Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| Northwestern University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
The COAMFTE-accredited MFT@Northwestern is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Full and part-time tracks available. Learn More |
| Walden University
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
In the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with a specialization in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, you’ll look at human sexuality and empirically supported treatments and techniques for promoting the well-being of couples. Build competencies for working effectively with children and adolescents. You’ll also learn how to assess procedures for evaluating research in this area—and how to apply these findings to your practice. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Learn how to support the well-being of your students as they cope with complex personal and family challenges. Explore human sexual development as well as the relationships and family dynamics impacting young people’s lives today. Build the cross-cultural competencies and skills required to understand family structures, life-cycle dynamics, intergenerational influences, and healthy family functioning. The optional accelerated track is designed for students who are interested in taking three courses per quarter and potentially finishing their program in a shorter time frame. The accelerated track has the same curriculum, residencies, and field experience requirements as the general track, but requires a strong time commitment and is best suited for students who can dedicate themselves full time to their studies. Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
HLC and NASAC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree emphases include: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, Christian Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Trauma. Designed to meet the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. Learn More |
| West Coast University
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
|
✔ Online
CACREP-aligned program |
Learn how to help people cope, heal, and thrive through our Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, which is available online and in a blended format. Earn your MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in as few as 29 months - that's less than 2.5 years! Competitive tuition with financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
Our CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling degree online can help you become an ethical, well-trained mental health counselor with the knowledge, values, and skills you need to empower others to make positive changes in their lives. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Marriage and Family Therapy
SACSCOC |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
A Liberty University marriage and family therapy master’s program online can prepare you to help individuals, couples, and families find healing through counseling. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| National University
Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required |
Earn your Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University. COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
In broad terms, clinical mental health counselors focus on their clients, while licensed marriage and family therapists focus on their clients’ relationships.
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LMHCs can choose to direct their skills in different ways. For example, they can:
- Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders
- Work to prevent disorders
- Conduct research to identify new treatment approaches
- Child and adult psychotherapy
- Couples therapy
- Group therapy
- Educational Requirements: Earn a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
- Supervised Clinical Experience: Complete post-graduate supervised clinical experience, which varies by state but often includes several thousand hours of supervised practice.
- Licensing Examination: Pass a state-recognized counseling exam, such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
- Ongoing Education: Obtain licensure and fulfill ongoing continuing education requirements to maintain the LMHC credential.
- Educational Requirements: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or a related field.
- Supervised Clinical Experience: Gain post-graduate supervised clinical experience, typically requiring several thousand hours, focusing on marriage and family therapy.
- Licensing Examination: Pass a state-specific licensing examination, often the Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.
- Continuing Education: Maintain the license through ongoing continuing education and adhere to professional ethical standards.
- Assess Your Interest in Relationship Dynamics: If you are more intrigued by the complexities of relationships and family systems, LMFT might be the right path. LMHC is ideal if you are interested in a broader range of mental health issues affecting individuals and groups.
- Consider the Types of Clients You Want to Work With: LMFTs often work with couples and families, while LMHCs typically see a wider range of clients, including individuals with various mental health issues.
- Evaluate Your Educational and Career Goals: Look into the specific educational pathways and licensure requirements for each profession. Consider the type of work setting you prefer, such as private practice, hospitals, or community agencies.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Talk to current LMFTs and LMHCs, attend career workshops, and consult with academic advisors to gain insights into each profession.
- Reflect on Long-term Career Objectives: Consider how each role aligns with your long-term career aspirations, including opportunities for specialization, advancement, and impact.
- Completion of a master’s or doctoral program from an accredited higher education institution
- At least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience during a two-year period
- A passing result on the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or another examination recognized by the state licensing entity
- Compliance with the state licensing entity’s requirements in areas such as ethics and continuing education
- Completion of a master’s or doctoral program from an accredited higher education institution
- At least two years of supervised clinical experience
- A passing result on the examination set forth by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards or another examination recognized by the state licensing entity
- Compliance with the state licensing entity’s requirements in areas such as ethics and continuing education
These clinical mental health counselors offer a variety of treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy.
In contrast to a clinical mental health counselor, an LMFT specifically focuses on the roles that clients play in important relationships in their lives, such as with their spouses or other family members.
Working within that context, marriage and family therapists offer services such as:
Online Programs to Consider
Many higher education institutions offer online programs to prepare students for clinical mental health counseling and marriage and family therapy. LMHCs and LMFTs typically earn master’s or doctoral degrees. The website of CACREP, an accreditation organization for graduate degree programs in counseling, offers a tool to search for accredited programs.
You also can find more information about online degree programs below.
What Is an LMHC?
Most clinical mental health counselors conduct therapy with clients to treat various issues such as anxiety, depression, or stress. Therefore, strong communication skills are critical. They need to be able to assess their clients’ needs and select appropriate treatment plans. They also must be able to recognize when to refer clients to other professionals such as psychologists or psychiatrists.
Clinical mental health counselors (LMHC) can choose to focus on working with specific populations such as the elderly or children. They also can be found working in a variety of settings. Schools, government agencies, correctional institutions, residential care facilities, and private practice settings are just a few of the settings where clinical mental health counselors can practice.
Providing therapy may be the entry point for clinical mental health counselors, but it is not necessarily what they will do forever. For example, some eventually move into teaching, consulting, or conducting research.
What Is an LMFT?
Licensed Marriage and family therapists (LMFT)s provide services to address a range of issues, such as substance abuse, depression, or child/adolescent challenges, and how those issues affect relationships.
They can work with individuals, families, and couples in relationships, and they provide services such as diagnosis and treatment, psychotherapy, and group therapy.
Strong communication skills and an aptitude for understanding individual viewpoints, conflict resolution, instruction, and leadership are also important. Most marriage and family therapy is short term, with an average duration of 12 sessions.
While marriage and family therapists can work in private practice, they also can provide their services in a variety of other settings, such as mental health centers and hospitals.
What Does an LMHC Do?
A Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), also known as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), plays a crucial role in addressing the mental health needs of individuals, families, and groups. Their primary responsibilities include diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental and emotional disorders. LMHCs employ various therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy, to help clients navigate their challenges.
In addition to treatment, LMHCs actively work on preventing mental health disorders by employing early intervention strategies. They also contribute to the field through research, constantly seeking new and effective treatment methods. This holistic approach enables LMHCs to provide comprehensive care tailored to the specific needs of their clients, fostering mental wellbeing and resilience.
What Does an LMFT Do?
A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specializes in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate and improve their interpersonal relationships. LMFTs focus on the dynamics within these relationships, understanding how each person's behavior impacts the group. They offer a range of therapeutic services, including child and adult psychotherapy, couples therapy, and group therapy, to address issues such as communication problems, marital conflicts, and family dysfunction.
LMFTs work to understand the unique dynamics of each relationship, providing tailored interventions that promote healthier interactions and stronger bonds. Through their specialized approach, LMFTs help clients develop the skills and understanding necessary for sustaining fulfilling and supportive relationships.
How to Become an LMHC
To become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), one must typically follow these steps:
How to Become an LMFT
To become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), one must usually undertake the following steps:
Learn More: How to Become a MFT
Tips for Deciding Between an LMFT and an LMHC
Choosing between becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) depends on your career goals and interests. Here are some tips to help you decide:
Remember, both paths offer rewarding opportunities to make a significant difference in people's lives.
Benefits of the LMHC and LMFT Roles
If you are choosing between working in clinical mental health counseling or marriage and family therapy, consideration of their respective benefits can be worthwhile.
Benefits of an LMHC
Perhaps most important, becoming a clinical mental health counselor offers the opportunity to help others improve their lives, which can be extremely rewarding. In addition, for people who prefer working one-on-one with clients, becoming an LMHC allows them to focus on individuals. LMHCs are also often surprised to find that providing therapy enables them to learn more about themselves.
The employment outlook for clinical mental health counselors is bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors will increase by 18% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
Benefits of an LMFT
LMFTs find the opportunity to help others improve their relationships to be highly rewarding. They also have the chance to work independently with clients of all backgrounds. In addition, LMFTs discover that the practice of providing therapy can benefit their own growth and assist them in dealing with issues in their personal relationships.
As with LPCs, the employment forecast for LMFTs is good. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of marriage and family therapists will grow 15 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. This updated projection reflects a continued strong demand for professionals in the field of marriage and family therapy.
Educational Requirements
Whether you work in clinical mental health counseling or marriage and family therapy, you will need to have the appropriate academic credentials. To become an LMHC, most individuals earn a master’s or doctoral degree.
Likewise, most individuals who become LMFTs earn a master’s or doctoral degree, or participate in postgraduate clinical training programs.
Classes to Take
Graduate degree programs that lead to becoming a clinical mental health counselor or a licensed marriage and family therapist offer classes that can equip individuals with the skills necessary for success.
Classes That Train LMHCs
Examples of classes within a mental health counseling degree program include:
Counseling theory classes that enable students to develop their personal models of counseling
Assessment and appraisal classes that train students on testing instruments, test administration and scoring, and common individual and group tests
Counseling internships through which students gain supervised experience in applying the principles and techniques of a particular specialization
Elective classes in areas such as grief counseling or play therapy
Classes That Train LMFTs
Examples of classes that graduate degree programs offer to train LMFTs include:
Classes that focus on psychotherapy involving adolescents and their families
Classes on diagnosis and treatment planning in family and cultural contexts
Classes oriented toward group and family processes and strategies for preventing interpersonal and system dysfunction
Practicum classes through which students gain supervised experience providing services to individuals, couples, and families
Ask the Expert: Clinical Mental Health Counseling vs Marriage and Family Therapy Degree Paths
Is there a certain track within a counseling program that you should follow to become an LPC or LMFT?
“State licensing bureaus have specific documentation required for each of these types of licensure, requiring specific courses focused on each of these specialty areas. MA programs also have some similarities in the coursework between these two disciplines, and some differences, primarily associated with the number of courses specific to marriage and family systems theories.
The LPC and LCPC licensure will have a focus on clinical mental health issues. Both MA programs would address mental health services as related to couples, families, and individuals. The LMFT track would increase the number of family/couples courses, while the LPC and LCPC courses focus on clinical mental health services across age groups and focus on understanding how to provide individual therapy sessions.”
— Dr. Julie Smirl, Assistant Professor in Bradley University’s Online Masters of Counseling Program
LMHC and LMFT Licensure
Licensure requirements for LPCs and LMFTs are established at the state level. While specific licensure requirements can vary by state, the general requirements across states share many similarities.
LMHC Licensing Requirements
State requirements for LMHC licensure usually include:
LMFT Licensing Requirements
State requirements for family and marriage counseling licensure usually include:
Careers Available to You
Career choices for LPCs are numerous. For example, they can choose to work in private practice, residential treatment centers, schools, nonprofit organizations, government entities, prisons, or hospitals. LMHCs are even beginning to provide services through telemedicine. As of May 2022, the median annual pay for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $49,710, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LMFTs also have a wealth of career options. In addition to working in private practice, they can pursue careers in places such as outpatient and inpatient centers, schools, social service agencies, treatment centers, residential care facilities, legal and correctional systems, or employee assistance programs. As of May 2022, the BLS reports that the median annual pay for marriage and family therapists is $56,570.
Consider Pursuing a Career as an LMHC or LMFT
If you value the rewards of helping people and improving their lives, then pursuing a career in clinical mental health counseling or marriage and family therapy could be a good choice for you. Both clinical mental health counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists have the opportunity to work in a variety of environments with people from different backgrounds. They also perform work that has a beneficial effect on society.
While becoming an LMHC or an LMFT takes effort, educational opportunities are available and employment prospects are promising. In pursuing the path of an LMHC or an LMFT, you may find the career that you were meant to have.
Interested in learning more about becoming a LMHC or LMFT? Check out our degree pages below:
Counseling Careers
LMHC vs. LMFT FAQ
Do licensed marriage and family therapists and licensed mental health counselors require the same degrees?
While both LMFTs and LMHCs typically require a master’s degree, the focus of their degrees may differ. LMFTs generally need a degree specifically in marriage and family therapy, whereas LMHCs need a degree in counseling or a related field.
Do LMHC and LMFT have the same licensing process?
The licensure process for LMHCs and LMFTs varies by state, but both require a master’s degree, a period of supervised clinical experience, and passing a state-recognized examination.
How are counselors and therapists different?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but in the context of LMHCs and LMFTs, the difference lies in their focus. LMHCs address a wide range of mental health issues, while LMFTs specialize in relationship dynamics within families and couples.
What career opportunities are available for LMHCs and LMFTs?
LMHCs can work in various settings, including private practice, hospitals, and community agencies, focusing on individual mental health. LMFTs often work in private practice, relationship counseling centers, and social service agencies, focusing on family and relationship therapy.
Can LMHCs and LMFTs offer the same types of therapy?
Both can offer similar therapeutic techniques like CBT, but their application and focus will differ. LMHCs apply these techniques broadly to individual mental health issues, whereas LMFTs use them to address relationship and family dynamics.
Explore More Licensure Comparisons:
- LCSW vs LMHC vs LPC
- LCPC vs LPC
- LCSW vs Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW)
- Marriage and Family Therapists vs LCSW
- LCSW vs LMFT
- LPCC vs LMFT
Sources:
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, About Marriage and Family Therapists
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Marriage and Family Therapist: The Family-Friendly Mental Health Professionals
American Counseling Association, Who Are Licensed Professional Counselors
CACREP, Find a Program
CACREP, What Is CACREP?
Career Trend, “What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a Mental Health Counselor?”
Counseling Today, “Choosing Your Path Wisely”
Houston Chronicle, “Good Skills for Being a Family Counselor”
Houston Chronicle, “The Rewards of Being a Therapist”
Houston Chronicle, “Where Can Licensed Professional Counselors Work?”
Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners, Rules, Standards and Procedures
National Center for Health Statistics, “Mental Health Treatment Among Adults: United States, 2019”
Our Lady of the Lake University Academic Catalog, Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA
Our Lady of the Lake University Academic Catalog, Psychology Specialization: Marriage and Family Therapy Concentration, MS
Psychology Today, “Marriage and Family Therapy”
Public Health Online, About: LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Marriage and Family Therapists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Still Looking For A Counseling Degree?
Here are some of the most popular online counseling programs. On each page you will find a detailed write-up of the program, specific courses, and schools that offer that program that are currently accepting applicants.
- Online Counseling Degrees
- Online Masters in Counseling
- Bachelors in Counseling
- Masters in Counseling
- Counseling Schools by State
- Counseling Career Guide
- Highest Paid Counseling Jobs
List of Programs
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Walden University 🗹 Online 🗗 Doctorate
Walden University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
West Coast University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) 🗹 Online
National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly
National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly
The Chicago School 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Lamar University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Lamar University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Butler University 🗹 Online
University of West Alabama 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Campbellsville University 🗹 Online Masters
Rivier University 🗹 Online
