MFT Degrees, Schools, and Careers in New Mexico

No graduate-level programs in marriage and family therapy (MFT) within the state of New Mexico are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). However, this does not mean that students hoping to pursue a career as an MFT within the state have no options for educational programs—students can choose to pursue an online degree based in another state (see below). Moreover, New Mexico State University, located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, offers a Masters of Science (MS) in MFT.

It is important that prospective students recognize that this program is not currently accredited by COAMFTE and check the student handbook in order to ensure that the coursework outlined by the program meets requirements outlined by the state for licensure. In addition, students might also choose to apply for programs in closely related fields, such as clinical mental health counseling programs accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and then pursue specialty coursework or clinical experiences to specialize in couples or family therapy.

Online MFT Degrees in New Mexico

There are currently no programs based in New Mexico that offer online-only MFT graduate education. However, those seeking greater flexibility in pursuing their masters or doctorate in MFT can do so through nationally-based programs, such as Capella University, which offers a masters-level program, and Northcentral University, which offers both masters- and doctoral-level programs. Although there is a wealth of other online MFT programs, Capella University and Northcentral University are the only two online programs accredited by COAMFTE.

Learn more about an MFT online degree.

MFT Accreditation in New Mexico

If an individual is hoping to pursue graduate-level education in MFT, it is important for them to consider the accreditation status of the programs that they are applying to. “Accreditation” refers to the process through which an external organization provides an educational program with a stamp of approval, which indicates that their program meets certain minimum requirements outlined by that organization. Within the field of marital and family therapy, the main accreditation body is the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

Other accreditation bodies exist, such as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), albeit other organization are oftentimes involved with accreditation of other counseling programs, in addition to MFT programs. Accreditation is important because many states use a program’s accreditation status in determining whether a given individual meets the educational requirements for licensure. Within the state of New Mexico, individuals applying for licensure must attend an accredited program (or one that meets the educational requirements outlined by the state of New Mexico), complete 1,000 of post-graduate supervised clinical work, and pass the MFT examination.

Career Opportunities for MFTs in New Mexico

Statistics gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that 220 MFTs are currently employed within the New Mexico state borders. These employees endorse a mean yearly wage of $59,850. Overall, individuals pursuing a career in marriage and family therapy can rest assured that they will have plenty of opportunities for employment—the number of jobs within the profession are projected to grow 14% over the next decade! Moreover, surveys of those currently working within the profession indicate high job satisfaction and flexibility. Learn mroe about NM MFT license requirements.

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

Featured New Mexico Schools with MFT Degree Programs