MFT Degrees, Schools, and Careers in Maine

Due to the small size of the population, there are not a large number of opportunities for individuals seeking graduate degrees specifically within marriage and family therapy (MFT) within the state of Maine. In fact, there are no programs that are recognized by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy as “accredited” programs (see below)! However, this does not mean that interested individuals cannot pursue a career in MFT; non-accredited programs in MFT or programs accredited by other associations in related fields, such as counseling, may meet the state’s requirements for licensure.

The state does have a two universities, Husson University and the University of Southern Maine, that offer accredited counseling degrees that will almost certainly contain overlapping curriculum to that of an MFT program. But neither school has a specific MFT track as part of the larger counseling program. It may be worth checking with both or either school to see how much overlap is there and whether it might be worth enrolling.

Online MFT Degrees in Maine

There are no programs that are based in Maine that offer MFT training and are based completely online. However, two online-only programs are currently accredited by COAMFTE—Capella University, which offers a M.S. in MFT, and Northcentral University, which offers both a M.A. and PhD in MFT.

Learn more about an online MFT degree.

MFT Accreditation in Maine

MFT training programs are considered accredited when a given organization provides them with a “stamp of approval.” Within the field of marriage and family therapy, the main accrediting board is the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). As stated previously, there are no COAMFTE-accredited programs within the state of Maine, but it is important to note that this does not mean that individuals cannot practice as licensed MFTs within the state.

The Maine Legislature’s requirements for licensure note that an individual simply must attend an “accredited institution or program approved by the board. Other programs in closely related fields, such as mental health counseling, may meet the designated requirements outlined by the government. In addition to the degree, all individuals with an MFT must demonstrate 2 years of clinical experience (1,000+ hours) after receiving their degree.

Career Opportunities for MFTs in Maine

In May 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that marriage and family therapists earn an average yearly salary of $63,300. They also predict that MFT employment will increase by 14% through 2030. That equates to an impressive 6,400 job openings every year during that period.

Unfortunately, the BLS’s 2022 report didn’t include any information about MFTs in Maine. However, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the state earn an average of $57,940 —more than $4,000 more than the national average for the profession. While this data doesn’t pertain directly to MFTs, it could indicate that the career outlook for mental health practitioners in Maine could be quite positive.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures for marriage and family therapists and substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2023.

Featured Maine Schools with MFT Degree Programs