Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Iowa 2025
Becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in Iowa requires completing a graduate-level education, supervised clinical experience, and passing a national licensing exam. Iowa’s mental health field is growing, particularly in rural and underserved areas, where there is a shortage of licensed therapists. This demand creates opportunities for LMFTs to work in private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, and school-based counseling services.
MFT programs in Iowa focus on family systems therapy, trauma-informed care, addiction counseling, and telehealth integration, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for the evolving needs of mental health treatment in the state. Many programs offer internships and clinical placements at mental health facilities, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while completing their degree.
Iowa students have multiple learning options, including traditional on-campus programs, hybrid models that mix in-person and online coursework, and fully online programs with local clinical placements. These options provide flexibility for working professionals, career changers, and full-time students pursuing their MFT degree.
In this guide
2025 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Iowa
Finding the right Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) program in Iowa can shape your future career. At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we've ranked the best MFT programs to help you choose. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. We aim to make your decision easier with clear, reliable information. Check out our rankings to find a program that fits your goals. https://marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/
Mount Mercy University
Cedar Rapids, IA - Private 4-year - mtmercy.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mount Mercy University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy provides a comprehensive approach to mental health counseling, equipping students with advanced skills in therapeutic interventions and diagnostic techniques. The hybrid program emphasizes professional licensure preparation, enabling graduates to effectively support individuals, couples, and families. By integrating evidence-based counseling strategies and practical experience, students develop the expertise needed to address complex interpersonal dynamics and make meaningful clinical interventions in diverse mental health settings.
- Master of Arts degree
- Marriage and Family Therapy focus
- Professional counseling preparation
- Licensure-oriented curriculum
- Mental health professional training
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Neuroscience and Psychophysiology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mount Mercy University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a Neuroscience and Psychophysiology concentration offers an innovative, research-driven program designed for working professionals. As the only COAMFTE-accredited MA-MFT program in Iowa, it provides a unique systems approach that integrates neuroscientific principles into clinical training. The flexible evening and online learning format allows students to gain hands-on experience at the on-site Olson Marriage & Family Therapy Clinic, developing advanced clinical skills grounded in cutting-edge neurological understanding of interpersonal dynamics.
- COAMFTE-accredited MFT program
- Neuroscience-based curriculum
- Flexible evening/online classes
- No GRE required
- 5- and 10-week course blocks
- August start date
- On-site therapy clinic experience
- Tailored for working professionals
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Leadership and Social Justice - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mount Mercy University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a Leadership and Social Justice concentration delivers a progressive educational experience that prepares therapists to address complex systemic mental health challenges. The COAMFTE-accredited program emphasizes social equity and transformative clinical practices through a neuroscience-based curriculum. Designed for working professionals, the hybrid format features flexible evening and online classes, enabling students to develop advanced clinical skills while exploring critical intersections of therapy, leadership, and social justice.
- COAMFTE-accredited program
- No GRE required
- Evening and online classes
- Neuroscience-based curriculum
- August start date
- 5- and 10-week course blocks
- On-site therapy clinic
- Working professional friendly
- Flexible learning options
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Advanced Couples Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mount Mercy University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with an Advanced Couples Therapy concentration provides specialized training for mental health professionals seeking expertise in relationship dynamics. The COAMFTE-accredited program integrates systemic approaches with neuroscience insights, offering a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students to navigate complex interpersonal challenges. Through flexible evening and online classes, students gain advanced clinical skills via hands-on practicum experiences at the on-site Olson Marriage & Family Therapy Clinic, positioning graduates as innovative and research-informed couples therapists.
- COAMFTE-accredited MFT program
- Neuroscience-informed curriculum
- Flexible evening/online classes
- No GRE required
- August start date
- 5-10 week course blocks
- On-site therapy clinic
- Working professional friendly
- Systemic therapy approach
Other MFT Programs Available in Iowa
Iowa has several regionally accredited MFT programs, with COAMFTE-accredited programs ensuring that students meet national licensure standards.
These programs cover clinical therapy methods, ethics, multicultural counseling, and mental health assessments, while also incorporating internship opportunities at hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and private practices.
Graduates from these programs are well-prepared for state licensure and diverse therapy careers, serving individuals, couples, and families in various mental health settings.
Iowa’s Quickest MFT Programs
- Accelerated completion paths: Some programs offer intensive course schedules and year-round enrollment, allowing students to graduate within two years.
- Embedded clinical training: Certain universities structure their curriculum to incorporate supervised hours from the beginning, reducing post-degree licensure requirements.
- Flexible coursework options: Hybrid and online courses allow students to complete their education faster while balancing work commitments.
- Transfer credit acceptance: Students with prior coursework in psychology or counseling may qualify for course waivers, shortening their degree timeline.
For students looking to fast-track their MFT career, choosing a program with early clinical experience and flexible scheduling can significantly reduce the time required to earn their degree.
Iowa’s Cheapest MFT Programs
- Public universities offer cost-effective tuition: In-state students can save significantly by attending Iowa’s public institutions, which have lower tuition rates compared to private universities.
- Graduate assistantships and scholarships: Some programs provide tuition assistance through research or teaching assistantships, helping students offset education costs.
- Hybrid and online learning reduces expenses: Online and hybrid programs allow students to save on transportation, housing, and campus fees, making them a cost-effective option.
- Loan forgiveness for rural mental health work: Iowa offers loan repayment programs for therapists who work in rural or high-need areas, making MFT education more affordable for those who commit to serving underserved communities.
Students seeking affordable education should explore financial aid, part-time study options, and employer tuition reimbursement programs to minimize their educational costs.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Iowa
Step 1: Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in MFT
To become an LMFT in Iowa, students must earn a graduate-level degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related mental health field with an MFT concentration. The program should be COAMFTE-accredited or meet state licensing requirements, ensuring that coursework covers family systems therapy, ethics, and clinical assessment.
Step 2: Complete 3,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
Iowa requires MFT graduates to accumulate 3,000 hours of supervised experience, with at least 1,500 hours dedicated to direct client contact. These hours must be completed under an approved LMFT supervisor and provide hands-on practice in individual, couple, and family counseling.
Step 3: Pass the National MFT Exam
Candidates must pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam, which evaluates their clinical knowledge, ethical decision-making, and diagnostic abilities. The exam is a comprehensive assessment that ensures therapists are ready to provide competent, professional care to clients.
Step 4: Submit an Application to the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science
Once educational and clinical requirements are met, applicants must submit their licensure application, proof of supervised hours, official transcripts, and exam scores to the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science. A background check and application fee are also required.
Step 5: Maintain Licensure with Continuing Education
Licensed MFTs in Iowa must renew their license every two years by completing 40 hours of continuing education (CE) credits, including mandatory ethics and professional development courses. This ensures that therapists stay up to date on emerging therapy techniques and best practices.
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Iowa
- Average Salary: $58,400 per year
- Top 10% Salary: $86,000+ per year
- Entry-Level Salary: $47,000 per year
- High-Demand Areas: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport
- Primary Work Environments: Private practice, hospitals, community mental health agencies, school counseling programs
With a growing need for licensed therapists across Iowa, particularly in rural areas, LMFTs have strong career prospects in mental health clinics, private practice, and teletherapy settings.
Iowa provides strong academic and career opportunities for students pursuing an MFT degree, offering structured pathways to licensure, affordable education options, and diverse clinical training experiences. With growing job demand, financial aid opportunities, and flexible learning formats, Iowa supports students looking to become licensed therapists and serve individuals, couples, and families in need.
For students who are looking for fast-track options, financial assistance, or specialization in high-demand therapy areas, Iowa offers numerous pathways to an MFT career, making it an excellent place to train, obtain licensure, and establish a successful practice in Marriage and Family Therapy.
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