry that can be earned online. The curriculum aims to teach how to apply biblical and scientific principles to mental health care. The program requires the completion of 51 credit hours. Potential courses include Marriage and Relationship Counseling, Concepts of Family Systems, and Counseling Children and Adolescents.

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

12. Trevecca Nazarene University

Trevecca Nazarene University offers a PhD in Clinical Counseling: Teaching and Supervision that can be earned online or on campus. The program requires the completion of 66 credit hours and usually takes 3 years to finish. Classes are attended 2.5 days a week. They are small and taught by faculty with real-world experience.

Trevecca Nazarene University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

13. University of Louisiana – Monroe

The University of Louisiana—Monroe offers an online program for a Doctor of Philosophy with a concentration in Systemic Studies. This non-clinical program emphasizes scholarly research and a theoretical understanding of systemic family therapy. It requires the completion of 60-semester units and can usually be finished in 2 years of full-time study.

The University of Louisiana Monroe is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

14. University of West Georgia

The University of West Georgia offers a Doctor of Education in Professional Counseling and Supervision. The program is completely online, with new students starting every summer. It requires the completion of a dissertation, an internship, and courses like Ethical Leadership in Education, Doctoral Seminar: Professional Issues, and Quantitative Research Methods.

The University of West Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

15. Walden University

Walden University offers an online program for a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with a specialization in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. The program is designed to allow students to continue working while pursuing their degrees. Class sizes are small to better enable engaging discussions.

Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy Programs Online

A PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy is a terminal degree that aims to advance your knowledge and skill sets in this growing field.

Professionals pursuing a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy likely want to help others with their knowledge of psychology. They may have prior experience or just a general interest in the field. MFT PhD programs discuss the topic of family dynamics and their effect on an individual through their lifespan. The topic is approached through various perspectives, including social issues, theory, and research.

Upon graduation, many students go on to become practicing marriage and family therapists. Other students may advance the field of psychology through education or research. As such, there are numerous career paths related to this area of study, including:

• Marriage and family therapist
• Social worker
• Behavioral therapist
• Clinical director
• University professor

Of course, what you do with your degree is up to you and isn’t limited to the above positions. As for the subjects you’ll study, they will predominantly be limited to clinical practice and theory. Some of these subjects may include:

• Critical thinking
• Professional Research
• Information literacy

An MFT PhD program can help prepare you for MFT licensure if you do not yet have a license and want to enter clinical practice. This program is also beneficial for advancing your qualifications for positions in leadership and academia.

Marriage and Family Therapy Careers & Salaries

MFT doctoral programs focus on relationships as well as how an individual’s relationship with their loved ones affects their mental health. Many professionals in this field work as marriage and family therapists to a range of clientele.

Since a PhD emphasizes theory and research, many graduates choose to go into research, leadership, and teaching positions as well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are some potential career paths, along with their median salaries, that are related to the advanced study of marriage and family therapy.

It’s not uncommon for graduates to work as behavioral therapists, mental health counselors, social workers, university professors, clinical directors, and more.

Just as with an on-campus or online doctorate in mental health counseling , while a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy could help you qualify for a range of positions, holding this degree will not guarantee any specific position or salary. There are many factors that influence the hiring process.

Marriage and Family Therapy PhD Curriculum & Courses

Many of the courses you will take during a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy program are focused on clinical practice. Here is a list of sample courses to help give you an idea of what to expect:

• Theology of Marriage and Family: This course teaches you about how theology influences the understanding and practice of marriage and family therapy.
• Introduction to Systems Theory: This course is designed to build the foundation for your understanding of therapy for families through personal reflection and group discussion.
• Human Development and Family Systems: In this course, you’ll study human development from the lens of family systems.
• Adult Personality and Character Development: This course focuses on the adult personality in relation to family systems.
• Human Sexuality: Students will study all aspects of human sexuality, including intimacy, sexual desire, and sexual trauma.
• Reading, Writing, and Editing for Doctoral Scholars: This course develops your reading, writing, and editing skills so that you can make scholarly contributions.
• Systemic Family Therapy I: In this course, you are introduced to the systemic therapies and the cybernetics that affect them.
• Language Systems: This course looks at therapy through the perspective of philosophy, culture, and science.
• Thinking Systems: In this course, you’re introduced to systemic theory.
• Collaborative Divorce: This course will familiarize you with mediators and attorneys so that you can work with them when patients are undergoing a divorce.

It’s beneficial to check the curriculum of the program you’re interested to see if its course load aligns with your interests.

PhD-MFT Admissions Requirements

MFT PhD programs can have various requirements for admission. Below are a few common admissions criteria for doctoral-level programs:

• Current resume or CV
• Statement of intent
• Letters of recommendation
• Minimum college GPA of 3.0, on average
• GRE or GMAT scores (not required by all schools)

Some PhD programs require you to hold a masters, specifically an on-campus or online MFT program . However, others are fine with applicants having a masters in a related field, such as an on-campus or online masters degree in counseling in general, or an on-campus or online behavioral health masters , while others accept applicants with a bachelors.

Since these requirements can vary, it’s strategic to check the specific admissions requirements for each of your prospective schools. You can also reach out to a school’s admissions office to ask any questions you may have about the admissions process.

MFT Programs Accreditation

When researching a marriage and family therapy doctoral program, it’s strategic to only consider programs from regionally accredited colleges and universities.

During the process of accreditation, a school’s standard and quality of education is assessed by a formal accrediting agency. This status testifies to an institution’s credibility. Only accredited institutions can receive federal financial aid. In addition, employers and certification boards are likely to require candidates to hold degrees from accredited institutions.

COAMFTE Accreditation

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) is the programmatic accreditation for marriage and family therapy programs.

While regional accrediting agencies evaluate the overall quality of a school, COAMFTE ensures that an institution is providing marriage and family therapy programs that are up to industry standards. Enrolling in a COAMFTE-accredited program can help prepare you for licensure and ensure that you’re receiving a high-quality education.

Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure and Certifications

If you wish to become a practicing marriage and family therapist, then it’s necessary to pursue licensure. Here is a list of typical requirements for state licensure:

• Master’s degree in MFT or related field
• 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience
• Passing grade on a state-recognized exam

Licensing requirements may vary by state, so it’s helpful to research the specific criteria of the state in which you plan to practice. Most states also require annual continuing education classes in order to maintain your license.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

If you’re considering financial aid to help you pay for your doctoral education, there are many options you can explore. Many students turn to federal aid as their primary option. You can fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for student loans and other forms of need-based aid.

Other viable options for financial aid include scholarships and grants. These opportunities may be offered by your school or outside organizations. If you’re currently working, you can also see if your employer offers any tuition benefits.

What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy?

An MFT PhD program can help prepare you for research, teaching, and advanced clinical positions. Many graduates work as a marriage and family therapists in established organizations or private practice. A PhD program in the field can also help you qualify for licensure if you are not yet certified.

Related counseling positions include social workers and behavioral therapists. Other PhD graduates go on to become educators in universities or researchers. Those interested in teaching may also supervise prospective therapists during their clinical experiences.

A PhD is also beneficial for those interested in leadership positions. For instance, graduates may pursue leadership roles in postsecondary administration, health facilities, and clinical practices.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy?

Doctoral programs typically take 3 to 5 years to complete with full-time enrollment. A doctorate program might be completed in as little as 3 years if it doesn’t require a dissertation.

PhD in Couple and Family Therapy programs usually require an internship or supervised experience and culminate in a dissertation. Both an internship and a dissertation will likely extend the length of the program. Part-time studies could extend your completion time as well.

What’s the Difference Between a PhD vs. Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy?

Here are some of the key differences between Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in MFT programs and Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT).

Understanding the differences between these programs can help you decide which degree path best fits your goals.

What’s the Difference Between a PsyD vs. PhD in Family Therapy?

Here are some differences between a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Family Therapy and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Family Therapy.

The type of degree that’s best for you may depend on your interests and long-term career goals.

Is a Doctorate in Family and Marriage Therapy Worth It?

Yes, a doctorate in family and marriage therapy is worth it for many professionals. In MFT PhD programs, professionals can advance their expertise in research, teaching and supervising leadership, and clinical practice.

A doctoral program in this field can also help you qualify for licensure as a marriage and family therapist. The increased emphasis on therapy as a wellness tool has resulted in a growing demand for therapists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marriage, and family therapists are expected to see 14% job growth over the next ten years, which is much faster than average.

Getting Your PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy Online

Getting a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy can help you advance your expertise in this growing field. Marriage and family therapy PhD programs are not exclusively focused on clinical practice.

Graduates may also choose to pursue positions in research, teaching, or leadership within the field. You might consider growing your professional qualifications by earning a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy online.

The sooner you begin exploring accredited institutions, the sooner you may find the MFT doctoral program that best aligns with your interests and goals.

Home / Discover Counseling Degree Programs / Online Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Programs / Best Ph.D. and PsyD in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs

Best Ph.D. and PsyD in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs

2024 - best phd/psyd in marriage & family therapy (mft), what will i learn in an online mft doctorate program, admissions requirements for a doctorate in mft, list of mft doctorate degree programs.

Marriage and family therapy (MFT), as the name implies, involves helping people who are having trouble with marital and family relationships. Often, counseling sessions involve at least two people, and the entire family may partake at some point. This makes the dynamic between the patient(s) and the therapist much different from standard psychological counseling, which is typically done on a one-to-one basis.

An online doctorate degree in MFT, in the form of a Ph.D. or PsyD, is an extension of the master’s, and provides more in-depth knowledge. At the master’s and doctorate level, licensure is possible. A Ph.D. or PsyD in marriage and family therapy is the ideal route for those who wish to pursue academic or research careers within the field.

It is important to check the accreditation of the programs you’re interested in. Online Ph.D. and PsyD degrees in MFT are typically nationally accredited, but some programs only have regional accreditation. These regionally-accredited programs may only qualify you for licensing in the state the school is in, and in some cases, they may leave you ineligible for licensure. With some regionally-accredited programs, you may also have difficulty transferring credits from one program to another if you decide to change schools. Learn more about all of these important steps to becoming an MFT below.

CounselingPsychology.org is the premier source for rankings of Doctorate Degrees in Marriage & Family Therapy. Our methodology is based on factors including completion rates, cost of living, selectivity of the institution, breadth of programs offered, and faculty experience. All of these criteria are given equal weight in determining the rankings. To view the full methodology behind our rankings, visit CounselingPsychology.org's Methodology Page . With this data, you can find the best program for your unique needs.

Alliant International University

Alliant International University-San Diego is a private university located in downtown San Diego. With over 5,000 students, it offers a wide range of degree programs, from undergraduate to doctoral level. One of the most popular programs offered is the Doctorate Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy. With its convenient location and wide variety of degree programs, Alliant International University-San Diego is a great option for students looking to further their education.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago is a private, accredited institution located in the heart of the city. With an enrollment of over 5,000 students, it offers a wide variety of programs from undergraduate to doctoral degrees. It is particularly well known for its Doctorate Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy, which is highly respected in the field. It also offers other programs in psychology, business, and education, making it a great choice for those seeking a comprehensive education."

Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University (BYU) is located in Provo, Utah and is a private, non-profit university. The school is the largest religious university in the nation with over 32,000 students enrolled. BYU offers a Doctorate Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy. With over 250 programs of study, there is something for everyone. BYU is a great university to pursue higher education.

The number of credit hours required for online Ph.D. and PsyD degrees in MFT is on the high side when compared to other types of psychology-focused doctorates. Depending on your prior studies, you may need between 75-108 credit hours of coursework. Some schools also have limits on how long you can take to finish the degree. At the usual speed of taking and passing courses, most students can expect to have their doctorates within two to three years, assuming you’re starting with a master’s degree.

Subjects taught include a variety of courses on the theory and practice of marriage and family therapy. You’ll also learn how to do quantitative analysis and other practices involved in research projects. Finally, you can expect to have to create a thesis, defend a dissertation, or do a similar capstone project prior to graduation. Depending on the school, you may also have to get a certain number of practicum hours.

Some of the courses you may encounter in an MFT Ph.D. or PsyD program may include:

• Introduction to Systems Theory
• Systemic Family Therapy
• Crisis Management
• Grant Writing and Funding Opportunities
• Qualitative Action Research
• Practicum Hours
• Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention

Every school has somewhat different admission requirements. These vary depending on the state, the competitiveness of the program, and whether or not the program is meant to follow a master’s program at the same university. Some things, however, are much the same between institutions. This allows you to be ready to submit certain documents well in advance of the semester’s cutoff date. Typical MFT doctorate requirements include:

• Application
• Fee (if applicable)
• Official transcripts
• Master’s degree in a relevant subject
• Minimum GPA
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Statement of purpose

Some programs may also require GRE scores. As always, you should check with your prospective college about any specifics. This will ensure you are as prepared as possible before enrolling.

Find an online or campus-based doctorate program in MFT today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Jump to Your State Listings

Amridge university.

• Doctor of Ministry in Family Therapy I Online
• Doctor of Ministry in Family Therapy II Online
• PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy Online

Alliant International University-San Diego

• PsyD in Marital and Family Therapy Online

Fuller Theological Seminary

• Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy Campus

Chaminade University of Honolulu

• Psy.D. in Marital and Family Therapy Campus

University of Iowa

• Couple and Family Therapy Campus

University of Louisiana at Monroe

• Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in Systemic Studies Online

Lee University

• Doctor of Philosophy, Marriage and Family Therapy Campus

Texas Woman's University

• Ph.D. in Marriage & Family Therapy Campus
• Marriage & Family Therapy Campus
• Marriage, Family, & Human Development Campus

Regent University

• Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies - Marriage & Family Ministry Online

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Doctor of Philosophy   in Marriage and Family   Therapy (PhD-MFT)

100% online phd-mft.

Complete your studies on your own time.

New Start Date Every Monday

Start your first course when it’s convenient for you.

Accredited PROGRAM

COAMFTE and IACSTE Accredited

National and Northcentral have merged, and this program is now offered by NU.  Learn more .

Help individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s stressors with the 100% online Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy (PhD-MFT) degree program at National University. This program provides you with advanced clinical education, research opportunities, and supervision training and experience.

National University’s PhD-MFT degree will help you acquire the knowledge, skills, practical application, and values to thrive as a skilled, ethical, and culturally sensitive marriage and family therapist. You’ll be earning a degree from a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and International Accreditation Commission for Systemic Therapy Education (IACSTE). 

Prepare to Advance Your Marriage and Family Therapy Career

You’ll gain hands-on experience through face-to-face clinical training and a nine-month internship in your local community. In addition to this local experience, you’ll also gain experience by working with an NU faculty member on a distance-based, practicum/internship. You’ll build your clinical skills and knowledge by meeting regularly with your faculty member and your peers to watch and discuss recorded client sessions. 

Tailor your NU online PhD-MFT to match your interests with one of these specializations: 

• Child and Adolescent Therapy
• Couple Therapy
• Culture, Diversity, and Social Justice in a Global Context
• Education and Supervision
• General Family Therapy
• Medical Family Therapy
• Systemic Leadership
• Therapy with Military Families

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) is the accrediting body for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). National University’s Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy Programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

National University’s Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy Programs are also accredited by the International Accreditation Commission for Systemic Therapy Education (IACSTE). Created as a semi-autonomous body under the auspices of the International Family Therapy Association (IFTA), IACSTE focuses on the development and implementation of quality standards for programs around the world that provide systemic therapy education and training.

Course Details

• Credit Hours: 63 
• Courses: At least 23
• Average Time to Complete: 78 months

The Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy (PhD-MFT) degree program can be completed in 63 credits. Courses run either 4, 8, or 12 weeks, and you’ll generally receive 3 semester credits per course.

Course Sequence

The PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy requires the following courses for every specialization:

Students in this course will be prepared for success in the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) doctoral program at the University. Students are introduced to relevant academic communities, professional standards, and doctoral level expectations. Essential skills, including critical thinking, comprehending complex scholarly texts and research articles, as well as ethical and effective written communications are emphasized. Students will begin to explore potential research topics for use in their doctoral studies and complete the course with a roadmap to navigate their way to degree completion. Students will also develop a personal philosophy of diversity and cultural competence, as well as continue to explore a personal fit of MFT theories.

This course provides an advanced overview of the theoretical literature related to the practice of marriage and family therapy. The course offers an opportunity to critically examine systems theories from cybernetics to natural systems. Students will also have an opportunity to reflect on common factors influencing MFT clinical practice and integration of various systems-based models.

This course examines the theoretical and empirical contributions to the understanding of diverse couple and family systems. The specific focus of the course is on the processes and dynamics of interaction within these relationships, highlighting that from a life course perspective, these dynamics change over time. The course will include content on the history of family life and diverse family types, exploring various family structures and roles. Legal processes related to families will also be reviewed. Conceptualizations of effective functioning in couple and families will be studied and various factors that impact couple and family systems will be addressed.

This course provides students the opportunity to prepare a collection of documents or artifacts that represent their progress through the program, as well as the achievement of specific academic and professional goals.

This course focuses on the scholarly review of literature and academic writing in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. The course emphasizes preparation for an applied dissertation focused on issues at the local, community, or societal level. In this course, students will a) conduct effective literature searches; b) critically read and synthesize current research; c) write comprehensive, critical, and synthesized reviews of research literature; d) critically review and write about theoretical frameworks; e) address issues of diversity and ethics pertaining to research topics; and f) exercise cultural awareness while apprising a possible research topic. The overarching goal of this course is for students to conduct an exhaustive search of the peer-reviewed research literature in their topic area and identify potential areas of inquiry for their dissertation in the framework of the field of Marriage and Family Therapy.

This course provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their competence in advanced MFT practice. Emphasis is placed on the clinical competence in working with diverse populations, advanced application of family and couple therapy models, ethical decision-making, and professional growth. Students must be clinically active during the course and participate in weekly clinical supervision.

This course provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their competence in advanced relational/systemic practice. Emphasis is placed on the clinical competence in working with diverse populations, advanced application of family and couple therapy models, ethical decision-making, and professional growth. Students must be clinically active during the course and participate in scheduled supervisory sessions with their University supervisor.

This practicum course provides students opportunities to enhance their ability to help MFT students begin their growth toward clinical competence and professional identity as an MFT. Students will be invited to participate in the supervision of the University’s MFT master’s students while receiving guidance from the University instructor on the development of their supervisory skills. The course will provide an opportunity to engage in discussions and practice of supervisory tasks enhancing students’ ability to further develop their identities as MFTs and future MFT supervisors.

This course introduces the fundamentals of systemic supervision with an emphasis on the importance of contextual variables such as culture, SES, and ethnicity. There is also an exploration of the impact of gender on the supervisory relationship. The design of the course meets the criteria for the 30-hour supervision fundamentals course for the AAMFT Approved Supervisor track. The intention is for the course also to be useful for any professional who is actively engaged in clinical supervision. Learning methods include short writing exercises and 15 hours of participant involvement in videoconferences with colleagues and course faculty. During the videoconferences there will be critiques of vignettes, role playing exercises, and discussion of short papers. Participants wishing to pursue the AAMFT Approved Supervisor designation should verify their eligibility with AAMFT.

This graduate-level introductory research methods course builds on the Scholarly Literature Review course. In addition, it provides a foundation for subsequent research courses in preparation for successfully completing a dissertation at the University. Students will practice some of the skills learned in the Scholarly Literature Review course, such as how to critically analyze the work of others, but now with a focus on methods utilized. In addition, students will learn to critically discuss the primary research methodologies used in scholarly research, determine the steps to collect data, and begin to explore techniques used to analyze original data relating to marriage and family therapy. Students will also identify what criteria are needed for a quality research project and be able to recognize whether the various elements of a research study are aligned and cohesive. These topics and others will be examined with the goal of enhancing a student’s independent scholarly skills and preparing them for their own dissertation research and future scholarly endeavors.

In this course, you will learn how to use statistical analyses in research. You will explore key aspects of descriptive and inferential statistics and learn how to use statistical software to analyze data. You will gain skills as an independent scholar by enhancing your scientific and statistical literacy. Therefore, emphasis will be on comprehending statistical concepts, analyzing, interpreting, and critically evaluating data and statistical information, and communicating statistical information and knowledge.

In this course, students are trained to develop and evaluate research studies in behavioral sciences. Students will become familiar with sampling, research design, reliability, validity, and the creation and interpretation of measures in marriage and family therapy. Students will also identify and critique specific measures and evaluation tools and methods for potential use in their own research projects.

In this course students will add to and refine the collection of documents or artifacts that represent their progress through the program, as well as the achievement of specific academic and professional goals.

This course will provide you with the philosophical foundation of interpretive qualitative inquiry and addresses beginning skills essential to the critique and execution of qualitative research in marriage and family therapy. You will become familiar with the major research paradigms and the assumptions inherent to qualitative inquiry. You will learn to identify elements critical to the credibility of a qualitative study and apply this knowledge by evaluating selected published research. You will also develop basic skills in qualitative data analysis, and develop a research purpose statement and research question that can be addressed qualitatively while incorporating contextual knowledge and ethical guidelines promoted by the AAMFT Code of Ethics.

The APEC is the capstone clinical experience. During each APEC course, students propose activities they will engage in that are congruent with their programmatic clinical specialization. Students must also select at least two areas from the following to focus on during the APEC: advanced research, grant-writing, teaching, supervision, consultation, advanced clinical theory, clinical practice/innovation, program development, leadership, or policy. Students may also propose to pursue opportunities for presenting and professional writing. As part of the APEC contract, students identify the artifacts or deliverables they will submit at the end of each of the three APEC courses as evidence they have achieved their goals for the experience.

The APEC is the capstone clinical experience. In this course, students propose activities they will engage in that are congruent with their programmatic clinical specialization. Students must also select at least two areas from the following to focus on during the APEC: advanced research, grant-writing, teaching, supervision, consultation, advanced clinical theory, clinical practice/innovation, program development, leadership, or policy. Students may also propose to pursue opportunities for presenting and professional writing. As part of the APEC contract, students identify the artifacts or deliverables they will submit at the end of the courses as evidence they have achieved their goals for the experience.

This course will provide students with an overview of the major types of qualitative inquiry and advance their skills toward the execution of qualitative research in marriage and family therapy. Students will practice multiple types of data collection and analysis. In addition, they will develop a paper that lays the foundation for their dissertation proposal. This process will require application of the assumptions inherent to the qualitative research paradigm: select an appropriate study type, and design a qualitative methodology appropriate to the research question developed in the framework of the qualitative design.

This course will introduce you to the uses and techniques of advanced quantitative design and analysis in marriage and family therapy and related fields. You will become competent consumers of quantitative research by learning how quantitative information is generated, summarized, evaluated, and represented. You will be prepared to design studies using methodology associated with multivariate analysis, regression, latent variable modeling, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. The course provides a theoretical and practical basis for choosing and employing the wide range of current analysis techniques available to social science researchers.

Students in this course will be required to complete Chapter 1 of their dissertation proposal including a review of literature with substantiating evidence of the problem, the research purpose and questions, the intended methodological design and approach, and the significance of the study. A completed, committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Chapter 1 is required to pass this course successfully. Students who do not receive approval of Chapter 1 to minimum standards will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of Chapter 1.

Students in this course will be required to work on completing Chapters 1-3 of their dissertation proposal and receive committee approval for the Dissertation Proposal (DP) in order to pass the class. Chapter 2 consists of the literature review. Chapter 3 covers the research methodology method and design and to includes population, sample, measurement instruments, data collection and analysis, limitations, and ethical considerations. In this course, a completed, committee-approved Chapters 2 and 3 are required and, by the end of the course, a final approved dissertation proposal (against the minimum rubric standards). Students who do not receive approval of the dissertation proposal will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of these requirements.

Students in this course will be required to prepare, submit, and obtain approval of their IRB application, collect data, and submit a final study closure form to the IRB. Students still in data collection at the end of the 12-week course will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to complete data collection and file an IRB study closure form.

In this dissertation course students work on completing Chapters 4 and 5 and the final Dissertation Manuscript. Specifically, students will complete their data analysis, prepare their study results, and present their findings in an Oral Defense and a completed manuscript. A completed, Committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Dissertation Manuscript and successful Oral Defense are required to complete the course and graduate. Students who do not receive approval for either or both their Dissertation Manuscript or defense can take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of either or both items as needed.

Program at a Glance

8 professionally relevant specializations Total Credit Hours:  At Least 63 Credit Hours Courses:  23 Courses Average Completion Time: 78 Months Next Start Date:  Every Monday Classroom Size:  One

The PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy degree requires a minimum of 63 credit hours at the graduate level beyond the master’s degree.

NU may accept a maximum of 12 semester credit hours in transfer toward the doctoral degree for graduate coursework completed toward a doctoral degree at an accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better. Transfer credit is only awarded for coursework that is evaluated to be substantially equivalent in content with the required coursework for the PhD degree program in Marriage and Family Therapy.

The PhD degree program in Marriage and Family Therapy (all specializations) has the following graduation requirements:

• A minimum of 51 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through NU
• Successful completion of all required degree program courses with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
• Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred master’s degree from an accredited academic institution
• Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University
• All financial obligations must be met before the student will be issued their complimentary diploma and/or degree posted transcript

Beyond these standard graduation requirements, the Marriage and Family Therapy doctoral program has the following degree requirements:

• Online Video Conferencing  – In order to complete some of the course requirements and to participate in weekly online supervision process that is used during the practicum and internship courses, students are required to participate in online video conferencing meetings throughout their time in the program. In order to participate in these video conference sessions, students are required to own or otherwise have access to a computer, a web cam, a headset, a video recording device, and a high-speed internet connection.
• Client Contact  – Doctoral students will be required to complete 300 hours of direct client contact, which includes conducting face-to-face therapy with individuals, couples, families, and groups (face-to-face includes telehealth, but at least 50 of the 300 hours must involve therapy that is not telehealth—the therapist and clients in the same physical space). At least 150 hours of client contact must be relational (e.g., with couples or family members). For more information, please read the practicum and internship course descriptions.
• Supervision  – In conjunction with client contact, doctoral students must receive a total of 160 hours of supervision conducted by an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor, AAMFT Supervisor Candidate, or state-approved supervisor. In some cases, students may be required to pay for local supervision. This will depend on the clinical placement location and/or local supervisor they contract with to complete their practicum and internship requirements. The decision and responsibility to pay for local supervision is entirely up to the student and not a requirement of NU. 
• Doctoral Internship (Advanced Practical Experience Component, or APEC)  – Doctoral students are required to complete a 9-month, 20 hour a week, doctoral internship that aligns with their doctoral specialization. Students will be required to have a local supervisor with whom they can meet in-person with a minimum of 4 hours per month (i.e., one hour per week). For more information, please read the practicum and internship course descriptions.
• Liability Insurance  – Prior to beginning any clinical experience, PhD-MFT students are required to submit proof of professional liability insurance.
• Supervision Coursework  – In addition to advanced coursework in marriage and family therapy, students in the doctoral program must complete a course in MFT supervision methodology. The supervision course will be conducted in connection with the requirements established by AAMFT for students to become Approved Supervisors. Not all requirements will be completed for the students to achieve the designation while in the program at NU. The supervision coursework is pre-approved by the AAMFT to count for the 30-hour supervision course requirement. Students will have to complete the direct supervision and supervision mentoring requirements outside of the program in order to qualify for the Approved Supervisor designation.
• Doctoral Portfolio  – Students are required to complete three 4-week portfolio courses in which they develop a portfolio that showcases their academic, research, clinical, and professional competence. Students will upload a variety of documents to the portfolio, such as their degree plan, resume, and key course assignments, as evidence of their progress and abilities. Students must pass the final portfolio course, which is the last course taken, in order to become a doctoral candidate and advance to the dissertation sequence.
• Dissertation  – The capstone of doctoral training is the completion of the dissertation process. All programs at NU use a facilitated dissertation process that is purposefully designed to help students follow a step-by-step sequence in the preparation and completion of a doctoral dissertation. For students in the MFT program, the dissertation must be related to marriage and family therapy and be consistent with the student’s selected area of specialization. (Note: The dissertation portion of the PhD-MFT program can be completed with a minimum of 12 credit hours in Dissertation Courses, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time the student takes to complete the dissertation research.)

The National University PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy degree can equip you with the specialized skills that employers seek, in roles such as*:

• Marriage and family therapists
• Mental health counselors
• Behavioral health clinician/behavioral care manager/coordinator/counselor
• Telehealth counselor
• Behavioral Health Agency Clinical Director
• Postsecondary teacher (faculty, instructor, professor)
• Clinical Supervisor

Career opportunities arise in both telecounseling and in-person settings alike, such as:

• Private and independent counseling practices
• Individual and family service providers
• In-home family therapy
• Colleges and universities

*SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at  https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/  (Report viewed: 7/06/2022). DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.

*As of May 2023, Kansas and New Hampshire do not or may not accept the NU MAMFT degree as meeting their educational requirements for licensure. Please review your local MFT license requirements to make sure you will meet local requirements.

State Supervision Requirements Each state has rules and regulations outlining the requirements regarding the supervision experience, how many supervision hours are required, and the requirements for someone to be accepted as a supervisor in their state. In addition, some states specifically count client contact hours and supervision hours completed during the practicum experience at a COAMFTE-accredited program as applicable to post-graduate requirements.

Ask a Licensure Question While each state board is the ultimate authority on their own rules and regulations governing the practice of marriage and family therapy in their state, sometimes it is difficult to know where to start or what to ask. If you are an applicant, student, or alumni and you have a question about licensure in your state do one or both of the following:

• Each state has rules and regulations outlining the types of licenses offered, requirements for licensure, including specific educational components, post-graduation clinical experience and supervision, and examination requirements. Licensure requirements are subject to change, so you must keep up with the current licensure legislation in your state.
• Contact our Clinical Training Administrative Team at  [email protected] .

Click  here  to view licensure requirements by state.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will cultivate relational/systemic innovations addressing contemporary issues in the field of marriage and family therapy. 
• Students/graduates will develop expertise in an area of specialization related to the field of couple/marriage & family therapy. 
• Students will cultivate competence in working with diverse populations in various contexts. 
• Students will create new knowledge in couple/marriage and family therapy through independent research. 
• Students will appraise relational/systemic ethical behaviors in various settings. 

Accredited: May 2015 Advertised Program Length: 6.5 years

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Weekly Course Starts

Why Choose Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University

• Eight and Twelve Week Courses
• Online Delivery
• Year-Round Enrollment
• One-to-One Teaching and Learning
• Courses Taught by Doctoral Faculty
• Military Friendly

We're proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 230,000 alumni worldwide.

"National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business."

-Francisco R., Class of 2016

Additional Resources

• MFT Frequently Asked Questions
• Practicum and Internship Placement Resources
• PhD-MFT Student & Faculty Demographics
• MFT Application Process
• PhD-MFT Program Handbook
• PhD-MFT Clinical and Advanced Practice Handbook

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Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate's application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual's criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

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All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state's/country's policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

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Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy

School of psychology & marriage and family therapy.

The Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) degree at Fuller’s School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy is designed for licensed mental health clinicians seeking to deepen their clinical expertise and further their professional training. This hybrid (online and in-person) DMFT program provides advanced clinical training and greater knowledge in assessment and research for already licensed therapists practicing in clinical settings including private practice, community agencies, schools, hospitals, or universities. The curriculum is developed out of a commitment to the integration of faith and psychology and to multicultural competence in clinical and professional practice.

Hybrid Learning

Online + in-person weekend intensives.

2-year Program

70 quarter units

Deepen Your Expertise

Advanced clinical training

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the DMFT program, applicants must submit an online application, essay responses, and official transcripts reflecting completed coursework for a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or related field. All applicants must hold an active license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (or a related mental health license) prior to starting the DMFT program. Find the specific requirements here.

Please note that this program is currently pending authorization for online studies in some US states. Please contact [email protected] for more specific information about authorization in your state.

Admission Deadlines

Online application opens: August 1 Early application and file completion deadline:  December 15 Please note, the $75 application fee will be waived if you submit the application online by December 15. Final application and file completion deadline:  February 1

Please allow ample time to submit a completed application (including all references, transcripts, TOEFL and/or IELTS Academic Format score[s], and supplementary materials) by the December 1 deadline.

Visit the Paying for Grad School page to learn more about the estimated tuition for this program.

A Legacy of Resilience

Integrating his multifaceted background and various identities, DMFT Director Cedric Williams (PhD ’19) finds a throughline of strength in the face of challenges and guides others toward a life of thriving and resilience

The Clinician-Consultant Training Model

A hallmark of Fuller’s DMFT program is the clinician-consultant model, founded on our core belief that clinicians who specialize in the treatment of couples and families are uniquely equipped for consulting based on their knowledge of systemic theories and the process of change. In this model, licensed clinicians will deepen their clinical skills while learning how to translate their clinical expertise as consultants in diverse settings. Through challenging experiential learning, students will expand on their specific modalities and develop techniques from systemic theories. At the same time, students will learn how to consult with churches, businesses, and other agencies on topics that are directly related to issues that affect individuals, couples, families, and communities. The clinician-consultant model will help students cultivate and transform clinical acumen into practical interventions designed to help diverse populations.

Advanced Clinical Expertise and Research

DMFT students will receive a full year (four quarters) of in-depth clinical consultation with clinical faculty members who will provide weekly live observation and consultation in a variety of therapeutic modalities. Then, students will complete a clinically focused dissertation or clinical project that demonstrates their ability to utilize research in clinical practice. This original work can include a clinical case study, program evaluation, resource development, or a critical analysis of literature.

Integration

Exploring the intersection of psychology and theology is a central task of Fuller’s School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy (SOPMFT). Integration is a part of every course in SOPMFT, and we also offer a broad range of integration-specific courses, many of which are electives that students can take according to their interests. An essential feature of integration in the school is an emphasis on the self-of-the-therapist process, providing opportunities for the integrator to grow toward greater personal congruence between their personal psychology and faith.

Culturally Competent Practice

Integrating faith and cultural competence within the academic setting is paramount to the DMFT’s goal of training Christian clinician-consultants who are committed to the relational health of individuals, couples, families, organizations, businesses, and the communities in which they serve. The Fuller DMFT program prepares students to lead and practice as inclusive and culturally competent professionals by providing multiple opportunities for students to deepen their cross-cultural skills in psychotherapy and consultation.

Ted Cosse on Spiritual Practices

The Dean of SOPMFT reflects on ways therapists can create a judgment-free space for people to become fully human

Clinical Specializations

DMFT faculty have expertise in the following areas: Emotionally Focused Therapy, Restoration Therapy, Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Therapy, Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Therapy. Students will have the opportunity to receive in-depth consultation in these specialized areas and apply these theories in their own clinical practice.

*The modalities that are offered are subject to change

Degree Outline

The DMFT is a hybrid degree program. All courses are taught online and include one in-person weekend intensive, with the exception of Practicum Consultation and Dissertation Instruction, which are facilitated exclusively online.

Year 1/Quarter 1

• Online Dissertation Instruction (2 units)
• Assessment for Clinician-Consultants (4 units)

Year 1/Quarter 2

• Culturally Informed Practice (4 units)
• Practicum Consultation (8 units)

Year 1/Quarter 3

• Advanced Issues in Integration (4 units)

Year 1/Quarter 4

• Choice of: Grief, Loss, Death and Dying; Spiritual Formation and the Twelve Steps; Healing Prayer in Intercultural Ministry (4 units)

Year 2/Quarter 1

• Trauma & Resilience in MFT (4 units)

Year 2/Quarter 2

• Advanced Seminar on Human Sexuality (4 units)
• Dissertation (4 units)

Year 2/Quarter 3

• Career and Practice Development (4 units)

*Course sequence is subject to change.

Halfway through each academic quarter, DMFT students will gather for an in-person* weekend intensive at one of our campuses in Pasadena, Houston, or Phoenix. Weekend intensives will consist of practical and engaging presentations, consultations, and role-plays. They will also provide networking opportunities with the other students in the cohort and time to connect with faculty.

Sessions will be held Friday evening from 6:00pm - 9:00pm and  Saturday from 8:00am - 5:00pm (local time). Dinner on Friday evening, light breakfast on Saturday morning, and a box lunch on Saturday will be provided.

Fall 2023 Quarter October 27-28, 2023 - Houston, TX

Winter 2024 Quarter February 2-3, 2024 - Pasadena, CA

Spring 2024 Quarter April 27-28, 2024 - Houston, TX

Fall 2024 Quarter October 25-26, 2024 - Phoenix, AZ

Winter 2025 Quarter February 21-22, 2025 - Pasadena, CA

Spring 2025 Quarter May 1-2, 2025 - Houston, TX

*In person instruction will resume when safe and permissible to do so in accordance with COVID-19 protocols and public health guidelines . Students are responsible for arranging all travel and lodging accommodations. 

Upcoming Events

The Fuller Symposium on the Integration of Psychology and Theology is the annual conference held by the School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.

Supportive Community

Students will be able to build professional and personal relationships that last beyond the program. Faculty value the mentoring opportunities that occur in online classes, consultation groups, and during the two-day, in-person intensives each quarter. These groups and meetings will foster a deeper understanding of various specialized areas in the marriage and family therapy field and allow students to connect with one another, while growing their community and networks.

Leadership and Business Development

Students in the DMFT program will learn effective marketing strategies to lead, grow, and develop their current practices and/or agencies and will also learn how to expand and market new areas of expertise as MFTs.

Request More Information About the DMFT

You may also be interested in.

PhD in Clinical Psychology

This six-year program uses the scientist-practitioner model to blend clinical training with innovative research

PsyD in Clinical Psychology

Learn to provide therapy and assessment to diverse populations, understand and apply research that helps clients thrive, and teach in various settings

MS in Marriage and Family Therapy

This program prepares you to serve as a skilled therapist with a theological understanding that richly informs your work

Get to know your admissions counselor | Jeff Penzone

As a Regional Admissions Recruiter, I bring a wealth of experience to this field. My main focus is partnering with prospective students and helping them realize their calling by God in pursuing a great education and high-level training at Fuller in the Marriage and Family Therapy program. My background includes being a high school teacher, a group ticket sales manager for a professional soccer team, and a successful student recruiter for Grand Canyon University and Ottawa University in Surprise, in addition to Arizona Christian University. I have also been a high school soccer coach (boys and girls) for 26 years before retiring this past season. I also received my Master or Arts in Leadership from Ottawa University.

Outside of Fuller, I am a club and middle school soccer coach (CCV Stars and Northwest Christian School) and I enjoy the outdoors, especially hiking. I have been married to my wife Nancy for nineteen years and we have five children: Trevor, Liz, Adam, Lexie and Nate.

[email protected] 626.584.5400

Chat with an Admissions representative

Office Hours

Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm (Pacific Time)

To view in-person welcome center hours for Pasadena, Arizona and Houston, click here.

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Online DMFT Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy

Professionals who are interested in the field of marriage and family therapy could be making a good decision if current employment data is any indicate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics or BLS reports employment for marriage and family therapists will rise by an impressive 23% through 2026, which is much faster than average.

Growth for these counseling services is expected as there is a higher use of integrated care, which is the treatment of several problems simultaneously by a group of healthcare specialists. Marriage and family therapists work closely with other counselors, such as behavior disorder, substance abuse or mental health counselors, to address the issues of the patient as an integrated team. 

Also, the field of marriage and family therapy can be financially rewarding, as the median salary is $48,790, but the top 10% with the highest education can earn as much as $81,700. According to BLS, the following are the top-earning industries: ( BLS.gov ).

• Outpatient care centers: $48,300
• Offices of other healthcare practitioners: $45,900
• Individual and family services: $44,700
• State government: $72,500

If you find the marriage and family field appealing, then you may want to think about getting your online doctoral degree. This is possible more than ever today. With such online convenience, you may earn your degree while keeping up with your personal and professional obligations.

Schools On This Page

• Northcentral University
• Liberty University
• Antioch University New England

Below are some of the best online Ph.D. and Ed.D. marriage and family programs available.

#1 North Central University

Northcentral University offers excellent online doctoral options for students who want to  earn their Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT)  in several specialties. This is a fulfilling and challenging full time, online program that is designed to meet your goals and needs in the fascinating and growing field of marriage and family therapy. This DMFT program, whichever speciality you choose, has no entrance exam requirements. Northcentral University has an independent study approach that is made for highly motivated students who want to earn their DMFT largely on their own and at their own speed. The program has 20 courses, 60 credit hours, and a completion time of approximately 48 months. The general core required courses are:

• Foundations of Relational/Systemic Practice, Theories and Models
• Clinical Treatment with Individuals, Couples and Families
• Diverse, Multicultural and/or Underserved Communities
• Research and Evaluation
• Professional Identity, Law, Ethics and Social Responsibility
• Biopsychosocial Health and Development Across the Lifespan
• Systemic and Relational Assessment and Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment
• Clinical Experience

Another benefit of the the DMFT program is that it is the only DMFT in the country that does not have a residency requirement. So, you can earn a regionally accredited DMFT regardless of where you live.

Program Specializations

Below is detailed information about the specialties available in the Northcentral DMFT program. Each specialization has a set of courses that you must complete to graduate in that particular speciality. You have up to seven years to complete the program, but most students complete it within four years.

DMFT – Child and Adolescent Therapy

The child and teen years are often full of drama and heartache. The Child and Adolescent Therapy program will prepare you to work well in therapy settings for adolescents and children, and to view these interactions from a family systems or family therapy point of view. You will focus your program course projects, internships and dissertation on issues that relate to working closely with children and adolescents. With your online courses and offline practicum in your area, you will need to develop sensitivities and competencies related to working with children and teenagers who are dealing with challenges that are difficult for them to handle alone. Required courses in the speciality are:

• Dynamics of Family Interaction
• Child and Adolescent Assessment and Diagnosis
• Family Therapy with Adolescents
• Early Childhood and Parenting Interventions
• Systemic Treatment of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children and Adolescents

DMFT – Couple Therapy

Long term relationships and marriages always have some speed bumps and challenges on the journey. But they are especially stark today with definitions evolving. The Couple Therapy specialization will prepare you to work largely with couples in a therapy setting from a family systems or family therapy perspective. You will focus your class projects, internship work and dissertation research on issues that deal with couples trying to repair or grow their relationship. You will develop sensitivities and competencies that relate to working with couples who have challenges in their marriage or relationship. Also, students will appraise clinical skills and ethical behaviors in systemic supervision and therapy. Required courses in the speciality are:

• Emotion and Differentiation Focused Couple Therapy
• Behavior Informed Couple Therapy Models
• Systemic Sex Therapy
• The Couple Life Cycle in MFT Practice and Supervision

DMFT – General Family Therapy

With the many challenges facing families in America today, you never quite know which emotional problems and issues a family may be dealing with. This specialization allows the student to choose classes from many different electives so that you can focus on the area of general family therapy that most interests you. You can choose four classes from the MFT curriculum at the 8000 level. Students will develop professional expertise in the general area of marriage and family therapy. Required courses in this speciality are:

• Qualitative Measurement and Design
• Advanced Practical Experience Component
• Advanced Qualitative Design and Analysis
• Quantitative Analysis in MFT

DMFT – Medical Family Therapy

The medical family specialization will prepare you to work with singles, couples and families who are dealing with acute or chronic medical problems. This program uses a family therapy and systems perspective to help client families to grasp and understand their medical problems. This speciality requires the following courses:

• Medical Family Therapy
• Medical Family Therapy Applications
• Families, Health and Illness
• Loss and Bereavement

DMFT – Mental Health Administration

The mental health administration specialty will prepare you to be a leader and administrator in mental health organizations and agencies. Students in this specialization will focus all of their work on mental health administration. Students can select up to two of their four specialty courses from the School of Psychology or Business. Required courses for this speciality are:

• Qualitative Research Design and Analysis in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Institutional Review Board and Data Collection
• Systemic Consultation
• Systemic Leadership
• The Business of Therapy
• Practice and Organization Marketing
• Financial Administration and Budgeting

DMFT – Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship

Successfully running a small business counseling practice is not what most mental health professionals learn as they are gaining skills and knowledge in their field. That is why some very gifted and talented counselors are unable to succeed in private practice. This specialization will prepare you to manage the business administration aspects of your clinical practice, or to use your clinical expertise in an entrepreneurial fashion. Twelve credit hours of the program are related to entrepreneurship and small business development. You also can choose two of your four specialization classes from the School of Psychology or Business. Required courses in this speciality include:

• Research Methods in MFT
• MFT Supervision
• Program Evaluation and Monitoring in MFT

DMFT – Therapy with Military Families

Working in the military comes with highs and lows. They are both for the person in the military and for the family. This specialization will prepare you to work with singles, couples and families who are related to military service. You will use a family therapy or systems perspective in your work. You will face challenges in the development of skills that are needed to work effectively with families who face difficult challenges related to military life and combat stress. Required courses in this speciality include:

• Military Veteran Cultures Across the Lifespan
• Trauma and Resilience in Military and Veteran Couples and Families
• Ethical Challenges and Moral Injuries Across Military and Veteran Populations
• Behavioral Health Care with Military and Veteran Populations

#2 Liberty University

Liberty University offers an  online Doctor of Education: Community Care & Counseling: Marriage & Family. This four year, online degree program will help you to improve your approach to educational methods and research. It also will teach you have to diagnose, treat, use counseling techniques and even engage in an innovative clinical experience if you choose to. This online Ed.D. is entirely online and is very flexible based upon your personal and professional obligations. (LibertyUniversity.edu)

This online program at the doctoral level is offered in the following specializations:

• Traumatology
• Pastoral Care and Counseling
• Marriage and Family Counseling

These distinct specializations offer five innovative courses each that focus your skills and knowledge so that you have more efficiency in your field, as well as the lives of real individuals in your community, counseling practice or Christian ministry. This university has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ). You can have faith that your doctoral program is highly valuable and credible to your career down the road in ministerial counseling, social work or Christian ministry. This degree program has been created so you are on the leading edge of emerging trends in treatments and counseling partnerships. Most students can complete the program in three or four years. In the Marriage and Family track, you will be prepared to offer advanced, professional counseling services that are focused on community care and counseling techniques. Students will review the best practices for various sorts of assessments that are used to the best marital and family counseling. Required classes are:

• Assessment in Marital and Family Counseling
• Premarital and Remarriage Counseling
• Marriage Counseling
• Family Development

To be admitted into this Ed.D program, you should have the following:

• A master’s degree in psychology or marriage and family counseling or a related field
• College transcripts
• Writing samples

#3 Antioch University New England

The  Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy  at Antioch University New England is focused on social justice applications to family therapy and marriage. It will prepare online graduates for careers in academia, leadership, research and supervision. There is a large research component in this degree. There also is a strong an innovative training aspect. In every part of the program, there is a stress on social justice. Students learn about ways to apply vital social justice principles in teaching, research and supervision. This is a low residency program that is made to be finished in three years full time. There are two years of courses and a year of practical experience, as well as one year of dissertation. Face to face meetings, or residences happen four times per year. Between these residencies, you will work on class material on your own and online, as you apply advanced MFT concepts in teaching and clinical practical experiences. Most of this learning occurs online, and there are weekly seminar meetings by video or voice conferencing. ( Antioch.edu ). In this innovative, hybrid program, you can use your current clinical or training work roles as exciting learning opportunities in these practical experiences you have in the program. Required courses are:

• Social Justice Applications
• Advanced Relational and Systemic Clinical Theory
• Advanced Clinical Skills in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Introductive Research Methods Quantitative and Qualitative
• Advanced Research Methods and Applications
• Marriage and Family Therapy Supervision
• Teaching and Consultation in Marriage and Family Therapy

Requirements for admission are:

• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• Master’s in a related field
• Official transcripts
• Ph.D. in Community Care Counseling. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://www.liberty.edu/online/behavioral-sciences/doctoral/edd/community-care-counseling/
• Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://www.antioch.edu/new-england/degrees-programs/counseling-wellness/marriage-and-family-therapy-phd/
• Marriage and Family Therapists. (2017). Retrieved from  https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/marriage-and-family-therapists.htm
• Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://www.ncu.edu/programs-degrees/doctoral/doctor-philosophy-marriage-and-family-therapy#gref
• DMFT Doctorate of Marriage & Family Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved from  https://psydprograms.org/online-dmft-doctorate-of-marriage-and-family-therapy/

Top 20 PhD in Marriage and Family Counseling Online Programs 2024

Find your perfect school.

Key Takeaways :

• Top schools mentioned: University of West Georgia and University of the Cumberlands rank among the top for online PhD programs.
• Employment rates for marriage and family therapists are projected to grow significantly, offering favorable job opportunities in the field.
• The top 20 online PhD programs focus on affordability, regional or national accreditation, and online or hybrid degree completion options.

In this article, we profile the top 20 online PhD in marriage and family counseling degree programs.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment rates for marriage and family therapists is excellent. Furthermore, rates are projected to grow 23 percent through 2026. This is thanks to an increasing awareness of mental health and a growing use of integrated care. Therefore, the employment rate for therapists should grow faster than many other occupations.

Featured Programs

Reviewing the Best Online PhD in Marriage and Family Counseling Programs

We looked at approximately 60 colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator. While these schools offered at least one online PhD in marriage and family counseling, it also includes closely related programs in counselor education, psychology, or therapy . We narrowed our school selection by applying the following criteria:

• regional or national accreditation
• online or hybrid degree completion pathways
• school rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report

We then listed the institutions in order of affordability.

Below is our list of the top 20 online PhD in marriage and family counseling programs.

#20 – Adler University

Chicago, illinois, online phd in organizational psychology.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $44,738

Adler University offers a unique approach to an online PhD in marriage and family counseling. It offers a PhD in industrial and organizational psychology that targets individuals interested in relationship-building and maximizing human potential. The program prepares students to work with organizations and individuals within the organization. Its focus is on:

• mastery of psychology
• research methods in the workplace
• ethically guided methods that shape culture and drive performance

This is one of the few programs on our list that emphasize group instead of individual dynamics. A total of 75 credits are required. It includes 12 credits that count toward the dissertation. U.S. News and World Report recognizes Adler as a top graduate school for psychology.

#19 – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Online phd in international psychology.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $28,927

The Chicago School’s PhD programs include several types of advanced degrees. These might appeal to an individual seeking a PhD in marriage and family therapy online. For example, they offer an online PhD in international psychology. It has a concentration in trauma services that emphasizes mental health interventions as well as a psychological assessment of mental health reactions to traumatic stress. The program is full-time and can be completed entirely online in three to four years. Applicants must enter the program with a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or marriage and family therapy. While GRE scores are considered optional, they may be used to enhance the application. U.S. News and World Report recognizes the Chicago School of Professional Psychology as a top institution for an advanced degree in psychology.

#18 – Antioch University

Keene, new hampshire, online phd in marriage and family therapy.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $22,650

One of the most affordable online PhD programs in marriage and family therapy program on our list is offered by Antioch University. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education and requires both online and face-to-face residencies. The program is considered a low-residency program that takes three years with full-time enrollment. Additionally, the PhD program also offers a social justice focus for those thinking about additional training and expertise in marriage and family therapy. U.S. News and World Report recognizes Antioch’s advanced psychology programs. In fact, several have earned rankings and recognition in recent editions of Best Colleges.

#17 – California Southern University

Online phd in psychology, irvine, california.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $22,185

California Southern University’s School of Behavioral Sciences offers a PsyD for those interested in an online PhD in marriage and family therapy program. The Doctor of Psychology degree is an applied, clinically focused degree designed to meet the requirements for licensure as a clinical psychologist. The degree requires 66 credits and takes approximately four years to complete. The program focuses on counseling and therapy, and many classes cover family and marital counseling in depth. Specifically, courses include:

• advanced psychology of marriage and family systems
• crisis and trauma counseling
• psychology of violence and domestic abuse reporting

The application process includes official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate coursework, a personal statement, and additional materials as required by the program.

#16 – Alliant International University

San diego, california.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $21,673

Alliant International University offers a PhD in marriage and family therapy online degree program designed to enable graduates to treat clients holistically. Admission to the program requires an undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0, official GRE test scores, and a completed essay describing your background and interest in the field. Two recommendations are also required for all applicants. Additionally, courses are offered both in-person and online. They include:

• advanced intergenerational therapy
• biological aspects of behavior
• chemical dependency and the family
• diversity of the family
• parent and child therapy techniques

U.S. News and World Report ranks Alliant among the top national institutions in the country.

#15 – Lesley University

Cambridge, massachusetts, online phd in counseling and psychology.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $17,700

Lesley University’s online PhD programs in marriage and family therapy include the weekend-cohort counseling and psychology doctoral program. This 48-credit hour degree takes three years to complete. The program is designed for licensed mental health professionals and counselors who want to gather advanced knowledge of the field. Classes are designed to meet the needs of busy professionals. The cohort meets one week per month on campus, though the majority of coursework is completed online. To be considered a good fit for the program, applicants must have a master’s degree in counseling psychology or a related field and have acquired licensure in mental health or school counseling. U.S. News and World Report ranks Lesley #183 in the best national universities.

#14 – Northcentral University

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $17,526

The COAMFTE and IACSTE-accredited online PhD in marriage and family therapy program from Northcentral University can be completed online. Eight professionally relevant specializations allow students to tailor their PhD toward areas of interest and applicable research. These specializations include:

• child and adolescent therapy
• couple therapy
• general family therapy
• therapy with military families

Additionally, degree completion requirements include advanced clinical training through a doctoral practicum and internship, comprehensive exam, dissertation, and courses. U.S. News and World Report recognizes Northcentral among the top national institutions, though unranked, in the country.

#13 – Fielding Graduate University

Santa barbara, california, online ph.d. in clinical psychology.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $17,296

For those interested in a doctorate in marriage and family therapy programs online, Fielding Graduate University offers an online Ph.D. in clinical psychology. This fully accredited and online doctoral program also has a specialization in parent-infant mental health, as well as other concentration areas. Courses are delivered online and cover general and advanced psychology topics like:

• developmental bases of behavior
• foundations of doctoral studies
• marriage and family therapy
• projective personality assessment

To apply, students must provide a statement of purpose and three recommendations. In addition, Fielding University is accredited and approved by the American Psychological Association.

#12 – University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, ohio, online doctorate in counselor education.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $14,468

One of the most affordable online PhD in marriage and family therapy programs on our list is the doctorate in counselor education from the University of Cincinnati. The program offers a focus on prevention, community-based school and mental health services, as well as family integrative therapy. There is only one admissions cycle per year. Students must submit letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and writing samples. GRE scores not older than five years are also required for consideration. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Cincinnati #147 in best national universities and #130 in best value schools. Also, several online graduate programs have received rankings and recognition, adding to the reputation of the school.

#11 – Oregon State University

Corvallis, oregon, online phd in counseling.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $14,061

Oregon State University offers doctorate in marriage and family therapy programs online, such as the hybrid PhD program in counseling. This CACREP-accredited program combines face-to-face and online courses that are accessibly designed for working students. Course topics include:

• advanced theory and practice assessment
• counselor education
• diversity and social justice
• group and family counseling and supervision

Admission to the program requires applicants to hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, submit three letters of recommendation with one from a recent or current clinical supervisor, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate and graduate work. U.S. News and World Report ranks OSU #140 in best national universities and #116 in best value schools.

#10 – Argosy University

Phoenix, arizona, online edd in counseling psychology.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $13,656

Argosy University’s online PhD programs in marriage and family therapy include the counseling psychology EdD degree. To apply, a master’s in a mental health field with a counseling practicum from a regionally accredited institution is required. Additionally, admission requirements include a GPA of 3.0 in work leading to a master’s degree, three recommendations, and official transcripts. Advanced counseling courses are delivered online and include advanced group counseling, group counseling theory and practice, marriage and family therapy, and professional development in counseling. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report ranks Argosy among the national universities.

#9 – Regent University

Virginia beach, virginia, online phd in counselor education.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $13,326

Regent University’s PhD in counselor education covers the various courses of typically seen in online PhD in marriage and family counseling programs. Degree candidates cover topics like advanced child and adolescent therapy, advanced counseling theories, family dynamics of addictions, multicultural issues in counseling, and preventive counseling. The program is designed for working professionals who have completed one of Regent’s many master’s degree programs, such as clinical mental health counseling or marriage and family counseling. While classes are delivered online, a yearly residency is required. This residency allows students to gather with their classmates. U.S. News and World Report ranks Regent #201 in best national universities.

#8 – Amridge University

Montgomery, alabama.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $13,000

One of the top online PhD programs in marriage and family therapy is found at Amridge University. This rigorous research-oriented program is not designed to prepare individuals for professional licensure but does offer courses that apply toward the licensing credential. Courses are taught partly from traditional class settings and partly delivered online. Course requirements include applied adult development, analysis of substance abuse interventions, marriage and family therapy, and strategies to reduce marriage and family dysfunction. U.S. News and World Report ranks Amridge #107-#141 in best regional universities in the South.

#7 – Grand Canyon University

Online phd in general psychology.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $11,528

Grand Canyon University’s PhD programs include disciplines related to an online PhD in marriage and family counseling program. GCU’s online PhD in general psychology offers various concentration areas such as performance psychology and cognition and instruction. Classes are delivered entirely online and cover topics related to family counseling and therapy. These classes include behaviorism, ethical issues in psychology, and principles of behavior modification. Graduate admission, including doctoral degree requirements, is based on the unweighted GPA and/or GRE or GMAT scores. U.S. News and World Report ranks GCU #230-#301 in best national universities in the country. Also, several of the school’s graduate programs have earned top rankings in recent editions of Best Colleges.

#6 – Hampton University

Hampton, virginia.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $11,350

Hampton University offers a counselor education PhD that is applicable to many doctorate in marriage and family therapy programs online. Rather than honing in on family issues, the program explores counseling techniques for the individual, particularly in an educational setting. For example, courses include advanced group and systems theory, analysis of behavioral data, research and program evaluation, theories and practice of counseling supervision, and theory and practice of counseling education. Admission requires an online application, satisfactory GRE scores received within the last five years, and attained licensures and credentials. Lastly, U.S. News and World Report ranks Hampton #27 in the best regional universities in the South and #3 among the best historically black colleges and universities in the country.

#5 – University of Louisiana

Monroe, louisiana, online phd in systemic studies.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $8,984

Doctorate in marriage and family therapy programs online at the University of Louisiana include a PhD program uniquely designed to focus on the origin of systemic family therapy. The PhD in systemic studies is open to clinicians, counselors, clergy, scholars, and professionals working in the field of therapy and psychology. To clarify, the program comprises 60 semester hours (two years of full-time coursework) plus a dissertation. Typical courses include:

• advanced family studies and human development
• couple and marital therapy
• family systems
• issues and problems in systemic and MFT research

The admission process includes the submission of official GRE scores, transcripts, and scholarly writing samples. In addition, the U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Louisiana #230-#301 among the best national universities.

#4 – Liberty University

Online edd in community care counseling – marriage and family counseling, lynchburg, virginia.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $8,723

One of the most affordable online PhD programs in marriage and family counseling comes from Liberty University. While not a PhD, the EdD focuses less on research and more on application. Successful degree candidates earn an EdD in community care and counseling specializing in marriage and family counseling. This 57-credit hour program takes approximately three years to complete and offers courses 100% online with optional intensives. Admission to the program requires a regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with a 3.0 GPA. Additionally, sealed college transcripts, a statement of purpose, and a complete application are also required. Liberty is one of the few institutions on our list that do not require the GRE for admission to the doctoral program. U.S. News and World Report ranks Liberty among the top 300 national universities in the country.

#3 – Adams State University

Alamosa, colorado.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $7,311

Adams State University offers a counselor education doctoral program designed for individuals with an interest in an online PhD in marriage and family counseling. The program is offered mostly online but requires four one-week summer residencies. Online courses include advanced assessment, advanced group counseling, advanced multicultural issues, qualitative research methodology, and supervision and consultation. The program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership positions in the counseling profession. U.S. News and World Report ranks Adams State #96-#127 in best regional universities in the West. Also, the counselor education doctoral program received CACREP accreditation in July 2017, strengthening the program’s reputation.

#2 – University of West Georgia

Online edd in professional counseling, carrolton, georgia.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $6,048

One of the most affordable PhD in marriage and family counseling online programs on our list is the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Counseling and Supervision at University of West Georgia. The program is designed for working professionals who desire to impact clients and communities of service through effective counseling techniques and advocacy. Required qualifications for application include licensing in counseling or a related field, official GRE scores not older than five years, a master’s in counseling or related field, and a minimum of three years of counseling experience. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of West Georgia #230-#301 in best national universities.

#1 – University of the Cumberlands

Online phd in counseling education, williamsburg, kentucky.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $5,970

The #1 most affordable of the doctorate in marriage and family therapy programs online on our list is offered by the University of the Cumberlands. While not an online PhD in marriage and family counseling, the EdD in counseling education is offered online with advanced counseling and family therapy specialty areas. Some of the online courses include family therapy in addiction treatment, human sexuality, mindfulness-based CBT counseling, motivation and change, and spirituality and values in counseling. To be admitted to the program, applicants must hold a master’s degree from an accredited college and have a minimum GPA of 3.5 for all graduate work. Satisfactory GRE scores and one letter of recommendation are also required. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of the Cumberlands among the top 300 best national universities in the country.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can i do with an online phd in marriage and family counseling.

If you are thinking of applying to an online PhD in marriage and family counseling program, knowing the duties of the job helps. Accordingly, keep in mind that marriage and family therapists help people–individuals, couples, and families–manage problems in their relationships.

Marriage and family counselors use various therapy techniques and tools designed to help their clients. Therefore, depending on the therapist’s specialty, cognitive behavioral therapy, behavior modification, and goal-oriented approaches to care may be applied.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook, marriage and family therapists held approximately 41,500 jobs within the last two years. Twenty-eight percent of all therapists worked within individual and family services while fifteen percent worked in outpatient care centers.

Most therapists work full-time, though part-time schedules are also common. In some cases, therapists structure their work schedules to include evenings and weekends to accommodate the needs of their clients.

Some therapists work in private practice. In order to get clients, therapists must market their practice and skill to prospective clients. Private practice therapists also work directly with insurance companies and their clients to ensure payment for their services.

In some cases, marriage and family counselors team up with other treatment professionals, like psychologists or social workers, to coordinate patient care.

What are the admission requirements for most online PhD in marriage and family counseling programs?

Graduate schools providing doctoral-level education assess the academic and/or professional experience and promise of qualifying applicants. While program eligibility may vary with schools, some requirements remain the same.

Most online PhD in marriage and family therapy programs require applicants to send official transcripts in sealed envelopes from all accredited colleges and universities attended. To be eligible for admission, a bachelor’s degree , and in some cases a master’s degree, are required. While some schools request applicants hold bachelor’s degrees in psychology or a closely related field. If the applicant’s bachelor’s or master’s degree is pending, programs often request a letter from the registrar listing the anticipated date of graduation.

GRE test scores are not always required for online PhD in marriage and family counseling programs, though top tier research institutions require test scores received within the last five years. Some programs may waive the GRE requirement if an undergraduate GPA stipulation is met. To clarify, it means that applicants with a 3.0 or better undergraduate GPA may be waived from taking the GRE. If you do not want to take the GRE, it is important to evaluate programs that do not require test scores for admission.

Other admission requirements vary, but letters of recommendation, valid work experience, and writing samples are likely needed.

What is the career outlook for individuals with an online PhD in marriage and family counseling degree?

The career outlook for those with a PhD in marriage and family therapy online degree, or marriage and family therapists in general, is projected to increase over the next seven years. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a projected 23 percent growth in employment of marriage and family therapists through 2026.

The projected growth is anticipated due to the increasing awareness of mental health and use of integrated care. This means more people will seek mental health care in upcoming years. As a result, job prospects will also increase.

As integrated care–treatment of multiple issues at one time by a group of specialists–increases and the population seeks counseling and therapy resources, there will be a growing need for specialists. Individuals with a PhD in marriage and family counseling should see available jobs and increasing demand for private practice.

As has been noted, the overall career outlook for marriage and family counselors is favorable, and growth is expected in other areas of counseling as well. BLS reports an employment growth rate of 16 percent for all counselors, social workers, and community and social service specialists over the next decade. As individuals retire and vacate to private practice, jobs will need to be filled.

What is my earnings potential with an online PhD in marriage and family counseling?

Generally, the average salary of a marriage and family therapist is $52,061, as listed by PayScale’s most recent information. PayScale is a global compensation research center that compares salaries and benefits from employers across the country.

Accordingly, pay levels increase with experience. In fact, PayScale offers a positive trend. The more experience a marriage and family counselor has, the more money he or she will likely earn. Entry-level marriage and family therapists with zero to five years of experience earn an average total compensation of $50,000 per year. This number includes bonuses, tips, and overtime pay. A mid-career therapist with five to ten years of experience can expect to earn $55,000 per year in total compensation, while experienced marriage and family counselors are those with ten to twenty years of experience. Based on research, PayScale reports experienced therapists will make $64,000 in total compensation. A therapist with late-career experience, or over twenty years of experience, will earn, on average total compensation of $73,000.

While some of the best-paid marriage and family counselors offer experience and education, the more education and experience you have, the more likely a higher salary. Earning an advanced degree is often the first step toward a favorable career.

How long does it take to earn an online PhD in marriage and family counseling?

According to a recent article published by CBS News, the average student takes 8.2 years to push through a PhD program. However, the long slog toward an advanced degree may be cut shorter by enrolling in an online doctoral program.

Individuals seeking online PhD in marriage and family therapy degrees are in luck, as accredited online and hybrid programs are becoming available. The average completion time for a PhD in marriage and family counseling online degree is four years.

If you’re seeking an accelerated program, they do exist. In fact, some of the programs on our list offer a compressed completion time through rigorous courses and a lighter research component. Very few cases do not require a thesis as part of the graduation requirements. In these non-thesis programs, application through internship experiences is often required.

Full-time versus part-time completion options also impact the length of the degree program. As expected, full-time enrollment shortens the time required to earn an online PhD in marriage and family therapy. Part-time enrollment lengthens the completion time of the PhD. The average completion time for a full-time enrolled student in an online PhD in marriage and family counseling is three years, while the average time to complete a part-time program is four years.

• Online PhD Organizational Psychology
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This concludes our list of the top 20 online PhD in marriage and family counseling programs.

Marital and Family Therapy (DMFT Online)

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• Earn your Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy degree from the only fully online COAMFTE-accredited DMFT program in the nation. Courses use a combined synchronous and asynchronous format.
• This program is open only to applicants residing within the United States.

Online Info Sessions

At a glance.

• Fully online DMFT curriculum with synchronous and asynchronous courses
• 3-year, 78 quarter unit program
• Only fully online COAMFTE-accredited DMFT program in the United States
• Areas of focus include clinical practice, program development, implementation, and evaluation
• Students can fulfill the AAMFT approved supervisor requirements prior to graduation (students must apply for this designation through AAMFT)
• Christian environment emphasizing integrated learning, respect for all persons, and compassionate whole person care
• Embedded professional self-care

Program Director

Dr. heather beeson.

DMFT, MA, LMFT

Assistant Professor, Counseling and Family Sciences Director, Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy (DMFT) Program

Program Overview

The Loma Linda University School of Behavioral Health Department of Counseling and Family Sciences offers a Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy (DMFT). The DMFT rests on a relational/systemic philosophy, follows the practitioner-evaluator model and focuses on applied skill development for use in clinical practice, supervision, academia, and administrative positions. The DMFT is a 77-unit program requiring three years of full time study for completion. The program is available online only and is authorized in  these states .

The DMFT prepares graduates to systemically intervene and address mental health disparities at family and community levels. Graduates of the DMFT program are well prepared to serve as ethically-competent leaders in communities and advance the MFT profession as therapists, clinical supervisors, program developers, evaluators, grant writers, faculty in institutions of higher education, and administrators. Graduates of the DMFT program are multi-culturally informed and well prepared to serve as ethically-competent leaders who advance the marital and family therapy profession. Our alumni most often work as program directors, faculty in institutions of higher education, grant writers, program evaluators, advanced clinicians, and clinical supervisors. We also have some alumni who enter the university setting as faculty members and adjunct professors.

The DMFT is a dynamic program that is committed to the development of the self of the practitioner. Sensitive to issues of cultural context and human diversity, the DMFT curriculum is focused on the development of the self of the professional. The program assists students in integrating cultural heritage, life experience, past education and training, and personal creativity into personalized professional development plans that enable students to build upon their background as they continue to acquire skill and competency in identified areas of interest.

The DMFT program offered by Loma Linda University is the only DMFT program that has been granted accreditation through the  Council on Accreditation of Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) , the accrediting body associated with the  American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) .

Curriculum Guide   Course Descriptions

Please Note: The curriculum of this program includes attendance during the summer terms.

Admissions and Application

General admissions requirements.

Acceptance into this program is based on an integrated evaluation of the following criteria:

• Complete online application.
• Master's degree in Marital and Family Therapy/Couple and Family Therapy, or Clinical Counseling. Must be a qualifying degree for licensure (LMFT or LPCC) in the applicant's state.
• Master's GPA of 3.3 or higher.
• Three letters of reference (2 academic and 1 professional preferred).
• Interview with faculty member(s).
• Background check.

Note: No GREs are required for application to the program.

Admissions FAQ

Admission Deadlines

Application Process

To complete the application process, applicants must participate in the group interview in December or April. Those who complete their application (application, three letters of reference, and transcripts received) before November 30, 2023  can participate in the December group interview. Complete applications received after this date can participate in the April group interview.

Student Story

LLU's DMFT online program is distinctive in its wide reaching and innovative curriculum, supportive staff, and how classes conveniently fit into one's busy lifestyle no matter what time zone you're in. Learning new concepts in courses such as grant writing, program evaluation, administration, teaching, and research opens up opportunities to be more knowledgeable and marketable in my field. It certainly is never too late to return to the classroom and learn, and as a clinician, wife, and mother of two adult children and a teenager, it is extraordinary to have the encouragement, understanding, and grace from staff and my cohort alike. I will never forget how my professors have made me feel unique and capable; they inspired me to strive for excellence, learn with curiosity, express my worldview, work creatively, explore with a purpose, and serve with honor, respect, and compassion as a global citizen.

Program Goals & Outcomes

The goal of the DMFT program is to prepare doctoral level marital and family therapists to serve as program developers as well as evaluators-administrators and thereby promote the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. This goal works in combination with the larger university mission of advancing health services that attend to the whole person by developing practiced-based knowledge in marriage and family therapy.

There are two overall program outcomes. These outcomes integrate our university's commitment to diversity and quality training of health care professionals with the need for diverse doctoral level practitioners skilled in program development/evaluation and administration. The program outcomes are:

• The program will graduate a diverse student body prepared to advance the field of marriage and family therapy through practiced-based leadership, founded on the consumption of current and reliable research.
• The program will prepare doctoral level family therapy professionals to apply the systemic/relational principles of the field to develop, evaluate, and administer ethically competent programs that contribute to MFT practice.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will develop a professional identity as doctoral-level marital and family therapists aligned with national practice standards.
• Students will become adept in systems/relational practice, demonstrating sophistication as therapists, program developers, evaluators, grant writers, and administrators of marital and family therapy services.
• Students will be able to use marital and family therapy, human development, and family science literatures to design and evaluate programs, clinical protocols, organizational structures, and service-delivery processes.
• To further benefit families and communities, students will demonstrate the ability to use research and evaluation methodologies to improve human service program performance and outcomes.
• Students will be responsive to the societal, cultural, and spiritual contexts in which health and well-being are embedded.
• Students will develop an ethical consciousness that guides their practice in all aspects of professional work.

For information on our student demographics, as well as student and faculty achievement information, please click  here .

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Loma Linda University’s policy on anti-discrimination states the following: The University is committed to equal education and employment opportunities for men and women. While Loma Linda University (LLU) gives preference in its selection processes to students and employees who are aligned with the faith-based mission of the University and the Seventh-day Adventist Church, LLU does not and shall not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, medical condition, physical handicap, mental condition, veteran’s status, or age in the provision of any of its services. In the department of counseling and family sciences, we adhere to this policy and additionally do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of socioeconomic or relationship status.

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• About Northwestern
• Application Requirements
• How to Apply
• Tuition, Billing and Financial Aid FAQs
• Leadership & Faculty
• Course Descriptions
• What Is an MFT?
• How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist
• Apply External link: open_in_new

MFT@Northwestern / Online Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy

Northwestern University MFT | Online Northwestern University MFT | Online Northwestern University MFT | Online

The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute teaches aspiring therapists to treat clients from diverse backgrounds and populations and to consider relationships and the larger systemic context within their practice. The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute teaches aspiring therapists to treat clients from diverse backgrounds and populations and to consider relationships and the larger systemic context within their practice. The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute teaches aspiring therapists to treat clients from diverse backgrounds and populations and to consider relationships and the larger systemic context within their practice.

Receive Admission and Tuition Information

Complete the form to receive information about the online graduate counseling and therapy programs offered by the Family Institute at Northwestern University.

GMAT/GRE not required.

• Intensive clinical training  — students work directly with clients for six consecutive quarters during their practicum externships.
• 24 months to complete  — full-time students can earn their MFT master’s degree in as few as 24 months.
• Fully accredited program  — the two MFT program branches, on campus and online, are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

Offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University—one of the nation’s leading relationship-based behavioral health organizations—the online degree in marriage and family therapy is a branch of the university’s on-campus component. MFT@Northwestern upholds The Family Institute’s high standards of research, education, and clinical services, providing the knowledge and skills necessary for a career focused on strengthening and healing families from all walks of life. The program can be completed full time in as few as 21 months and part time in as few as 36 months.

The on-campus and online branches of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Northwestern University are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE): [email protected]. A COAMFTE-accredited program provides the graduate education required for students to be license-eligible in most states. Each state also requires an examination and a specified amount of supervised postgraduate, clinical work for licensure.

Although no GRE is required for admission , applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. A degree in one of the following fields is preferred but not required:

• Social sciences
• Behavioral sciences
• Child and family services
• Human development and family studies
• Family science

If you do not have an undergraduate degree in these fields, you must take (or have taken) both a college-level psychology and human development course or their equivalents. However, we still do not require a GRE for admission .

Your completed application must include the following items:

• Unofficial and official transcripts from postsecondary institutions/programs attended
• At least two letters of recommendation
• Current resume or curriculum vitae
• Academic Statement (1000 word maximum)
• Personal Statement (500 word maximum)
• Official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if applicable
• $95 application fee

Learn more about MFT admissions.

Join Our Next Cohort of Client-Focused Practitioners

The final deadline for the September 2024 cohort is July 1, 2024. No GRE required.

Request More Information

The online MFT consists of 25 graduate-level courses taught by experts in the field .

Northwestern faculty comprises active practitioners who are leaders within prominent national, international, and state-level professional organizations, including the American Association for Marriage and Family. Many faculty members also edit and contribute to influential publications and top journals in the fields of systemic family therapy and psychology.

Additionally, Northwestern faculty helped develop the integrative systemic therapeutic (IST) model, valuing client participation in developing therapy plans and providing tools to systematically address complex factors. The IST is an integral component of our master’s in marriage and family therapy curriculum.

Sample courses include:

• Basic Concepts of Systems Therapy
• Self and Other Systems: Theory and Applications
• Intimate Relations 1
• Family Therapy with Children and Adolescents
• Power, Privilege and Difference: Practicing Cultural Curiosity and Humility in a Multicultural World

As a student, you will attend one immersive experience and complete 400 hours of clinical fieldwork—125 of which are relational hours—at a site near your community. Our dedicated team of placement specialists work closely with you to find appropriate sites that fit your individual career goals and passions.

Why the Online MFT from Northwestern?

The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy degree from Northwestern University combines evidence-based teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment that fosters clinical excellence. As a graduate, you will be able to conduct therapy with a diverse set of populations and problems, utilize the IST framework to integrate knowledge from the field into your practice, and demonstrate multicultural sensitivity and ethical competence in your work.

MFT@Northwestern has been carefully designed to offer a rigorous yet rewarding experience that prepares effective practitioners to help couples, individuals, and communities thrive. Through a combination of in-person clinicals, one immersion experience, and live online courses, our program is structured to ensure your entire experience feels personal, meaningful, and actionable.

Attend live class sessions with no more than 15 students per classroom.

Learn from well-qualified professors with therapeutic experience.

Dig deeper with live study sessions and faculty office hours.

Complete coursework anywhere, anytime with our mobile app.

Work with a placement specialist to find an approved clinical site near your community.

Develop a customized class schedule with the assistance of an academic adviser.

Change the Big Picture at the Individual Level

No GRE required

What Is an MFT Degree?

A Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy degree is the first step toward preparing for LMFT licensure, which varies by state . Once licensed, LMFT professionals are able to provide collaborative care to families, couples, and individuals in private practice, academic, mental health agencies, and other environments. Licensed practitioners provide a diverse array of services, including:

• Psychotherapy of all forms
• Qualified behavioral health care
• Treatment for couples and families with a blend of therapies
• Supervisory roles

Marriage and Family Therapist Job Outlook

The world needs qualified MFT graduates, and the demand is only projected to increase. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of marriage and family therapists is expected to grow 16% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than average for all occupations. 1

Projected growth, 2020–2030

Projected MFT job openings each year

Total employment for MFT jobs in 2020

Change Your Community, One Interaction at a Time .

1 Occupational Outlook Handbook , U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021. Accessed Oct. 8, 2021. arrow_upwa rd

Best 10 Online Doctoral Programs in Marriage and Family Counseling

Find your degree, “ without health, life is not life; it is only a state of languor and suffering – an image of death .”, this buddhist maxim captures the vital importance of health, and health is so much more than physical comfort. health encompasses the whole person—body, mine, and spirit..

It is within families we all receive our most basic training and identity to the world around us. Odds are if you are interested in marriage and family therapy your experiences in life have given you a passion to help others. This is the core of the profession, a drive to improve the health of families and individuals.

What is a Marriage and Family Therapist?

What is the job outlook and salary of a marriage and family therapist?

The career outlook for the profession is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts job growth well above average at 23 percent between 2016-2026. The salary range of MFTs is $40,000 to $82,000. Factors such as location, training, and organizations greatly affect compensation packages. Earning a Ph.D. increases earning potential substantially. In addition, job satisfaction is high. U.S. News & World Report rated the profession as #2 for best social services job in 2017 and #35 out of 100 for top jobs in 2015. The area experiencing the most growth among marriage and family therapists is substance abuse counseling.

• Family Therapist
• Couple Therapy
• Child Therapist
• Medical Family Therapy
• Tragedy and Sudden Loss Therapist
• Family Planning Specialist
• Interventionist
• Teacher, Professor

What kind of doctoral programs are available?

How does one choose the right school?

When considering a doctoral program there are many factors involved. Finding the three-fold sweet spot where convenience, affordability, and quality converge is essential. Today’s on-the-move society that continues to digitize is demanding better ways to train and educate. Online education is a viable option for doctoral work in marriage and family therapy. It often provides more convenience and affordability without quality suffering. Additional factors include school resources, program length, specializations, financial aid, and faculty.

What is our methodology?

In order to choose the right school, we’ve found the Top 10 Online Doctoral Programs in Marriage and Family Counseling <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>. We’ve scoured the nation and found schools with accredited programs, high academic reputations, and competitive tuitions. Using reliable sources such as the IPEDs database, part of the National Center for Education Statistics , payscale.com , and each school’s website, we’ve scored the reputation, quality, and affordability of each school to create this list. Best of luck in your educational journey!

This ranking was calculated based on the following percentages:

• Program Cost – 25%
• Tenured or Tenure Track Faculty – 25%
• Average Mid-Career Salary – 20%
• Retention Rate – 15%
• Percentage of Graduate Students – 15%

Regent University School of Psychology and Counseling Online Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies

• Location : Virginia Beach, VA
• Percentage of Graduate Students : 60%
• Student to Faculty Ratio : 42 to 1
• Degrees Offered : Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree – professional practice
• Accreditation : Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges as well as several other accrediting bodies.

Through the School of Psychology and Counseling, Regent University offers a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Ministry. The degree can be completed online, one of the few online Ph.D. programs available. Students will research specific areas, including forgiveness and grace, inner healing, conflict and crisis management, sexuality, eating disorders, child behavior, and more.

Graduation requires a total of 51 credit hours. In order to be accepted into the program, candidates must hold a regionally accredited 30 hour master’s degree in a mental health field,a minimum of a 3.5 GPA in their graduate level coursework, and at least one year of experience in a mental health field.

Incorporating a Christian worldview, graduates of the program will be fully equipped to enter into the challenging field of marriage and family therapy. One of the most affordable programs on the list, Regent University belongs at the top of the list.

Oregon State University College of Education Online Ph.D. in Counseling

• Location : Corvallis, OR
• Percentage of Graduate Students : 17%
• Student to Faculty Ratio : 18 to 1
• Degrees Offered : Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree – professional practice
• Accreditation : Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.

Oregon State University offers an online Ph.D. in Counseling through the College of Education and the ECampus. The program is a hybrid program that requires both face-to-face and online instruction for each course. Face-to-face classes are required only twice each quarter in a Friday through Saturday block in Wilsonville, OR. The face-to-face course location is in the Portland Metro area, rendering it easily accessible from the Portland International Airport,  making it easily accessible for out-of-state students. The program is CACREP accredited.

Adopting a cohort model, students become a member of a supportive and active cohort of peers. Additionally, each student is guided by a department professor throughout the program. Completion takes three- to five-years.

Oregon State University offers the cheapest program on the list at only $24,381. With an average mid-career salary of $101,300, the ROI is high, leaving no doubt that OSU is a top place to earn an online Ph.D. in Counseling.

Eastern University Online Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy

• Location : Saint Davids, PA
• Percentage of Graduate Students : 36%
• Student to Faculty Ratio : 10 to 1
• Degrees Offered : Less than one year certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree – professional practice
• Accreditation : Middle States Commission on Higher Education as well as several other accrediting bodies.

Eastern University offers a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family that is completed primarily online with several required campus residencies at their main campus in Saint David. The program is 60 credits and is designed for people looking to expand their hearts and minds while developing skills to meet the challenges of 21st Century life. Students will complete research and study in counseling theories and practice integrated with a Christian worldview.

Although the program is primarily online, there is a one-week residency of intensive classroom instruction required in addition to the 14 weeks of online coursework.  Attendance at residency weeks is mandatory.

Admission requirements include a completed Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Masters of Counseling, or Master’s degree in a related field from a regionally accredited college, university, or seminary, a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, a preferred cumulative GPA of 3.5, an interview, transcripts, Statement of Purpose, and a Statement of Faith.

The program is affordable at only $30,660, and the student to faculty ratio of 10 to 1 ensures students that they will receive personal attention from the faculty.

Louisiana University – Monroe Online Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy, Systemic Studies

• Location : Monroe, LA
• Percentage of Graduate Students : 15%
• Student to Faculty Ratio : 19 to 1
• Degrees Offered : Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree – professional practice

The Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in Systemic Studies is a theoretically oriented Ph.D. offered at the University of Louisiana, Monroe. It should be noted that the degree does not end in Marriage and Family licensure, but rather is a scholarly program of study that is non-clinical in emphasis. It is designed for the clinician, counselor, coach, clergy, healer, educator, scholar, artist and professional who desires deeper study of the contexts that advance the practices necessary for change.

Students are required to complete 60 hours of coursework along with a dissertation in order to graduate. Classes are completed in a cohort, creating a learning community where collaboration is encouraged. Courses are seminar-style where individuals are expected to participate in conversations relevant to course content and its application to lived experience.

The degree is completed through eULM Online, which offers numerous nationally recognized online programs.

Amridge University Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy

• Location : Montgomery, AL
• Percentage of Graduate Students : 52%
• Degrees Offered : Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship
• Accreditation : Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Through the Amridge University School of Human Services, Amridge University offers a 60-hour Ph. D. program in Marriage and Family Therapy. The program is not designed to prepare individuals for professional licensure as it is assumed that the applicant has already completed the course work required for professional licensure. There is an option provided should the student wish to obtain professional licensure; additional courses may be required.

Students complete studies in theories of marriage and family therapy, human development, problems with abuse and addiction, cultural diversity, and research. These intensive classes are offered partly from traditional class settings and will be partly delivered online. The program is typically completed in four years if the student is attending full-time. Credits are broken into 48 hours of  specific courses and 12 hours of dissertation courses. There are also qualifying examinations required.

Academically rigorous, this program is worth the cost, as the average mid-career salary is $74,000, but the total program cost is only $46,800.

Mississippi College Online Professional Counseling, D.P.C.

• Location : Clinton, MI
• Percentage of Graduate Students : 40%
• Degrees Offered : Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree – professional practice
• Accreditation : Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges as well as numerous other accrediting bodies.

Mississippi College offers a Doctor of Professional Counseling degree program that is designed to meet the career advancement goals of licensed professional counselors. The degree is cohort-based and students are required to be enrolled continuously and year-round once they have been admitted. It can be completed in both the traditional or online format.

The program requires 72 hours to completion. These credit hours are broken into several components: Core Courses (30 semester hours); Application Courses (12 semester hours); Specialization Courses (12 semester hours); Internships (12 semester hours); and Concluding Courses (6 semester hours). It should be noted that the although the program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, it is not accredited by CACREP.  There is no assurance that a clinical doctorate will meet the CACREP standards for a research-based doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision, which is currently the only doctoral-level accreditation.

Students who are interested in the program are required to have at least two years of documented experience in professional counseling.

Antioch University – New England Online Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy

• Location : Keene, NH
• Percentage of Graduate Students : 100%
• Student to Faculty Ratio : 12 to 1
• Degrees Offered : Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship
• Accreditation : Higher Learning Commission and WASC Senior College and University Commission

Antioch University provides a low-residency Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy. This doctorate degree is designed to be completed in three years of full-time enrollment, with two years of coursework and practice experience, and one year of working on a dissertation. Residencies will take place four times per year, and will take from three to five days each. Residencies combine seminars, workshops, guest lectures, advising sessions, peer discussions, and student presentations, for an intensive few days of learning.

Most coursework will be facilitated online in a flexible format, with weekly professional seminar meetings facilitated online via video and/or voice conferencing. Students are not required to be located in the New England area, only to attend the scheduled residencies. The Ph.D. may also serve as a qualifying degree for licensure for those whose Master’s degree does not fit licensure requirements.

The program starts in the Fall each year, and students begin as a cohort who move through the program together. The degree takes 86-89 credits to complete.

Nova Southeastern University Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy

• Location : Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Percentage of Graduate Students : 78%
• Student to Faculty Ratio : 17 to 1
• Degrees Offered : Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship, Doctor’s degree – professional practice

NSU’s Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy (D.M.F.T.)  is a terminal degree designed for those holding a master’s degree. The program is not fully online but has online components.  The 78-credit D.M.F.T. aims to produce graduates getting jobs as private practitioners, agency administrators, clinical supervisors, and senior clinicians. The program takes a minimum of three years and maximum of seven to complete.

Curriculum includes coursework in Human Development across the Life Cycle, Theories of Personality and Psychopathology, and Human Sexuality and Gender. You also produce a Clinical Portfolio, part of Applied Clinical Project (ACP) courses, and does not require a dissertation. The Clinical Portfolio involves written and video presentations of your clinical work. Online components of the program include discussion boards, multimedia presentations, chat rooms, and more through NSU’s digital platform called Canvas.

Admission requirements include a Master’s Degree, minimum 3.5 GPA, academic writing samples, letters of recommendation, and experience is also considered.

Liberty University Online EdD in Community Care and Counseling – Marriage and Family Counseling

• Location : Lynchburg, VA
• Percentage of Graduate Students : 39%
• Degrees Offered : Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate’s degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate, Bachelor’s degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Doctor’s degree – research/scholarship

The Online EdD in Community Care and Counseling at Liberty is 57 credits and takes an average of three years to complete. With one of the most affordable tuitions on our top 10, the degree combines cost, quality, and convenience. The EdD in CCC-Marriage and Family Counseling is designed for Christians who seek to apply the skills and knowledge in ministry settings. For example, pastors, licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers.

The fully-online curriculum features ethical, evidence-based, and biblically grounded knowledge and skills and includes an internship, comprehensive exam, and dissertation. The online program will apply towards numerous certifications including Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts (SYMBIS) and Prepare and Enrich (PE).

It is important to note that the EdD is not designed to lead to licensure. Though the degree is fully online you also have the option to take “Intensives.” These are face-to-face hands-on courses and seminars.

Honorable Mention – Northcentral University Online Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy

• Location : San Diego, CA
• Student to Faculty Ratio : 1 to 1

Northcentral University offers an online Ph. D. in Marriage and Family Therapy. The program is both COAMFTE and IACSTE-accredited and follows the COAMFTE Marriage and Family Therapy Educational Guidelines . Northcentral is one of the few universities to offer this type of accreditation through an online doctoral degree. The degree requires anywhere from 63 – 99 credit hours for graduation and typically takes 56 months to complete, depending on how many credits transfer in from prior degrees and coursework.

Classes start every Monday, so you don’t have to wait to start your degree. There are eight specializations to choose from that range from General Family Therapy to Therapy with Military Families. Another unique aspect of this program is faculty will work with you to arrange a local provider to complete your required practicum and your 9-month internship.

Even though it is a for-profit institution, Northcentral is ranked as an honorable mention due to its outstanding flexibility coupled with accreditation. There is no doubt that an online marriage and family therapy degree at Northcentral University is worth considering.

Therapist vs Psychologist: What is the Difference?

“Therapist” is a broad term of which many professions and titles, including psychologists, can fall under. The term applies to those working to provide guidance, care, and help to a variety of individuals and conditions. Therapists work with clients in a variety of settings and can work independently or as part of an organization. Therapists are employed as marriage counselors, social workers, or life coaches. They can be licensed or not, though having a license increases therapists credibility. Also, to be a therapist doesn’t require an advanced degree, though many have earned master or doctorate degrees.

Psychologists are therapists though there are some differences. To independently practice psychology and offer patient care, conduct research, or be a clinical counselor requires specialized training and licensure. Examples include school counselors or professional researchers. Psychologists are professional social scientists with specialized training in human behavior and treatments. They often work with doctors to determine treatment or to diagnose mental illnesses. To conclude, all psychologists can be thought of as therapists, but not all therapists are psychologists.

What is an LMFT degree?

Marriage and family therapists are trained through a master’s and doctoral programs with a  post-graduate clinical training component as part of gaining licensure. To actually earn licensure requires the successful passing of a state or national examination for marriage and family therapists. The national exam is conducted by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).

Programs vary from school to school and state to state, but all 50 states support and regulate the profession, and hence, shape the programs at universities. Since marriage and family therapists treat a wide range of clinical problems such as depression, marital problems, anxiety, schools curriculum is rigorous. With accredited programs such as those approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), you receive credible instruction in theory and practice. Examples of courses include Family Science  Research, Theories of Child Development, Client Contact and Supervision, and intensive internships.

What is the curriculum for a Doctorate in Family Counseling like?

Programs can be to study a particular focus of research for the sake of becoming a scholar or particular therapist of one area. An example of this type of narrow focus is medical family therapy. Medical family therapists treat patients within a family context who have experienced a serious illness or some kind of trauma.

There are common elements as well. Doctorate programs are typically around 60-70 credit hours beyond master’s work and take 3-5 years. There will be courses on theories and strategies for premarital and marital issues. Courses also include studies of family development and theories. There are also courses dealing with the individual. For example, mental health problems and issues of a member of the family that affects the overall dynamic of the family.

In addition to coursework, Ph.D. programs include often include a practicum and a full-time internship. This clinical experience is important for practice and licensure. An important aspect of programs is their approach to licensure. Some Doctorate programs prepare for licensure and others do not for the simple reason that many Ph.D. students are already licensed.

What are some strategies to help complete my degree program?

The first and paramount strategy is to select a school that works for you. This includes affordability, quality, and convenience. How these three factors intersect and find a sweet spot in your life for your particular goals is different for different people. Assuming you’re confident with your choice of school, there are some effective strategies to help complete your degree.

Set study time limits. Work expands with time. When we work within limits it can help you maintain that social, emotional, physical, mental balance you need for a long race.

Find a study zone. Avoiding distractions and finding a place that helps you be efficient with your time goes hand in hand with setting time limits.

Keep your vision. Maintaining your sense of mission and vision will not only help you complete your degree when times get tough. It is an effective mental habit for your life and career. This can relate in a concrete way of connecting with those who can help you. Help isn’t only academic.

What are some professional organizations I need to know about?

The American Association for  Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) features a “job seeker” page, “ENHANCE knowledge” resources, and much more. The National Council on Family Relations hosts an annual conference connecting professionals who share knowledge and resources.

The International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC) provides publications and media products and encourages collaborative efforts. The IAMFC works closely with the National Academy for Certified Family Therapists.

There are many such general organizations, and getting plugged in will be important for you during and after your program.

In addition to these, there are many specific professional organizations such as the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC) and the Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW).

Lastly, the accrediting organizations to know are the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

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MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy: Online Format

• Masters Clinical Psychology

The online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program from Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) prepares students to work as licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT) or as a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC), and to serve individuals, couples, families, and groups in California and beyond.

Our online MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy program, designed for working professionals and full-time students alike, provides a clinical and practice-based course of study. Throughout the program, students are empowered to provide families and couples with the impartial guidance they need to build happier and healthier relationships.

Program Details

Online Format The program is offered online so you can continue your personal and professional responsibilities while earning your degree.

Meets LMFT and LPCC Requirements

Upon graduation, students will have met all educational requirements to sit for the LMFT or LPCC licensure exams in the state of California. The program also prepares students for licensure in certain states outside of California. Fill out the form to learn more.

Quick Facts

No GRE or Standardized Tests Required

We offer an equitable admissions process that considers your ability and commitment to succeed rather than standardized test scores.

Supervised Clinical Experience

Students begin practicing during the program. Clinical training staff provide resources and assist students in applying to practicum sites.

Average Class Size

GSEP's average class size is 14 students.

Convenient Online Format

Classes offered online with clinical training in or near your own community.

Scholarships Available

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Sessions of Field Placement

GSEP Average Class Size

Anti-racism and Anti-discrimination Statement

The master's in clinical psychology program and GSEP Psychology Division both stand in solidarity against racial inequities and injustice and other forms of discrimination and oppression. We are committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that is enriched and strengthened by diversity including but not limited to race, ethnicity and national origin, gender and gender identity, sexuality, class, age, ability status, and religion. GSEP also encourages all community members to engage in critical learning and reflection to strengthen our capacity for being effective, active, and outspoken against all forms of racism and intersectional oppression.

Curriculum Overview

Our curriculum focuses on current applied methods of psychotherapy, and offers a practice-based course of study with clinical training in or near your community. You will learn about various topics, including the social and psychological implications of socioeconomics and how poverty and social stress affect the ability of individuals, couples, and families to thrive.

Regardless of the licensure path you wish to pursue, you will take the very same foundation courses as all students in the program. You will, however, be able to choose electives that most interest you during the program.

Upon graduation, you will know how to:

• Diagnose clients
• Formulate clinical cases
• Develop treatment plans
• Facilitate therapeutic processes

Faculty Spotlight

"Our faculty members bring richness and depth to both their research and their teaching. Many of our faculty have private practices or work in practice actively, making a huge difference for our students."

— Dr. Thema Bryant, Professor and President, American Psychological Association

What Our Alumni Are Saying

"I feel like Pepperdine embraces everyone from all populations, cultures, socioeconomic statuses, age, and more. All the students I've encountered are focusing on excelling in their courses and have the same goal of just trying to do well and give back to the community." — Krystal Espinoza , MFT Program Graduate, 2022

"What's really rewarding is working with children and being able to counsel them. I've really appreciated the experience in using play therapy when working with children and having to use creativity to engage them. I've been able to utilize these play-therapy skills, and it's all because Pepperdine really supports that within the courses." — Tony Martello , MFT Program Graduate, 2021

Why Pepperdine?

Passion and purpose driven, distinguished faculty, alumni network, student and career support.

Pepperdine University has had one mission since our founding in 1937: To strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in Christian faith and values.

Our graduate programs empower students to transform into the best possible expression of themselves for meaningful work and purposeful lives. That legacy is alive today more than ever, as we help students all over the world gain the skills they need to achieve personal fulfillment, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact in the lives and communities they serve.

GSEP faculty are nationally recognized scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, industry expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials. Faculty members are accomplished professionals who balance theory and real-world application in a practitioner-based curriculum informed by their desire to prepare students to make a difference.

An average class size of 14 students and a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio provide a supportive educational setting, meaningful interactions, and long-term professional and personal connections.

The GSEP alumni network creates influential business connections with more than 24,000 professionals around the world. Our alumni network has 32 chapters and affinity programs in the United States and abroad.

Pepperdine alumni, faculty, staff, and parents offer resources to help graduates build professional, personal, and purposeful relationships with Pepperdine people all over the world.

Pepperdine alumni also have exclusive access to the PeppConnect mentoring program, a global network of alumni who are willing to mentor and offer career or industry advice.

Students complete our rigorous curricula with the support of dedicated academic advising, student groups, and one-on-one sessions with faculty members.

Career Support also works closely with our current students and alumni as they pursue meaningful career outcomes. Online students have access to Pepperdine career resources, such as:

• One-on-one advising with an executive coach.
• Student and alumni job boards.
• The PeppConnect online alumni community.
• Virtual and in-person networking events.

Take the Next Step

Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's online MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program.

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Doctoral Program

Curriculum for the ph.d. degree (post-master's option).

Brigham Young University offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Marriage and Family Therapy . Administratively this degree is housed in the School of Family Life . Students admitted to this program will have completed the Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or equivalent at another accredited institution. The Ph.D. degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Eleven full-time faculty have primary instructional responsibility for the graduate program with support from the School of Family Life faculty. Major courses and clinical practice are conducted in the BYU Comprehensive Clinic which houses clinical psychology, speech and language disorders, audiology, and social work in addition to the marriage and family therapy program.

Students are required to complete a minimum of 63 credit hours (listed below). In addition, a minimum of 500 hours of direct client contact (with at least 251 being relational) are required for the Doctoral degree. Additional practicum experience is also available in various inpatient and outpatient medical and mental health facilities in the community once 200 clinical hours are completed in the Comprehensive Clinic. An internship experience is required during the third year of the program while students prepare for their final dissertation defense.

Eligibility for admission to the Ph.D. (post-master's) program is based upon the applicant having an earned master's degree in MFT from a regionally accredited college or university. Some exceptions may be made for individuals who have graduated from a non-accredited program, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis under the direction of BYU's Graduate Studies, the MFT advisor, MFT Program & Clinical Directors. The Graduate School requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above for the last sixty hours for admission. Competitive applicants typically have a 3.75 GPA or higher, a combined score near 300 on the verbal and quantitative tests of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and a score of 4.0 or higher on the written portion of the GRE. For now the GRE is recommended, but not required for applicants.

Financial assistance is offered to those in the PhD program. Full tuition & fees will be paid for at the LDS rate for all students. All PhD students will also be offered a research stipend of 20 hours a week, amounting to roughly $22,500 a year .

In addition to course work and supervised clinical practicum, each student is required to complete a Doctoral Dissertation as well as a Doctoral Portfolio . More information regarding what is included in the portfolio will be given after admission to the program.

Ph.D. Program Goals . As a program, we aim for the following goals:

• Be an international leader in conducting and publishing research, with an emphasis on process research that informs how change in relational therapy occurs.
• Focus education on the integration of theory, science, and the practice of systemic and relational healing.
• Develop professionals with effective teaching skills
• Foster an environment of compassion, inclusion, and diversity.

Students are expected to demonstrate the following student learning outcomes :

• Graduating students will be competent in research skills
• Graduating students will have submitted for publication at least 2 papers as a primary author
• Graduating students will be competent in designing and carrying out research related methodology
• Graduating students will be clinically prepared
• Graduating students will be ethically prepared
• Graduating students will be prepared to be licensed in the state of Utah
• Student teachers will receive positive evaluations from their students and observing faculty
• Graduating students will be competent in designing and implementing effective teaching strategies
• Graduating students will be competent in relating to clients with regards to gender diversity
• Graduating students will be competent in relating to clients with regards to cultural diversity

Demographics for the Ph.D. Degree

The following areas of study correspond to the curriculum prescribed by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education of the AAMFT.

BYU DOCTORAL CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS*

(“Areas” of study refer to COAMFTE required areas of study.)

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS, AREAS VII THROUGH XII

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS FOR PhD=63 Hours* *Plus 500 direct face-to-face clinical hours (with at least 251 being relational)

What Can I Do with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Degree?

A Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) degree opens doors to diverse career paths in healthcare, education, government, and private practice. Those who earn an MFT degree are equipped to address complex relational issues within families and couples and provide therapy to individuals and groups dealing with a variety of psychological issues.

Graduates from a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy degree program are prepared with the expertise to address mental and emotional issues within the context of relationship and family dynamics. MFTs assess and treat a wide range of serious clinical problems, including depression, marital problems, and child-parent issues. Their approach is unique in that they consider challenges within the familial environment, emphasizing relationships as an essential factor in mental and emotional health.

What Does a Graduate from an MFT Degree Program Do?

MFTs conduct sessions with individuals, couples, families, and groups to work through relational issues. They apply various techniques tailored to their client’s specific needs. The goal is to help improve communication and understanding, allowing patients to resolve conflicts better. 

MFTs often work in private practices, mental health centers, and hospitals. They also work with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans targeting their clients’ psychological, emotional, and relational well-being.

An MFT degree program is rooted in the belief that individuals and their problems cannot be fully understood or treated without considering the larger relational context. This holistic approach helps clients achieve improved mental health and healthier, more satisfying personal relationships.

Potential Career Paths with an MFT Degree

One of the most direct applications of an MFT degree is in clinical settings where therapists counsel couples, families, and individuals. They deal with a range of issues, such as marital conflicts, parent-child relationships, depression, and anxiety. Therapists can work in private practice settings or as part of healthcare teams in hospitals and clinics.

Other settings for MFT jobs include the following.

Substance abuse and addiction treatment . MFTs are vital in addiction treatment centers, where they help clients understand and overcome substance dependencies. Their role often involves developing treatment plans and supporting the creation of a healthy environment for recovery, including family therapy, which is crucial for the patient’s long-term recovery​.

Educational settings . MFTs often work in educational institutions, providing counseling services to students, faculty, and families. They help address issues like bullying, academic stress, and social anxiety.

Mental Health Centers. MFTs also work in mental health centers, where they provide therapy for severe mental illnesses and emotional disorders. Their work is critical in managing conditions like schizophrenia, eating disorders, and severe depression, helping patients manage symptoms within the context of their family dynamics.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) . Some companies employ MFTs within their EAPs to help employees with personal problems that impact job performance. This can include counseling for relational issues, stress, grief, and other personal challenges.

Government and legal systems. MFTs also contribute to legal and correctional systems, counseling families involved in custody cases or working with individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration. They may provide expert testimony in court or develop therapy programs for prisons.

Research and teaching . An MFT degree can lead to opportunities in research and teaching at the university level. Many who choose this route may go on to earn a Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT).

Are Marriage and Family Therapists in Demand?

Marriage and family therapists are among the fastest-growing professions in the country. According to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of people working in the profession will increase 15% by 2032. 

States with the highest demand include California, New Jersey, and Maryland. California employs 30,890 marriage and family therapists, more than any other state.

Nationwide, the median salary for MFTs is $58,510. However, salaries vary depending on location, with higher-than-average salaries available in metro areas that employ the most MFTs. They include Los Angeles ($63,420), San Diego ($62,980), San Francisco ($92,370), New York City ($80,990) and Minneapolis ($67,970).

The TUW MA in Marriage and Family Therapy

All MFTs earn a master’s degree. They then obtain proper licensing before entering the profession. It is crucial to ensure that an MFT degree program offers what is needed to become licensed in your state.

The Touro University Worldwide online MFT degree program is designed for aspiring therapists who want to earn their degrees on a schedule that works around their busy personal and professional lives. The program offers strong support for students , including academic guidance and support when transitioning from school to a job. 

TUW MFT degree graduates are skillful, ethical, culturally aware, and systems-focused. They are proficient in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a varied client base of individuals, couples, and families. Possible career titles with an MFT degree include Marriage and Family Therapist, Couples Therapist, Family Therapist, Child and Adolescent Therapist, Addiction Counselor, Clinical Supervisor, and Community Mental Health Counselor.

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SMU excels in counseling education, with students highly sought for internships and positions. Earning SMU s Master of Science in Counseling provides you with education, training, and credentials to excel in the job market and make a significant impact on clients' lives.

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Dive into the dynamic field of counseling with SMU’s Master of Science program, designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills necessary for profound professional and personal impact. This CACREP-accredited program offers specialties in Clinical Mental Health; Marriage, Couple and Family; and School Counseling, preparing you for a variety of roles in different settings. Gain a comprehensive understanding of psychological principles, therapeutic techniques, and ethical practices under the guidance of expert faculty committed to your success.

Take the first step towards a rewarding career in counseling by joining a community that values transformative education and personal growth. Our program not only focuses on developing competent counselors but also nurtures compassionate individuals ready to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Engage in hands-on learning experiences, from practicums to internships, in diverse environments to refine your skills and deepen your understanding of client needs. Discover how SMU can help you achieve your professional goals and become a leader in the field of counseling.

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Students acquire knowledge in the disciplines that underlie counseling including education, psychology, human development, learning, and social change. Students develop basic skills in counseling and assessment and become familiar with the legal and clinical considerations that confront practitioners. Students engage in repeated practice and role playing with feedback and strategic modification and complete a year-long Practicum and Internship experience.

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The Counseling program provides the educational and clinical requirements necessary for certification, licensure, and actual counseling practice. Successful graduates are able to pursue State Licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), or School Counselors. The opportunity to be licensed as a Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in the state of Texas can be incorporated in an elective concentration.

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SMU's counseling program equipped me to work with a variety of populations from all walks of life.

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The 10 Best Online Couples Therapy and Counseling Services We Tried and Tested in 2024

Online services offer inclusive, empathetic support for couples of all kinds

Hannah Owens is the Mental Health/General Health Editor for Dotdash Meredith. She is a licensed social worker with clinical experience in community mental health.

Julia Childs Heyl is a clinical social worker who focuses on mental health disparities, the healing of generational trauma, and depth psychotherapy.

Dr. Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and a professor at Yeshiva University’s clinical psychology doctoral program.

Dale is an experienced fact-checker and researcher with a Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. 

If you've heard that going to couples therapy is a sign of trouble, you're not alone. Yes, it can be helpful for you to see a couples therapist if there is a big issue in your relationship, like infidelity, but it can also be helpful during the good times because it might be able to help you prevent issues before they happen—kind of like your annual checkup at the doctor. In fact, clinical studies have shown that couples therapy can enhance overall relationship satisfaction. A relationship therapist can help you learn to manage conflict, communicate with your partner better, or navigate differences you might have around parenting styles, sex, money management, and more.

That’s why we evaluated 80 different online therapy services by surveying over 10,000 users that had used these companies, interviewing spokespeople from each company, and testing the services ourselves. We also consulted with three licensed therapists— Amy Marschall, PsyD ; Nic Hardy, PhD, LCSW ; and Hannah Owens, LMSW —in order to create this list of the very best couples therapy you can find online. These 11 companies allow you to seek support from anywhere, cater to a variety of budgets, and offer quality of service that we recommend.

Best Online Couples Therapy and Counseling Services of 2024

• Most Flexible: ReGain
• Best for Busy Couples: Talkspace
• Most Affordable: Online-Therapy.com
• Best Directory: Gottman Referral Network
• Best for Christian Couples: Thriveworks
• Best for Sex Therapy: Modern Intimacy
• Best for Group Therapy: Mindful Care
• Best for Parenting: Little Otter
• Best for Divorce Counseling: Growing Self
• Best for Overcoming Infidelity: Octave Online Therapy

Why Trust Us?

When choosing an online therapy provider, we recommend that you read the company’s privacy guidelines before you sign up to better understand whether it is HIPAA-compliant and whether it shares any private information with third parties. There have been some concerns raised by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and several government officials about what user health information online therapy providers collect and what they do with any information they collect.

• Our Top Picks
• Online-Therapy.com
• Gottman Referral Network
• Thriveworks
• Modern Intimacy
• Mindful Care
• Little Otter
• Growing Self
• Octave Online Therapy
• See More (7)
• Compare Providers

Guide to Choosing the Best Online Couples Therapy

• Methodology

Most Flexible : ReGain

• Price: $260-$360+ per month
• Is Insurance Accepted?: No
• Type Of Therapy: Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy

ReGain , owned by virtual therapy giant BetterHelp , stood out to us from all 80 companies we tested because it is an online therapy service focusing exclusively on relationships. You can sign up for couples therapy with your partner or for individual, relationship-focused therapy. If you decide to sign up alone, you can also still invite your partner join you later on. This flexibility stood out to us among the 80 online therapy companies we tested, making ReGain a great choice no matter what kind of relationship therapy you need.

Can join with a partner, alone, or invite your partner later

Matches you with a therapist

Services are focused exclusively on relationships

Highly qualified therapists are available

You and your partner can access sessions from different devices

Doesn’t take insurance

Have to sign up before learning price and therapist options

Sessions are short

We had four people from four different locations (New York, Ohio, South Dakota, and the United Kingdom) test out ReGain ’s couples counseling services, both with and without their partners—and overall, our experience was positive. 

During the sign-up process, we were prompted to choose whether we wanted to sign up with our partner, by ourselves, or if we were unsure. (We were reminded that we could always invite our partner at a later time when we selected the latter options.) Then we filled out a brief intake questionnaire, which would help the company match us with the right therapist. This assessment asked a variety of logistical and screening questions, such as whether or not we lived with our partner, if there was any domestic violence currently present in the relationship, if we had been in therapy before, why we were seeking therapy now, and what we were looking for in a therapist. 

We liked that the intake also asked for our preferences regarding our therapist’s sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and religious background because it gave us confidence that ReGain was making an effort to tailor the care we received to our needs. It also asked about our financial status—and had we stated that we found the couples therapy plan unaffordable, we would have been offered a scholarship option (this happened when we indicated that we could not afford the prices we were quoted, and could be an essential help to couples who need financial assistance to access counseling). 

ReGain’s flexibility stood out to us once we started therapy too. We found it easy to schedule therapy sessions at all different times of the day, from early morning to mid-day (on our work lunch breaks) to in the evening after work. We could even schedule sessions on weekends with some therapists. In addition, the company also allowed us and our partners to access our therapy sessions from two different locations, making it even easier for us to use its services.

There are a few things to consider before trying ReGain, though. First, ReGain offers messaging for both partners in a shared "room," in addition to live sessions—this means that whatever you write to your therapist in the room is visible to your partner. We found this to be uncomfortable, and it discouraged us from using this chat function. In addition, live sessions range from 30 to 45 minutes long—and we did not feel this was an adequate amount of time for a couples therapy session (which in private practice usually last 60 to 90 minutes). Finally, while ReGain clearly offers individual relationship therapy, we did have an unpleasant experience testing the individual services with at least one therapist, who told us we shouldn’t be seeking relationship-focused therapy if our partner didn’t want to participate. 

ReGain currently offers one subscription plan, which includes live sessions and messaging. It states its fees range from $65 to $90 per week, but it bills on a monthly basis. Something to keep in mind is that ReGain uses location-based surge pricing. This means that the exact fee will vary based on your location, your preferences for the type of therapist you’d like to work with, and the demand for therapists in your area. Such a practice can lead to therapy being more cost-prohibitive. 

ReGain does not accept insurance or payment through flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs). It also does not provide any free consultations.

We surveyed 105 users of ReGain, and according to our survey data, 71% of users would recommend this service to their friends. It also has a high user satisfaction rating, with more than three-quarters of users giving it an overall positive rating of good, very good, or excellent. Users generally found ReGain to be of good value for the money, with four out of five rating it excellent, very good, or good. Overall, 84% of users found ReGain better than other services they’ve used in the past.

Best for Busy Couples : Talkspace

• Price: $69-$109 a week for therapy, billed monthly; $65 for additional sessions
• Is Insurance Accepted?: Yes
• Type Of Therapy: Couples Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

Get $85 off your first month with code VERYWELL85 .

While Talkspace doesn’t offer the longest sessions, it’s a great option for busy couples looking for a relationship tune-up because of its convenience. Your sessions are 30 minutes long, but they can be scheduled at flexible times, and you have the option of messaging your therapist in a joint portal 24/7 with a guaranteed response five days a week. Plus, you can use Talkspace as a one-stop shop for all your therapy needs beyond the ones you want to explore as a couple: You can sign up for individual talk therapy, add on psychiatry sessions, or even access therapy for your child (as long as they are at least 13 years old).

Partners share a chatroom with their therapist, making communication easy

Unlimited messaging makes it easy to ask questions between sessions

Sessions can be scheduled at convenient times

Accepts some insurance plans

Can also sign up for individual psychiatry sessions as add-on service

Sessions are short, so it's not the best for in-depth issues

Services are pricey without insurance

There have been privacy concerns raised about the company

We asked nine people to tested Talkspace for us and of those, two specifically tried Talkspace’s couples counseling services from Indiana and California—and overall, we were pleased with the services we received. 

During our testing, we learned that in order to sign up for couples therapy, only one partner can initiate the intake process, which requires answering a series of questions about yourself, why you’re interested in couples therapy, and what you’re looking for in a therapist. You will then, after paying, invite your partner to join your couples therapy subscription. If your partner accepts, they will then be asked to sign a consent form, which will give you both access to a shared therapy “room” from your own individual Talkspace portals. While you both have your own login and portal, because you share a therapy room, any message you send your therapist will be seen by your partner—you cannot message them privately. We were initially intrigued by the text-therapy option for couples therapy, but we ultimately found it difficult to express our emotions via messaging and didn’t find our therapist’s replies to be sufficiently helpful, causing us to prefer our live therapy sessions.

These live video sessions are scheduled by either partner, and we were pleased to find that we didn’t have to be in the same physical location to join our session—so we entered our therapy room on different devices. We could choose from video, audio, or live chat sessions, and our talk therapy sessions varied in length from 30 to 45 minutes during our testing, though most tended to be 30 minutes. We thought that this was a bit short for two people to talk—especially if you’re dealing with a difficult issue in your relationship. However, if you’re dealing with less serious issues in your relationship or looking for advice for making it better (say, looking for tips to improve communication, as we were), the shorter sessions work. 

We were pleased with the therapists we were matched with in this process. We found them to be warm, supportive, and invested in our growth as a couple. 

They asked insightful questions about our relationship and provided useful advice, making us feel comfortable and understood. 

We also appreciated that Talkspace is a very versatile therapy company so even if you’re primarily interested in couples therapy, you can also find help for yourself outside your relationship. In addition to its individual therapy plans, you can also add on psychiatry services if you want and/or need them. This is a highly unusual option when it comes to companies that offer couples counseling and we appreciated the ability to include this service if we so chose.

Talkspace offers a couples therapy subscription service, meaning you pay a flat fee of $436 a month ($109 per week) for four live couples therapy sessions and unlimited messaging. You can choose to have your sessions held via video or live messaging. As for the unlimited messaging, you’re allowed to send your therapist as many messages as you’d like between sessions. 

Medication management (psychiatry) services are priced per session, with the initial session costing $249 and follow-up sessions costing $125 each. 

Talkspace also currently accepts Optum, Cigna, Oscar, and Regence health insurance plans. It also accepts payments through HSAs and FSAs but does not provide any free consultations.

The majority of Talkspace users would readily recommend it: Mre than four out of five clients said so in our survey of 105 Talkspace users. This platform is also great at taking the guesswork out of finding a couples therapist: While 7% of users sought couples or marital counseling specifically, 88% of users found it to be very helpful in connecting them to the right therapist. 

As mentioned, this platform is pricey without insurance; however, more than half of users (58%) reported they found it to be affordable. Overall, an impressive 91% of the users we surveyed rated Talkspace as good, very good, or excellent.

Most Affordable : Online-Therapy.com

• Price: $200-$440 per month

For $440 a month, Online-Therapy.com offers couples exponentially more resources than the other competitors we reviewed. Not only do you receive weekly couples therapy sessions with your subscription, but you also get access to a virtual journal, homework that reinforces the skills learned in session, and even yoga videos, making it a great value.

Great value for all of the services and resources available

Wide range of services

Easy to change therapists

Unlimited messaging available

Doesn’t accept insurance

Therapists lack diversity

Might be cost-prohibitive for some

We asked five people to test Online-Therapy.com ’s various services, with two of them specifically testing its couples therapy subscription from California and Pennsylvania. And overall, we were very impressed with Online-Therapy.com’s value for the price. In addition to the weekly couples sessions (which are 45 minutes long), we had access to a plethora of additional resources and materials that helped support us between sessions, such as journaling, activity plans, and even yoga videos. These resources were available to us for a price comparable to and often lower than other companies that don’t provide these extra services.

In addition, we found our therapists to be professional and caring; they made us feel immediately at ease. This is especially important in couples therapy, where honest communication is key and a therapist needs to balance more than one person’s opinions, feelings, and needs in order to encourage us to want to open up. 

We also liked that Online-Therapy.com’s couples services use  cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as the primary approach. As a therapy approach based on identifying negative and unhelpful thought patterns and learning to redirect them in a healthy way, we found that it helped us with things like communication and trust-building. Our therapists also gave us CBT-based worksheets and materials to practice these new skills outside of session with our partners. 

Finally, we appreciated how easy it was to sign up and—if we wanted to—switch therapists. We could simply log into our account and click the “change therapists” button directly under the photo of our therapist or request a switch at the end of session. One of our therapists also cleared the air right away by making it clear that we could switch at any time, no hard feelings, by asking us at the end of our first session if we felt comfortable continuing with her. 

We did have a small snafu with one of our first therapists—she indicated on her bio that she offered all types of sessions (including video, which we specifically requested), but once we had scheduled a session with her, she informed us that she only offered text therapy. This was frustrating, but switching therapists was easy, and we found someone suitable who offered video sessions.

Online-Therapy.com only offers one couples therapy subscription plan, which costs $440 per month ($110 per week) for weekly 45-minute long sessions, unlimited messaging, and virtual coping tools and resources. The company is currently offering 20% off your first month of services, making the price of couples therapy $88 per week.

It also offers a variety of individual therapy plans, ranging in price from $50 to $110 a week. The Basic tier ($50 a week) includes unlimited messaging with your therapist, the 8-session CBT program, and access to additional resources like worksheets and yoga videos. The Standard tier ($80 a week) includes everything in the Basic tier plus one 45-minute live therapy session a week. The Premium tier ($110 a week) includes everything in the Basic tier plus two 45-minute live therapy sessions a week. 

Unfortunately, the service is not in-network with any insurance providers, though it can provide a superbill if you want to independently seek reimbursement through your provider.

Of the 105 Online-Therapy.com users we surveyed, 85% rated the company as good, very good, or excellent overall, and nine out of ten felt the same about their therapist’s qualifications. Additionally, seven out of ten users specifically called out the program’s additional resources as better than other companies. 

In addition, 82% of survey respondents said they would refer Online-Therapy.com to a friend, and nearly three-quarters told us they found a provider who met most or all of their needs.

Best Directory : Gottman Referral Network

• Price: Varies by provider
• Type Of Therapy: Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Individual Therapy
• Price: Varies by therapist
• Insurance Accepted? Yes, by some therapists
• Types of Therapy: Couples therapy, family therapy, individual therapy, peer support

The Gottman Method is a therapy approach for couples that is backed by over 40 years of research. It teaches couples to communicate more calmly, de-escalate conflict, dodge stagnation, rekindle intimacy, and feel more empathy toward one another. But it isn’t always easy to find a therapist that specializes in this method, which is why we found the Gottman Referral Network so noteworthy.

All therapists specialize in couples therapy and the Gottman Method

Over 1,000 therapists listed

Therapists are vetted, ensuring they have a high level of experience

The Gottman Method is an evidence-based practice

Lacking a range of diverse providers

Cannot search for providers based on price or insurance offerings

Not the best if you’re interested in therapists who aren’t only focused on the Gottman Method

When we tested the Gottman Referral Network directory, we started our search with some specific filters: we were looking for a therapist who accepted our insurance, could treat anxiety, and offered individual counseling as well as couples therapy. Even within these particular parameters, we were given 30 different therapists as options—which made us confident in the Gottman Referral Network’s ability to connect us with a provider who would suit our needs. In fact, we were able to find qualified therapists in all 50 states, as well as in 40 other countries.

We also tested how easy or difficult it was to find couples therapists that met 36 different criteria across 16 ZIP codes in the United States. And by far, the Gottman Referral Network outperformed the 24 other directories we researched in terms of finding therapists that specialized in relationship issues such as communication problems, infidelity, and whether or not to get a divorce, as well as navigating issues in a polyamorous relationship. 

Each Gottman Referral Network profile indicated the provider's level of training in the Gottman Method , from level one (having been taught foundational skills of the approach) to level three (having completed multiple training intensives). Certified Gottman therapists have completed all levels of training and have a minimum of 1,000 hours of post-graduate therapy experience. 

The only thing to keep in mind is that this directory might not be our first choice for LGBTQ+ or BIPOC couples. Although the Gottman Method is based on 40 years of research, only a minimal amount of that research was conducted on homosexual couples, and it was also almost exclusively centered on white couples.

Providers do not list their pricing nor session lengths on the directory; however, in our research we found that therapy sessions generally range between $60 and $200 each and are typically 50 minutes long. 

The majority of providers on this directory do not accept insurance, though. 

Overall, nearly four out of five of the 180 users we surveyed rated this directory as good or very good. Of those, 35% used the directory to find a therapist because they were dealing with relationship issues, considering a divorce, or looking for premarital counseling—far more than any of the other 24 directories we tested. In addition, more than 95% were able to find a therapist who met most or all of their needs. 

In addition, 79% rated the Gottman Referral Network as good or very good overall, and more than seven out of ten are still using the therapist they found on the directory. Nearly three quarters of users said they would start their search at Gottman Referral Network again if they needed another therapist.

Best for Christian Couples : Thriveworks

• Price: $160 - $240 per therapy session, $300 - $375 for initial psychiatry/medication management session, $210 - $300 for follow-ups
• Type Of Therapy: Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

Some couples may prefer to have a therapist who is Christian and can incorporate faith-based practices into their work together so that they can strengthen their relationship in a way that feels supportive and aligned with their values. This culturally sensitive therapy is readily available through Thriveworks—and is something we could not find across most of the other online therapy companies we reviewed.

Christian-based therapy available

Offers an eclectic variety of treatment specialties, focuses, and modalities

Accepts health insurance

All therapists use evidence-based practices

Does not offer a sliding scale

Cannot filter therapists by identity

We had four different testers try out Thriveworks —in Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Massachusetts—and although we did not test couples therapy specifically, overall, we were impressed with the level of care we received at Thriveworks.

It is easy to filter for therapists by specialization and expertise at the company—which is why we also found it easy to narrow our results to those that offer Christian counseling. And because Thriveworks serves all 50 states and Washington, D.C., we didn’t have any trouble finding therapists with the background and expertise we wanted in a variety of locations. (However, we should point out that there was only one therapist offering individual counseling and no therapist for couples counseling listed in Kansas at the time we signed up, limiting our options.)

We also appreciated the fact that Thriveworks gave us the opportunity to choose our own therapist. While filling out an intake form and letting a company choose a therapist match can be convenient and save time, we found that process at competitor companies to sometimes mean we were poorly matched, requiring us to switch therapists until we were happy. Thriveworks, meanwhile, works really well if you are looking for a more specialized type of therapist, like a therapist who is also a practicing Christian. The filters on the Thriveworks site also allowed us to narrow results by visit type (in-person or video), clinician gender identity, the ages they treat (from 0 to 65+), language, and counseling approach.

Although we did not test couples therapy ourselves, we did research the process in detail. Couples sessions at Thriveworks are an hour long—significantly longer than many of the couples sessions we tested at other companies. We found that the first session would be more of an intake session, where we would go over our relationship history, and then our therapist would fill us in on important information to know about therapy at Thriveworks, such as that it’s HIPAA-compliant. From there, we’d discuss what we wanted to work on in couples therapy. Then after that, we’d start to dive into our concerns in our relationships with our later sessions. 

We found all therapy sessions to be generally comfortable and supportive, though, and our therapists asked us insightful questions and guided the conversations nicely. We felt like our therapists were a good fit for ourselves and our families, and we’d gladly go back to Thriveworks if we needed therapy again. 

In addition, Thriveworks is one of the few online couples therapy platforms we found that offers faith-based counseling, without having “statements of faith” that discriminate against the LGBTQIA+ community by citing Bible verses that denounce homosexuality.

Sessions at Thriveworks are offered either in person, by phone, or on video and last 50 to 60 minutes, though the exact length varies depending on the provider you choose. 

Session fees also vary by provider, but generally fall in the range of $60 to $130 per session, with final pricing determined by your location and therapist preferences. The good news is that Thriveworks is in-network with most insurance plans and will verify benefits before your first session. However, the type of insurance accepted will vary by therapist—and be sure to check if your insurance plan covers couples therapy, as many do not.

Thriveworks has a very high user satisfaction rating: Nine out of 10 of the 105 users we surveyed rated it as excellent, very good, or good, and 88% felt the same about their therapist’s qualifications—an especially impressive figure compared to the other online therapy companies we reviewed. Seven percent of users specifically looked for and found a couples therapist at Thriveworks. 

What’s more, four out of five Thriveworks users would recommend the company to a friend, and more than three-quarters were able to find a provider who met most or all of their needs. 

Best for Sex Therapy : Modern Intimacy

• Price: $150-$300 per session

Modern Intimacy offers judgment-free therapy and workshops to help couples receive support around relationships and sexuality. It specializes in sex therapy—an area of expertise none of the 80 online therapy companies we tested offer—with licensed sex therapists who treat a wide range of sexualities, gender identities, and relationship types. We love its sex-positive lens, diverse roster of clinicians, and the wide range of subject matter it addresses.

Offers sex therapy, a service not found at most other online therapy companies

Wide range of clinicians

Offers educational courses

Free 30-minute consultation

Currently only accepts clients in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and New York

Price point is high compared to other companies featured

Does not accept insurance

Going to couples therapy is hard enough as it is. Seeking out therapy specifically for intimacy and sex stressors in a relationship can be even more challenging. That’s why we recommend Modern Intimacy : It has a roster of therapists who are either certified or working toward getting certified in sex therapy. Licensed sex therapists specialize in sex and sexual relationships and have much more background and experience that therapists who don’t have a sex therapy license—when seeking sex therapy, you should always look for a licensed sex therapist to ensure you get the most professional care possible. Plus, it's inclusive, offering specialized support aimed at those healing from trauma, the LGBTQIA+ community , and the BDSM/kink communities. 

In our research, we found that to sign up, you start with a free 30-minute phone consultation with an intake coordinator and your partner. During this session, you’ll share what brings you to couples therapy, your goals, and any questions you might have. The intake coordinator will then work to match you with a therapist based on what you discussed.

We found that Modern Intimacy prides itself on a nonjudgmental approach and its therapists are  well-versed in a number of therapy techniques, including: 

• Attachment theory (focuses on long-term relationships and bonds)
• PACT couples therapy (combo of attachment theory, neuroscience, and biology of arousal)
• The Gottman Method 
• Imago therapy (turns conflicts into opportunities for growth and healing)
• Emotionally focused therapy (short-term therapy that improves attachment and bonding)
• Internal family systems therapy (a focus on the “true self” and turning unhealthy parts of ourselves back into healthy parts)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Providers also may use trauma-informed therapy , ensuring they cultivate a safe space for both you and your partner. 

Our testing of Modern Intimacy is ongoing, but we strongly felt it deserved a place on our list because of its specialization. However, unfortunately, Modern Intimacy only serves a few states: California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and New York.

At Modern Intimacy, therapy can range from $150 to $300 per 50-minute session, depending on the credentials and experience of the provider. The company does not accept insurance, though it can offer you a superbill to submit to your insurance. It also offers a free 30-minute consultation that you can schedule directly on the website.

We have not yet had the opportunity to survey Modern Intimacy users, but we did thoroughly research it and found that most past and present users that have shared online reviews or testimonials are satisfied with the services they’ve received. 

We also consulted three licensed therapists and Stefani Goerlich, a licensed sex therapist, and across the board, all felt strongly that Modern Intimacy deserved a place on this list because of its specialization, the expertise and licensure of its therapists, and its inclusivity. 

“When seeking help with and treatment for sexual issues and concerns, it’s always better to see a specialist,” explains Owens. “Just like you’d go to a cardiologist rather than a general practitioner for a heart problem, going to a sex therapist with specific expertise will always be better than seeing a therapist who does not have that specialty or experience.”

Best for Group Therapy : Mindful Care

• Price: $20-$175 for substance use; Individual therapy: $50 for 20-minute sessions, $100 for 40-minute sessions; $35 per group session; $75-$175 for psychiatry session
• Type Of Therapy: Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Medication Management, Psychiatry, Teen Counseling

When we’re in a relationship with someone, we tend to fall into certain patterns. Sometimes we expect something from our partner that we haven’t actually communicated to them, or we take on certain roles in the relationship (like the “planner” or the “bad cop”) in which we become complacent. Mindful Care is one of the only companies we evaluated that focuses exclusively on helping couples examine their relationship dynamics through its virtual group called CONNECT . This group’s focus on mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy will support you in developing increased comfort in navigating sticky conversations. No other online therapy company we reviewed offers anything like this kind of expansive and inclusive group therapy option, making Mindful Care’s CONNECT group ideal for those seeking relationship support from their peers and a licensed facilitator.

Offers group therapy

Very affordable

Unique opportunity to build relationship skills

Promotes healthy family, friend, and colleague relationships as well as romantic

Accepts insurance

Only offers services in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York

Focuses on all relationships, not just romantic

Participating in a group may not be for everyone

Mindful Care is one of the only online therapy companies we tested that offers true group therapy , rather than just group support. Group therapy is led by a licensed mental health professional and involves the same small group of people who share a common experience, characteristic, or identity meeting regularly, often for a set period of time. And when we tested Mindful Care in New York, we found its MindFit groups to be especially welcoming and effective. 

While we are aware that this company doesn’t serve as many states as others on our list (it only serves six states) and we did find signing up for group therapy through our patient portal a bit confusing, requiring us to get help from the customer service team, our experience with Mindful Care was so great we couldn’t not include it on this list.

When we signed up, we received an email with all of the MindFit groups available that week and from there, we could choose the one that interested us. From this list of available groups, we chose the group focused on facing everyday challenges, but our other options included trauma, anger management, substance use support, LGBTQIA issues, and anxiety. 

Our group was capped at 15 people, and we found that nine to 15 people attended depending on the day (we attended a few group sessions across the course of a couple weeks). Our group met for an hour on Zoom and our facilitator (a licensed therapist) was professional and welcoming. We all started by introducing ourselves to the rest of the group, and then from there, conversation flowed quickly and easily. The group felt like a space where it was safe to talk about anything and everything because everyone in the group was there to give support and help each other work towards our goals. The facilitator also made sure everyone had the chance to speak and be heard. The only reason we didn’t continue with this group was that the time wasn’t very convenient for our schedule.

Of course, though, group therapy is not for everyone. Part of the group therapy experience is hearing others’ perspectives and noticing how they are navigating their healing journey. If this doesn’t sound like you—or you’re more interested in seeking individualized feedback—this might not be the company for you. Similarly, if you want to discuss sensitive issues and the thought of doing so in a group format makes you uncomfortable, group therapy may not be the best for you. But if you are eager, as we were, to develop community and strengthen your communication skills, or you are seeking a lower-fee therapy option, group therapy could be a great fit for you—and Mindful Care does it particularly well.

Group therapy at Mindful Care costs $35 per session. 

The company also offers other types of therapy, including:

• MicroTherapy : This is an urgent 20-minute check-in that you can schedule same-day; it costs $50 per session.
• Individual therapy : The initial evaluation costs $150 out-of-pocket, and subsequent 40-minute sessions are $100.
• Psychiatric evaluation : The initial 40-minute session costs $175, and 20-minute follow-up appointments cost $75.
• Addiction recovery plan : This plan costs $49 per month.

Mindful Care is also in-network with many insurance providers, including Cigna, Medicare, Medicaid, and Optum. Plans accepted vary by location, but the company will check your coverage before your treatment begins.

Mindful Care did very well in our user survey of 105 current and past patients: 95% found the service’s clinicians to have good, if not excellent, qualifications. In addition, most users were satisfied with the platform’s therapists, with more than four out of five saying they felt that their therapist was able to meet most, if not all, of their needs. Five percent said specifically that Mindful Care’s couples therapy options were better than at other online therapy companies they’d tried.

Therapist diversity is another win with this platform: 86% of users found Mindful Care to have a range of diversity among providers. Overall, nearly all (95%) of users rated Mindful Care as good, very good, or excellent. 

Best for Parenting : Little Otter

• Price: $20 "welcome" session; $195 for standard therapy session; $500 for general psychiatry evaluation; $250 for follow-up psychiatry sessions
• Type Of Therapy: Children's Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Teen Counseling

Having children can have a big impact on your relationship with your partner—which in turn can affect your child’s mental health as well. That’s why Little Otter ’s focus on the entire family unit stood out to us: It offers online couples therapy specifically aimed at parents and takes a holistic family approach in doing so. In addition to your couples sessions, you can also sign up your child (as long as they’re 14 years old or younger) for treatment too and add parent coaching sessions or family sessions.

Treats children aged 14 and younger

Couples counseling and coaching for parents

Focus on the entire family unit’s mental health

Resources and tools that can be used outside of sessions

Messaging between sessions

Only accepts one insurance plan

Initial assessment session is not free

Expensive compared to other companies on the list

We had three parents and their families test Little Otter from California, Pennsylvania, and New York so we could get a sense of how well the company served kids and their parents alike—and it delivers.

All therapy at Little Otter starts with a meeting with a “care lead,” a clinician in charge of organizing and scheduling all our care through Little Otter. This session, which costs $90 for 30 minutes, introduced us to the services the company offers and explained what services were available to kids and what services were available to parents and families. After this session, you can schedule your additional appointments, though we found that for the next two sessions, you’ll still be going over goals and your treatment plans. It will take about four sessions before therapy really starts—which can feel a little frustrating. However, these thorough intro sessions did reassure us that the company did truly care about our family’s well-being and helped us feel confident in the level of care it provides. 

Since this platform is specifically for families, we expected strong support on parenting challenges—and Little Otter delivered on this front. We found that that no matter the parenting service we chose, be it parent coaching or couples therapy, we could discuss co-parenting, differences in parenting styles, and communication issues that were impeding our parenting. This focus on parenting sets Little Otter apart from the other companies we reviewed, and makes it a great resource for parents in need of support.

Be aware, though, that Little Otter is currently not available in all 50 states, which is a drawback compared to many other companies on our list. As of writing this article, Little Otter is only available in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. It is also on the pricier side compared to other companies we evaluated. However, we still felt like its unique emphasis made the company stand out and deserving of a spot on our list.

Your initial 30-minute assessment session costs $90 at Little Otter. Every session after is 45 minutes long and costs $200, except for psychiatry sessions. A 75-minute psychiatric evaluation costs $500, and each follow-up psychiatry session costs $250.

Bundles are available at a slight discount. An assessment bundle costs $540, which includes a 90-minute assessment and one therapy session; it costs $2,040 for 12-session bundle. 

Unfortunately, Little Otter is only in-network with one insurance provider (Kaiser Permanente), but payments can be made through an FSA or HSA.

Overall, the 105 Little Otter users we surveyed were satisfied with the care they received.

Seventy-five percent of our 105 survey participants rated Little Otter as excellent, very good, or good overall. In addition, 81% of users scored it higher than similar services they’ve used in the past—a better rating than most of the other online therapy companies we evaluated. Nearly eight out of ten users thought the qualifications of Little Otter therapists were good, very good, or excellent, and 18% turned to this company specifically because of marriage or relationship issues. Additionally, seven out of ten users found a therapist who met most or all of their needs.

Best for Divorce Counseling : Growing Self

• Price: $40 per group session; $75 to $170 per individual therapy or coaching session

Divorce can be an incredibly difficult time to navigate. You might be stressed as you find a new place to live; you might feel grief or be dealing with custody battles, court proceedings, and co-parenting agreements. That’s why Growing Self stood out to us: It offers support specifically aimed at helping people deal with the complicated emotions and stress that arise from a divorce (or even a breakup) though individual therapy, couples therapy, and support groups.

Specific focus on relationships

Offers divorce group therapy

Offers a free consultation

Expensive compared to other services

No adjunct messaging services

Minimal diversity across providers

When we tested Growing Self from Colorado, we found it excelled in its relationship therapy and coaching offerings because it offered more tailored services. Not only can you find traditional couples therapy at Growing Self, but you can also find individual relationship-focused therapy, premarital counseling, sex therapy, long-distance relationship counseling, affair recovery counseling, divorce coaching, and—most uniquely compared to the other 54 companies we evaluated—divorce or breakup support groups. 

The breakup and divorce support group is a 75-minute group session, capped at six people, that meets weekly for eight weeks. We learned that the group is facilitated by a divorce counselor and breakup recovery coach who leads the group through various exercises and guided discussions. Plus, each session is only $40, ensuring it is financially accessible even in the midst of an expensive divorce. The only thing to know: This is a coaching-oriented support group, which means that while the facilitator is a divorce counselor and breakup recovery coach, the groups will be focused on more actionable activities and guided discussions rather than in-depth emotional processing or sharing in a group setting like you might find at other support groups, including some we included on our list after testing. 

We also tested Growing Self’s individual relationship counseling and were very pleased with the care we received. We found our therapists to vary in experience: One was an early-career therapist currently obtaining her counseling and marriage and family therapist licensures and the other was a licensed counselor with a PhD, but both were supportive and highly educated, with direct, strengths-based, and solution-oriented focuses on counseling. We also found that both created a comfortable space for discussing relationship issues and developing therapeutic goals.

Couples therapy at Growing Self ranges from $65 to $160 per 45-minute session based on the therapist’s level of training. Sliding scale pricing is available.

Support groups cost $40 per 60-minute group session. 

Unfortunately, Growing Self does not accept insurance, but you can schedule a free consultation to get started.

We surveyed 105 people that were using or had recently used Growing Self’s services and of those, almost four out of five told us the company was better or much better than services they’d tried in the past. Overall, 90% of the 105 users we surveyed rated Growing Self as good, very good, or excellent, and nearly seven out of ten were able to find a provider who met all or most of their needs. Eight percent sought therapy at Growing Self specifically for marriage or relationship issues, and 4% received divorce or discernment counseling. Seven out of ten users would recommend Growing Self to a friend or someone like them.

Best for Overcoming Infidelity : Octave Online Therapy

• Price: $190 - $275
• Type Of Therapy: Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Individual Therapy

Life after infidelity can feel isolating and scary—and it can impact our ability to trust for a long time. That’s why we were impressed with Octave : Many of its couples therapists focus specifically on supporting couples recovering (or navigating life) after infidelity. These therapists also use techniques, like emotionally focused therapy, that have been clinically shown to help people develop trust and secure attachments.

Support available specifically for infidelity

In-network with some insurance plans

Highly qualified providers

Care navigator matches you (rather than an algorithm)

Only available in six states and Washington, D.C.

Doesn’t accept a wide range of insurance plans

Sessions can be very expensive

We asked four people to test Octave’s therapy services from California, New York, and Florida; two of them tested Octave’s couples counseling specifically. And overall, we had a very positive experience. 

Octave’s therapists have a wide range of training and specializations, including repair after infidelity, a specialty that we found was hard to come by even at companies that specialize in couples counseling. These therapists can help support couples in moving forward together or deciding if it’s better to end the relationship, giving them the tools to move on in a more healthy way for future relationships. 

In addition, because the therapists have such a wide range of specializations, the company seems to be able to match you well to one that can help you with the issues you are looking to address in therapy. We were impressed with how detailed the intake questionnaire was when we signed up and with the personalized level of care the company took to match us; however, the matching process takes seven to 10 days, which is way longer than almost all the other 54 companies we tested. Still, the matching process is very individualized: Octave does not use a matching algorithm (like Talkspace and BetterHelp) and instead uses a care navigator (i.e. an actual, qualified person) to help pair you. Our care navigator called us a few days after filling out the intake form to let us know we’d been assigned a therapist. And in our testing, we found the therapists to be very well matched to our needs.

Our couples therapists were thoughtful, informed, and attentive, asking us thought-provoking questions and making sure to encourage us and our partners to speak up equally during the session. We felt seen and respected in session and while some therapists were a bit more goal-oriented than others, our therapists seemed to use therapy techniques that aligned with our stated goals for therapy from the intake process. 

The biggest drawback for Octave is that it is a relatively smaller company than most of the others we reviewed and so it only currently serves patients in California, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Washington, D.C.

Couples sessions at Octave are 55 minutes long and range from $190 to $275, with the final price depending on the provider you choose and your location.

The company does accept Anthem Blue Cross of California, Aetna, Health Net and Managed Health Network (MHN), and UnitedHealthcare UMR plan for Mount Sinai. Coverage varies by state.

Seven out of ten Octave users rated the company overall as good, very good, or excellent, and three-quarters of the 105 users felt the same about their therapist’s qualifications. Its matching service is highly regarded amongst clients; 69% of users found it to be helpful in connecting them to a therapist, and the same number would recommend Octave to a friend or someone like them. If they needed a new therapist in the future, 56% of clients surveyed said they would use Octave again.

Compare the Best Online Couples Therapy and Counseling Services of 2024

There is a lot to think about when choosing the right online couples counseling or therapy for yourself and your partner. Here are some factors we recommend you consider:

• Price: Therapy and counseling for couples is often slightly more expensive for couples, with monthly costs ranging from less than $50 to over $500. Consider whether the strain on your budget will add stress to your relationship, and whether choosing a service that accepts insurance can help minimize expenses.
• Specialties: Are you and your partner looking to improve your overall communication and relationship, or are you more specifically looking for help with parenting or intimacy? Choosing a service tailored to your needs can improve your experience.
• Scheduling: Online counseling offers more schedule flexibility in general, because you can attend sessions from anywhere. But some services offer weekend or evening appointments, which may be a huge help for parents of young kids or those with demanding or unusual work schedules.
• Communication method: Services that offer texting may give you added flexibility if scheduling is difficult but, for others, the dedicated face-time of live counseling may be a higher priority.
• Switching therapists: You should get to work with a therapist you feel comfortable with, so be sure to look into how easily you can switch if you're not happy with the person you're initially paired with.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, please seek support immediately. You can text the Crisis Textline at 741741, call 988 to get connected to emergency mental health resources, or dial 911 for emergency services—though with the latter two options, be aware that police might be the first responders.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is couples therapy different from other types of therapy.

Couples therapy is a form of therapy that provides clinical support to you and your partner, helping with anything from infidelity to parenting issues, or even just to make sure the relationship stays healthy. This differs from individual therapy, where only one person meets with the therapist, and family therapy, where it’s a family unit that is working with a therapist to understand and change their family dynamics.

Group therapy involves a set number of participants who share a similar experience or condition with a licensed therapist leading the sessions, whereas support groups do not require participants to attend regularly every week and might be run by a person with lived experience rather than a professional.

How Does Couples Therapy Work?

Most couples therapy sessions range from 30 to 90 minutes and take place either online (via a video call or phone call) or in-person every week. Your therapist will be likely be a marriage and family therapist , a psychologist , a licensed mental health counselor , or a licensed social worker and will have training in treating couples.

During your session, your therapist will ask you and your partner questions and guide you through conversations in order to develop goals and ways to enhance your relationship and reduce conflict. Some online therapy platforms also offer an opportunity to message your therapist and complete homework assignments in between sessions.

Is Couples Therapy Effective?

There is much empirical evidence that supports the effectiveness of couples therapy, both by itself and in conjunction with other types of mental health treatment, as outlined by a 2022 study. Another study from 2016 found that psychodynamic couples therapy (focusing more on deeper personal and emotional issues rather than problem-solving) resulted in improvement in both the relationship and how each partner felt individually. Emotionally focused therapy in particular has been proven to be especially effective with couples, as outlined in a 2022 meta-analysis (a study of many studies).

Is Online Couples Therapy Right for You?

Online couples counseling is great for people who want to address issues like communication and trust in their relationship; it can even be a good resource for people whose relationship is already strong but who want to prevent problems or concerns that might come up down the road. However, if one or both of you has a diagnosis of a severe mood disorder or schizophrenia , online therapy platforms may not provide the level of support needed when working with both relationship issues and serious mental health concerns.

Similarly, online couples counseling isn’t suitable for relationships where domestic violence is occurring. This is because some conversations in couples therapy can end up escalating the violence. Instead, it is imperative that each partner seeks out therapy separately.

How We Tested and Reviewed Online Couples Counseling

We evaluated 55 online therapy companies and 25 therapist directories in order to compile this list.

Firsthand Experience

As part of our research, we signed up for talk therapy at all 55 online therapy companies we reviewed. We tested each company's therapy services, and if the company offered other services (such as couples therapy and kid or teen therapy) we tested those too. Our testers are located all across the United States and abroad, meaning we have extensive information about each company's services in a variety of areas.

User and Brand Surveys

In addition, we surveyed more than 10,000 therapy users: 105 at each of the 55 online therapy companies and 180 at each of the 25 therapist directories. We collected over 100 different data points in which we asked users to evaluate each company's services, from their therapist's qualifications to whether they found a therapist who met all their needs to how they'd rate the company overall. We also sent questionnaires to each company we considered, asking for their perspectives on the services they provide, and we interviewed former patients and therapists at the companies where possible.

In addition to the extensive research we performed on each of the 55 online therapy companies we reviewed, we also researched dozens of therapy directories. We tested each by searching for appropriate therapists for 37 hypothetical scenarios that might lead someone to search for a mental health provider across 18 ZIP codes. We then rated the results by how well the therapists we found in each directory could address each scenario, looking into whether it had competent, licensed therapists that were qualified to treat these issues.

Expert Recommendations

Once we completed this testing and these surveys, we evaluated our findings with the help of three licensed therapists— Amy Marschall , PsyD; Nic Hardy , PhD, LCSW; and Hannah Owens , LMSW—in order to make our recommendations. These therapists provided extensive insight into the ethics and efficacy of online therapy as well as information about relevant therapeutic modalities and approaches.

  Read our full online therapy methodology to see how we evaluated each service

VeryWell Mind/ Design by Amelia Manley

Schofield MJ, Mumford N, Jurkovic D, Jurkovic I, Bickerdike A. Short and long-term effectiveness of couple counseling: a study protocol . BMC Public Health . 2012;12(1):735. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-12-735

The Gottman Institute. Overview - research .

Benson LA, Sevier M, Christensen A. The impact of behavioral couple therapy on attachment in distressed couples . J Marital Fam Ther. 2013;39(4):407-20. doi:10.1111/jmft.12020

Lebow J, Snyder DK. Couple therapy in the 2020s: Current status and emerging developments .  Fam Process . 2022;61(4):1359-1385. doi:10.1111/famp.12824

Spengler, P. M., Lee, N. A., Wiebe, S. A., & Wittenborn, A. K. (2022). A comprehensive meta-analysis on the efficacy of emotionally focused couple therapy . Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice. Advance online publication.  https://doi.org/10.1037/cfp0000233

By Hannah Owens, LMSW Hannah Owens is the Mental Health/General Health Editor for Dotdash Meredith. She is a licensed social worker with clinical experience in community mental health.

Simone is the health editorial director for performance marketing at Verywell. She has over a decade of experience as a professional journalist covering mental health, chronic conditions, medicine, and science.

Olivia Campbell is a health and parenting editor at Dotdash Meredith. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller “Women in White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine.”

The Forbes Health editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Health site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First , we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second , we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them.

The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health. While we work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Best Online Couples Therapy Services Of 2024

Expert Reviewed

Couples therapy is a form of therapy in which committed partners receive support in achieving their relationship goals or addressing problems within their relationship.

For partners looking to improve aspects of their relationship or simply gain a better understanding of each other, therapy can prove beneficial. There are numerous models of couples therapy available to address a wide range of issues, which makes it a potentially valuable option for those navigating relationship challenges.

If you’re considering couples therapy but not sure which platform to use, we’ve got you covered. Explore our top picks (and one bonus pick) for best online couples therapy of 2024, based on factors such as cost, number of sessions in a monthly subscription, nationwide availability and more.

Note: All costs are sourced directly from each therapy platform and are accurate as of publishing. All star ratings are determined solely by the editorial team.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Health

The Forbes Health editorial team prioritizes the accuracy and integrity of the data collected. Our ranking is based on quantitative data and is free from conflicts of interest. We carefully fact check the information featured in our ranking and are committed to producing rankings and supplemental content about mental health treatment that readers can trust. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our online therapy methodology for the rankings below.

• 43 telehealth platforms considered
• 35 metrics analyzed
• 4 editors and researchers utilized
• Best Online Therapy
• Brightside Review
• Cerebral Review
• Talkspace Review
• BetterHelp Review
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Best Online Couples Therapy of 2024

Growing self, methodology: how we picked the best online couples therapy of 2024, what is online couples therapy, types of couples therapy, why should you try online couples therapy, benefits of online couples therapy, does online couples therapy work, how much does online couples therapy cost, preparing for couples therapy, how to find the best online couples therapy or counseling, compare the best online couples therapy providers of 2024, frequently asked questions (faqs), explore online couples therapy from our featured partners.

Our Top Online Couples Therapy

• Cost: Varies, but around $260 per month for four video therapy sessions
• Does not accept insurance
• Does not accept HSA/FSA
• Types of therapy available: Relationship therapy for individuals and couples
• Communication options: Live video, phone call, live chat and messaging
• Average session time: 30 to 45 minutes
• Over 15,000 therapists with different qualifications and expertise
• Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating: F; Trustpilot Rating: 3.5

ReGain focuses on couples therapy from licensed professionals such as psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors and more. When signing up, individuals can choose between an individual approach, couples therapy or the option to decide later. Interested users begin by filling out a short questionnaire, followed by an option to invite their partner to the platform if they’ve signed up via the individual route. Most clients are matched with a provider within 48 hours and can then begin therapy, according to the company.

• Offers counseling options for individuals and couples
• Switch your therapist at any time no matter the reason
• Register individually and invite your partner to the platform later on or sign-up as a couple from the beginning
• Provides up-to-date reviews of ReGain provider experiences on its website
• Offers transparency surrounding therapist credentials and expertise
• Partners can join sessions from different locations
• Because partner accounts are shared, your partner will be able to view your messages with your therapist, which may not be preferable for all users
• Lowest available BBB rating

“I found the convenience of ReGain to be beneficial. My husband and I were matched with a counselor within two days and found our session to be helpful in discussing some ways to improve our communication as a couple. Our counselor listened to our personal goals and explored our strengths and weaknesses.” — Meghan Mannarino , Forbes Health writer. Read her full review of ReGain here .

• Cost: Price varies by location and provider, but discounts available with $10.99 monthly membership
• Accepts HSA/FSA
• Types of therapy available: Couples therapy, sex therapy, stress management therapy and more
• Communication options: Live video, in-person
• Average session time: Varies by provider
• Does not disclose how many providers are in its network
• BBB Rating: A-; Trustpilot Rating: 4.1

Sesame is an online health care platform offering counseling and therapy, family medicine, psychiatry and more. Sesame also offers couples counseling or couples therapy specifically, which two partners usually attend together to discuss various topics of relationship distress. These may include communication issues, parenting conflicts, intimacy problems and domestic violence. Treatment may be short-term or long-term depending on a user’s needs and can be addressed both individually and as a couple. Users can access Sesame for free or gain access to more discounts and features by signing up for the platform’s paid subscription, Sesame Plus, for $10.99 per month.

• You may cancel up to three hours before a virtual appointment
• You do not need to be a member to use Sesame
• Sesame’s network of professionals includes doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners
• Access to doctors with 40+ specialties across all 50 states
• Robust customer support options available via chat, email and phone
• Highest available Trustpilot rating on this list
• May not provide visit summaries
• Partial refunds are not available
• Cost may vary widely
• Couples therapy may not be available to book in some areas

“Because I live in an area with a minimal amount of therapists, I didn’t have the best luck with Sesame [when searching for individual therapy]. For those interested in trying Sesame, first ensure that there are therapists available in your area, as finding a provider in a timely manner is important when you’re in need of mental health treatment. You can do so by checking the company’s list of providers before you sign up.” — Stephanie Watson , Forbes Health writer. Read her full review of Sesame here .

• Cost: Starts at $260 monthly for four video sessions, including individual and joint
• Types of therapy available: Couples therapy, individualized or with your partner
• Communication options: Live video
• Average session time: 20 to 40 minutes
• 40 therapists in network and growing, according to the company
• BBB rating: Not available; Trustpilot rating: Not available

Catering to relationship therapy, Ritual aims to take barriers such as cost, busy schedules and partner participation out of the equation, notes the company. Using what it calls “scientifically-backed methods and up-to-date research,” Ritual focuses its therapy on individual work, expert sessions and personalized content. Ritual helps users tackle areas such as difficulty communicating, relationship viability, lack of intimacy, intense conflict, limited boundaries and long distance.

• Utilize Ritual individually or with a partner
• Focuses on relationship and couples concerns specifically
• In-app personalized video content provided weekly
• Operates a newsletter with authentic information on relationships
• Therapists at Ritual utilize scientifically-backed training from Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Gottman Model, according to the company
• Divides content into what Ritual calls “Pathways,” suiting the unique goals and needs of its users
• Ritual is not recommended for relationships involving substance misuse, violence or serious mental illness
• Does not accept insurance or HSA/FSA
• Small provider network
• Does not offer messaging or chat-based sessions
• BBB and Trustpilot ratings unavailable

“One of the first benefits I noticed about Ritual was its sleek and easy-to-navigate website, which adds to the user experience for me. I appreciate the ability to attend couples therapy through Ritual, either individually or with a partner, as well as its multiple offerings for session length and the tools and education provided towards bettering relationships. I am also confident in the platform’s efforts, thanks to its host of experienced therapists, who use training from scientifically-backed methods, such as the Gottman Model.” — Carley Prendergast , Forbes Health Deputy Editor.

• Cost: $145 per session, billed per visit
• Accepts out-of-network insurance coverage for those seeking therapy with a provider licensed in their state for a diagnosed mental health condition
• Types of therapy available: Couples counseling, marriage counseling and relationship coaching, premarital counseling and more
• Communication options: Live video, phone and in-person (limited locations in Colorado)
• Average session time: 45 minutes
• 55 active providers in network
• BBB Rating: A+; Trustpilot Rating: Not available

Growing Self offers a number of services catered to couples, including couples counseling services, marriage counseling, couples therapy and relationship coaching, with providers such as licensed marriage and family therapists and licensed professional counselors. The company also has premarital offerings, such as premarital counseling services, pre-engagement counseling and its Lifetime of Love Premarital course. While all counseling and coaching services are available online, users in Colorado also have access to two in-person locations. Growing Self offers many free resources to couples in addition to its therapeutic options, including a blog and podcast, relationship quiz, emergency resources (including a variety of hotlines to contact for different types of support) and other educational content.

• Offers free consultations
• Allows you to pick a therapist via personalized recommendations
• Offers services such as divorce counseling and breakup therapy
• Features a blog and podcast for advice on love, happiness and success
• Offers coaching and counseling for very specific issues, such as affair recovery
• Offers premarital and relationship classes and coaching sessions as well
• In-person options are limited to those in Colorado
• Website content may feel a bit lengthy and/or overwhelming to some users
• Existing clients may have to contact a therapist by phone or email to schedule a new session (rather than directly through the platform)
• Experts do not engage in text or email correspondence aside from scheduling or appointment follow-ups

“I like Growing Self because when you enter its website, you can tell it’s a platform focused on couples therapy. Not only does it offer a variety of couples counseling and coaching options, but classes and solution sessions as well. The platform also offers an extensive list of resources, ranging from free, expert advice via its blog and podcast, to other free activities like quizzes and other educational content.” — Carley Prendergast , Forbes Health Deputy Editor.

• Cost: $99 per session, billed per session
• Accepts insurance
• Types of therapy available: Couples therapy, individual therapy and more
• More than 350 active providers in network, according to the company
• BBB Rating: B; Trustpilot Rating: 1.7

Amwell offers couples therapy for a range of relationship obstacles, including communication challenges, conflict resolution, infertility, infidelity, parenting problems, sexual difficulties and more. Couples can start with an initial consultation, where a licensed online therapist will listen to concerns and ask questions. Once a therapist has an understanding of the obstacles you face, they will present a tailored treatment plan. Sessions that follow may include evidence-based therapeutic techniques and may involve short or long-term treatment, depending on users’ needs.

• Affordable sessions
• Ability to choose your own therapist
• Appointments available on nights and weekends
• Offers individual therapy and psychiatric care as well
• You cannot see an Amwell therapist if you are traveling outside the U.S.
• Chat and/or messaging with therapist unavailable
• Does not offer additional resources like quizzes or podcasts
• No monthly subscription available

“I would definitely recommend Amwell, particularly to busy professionals who don’t have time for in-person appointments, people seeking therapy for depression or anxiety and people with limited mobility or transportation options…in fact, when a friend confided in me that their anxiety had become so debilitating that they didn’t want to leave their house, I mentioned Amwell and my positive experience with my therapist [for individual therapy]…” — Mary Pembleton , Forbes Health writer. Read her full review of Amwell online therapy here .

To determine the best online couples therapy of 2024, the Forbes Health editorial team distributed an in-depth survey to 43 online mental health providers with questions about their services including therapist qualifications, types of therapy offered, insurance acceptance, size of provider network and more. The Forbes Health editorial team also independently collected data on a variety of metrics including:

• Levelized cost per session
• Cost of the initial consultation
• Number of sessions included in a monthly subscription
• Availability in all 50 states
• If sex therapy is offered
• If premarital counseling is available
• If infidelity counseling is available
• If the platform offers marriage counseling for LGBTQIA+ couples

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In couples therapy, “the patient is the couple,” explains Don Cole, clinical director of the Gottman Institute and a licensed marriage and family counselor based in Texas. “You’re focused on the health of the interactions between the people so that they can create the kind of lifelong, positive relationship that they want,” he explains.

The focus of couples therapy is less on individual psychology, but if mental health concerns impact the relationship, the therapist may address them. A couples therapist should also recognize signs of individual mental illness and refer individuals for appropriate support.

There are many types of couples or relationship therapy, but the following are some of the most common:

• Emotionally focused couples therapy , which strives to help couples overcome relationship disconnection and insecure attachment styles by developing new emotional response patterns that help foster connection.
• The Gottman Method couples therapy , which emphasizes the need to create more empathetic conversation patterns as a means to deepen intimacy and respect within relationships.
• Cognitive behavioral couples therapy , which strives to help partners revise the perceptions about relationships that may contribute to relational distress or inhibit their ability to foster deeper connections with their partners.
• Solutions-focused couples therapy centers on what works for each partner, with a primary focus on their experiences and beliefs over constricting diagnoses and norms.

Most therapists take an “integrative approach,” utilizing features from all the different interventions according to the needs of each partner, says Jeff Guenther, a licensed therapist based in Portland, Oregon who regularly shares relationship advice on his popular “TherapyJeff” social media channels.

Relationship dysfunction, while common, can have a negative impact on emotional well-being, and in rare cases, may even lead to mood disorders for one or both partners involved.

“Nobody has a marriage free of hurt or a relationship of perfect communication,” says Dr. Cole. “That’s not possible.” However, even if a couple is struggling, couples therapy can help individuals reconnect and build a more harmonious dynamic, where empathy and compromise are possible, continues Dr. Cole, who also emphasizes the importance of having good repair skills, which can be learned and practiced in therapy. When his clients come to couples therapy, they’re likely in a situation where they’ve already hurt one another, and they need to learn how to heal that pain. They need to understand how they hurt each other, how to do their best to prevent future hurt, but also how to make things better if and when damage is caused again, he explains.

How Is Couples Therapy Different From Other Types of Therapy?

Individual talk therapy typically involves a person meeting one-on-one with a therapist to discuss matters such as stressful life events, trauma and grief, as well as mental health conditions like depression or anxiety . Individual talk therapy may either be a short-term treatment that focuses on immediate challenges or a long-term treatment to address complex, ongoing issues.

Meanwhile, couples therapy generally involves both an individual and their partner speaking with a mental health care provider. Couples therapy tends to be brief, solution-focused, centered around specific goals and designed with an end to treatment in mind, according to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

Couples therapy offers an opportunity to strengthen communication, conflict resolution skills and the emotional bond between partners, says Guenther.

It can also be where partners learn how to work toward shared goals together. Dr. Cole notes that he will often stretch his couples therapy clients to consider how they both can prosper in mutually beneficial ways. “There’s got to be a desire for your partner’s dreams to come true as well as your own,” he explains.

Relationship therapy has also been found to be an effective treatment for a wide range of relationship woes, including infidelity and differences in sexual preferences. Couples therapy can also be helpful for a pair that is choosing to break up, but in a “healthy” way, so they can navigate a thoughtful ending to their time together.

Moreover, evidence suggests couples therapy can be highly effective at improving individual emotional and physical health outcomes as well [1] Lebow J, Snyder DK. Couple therapy in the 2020s: Current status and emerging developments . Family Process. Accessed 4/01/2023. . According to recent research, couples therapy can provide the same level of relief to symptoms of depression and chronic pain as individual therapy [1] Lebow J, Snyder DK. Couple therapy in the 2020s: Current status and emerging developments . Family Process. Accessed 4/01/2023. .

Research shows those who receive couples therapy are often “better off” after ending therapy than 70% to 80% of people who go without any kind of mental health treatment [2] Shadish, W. R., & Baldwin, S. A. (2005). Effects of Behavioral Marital Therapy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials . Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Accessed 4/19/2023. . However, clinical trials tend to report higher efficacy of couples therapy than what is observed in typical practice settings, possibly due to varied treatment modalities or the diverse characteristics of the relationships treated [3] Halford WK, Pepping CA, Petch J. The Gap Between Couple Therapy Research Efficacy and Practice Effectiveness . J Marital Fam Ther. Accessed 4/02/2023. .

Nevertheless, results from the studies are promising, and tend to be consistent across types of couples therapy:

• Behavioral couples therapy (BCT) can improve communication and conflict resolution skills, while lessening the “corrosive behaviors” that contribute to relational discord [4] Fischer DJ, Fink BC. Clinical processes in behavioral couples therapy . Psychotherapy (Chic). Accessed 4/02/2023. .
• The Gottman method can improve “marital adjustment skills,” or the ability to maintain high levels of cooperation amid evolving circumstances [5] Davoodvandi M, Navabi Nejad S, Farzad V. Examining the Effectiveness of Gottman Couple Therapy on Improving Marital Adjustment and Couples' Intimacy . Iran J Psychiatry. Accessed 3/29/2023. .
• Emotionally focused couples therapy (EFCT) contributes to increased and sustained marital satisfaction [6] Beasley CC, Ager R. Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy: A Systematic Review of Its Effectiveness over the past 19 Years . Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work. Accessed 4/06/2023. .

• Helps build a platform for effective communication
• Offers both individual and couples therapy
• Easy matching to find you the right therapist
• Message your therapist 24/7

The cost of couples therapy varies and depends on the specific platform chosen for treatment, as well as frequency of sessions attended, payment or plan structure, whether insurance is accepted and more. For example, some platforms may have monthly subscription costs or lifetime membership fees as well as charge per therapy session.

How Much Does Couples Therapy Cost Without Insurance?

Out-of-pocket and self-pay couples therapy costs may vary, as mentioned above. If you are underinsured or uninsured and if you meet its financial criteria, a platform such as Open Path may suit your needs and offer affordable treatment .

Preparing for your first couples therapy session has mostly to do with “preparing your heart and your head to be honest and gentle,” says Dr. Cole, who recommends people go in with the sentiment of “I know I love this person. I don’t want to tear this person apart.”

“You just need to show up and be open to the experience,” says Guenther. “Be open to getting influenced by your partner or by the therapist. Be excited about learning new things.”

“One of the things I’ve learned in coaching is: however the client shows up is perfect,” says Shaun Galanos, a relationship love coach and host of the Love Drive podcast . While it’s a good idea to have some sense of your goals, it’s the job of a coach or therapist to probe for the area most in need of attention, he says.

What If My Partner Doesn’t Want to Go to Therapy?

If your partner is reluctant to try couples therapy, experts at the Gottman Institute recommend focusing on what you can do to initiate positive changes in your relationship, including:

• Pay attention to your partner’s strengths. Instead of focusing on your partner’s habits or behaviors that may frustrate you, redirect your attention to their positive characteristics like generosity or humor.
• Allow your partner to be imperfect. Experts at the Gottman Institute suggest giving your partner the benefit of the doubt when it comes to making mistakes, as doing so will allow more room to be imperfect for all parties involved.
• Work on improving your communication skills. Rather than initiating a conversation when you’re upset, Dr. John Gottman recommends waiting until you’re calm to encourage more kind and respectful communication.

A therapist has to be able to “hear both partners’ side, even though they’re not hearing each other’s side,” says Dr. Cole, underscoring the importance of finding a therapist who is able to establish an empathetic connection with both partners, as doing so can greatly impact the therapeutic outcome.

Guenther advises people to “interview” potential therapists, which can help you feel safer and more connected to them, as well as begin the process of clarifying what you want to work on.

He suggests the following questions:

• What training have they completed?
• Do they have expertise in a particular issue?
• Do they work with people who share your ethnicity, culture, relationship style or sexual orientation?

If you’re feeling trepidation about the experience, Guenther encourages individuals to share concerns with their therapist. “If you have to go on a journey before you can open up and trust your therapist, that’s okay, too.”

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Is online couples therapy effective?

Research suggests that online couples therapy is effective in improving relationship happiness as well as reducing feelings of anxiety and stress.

Is couples therapy stressful?

Whether couples therapy is stressful depends on factors like how you’re feeling going into a session and how you approach treatment. Experts suggest using therapy as a tool for improving relationships and developing conflict resolution skills to improve treatment outcomes.

What is the success rate of couples therapy?

Nearly 90% of individuals who pursue counseling report an improvement in their emotional health, according to the AAMFT.

What is the most effective form of online couples therapy?

Some of the most common forms of couples therapy utilized include emotionally focused couples therapy, the Gottman Method, cognitive behavioral therapy and solutions-focused couples therapy.

What are some alternatives to online couples therapy?

Alternatives to online couples therapy may include reading self-help books and seeking support from trusted friends and loved ones. Additionally, getting more exercise can help boost mood-lifting chemicals in your brain while also improving your self-esteem.

• Lebow J, Snyder DK. Couple therapy in the 2020s: Current status and emerging developments. Family Process. Accessed 4/01/2023.
• Shadish, W. R., & Baldwin, S. A. (2005). Effects of Behavioral Marital Therapy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Accessed 4/19/2023.
• Halford WK, Pepping CA, Petch J. The Gap Between Couple Therapy Research Efficacy and Practice Effectiveness. J Marital Fam Ther. Accessed 4/02/2023.
• Fischer DJ, Fink BC. Clinical processes in behavioral couples therapy. Psychotherapy (Chic). Accessed 4/02/2023.
• Davoodvandi M, Navabi Nejad S, Farzad V. Examining the Effectiveness of Gottman Couple Therapy on Improving Marital Adjustment and Couples' Intimacy. Iran J Psychiatry. Accessed 3/29/2023.
• Beasley CC, Ager R. Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy: A Systematic Review of Its Effectiveness over the past 19 Years. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work. Accessed 4/06/2023.
• Gurman AS Snyder DK, Lebow JL. Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy, Fifth Edition. Guilford Publications, 2015.
• Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. Society of Clinical Psychology. Accessed 4/5/2023.
• The Gottman Method. The Gottman Institute. Accessed 3/30/2023.
• Bodenmann G, Kesslera M, Kuhna R, Hockerb L, Randallb AK. Cognitive-Behavioral and Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy: Similarities and Differences. Clinical Psychology in Europe. 2020;2(3):e2741.
• Ives, Y. (2012). What is relationship coaching?. International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring.10(2), 88–99.
• Doss BD, Roddy MK, Wiebe SA, Johnson SM. A review of the research during 2010–2019 on evidence-based treatments for couple relationship distress. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. 2022;48(1):283-306.
• Wittenborn AK, Woods SB, Priest JB, Morgan PC, Tseng CF, Huerta P, Edwards C. Couple and family interventions for depressive and bipolar disorders: Evidence base update (2010–2019). Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. 2022;48(1):129-53.
• Baucom DH, Fischer MS, Worrell M, Corrie S, Belus JM, Molyva J, Boeding SE. Couple-based Intervention for Depression: An Effectiveness Study in the National Health Service in England. Family Process. 2017;57(2):275-292.
• Fischer M, Cohen M. Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapies: Review of the Evidence for the Treatment of Relationship Distress, Psychopathology, and Chronic Health Conditions. Family Process. 2016;55(3):423-442. 55. 10.1111/famp.12227.
• Tankha H, Caño A, Corley A, Dillaway H, Lumley MA, Clark S. A Novel Couple-Based Intervention for Chronic Pain and Relationship Distress: A Pilot Study. Couple Family Psychol. 2020;9(1):13-32.
• Couple Therapy. ScienceDirect. Accessed 10/9/2023.
• What is Psychotherapy?. American Psychiatric Association. Accessed 1/22/2024.
• About Marriage and Family Therapists. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists. Accessed 1/22/2024.
• Help! My Partner Won’t Go to Therapy. The Gottman Institute. Accessed 1/22/2024.
• Kysely A, Bishop B, Kane RT, et al. Couples Therapy Delivered Through Videoconferencing: Effects on Relationship Outcomes, Mental Health and the Therapeutic Alliance. Front Psychol. 2022;12:773030.
• Self-help therapies. NHS. Accessed 1/25/2024.
• Alternatives - Antidepressants. NHS. Accessed 1/25/2024.

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Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.

Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.

Kristin Weiland is a documentary film producer and writer with a background in crisis management and ethnographic research. She specializes in investigative and social impact documentary projects, and her credits include programming for Netflix, HBO Max, STARZ and Apple TV. As a writer and researcher, she has a keen interest in mental health, trauma-informed care and the mind-body connection. You can probably find her reading about one of these subjects at the local coffee shop, attempting to surf or trying to find California’s best alpine meadow.

Carley is a writer, editor and social media professional. Before starting at Forbes Health, she wrote for Sleepopolis and interned at PBS and Nickelodeon. She's a certified sleep science coach and member of the Peloton community. When she's not creating content, you can find her boating on the Chesapeake Bay, chasing around her three toddler nephews or trying a new outdoor lunch spot with her Pomeranian, Leo.

Olivia is a licensed psychotherapist in New York and an out-of-state telehealth provider in Florida and New Jersey. She is also an adjunct professor at NYU. Olivia’s goal within her therapy practice is to build upon her patients' innate resilience by helping them to explore the roots of their feelings in an attempt to understand themselves better, challenge them in unique and collaborative ways and work proactively toward everyday solutions that they are seeking. In an active and engaging manner, she aims to cultivate with her patients a curiosity and insightful understanding over their past and current experiences that shape them. As a mental health advocate, teacher and therapist, Olivia prioritizes an individualistic, trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach to her work. It is one of her greatest passions to advocate for more compassionate and nuanced conversations on mental health.