Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Colorado 2026

Colorado has a growing demand for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) as mental health awareness continues to expand. With a rising population and increased focus on holistic wellness, more individuals and families are seeking therapy services, creating strong job opportunities for licensed therapists.

The state offers several accredited MFT programs designed to train students in systemic therapy, trauma-informed care, and community mental health services. This guide highlights the best MFT programs in Colorado, including fast-track and cost-effective options, plus licensure details and job outlook.

In this guide

2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Colorado

Finding the right marriage and family therapy program in Colorado can help you build a strong career. At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we rank the best MFT programs across the state. Our rankings look at factors like curriculum quality, faculty experience, and student support. These programs prepare graduates to work effectively with couples and families. We provide clear information to help you choose a program that fits your goals. Explore our detailed rankings to find top options in Colorado. Learn more about how we create these rankings at https://www.marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/.
#1

Regis University

Denver, CO - Private 4-year - regis.edu

Master's - M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Regis University's COAMFTE-accredited Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares students for Colorado licensure through a 60-credit hybrid program completed in 2.5-3 years at $896 per credit hour. The program emphasizes experiential learning with small class sizes, evening/weekend sessions, and a practicum at the Regis Center for Counseling. Admission requires an online application, transcripts, essays, recommendations, resume, and an on-campus interview—no entrance exam is mentioned. Graduates complete 2000 post-graduation hours and a state licensure exam for careers in private practice, community mental health, or schools.

  • 60 credit hour program.
  • 2.5-3 years to complete.
  • $896 per credit hour tuition.
  • On-campus interview required.
  • Two admissions essays needed.
  • Two recommendation forms required.
  • Official transcripts from accredited college.
  • Current resume required.
  • Completed online application.
  • Small class sizes.

Graduate Certificate - Marriage and Family Therapy Certificate

Campus Based - Visit Website

Regis University's Post-Graduate Marriage and Family Therapy Certificate is designed for licensed mental health professionals seeking advanced training in systemic therapy. This 18-credit on-campus program requires a master's degree in a clinical field and costs $806 per credit hour. The curriculum focuses on relational approaches to transform individual challenges through family dynamics, requiring 120 clinical hours with supervision from licensed MFTs. Rolling admissions with start dates in January, May, and August make this certificate accessible for professionals aiming to expand therapeutic skills and enhance career opportunities in counseling services.

  • Post-graduate certificate program
  • 18 total credit hours
  • On-campus courses only
  • $806 per credit hour
  • Requires master's degree
  • 120 clinical hours required
  • Starts January, May, August
  • Rolling admissions process
  • Systemic therapy focus
  • Supervision with licensed MFTs
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#2

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, CO - Public 4-Year - ucdenver.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy that emphasizes systemic, relational approaches to therapy. This 54-credit program requires 2.5 to 3.5 years of on-campus study with evening and weekend classes available. Students complete clinical placements and receive faculty mentorship while preparing for the National Marital and Family Therapy Exam. The program has a strong focus on social justice, diversity, and inclusion. Admissions require transcripts, a resume, three recommendation letters, a written statement, and a $50 application fee, with no entrance exam specified. Fall and spring admissions are available with specific deadlines.

  • 54 credits required
  • 2.5 to 3.5 years completion
  • On campus delivery
  • COAMFTE accredited
  • Prepares for licensure exam
  • Clinical placements required
  • Three recommendation letters
  • $50 application fee
  • Transcripts required
  • Resume/CV required
#3

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO - Public 4-Year - unco.edu

Master's - Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling/Therapy M.A.

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Northern Colorado's CACREP-accredited Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling/Therapy M.A. program prepares students for LMFT licensure through a comprehensive 66-75 credit curriculum. This campus-based program emphasizes systems theory and relationship dynamics, requiring a 3.0 GPA for admission with GRE scores needed if below this threshold. Admission involves a pre-admission workshop, personal statement, and three recommendation letters, with fall and summer start terms available. The program includes essential practicum and internship components, and while two years of work experience is recommended, it focuses on developing professional judgment through core courses and electives in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

  • 66-75 credit master's program.
  • Prepares for LMFT licensure.
  • CACREP accredited program.
  • 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
  • GRE required if GPA below 3.0.
  • Pre-admission workshop required.
  • Fall and summer start terms.
  • Located in Greeley, Colorado.
  • Focus on systems theory.
  • Includes practicum and internship.
#4

Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, CO - Private 4-year - ccu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Marriage and Family Therapy)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Colorado Christian University's online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration integrates clinical training with biblical principles. This CACREP-accredited program requires 69 credits, typically completed in 30 months through flexible online or hybrid formats. Students develop skills in systemic therapy, conflict resolution, and interpersonal dynamics, preparing for licensure. The program includes three in-person residencies and allows transfer of up to 12 credits. No entrance exam is explicitly required for this master's-level program. Graduates are equipped to address diverse family and couple issues in various professional settings.

  • 100% online or hybrid format
  • 69 total credit hours
  • CACREP-accredited program
  • Complete in 30 months
  • Three in-person residencies
  • Transfer up to 12 credits
  • Colorado and online locations
  • Biblical counseling approach
  • Licensure preparation
  • Two courses per seven-week block
#5

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO - Public 4-Year - colostate.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies (Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Colorado State University-Fort Collins offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization. This campus-based program emphasizes evidence-based clinical practices, ethics, and diversity while providing supervised clinical experience at multiple centers including the Center for Family and Couple Therapy. Students gain hands-on training in individual and family development through the Trauma and Resilience Assessment Center and Campus Connections Therapeutic Youth Mentoring. The program prepares graduates for careers as Marriage and Family Therapists. Admissions requirements should be verified directly with the department.

  • COAMFTE-accredited program
  • Master of Science degree
  • Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization
  • Campus-based delivery format
  • Supervised clinical experience
  • Centers for Counseling and Assessment
  • Focus on evidence-based practices
  • Ethics and diversity training
  • Individual and family development
  • Program code HDFS-MAFZ-MS
*Dataset citation: NCES. (2024). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Other MFT Programs Available in Colorado

Colorado’s top MFT programs are designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical training. Many programs emphasize working with diverse populations, including military families, rural communities, and underserved groups.

Some of the best MFT programs in Colorado include:

  • Adams State University – Offers a Master’s in Counseling with a Marriage and Family Therapy emphasis, designed for students planning to work in rural or high-need areas.

These programs prepare students for state licensure and diverse career pathways, from private practice to nonprofit mental health organizations.

Colorado's Quickest MFT Programs

For students eager to join the workforce quickly, Colorado offers accelerated and highly structured MFT programs designed for faster completion.

Factors that help students finish faster:

  • Year-Round Coursework – Some programs include summer and winter terms to reduce overall time to graduation.
  • Intensive Practicum Models – Programs offering structured, front-loaded clinical hours can streamline degree completion.
  • Online & Hybrid Flexibility – Some courses allow students to fast-track certain classes while balancing fieldwork requirements.

Here are some of the fastest MFT programs in Colorado:

School
Program Length
Type
2 years
Hybrid
2 – 2.5 years
Campus
2.5 years
Online

These programs offer intensive coursework and hands-on clinical training, helping students graduate and begin practicing sooner.

Colorado's Cheapest MFT Programs

For students focused on affordability, Colorado has several cost-effective MFT programs at public universities and online institutions.

Ways to save on tuition costs:

  • Take Advantage of In-State Tuition – Colorado residents can access reduced tuition at public universities.
  • Scholarship & Grant Programs – Many schools offer funding options for mental health students.
  • Hybrid & Online Learning – Some programs lower expenses by minimizing on-campus requirements.

Here are some of the most affordable MFT programs in Colorado:

School
Estimated Tuition
Type
$6,500 per year
Online
$8,700 per year
Campus
$9,100 per year
Campus

These affordable options help students earn a respected degree while minimizing financial burden.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Colorado

Becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Colorado involves completing education, supervised practice, and state-specific exams.

Steps to Become an LMFT in Colorado:

For official licensure details, visit Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Colorado

Colorado has seen a steady rise in demand for LMFTs, particularly in rural and underserved communities where mental health services are expanding.

Colorado-Specific LMFT Data:

  • Colorado Population: 5.8 million
  • Marriage Rate in Colorado: 7.5 per 1,000 residents (CDC Marriage Rates by State)
  • Average LMFT Salary: $58,400 per year
  • Top 10% LMFT Salary: Over $85,000 per year

Where LMFTs Work in Colorado:

  • Behavioral Health Clinics – Therapists provide care in public health and state-run centers.
  • Private Practice & Group Therapy Offices – Many LMFTs operate independent practices.
  • Military & Veteran Counseling Services – With several military bases in Colorado, LMFTs serve active-duty personnel and veterans.
  • University & School Counseling – MFTs work in campus mental health and academic counseling centers.

With strong job growth and rising salaries, Colorado remains an ideal place to launch an LMFT career.

Why Choose an MFT Program in Colorado?

Colorado is an excellent state for MFT education, offering flexible learning formats, diverse clinical settings, and strong job demand.

Top reasons to study MFT in Colorado:

  • Growing Mental Health Field – Colorado has a rapidly expanding need for licensed therapists.
  • Opportunities in Rural & Urban Settings – LMFTs can work in Denver, Boulder, and underserved rural areas.
  • Diverse Training Environments – Students train in private practice, hospitals, and teletherapy settings.
  • Flexible Program Options – Choose from online, hybrid, or on-campus MFT degrees.

For students passionate about mental health and relationship therapy, earning an MFT degree in Colorado is a rewarding career move.