Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Idaho 2025

Idaho offers a small but strong selection of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs, providing comprehensive clinical training, flexible learning options, and strong job placement support. The state’s growing mental health workforce demand has led to increased funding and expansion for MFT programs at public and private universities. Idaho’s MFT training emphasizes rural mental health care, community-based therapy, and working with diverse populations, making it an excellent location for students interested in family-centered therapy in underserved areas.

This program focuses on evidence-based therapy techniques and hands-on clinical training, ensuring that students are well-prepared for Idaho’s LMFT licensure process. Students seeking alternative pathways to MFT licensure may also explore Boise State University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, which offers an MFT specialization track.

Idaho’s universities cater to both traditional students and working professionals by offering hybrid and evening class options, making it easier for students to balance clinical training with academic coursework. Additionally, many students take advantage of internship opportunities in Idaho’s community health clinics, schools, and teletherapy services, which are increasingly in demand across the state.

In this guide

2025 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Idaho

Finding the right Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) program in Idaho is key to your success. At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we've ranked the best options to help you choose. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student support. Whether you're starting or advancing your career, our rankings guide you to the top programs. We make it easy to find a program that fits your goals. Learn how we picked these programs at https://marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/.

Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID - Public 4-Year - isu.edu

Master's - Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling

Campus Based - Visit Website

Idaho State University offers a Master of Counseling in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, designed to prepare students for successful careers in various counseling environments. This 60-semester-hour, CACREP accredited program emphasizes systemic family therapy, cultural competency, and ethical standards. Students gain hands-on experience through practicum and internship opportunities in diverse settings, including mental health and substance abuse facilities. The curriculum focuses on family systems theory and multicultural counseling, preparing graduates for licensure and careers in multiple professional contexts. With campuses in Pocatello and Meridian, the program also requires 1000 hours of supervised counseling, ensuring comprehensive clinical training.

60 semester hours total program
CACREP accredited program
Practicum in multiple settings
1000 supervised counseling hours
Two campus locations: Pocatello/Meridian
Focuses on family systems theory
Multicultural counseling approach
Prepares for professional licensure
Career options in diverse settings

*Data source: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023.

Other MFT Programs Available in Idaho

Although Idaho has limited in-state MFT programs, students have access to COAMFTE-accredited degrees that align with state licensure requirements.

School	Degree Offered	Type
Northwest Nazarene University (NNU)	MS in Marriage & Family Therapy	Hybrid
Boise State University	MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MFT Track)	Hybrid

Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) remains the only COAMFTE-accredited program in Idaho, making it the best option for students pursuing LMFT licensure in the state. Boise State University and Idaho State University offer alternative counseling-focused degrees with MFT specializations, though students should ensure these programs meet licensing coursework requirements.

Idaho’s Quickest MFT Programs

For students looking to complete their MFT degree efficiently, Idaho offers structured programs that can be completed in as little as two years with full-time enrollment. Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) has an accelerated hybrid program, allowing students to complete coursework and begin clinical training early. Boise State University’s counseling program integrates clinical experience in the first year, helping students build hands-on therapy skills while progressing toward licensure.

Several factors help students graduate faster, including summer enrollment, prior coursework in psychology or counseling, and completing practicum hours at a higher rate per semester. Students interested in fast-tracking their degree should look for programs that allow clinical training alongside coursework, rather than requiring it as a post-degree internship.

Idaho’s Cheapest MFT Programs

For students concerned about affordability, Idaho offers several cost-effective paths to becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Public universities in Idaho tend to have lower tuition rates for in-state residents, making them an attractive option compared to private institutions. Additionally, financial aid, assistantships, and loan repayment programs are available for students pursuing careers in mental health, particularly those who commit to working in underserved rural communities after graduation.

One way students can reduce the overall cost of an MFT education is by choosing hybrid or part-time programs that allow them to work while earning their degree. Schools like Boise State University and Idaho State University offer flexible mental health counseling degrees with MFT specializations, giving students the opportunity to complete required coursework at a lower tuition rate while still meeting Idaho’s licensing requirements. Students attending Northwest Nazarene University, the only COAMFTE-accredited MFT program in Idaho, may qualify for institutional scholarships and federal financial aid to offset the cost of tuition.

Beyond tuition savings, many Idaho-based mental health organizations offer student loan forgiveness or tuition reimbursement for graduates who work in state-funded clinics, nonprofit counseling centers, or rural healthcare facilities. The Idaho State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) provides financial assistance to therapists who commit to serving in mental health shortage areas, making it an excellent option for MFT graduates looking to reduce their student loan burden.

Another factor that helps keep costs low for Idaho students is the cost of living, which remains lower than the national average in many parts of the state. While tuition rates vary depending on the institution and program format, students who complete their clinical training in smaller cities or rural areas may find that lower housing and living expenses help make their MFT education more financially manageable.

For those seeking additional savings, Idaho’s public universities and nonprofit institutions remain the best options for an affordable pathway to MFT licensure. Through a combination of in-state tuition discounts, scholarships, and loan repayment programs, Idaho students can pursue their MFT education without taking on excessive debt, making the state a practical and cost-effective choice for aspiring therapists.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Idaho

The Idaho Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists oversees the LMFT licensure process, ensuring that therapists meet state-mandated education and training requirements.

Steps to Become an LMFT in Idaho:

Complete a COAMFTE-Accredited MFT Program – Earn a master’s or doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related counseling field that meets licensure coursework requirements.
Accumulate 3,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience – Idaho requires candidates to complete 1,500 hours of direct client contact and 200+ supervision hours post-degree.
Pass the National MFT Examination – Applicants must successfully complete the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam.
Submit an LMFT Application – Candidates must submit education transcripts, supervised hours documentation, and exam results to the Idaho Board of MFT Examiners.
Complete Continuing Education (CE) for License Renewal – Idaho LMFTs must complete 20 hours of CE credits every year, including ethics coursework.

Because Idaho has rural mental health shortages, some therapists receive financial incentives or loan forgiveness for practicing in underserved areas, making licensure a valuable career investment for those committed to community-based therapy.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Idaho

Idaho’s mental health sector has a growing demand for licensed therapists, especially in rural communities where access to mental health care is limited. Many LMFTs in Idaho work in private practice, school counseling programs, community health organizations, and teletherapy services, addressing a wide range of family and relationship issues.

Average Salary: $58,500 per year
Top 10% Salary: $85,000+ per year
Entry-Level Salary: $46,000 per year
High-Demand Areas: Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls
Primary Work Environments: Private practice, community mental health, rural healthcare, school-based counseling

Because of Idaho’s large rural population, LMFTs are often in high demand outside of major cities, making rural mental health services a critical focus area for new graduates. Additionally, Idaho’s teletherapy sector has grown significantly, allowing LMFTs to work with clients remotely, expanding job opportunities for those interested in flexible therapy models.

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