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

Nevada offers a small but important selection of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs, designed to equip students with the clinical knowledge and hands-on training required for licensure. The rising demand for licensed therapists in both Las Vegas and Reno, as well as rural areas, makes it an ideal time to pursue an MFT degree in the state.

MFT programs in Nevada provide a strong foundation in family systems therapy, trauma-informed care, mental health assessments, and clinical intervention strategies. Many programs emphasize working with diverse populations, as Nevada’s rapidly growing communities require culturally competent therapists who can address unique relationship dynamics and behavioral health challenges.

Students can choose from campus-based and hybrid learning options, ensuring flexibility for those who need to balance coursework with professional and personal responsibilities. Programs in the state also prioritize clinical training, offering supervised practicum and internship placements in community clinics, hospitals, and private therapy practices to ensure that graduates meet Nevada’s LMFT licensure requirements.

In this guide

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

Looking for the best marriage and family therapy programs in Nevada? You have come to the right place. At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we carefully review and rank MFT programs across the state to help you find one that fits your needs. Our rankings consider factors like accreditation, faculty expertise, and student support. We aim to make your search easier by highlighting programs that prepare you for a successful career in therapy. Check out our detailed list to see which Nevada schools made the cut. https://marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV - Public 4-Year - unlv.edu

Master's - Master of Science - Couple and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

UNLV's Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy offers comprehensive training for mental health professionals seeking Nevada licensure and national certification. This rigorous campus program provides both thesis and non-thesis tracks, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and clinical experience with diverse populations. Students develop advanced diagnostic and treatment skills for complex family dynamics across various life stages. The program focuses on professional identity development and integrates research with clinical practice. As a master's level program, it does not require entrance exams.

  • Nevada MFT Licensure Preparation
  • Thesis and Non-Thesis Options
  • Culturally Sensitive Training
  • Clinical Experience Focus
  • Multiple Career Pathways
  • Diverse Population Competence
  • Professional Identity Development
  • Research and Clinical Integration

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Medical Family Therapy

Concentration: Medical Family Therapy - Campus Based - Visit Website

UNLV's Graduate Certificate in Medical Family Therapy provides specialized training for healthcare professionals to address complex medical and psychosocial needs. This campus-based program focuses specifically on Medical Family Therapy, integrating biological, psychological, social, and spiritual frameworks into healthcare interventions. Students develop advanced skills in treating chronic health conditions, substance use disorders, and trauma while emphasizing ethical practice and culture-informed approaches. The program prepares graduates for interdisciplinary collaboration in diverse clinical settings. As a graduate certificate program, it does not require entrance exams.

  • Online graduate certificate available
  • Specialized medical therapy training
  • Focuses on chronic health conditions
  • BPSS framework integration
  • Career opportunities in multiple settings
  • Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
  • Trauma and substance use focus
  • Ethical practice emphasis
  • Medical terminology proficiency
  • Culture-informed therapeutic practices
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#2

University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, NV - Public 4-Year - unr.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling

Concentration: Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Nevada-Reno's CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Counseling with a Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling concentration prepares culturally competent therapists through rigorous coursework and clinical experiences. Students gain expertise in family systems theory, trauma-informed approaches, and evidence-based interventions for diverse therapeutic settings. This program emphasizes ethical practice and developmental theory, requiring no entrance exam for admission. Graduates are equipped to support individuals, couples, and families effectively, with an application deadline of January 15 for fall entry.

  • CACREP Accredited Program
  • Marriage and Family Counseling Track
  • Fall Application Deadline: January 15
  • Three Counseling Specializations Available
  • Culturally Competent Training
  • Comprehensive Clinical Preparation
  • Emphasis on Ethical Counseling Practice
  • Focus on Developmental Theory
  • Evidence-Based Intervention Strategies
*Postsecondary data from: IPEDS 2023, NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

MFT Programs in Nevada

Nevada has a limited selection of accredited MFT programs, but students can still pursue COAMFTE-accredited degrees or regionally accredited programs that meet licensure requirements.

Currently, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, making it the top choice for students pursuing licensure in Nevada. UNLV’s program includes a combination of academic coursework, hands-on clinical experience, and faculty mentorship, ensuring graduates are fully prepared to enter the workforce as licensed MFTs.

Other students may explore online or hybrid programs from out-of-state institutions, provided they meet Nevada’s licensure requirements. Programs from neighboring states such as California and Arizona also offer viable options for students willing to travel for in-person training components.

Nevada’s Quickest MFT Programs

  • Full-time enrollment at UNLV’s MFT program allows students to graduate in approximately two years, including coursework and supervised clinical training.
  • Hybrid or online MFT programs from accredited institutions allow students to accelerate coursework while completing required practicum hours locally.
  • Programs that integrate clinical training early in the curriculum help students complete supervised experience hours concurrently with coursework, expediting the path to licensure.
  • Those with a background in psychology, social work, or counseling may be eligible for transfer credits, reducing the overall number of courses required for degree completion.

For students looking to complete their MFT degree in the shortest time possible, enrolling in a structured program with early internship placements and year-round coursework can significantly reduce the time to graduation.

Nevada’s Cheapest MFT Programs

  • The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) offers the most affordable in-state COAMFTE-accredited MFT program, making it the best option for cost-conscious students.
  • Financial aid, scholarships, and graduate assistantships are available at UNLV and other institutions, helping students offset tuition costs.
  • Online and hybrid programs from out-of-state universities may offer competitive tuition rates and flexible payment options, making them a viable choice for Nevada students.
  • State-funded tuition assistance programs and loan forgiveness opportunities exist for LMFTs willing to work in underserved areas, including rural regions of Nevada where mental health services are in high demand.

For students pursuing an affordable pathway to licensure, choosing a public university, applying for financial aid, and considering loan forgiveness programs can help reduce the financial burden of earning an MFT degree.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Nevada

  1. Complete an MFT Graduate Program: Nevada requires students to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from a COAMFTE-accredited or state-approved institution. Coursework must include family therapy theories, ethics, psychological assessment, and supervised clinical practice.
  2. Gain Supervised Clinical Experience: Candidates must complete 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience, including 1,500 hours of direct client contact. Supervision must be conducted by a licensed MFT or other qualified mental health professional.
  3. Pass the National MFT Examination: All candidates must pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Exam, which evaluates clinical knowledge, ethical decision-making, and diagnostic skills.
  4. Apply for Licensure with the Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors: Once all educational and clinical requirements are met, applicants must submit official transcripts, proof of supervised hours, and exam scores to the Nevada licensing board.
  5. Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education: Licensed MFTs in Nevada must complete 40 continuing education (CE) hours every two years, including courses in ethics, cultural competency, and advanced clinical techniques.

By following these steps, candidates can obtain full licensure as an LMFT in Nevada and begin practicing in a variety of mental health settings.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Nevada

Marriage and Family Therapists in Nevada work in a variety of clinical, community, and private settings, helping individuals, couples, and families navigate mental health challenges, relationship issues, and behavioral disorders. The average salary for LMFTs in Nevada is $65,700 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $90,000 annually.

Salaries vary based on geographic location, specialization, and work setting. LMFTs in Las Vegas, Reno, and Henderson tend to earn higher wages due to higher demand for therapy services, while those in rural areas may qualify for state-funded incentives, including loan forgiveness programs for therapists working in underserved regions.

Nevada’s expansion of teletherapy services has also opened new job opportunities, allowing LMFTs to serve clients remotely while maintaining a flexible work schedule. With continued investment in mental health resources, LMFTs in Nevada can expect strong job stability and career growth.

Nevada provides a limited but strong selection of MFT programs, offering students a clear pathway to licensure and rewarding career opportunities in mental health therapy. With affordable educational options, a growing demand for licensed therapists, and financial incentives for working in underserved areas, Nevada is a promising state for aspiring LMFTs.

For students seeking a structured, cost-effective, and flexible MFT education, Nevada’s programs equip graduates with the knowledge, practical experience, and professional credentials necessary to succeed in private practice, community mental health, school counseling, and teletherapy services. Whether working in urban therapy centers or providing behavioral health services in rural Nevada, LMFTs play a critical role in supporting the state’s mental health infrastructure.