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

Oregon offers a strong selection of COAMFTE-accredited and regionally approved Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs, providing students with rigorous academic training, clinical experience, and pathways to licensure. With a growing demand for licensed therapists in both urban and rural areas, Oregon presents diverse career opportunities for LMFTs in private practice, hospitals, and school-based mental health programs.

In this guide

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

Looking for the best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Oregon? At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we've ranked the top options to help you find the right fit. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student support. We know picking a program is a big decision. That's why we've done the research for you. Check out our rankings to start your journey toward a rewarding career in therapy. Learn how we rank the programs here.

#1

Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR - Public 4-Year - oit.edu

Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy M.S.

Concentration: Medical Family Therapy, Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Integrated Behavioral Healthcare - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Oregon Tech's Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program delivers exceptional training in medical family therapy, substance use disorder treatment, and integrated behavioral healthcare. Uniquely designed for mental health professionals, the hybrid program emphasizes rural healthcare dynamics, multicultural competence, and trauma-informed interventions. Students develop advanced clinical skills through comprehensive coursework addressing complex family systems, ethical practice, and culturally sensitive therapeutic approaches. The program strategically prepares graduates to serve diverse community mental health settings with expertise in medical family therapy and substance use disorder treatment.

  • Multicultural mental health focus
  • Rural healthcare specialization
  • Trauma-informed training
  • Medical Family Therapy concentration
  • Substance use disorder expertise
  • Ethical practice emphasis
  • Integrated behavioral healthcare

Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy M.S.

Concentration: Substance Use Disorder Treatment - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Specializing in substance use disorder treatment, Oregon Tech's Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program provides an innovative, holistic approach to mental health professional development. The hybrid program integrates practical training in rural mental health contexts, emphasizing multicultural competence and trauma-informed care. Students gain comprehensive clinical skills focused on substance use disorder interventions, learning advanced systemic therapy techniques and integrated behavioral healthcare strategies. Graduates emerge as versatile, culturally responsive therapists prepared to address complex addiction and family dynamics across diverse community settings.

  • Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy
  • Focuses on rural mental health
  • Multicultural therapy training
  • Trauma-informed care emphasis
  • Integrated behavioral healthcare
  • Medical Family Therapy practices
  • Substance use disorder treatment
  • Culturally responsive approach
  • Collaboration with local organizations

Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy M.S.

Concentration: Integrated Behavioral Healthcare - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Oregon Tech's Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program offers specialized training in integrated behavioral healthcare, preparing compassionate mental health professionals for complex clinical environments. The hybrid curriculum combines rigorous academic study with practical experience, focusing on rural healthcare dynamics, multicultural perspectives, and trauma-informed practices. Students develop advanced clinical skills through comprehensive coursework emphasizing ethical practice, cultural competence, and interdisciplinary healthcare collaboration. The program uniquely positions graduates to deliver innovative, holistic therapeutic interventions across diverse community mental health contexts.

  • Multicultural mental health focus
  • Rural healthcare specialization
  • Trauma-informed training
  • Medical Family Therapy integration
  • Strong local service collaboration
  • Culturally responsive curriculum
  • Ethical practice emphasis
  • Substance use disorder expertise
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#2

George Fox University

Newberg, OR - Private 4-year - georgefox.edu

Master's - Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

George Fox University offers a hybrid Master's in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, designed for those seeking dual licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT). This 64-credit program blends online and in-person learning, providing flexibility for students. It emphasizes a systemic perspective on therapy, integrating spiritual understanding with evidence-based practices. The curriculum includes a 700-hour clinical internship, preparing students for real-world challenges. With CACREP accreditation, the program ensures high-quality education, reflected in its promising 16% job growth projection. Total tuition is approximately $51,328, with classes available during the day, evening, and weekends to accommodate diverse schedules.

  • 2-4 year program length
  • Dual licensure (LPC/LMFT)
  • 64 semester credit hours
  • Online and in-person tracks
  • CACREP accredited
  • 700-hour clinical internship
  • $51,328 total tuition
  • Day, evening, weekend classes
  • Spiritual integration approach
  • 16% job growth projection
#3

University of Oregon

Eugene, OR - Public 4-Year - uoregon.edu

Master's - Couples and Family Therapy

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Oregon offers a Master of Science in Couples and Family Therapy (CFT) that stands out for its hybrid format and comprehensive approach. This COAMFTE-accredited program is designed for those aiming to become licensed therapists, offering a 90-credit curriculum that emphasizes diversity, social justice, and hands-on clinical training. With a small cohort size of 22-24 students, participants benefit from intensive supervision and practical experience at the Center for Healthy Relationships, ensuring readiness for a variety of therapeutic settings. The program's focus on inclusive learning and direct client contact hours prepares graduates for successful careers in marriage and family therapy.

  • 90-credit Master of Science
  • Nationally accredited program
  • Small cohort model (22-24 students)
  • COAMFTE accredited curriculum
  • Two clinical training sites
  • 350 direct client contact hours
  • Supports state licensure requirements
  • Inclusive learning environment
  • Intensive clinical supervision
  • Multiple career opportunity settings

Master's - Couples and Family Therapy

Concentration: Spanish Language Specialization - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Dive into the University of Oregon's unique Master of Science in Couples and Family Therapy with a Spanish Language Specialization. This hybrid program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical training, tailored for bilingual students seeking to serve diverse populations. Accredited by COAMFTE, the 90-credit curriculum includes live therapy observations and collaborative practice at the Center for Healthy Relationships. Emphasizing social justice and diversity, the program prepares graduates for licensure and careers in various therapeutic environments, supported by a faculty renowned for their teaching excellence and a small, supportive cohort model.

  • 90-credit Master of Science program
  • COAMFTE nationally accredited
  • 22-24 students admitted annually
  • Multiple clinical training sites
  • Licensure preparation focus
  • Small cohort learning model
  • Center for Healthy Relationships
  • 350 direct client contact hours
  • Multiple career placement options
  • Faculty with teaching awards
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#4

Western Seminary

Portland, OR - Private 4-year - westernseminary.edu

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

Western Seminary's Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy is a Christ-centered program that blends psychological training with biblical principles, preparing students for licensure and diverse clinical roles. The 73-credit curriculum includes 325 practicum hours, emphasizing professional ethics and personal counseling. With flexible scheduling and a 3.0 GPA requirement, it's designed for working professionals seeking to integrate faith and therapy.

  • 73-credit Master of Arts degree
  • Christian worldview integration
  • Prepares for state licensure
  • Flexible evening/weekend classes
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
  • 325 practicum clinical hours
  • Accredited baccalaureate prerequisite
  • Multiple specialization tracks
  • Professional ethics training
  • Personal counseling requirement

Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Master of Arts in Counseling: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling at Western Seminary offers a 71-credit program focused on integrating psychological expertise with biblical foundations. Students engage in 700 clinical hours, including 280 direct client interactions, preparing for licensure in various mental health settings. The program features a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and flexible class schedules, catering to those aiming to blend theological insights with counseling practice.

  • 71-credit Master's degree program
  • Christian worldview integration
  • 700 total clinical hours required
  • 280 direct client contact hours
  • Weeknight/Saturday class schedules
  • Practicum and four internship semesters
  • Licensure preparation
  • 12:1 student-faculty ratio
  • Multiple specialization options
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#5

Portland State University

Portland, OR - Public 4-Year - pdx.edu

Master's - Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Portland State University's Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Master's program delivers a rigorous professional training pathway designed to cultivate advanced therapeutic skills. Through an innovative three-year cohort-based model, students engage in comprehensive academic coursework and intensive clinical training situated in downtown Portland. The 90-credit hybrid program strategically prepares graduates for professional licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. Students gain invaluable hands-on experience through the Community Counseling Clinic and meticulously structured internship placements, ensuring practical competency across diverse community mental health settings. With evening class schedules and CACREP accreditation, the program offers flexibility and recognized quality professional preparation.

  • Three-year cohort-based program
  • 90 total credit hours
  • Resident cost: $54,020
  • In-person downtown Portland
  • Community Counseling Clinic experience
  • Licensure preparation: LPC/LMFT
  • Evening class schedules
  • 20-30 hour weekly internships
  • CACREP accredited program
  • Multiple internship partner sites
*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2023.

MFT Programs Available in Oregon

Oregon has multiple COAMFTE-accredited and regionally approved MFT programs, ensuring students receive high-quality education and state-approved clinical training.

Top Accredited MFT Programs in Oregon

Lewis & Clark College – MA in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy

  • COAMFTE-accredited program offering comprehensive coursework in systemic therapy, trauma-informed care, and ethical clinical practice.
  • Provides internship placements in mental health clinics, private practices, and community organizations to prepare students for state licensure.

Pacific University – Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

  • COAMFTE-accredited program focused on multicultural therapy, couples counseling, and mental health disorders.
  • Provides clinical practicum opportunities in diverse mental health settings, including school-based therapy programs.

Oregon’s Quickest MFT Programs

  • Lewis & Clark College’s MFT program can be completed in two years, with structured clinical training and coursework integration.
  • George Fox University’s MFT program follows a 2.5-year curriculum, allowing students to gain real-world clinical experience while completing their degree.
  • Online COAMFTE-accredited programs from neighboring states allow Oregon students to accelerate coursework while completing required supervised hours locally.
  • Students with prior psychology or counseling coursework may transfer credits, reducing their total program length.

For students seeking a fast-track to licensure, enrolling in full-time programs with early clinical placements ensures an efficient path to professional practice. Learn more about other fast MFT programs available to you.

Oregon’s Cheapest MFT Programs

  • Lewis & Clark College offers competitive tuition rates for Oregon residents, making it one of the most cost-effective COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs in the state.
  • George Fox University and Pacific University provide financial aid, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs, reducing student loan debt.
  • Loan forgiveness programs for LMFTs working in rural and high-need areas help offset tuition costs, making MFT education more accessible.
  • Online MFT programs with lower tuition rates provide an alternative for students looking for affordable and flexible degree options.

Students prioritizing affordability should explore scholarships, assistantships, and employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement programs to reduce out-of-pocket education costs. If you are looking for the cheapest MFT programs available, check out our full guide on getting an MFT degree for cheap.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Oregon

1. Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy

  • Complete a COAMFTE-accredited or regionally accredited MFT program that meets Oregon’s licensure requirements.
  • Ensure coursework covers family therapy models, mental health assessment, ethical standards, and clinical interventions.

2. Complete 2,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience

  • Fulfill post-graduate clinical hours, with 1,000 hours of direct client contact under the supervision of a licensed MFT.
  • Gain experience in approved therapy settings, including private practice, school-based counseling, and behavioral health clinics.

3. Pass the National MFT Examination

  • Successfully take and pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Exam.
  • Demonstrate competency in relationship counseling, ethics, and evidence-based treatment techniques.

4. Apply for Licensure Through the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists

  • Submit official transcripts, proof of supervised hours, and exam scores for licensure approval.
  • Complete any state-specific licensing requirements, including background checks and ethics training.

5. Maintain Licensure with Continuing Education

  • Complete 40 continuing education (CE) hours every renewal cycle, including coursework in professional ethics, trauma-informed care, and advanced clinical training.
  • Attend workshops, conferences, and online training programs to stay updated on best practices in family therapy.

Following these steps ensures a smooth transition from student to licensed LMFT, qualifying professionals to work in private practice, behavioral health organizations, and teletherapy programs.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Oregon

Oregon offers strong career opportunities for LMFTs, with growing demand in private practice, hospitals, and school-based mental health services. The average salary for LMFTs in Oregon is $66,800 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $100,000 annually.

Where LMFTs Work in Oregon

  • Private practices provide higher salaries and flexible schedules, making them a popular career path.
  • Hospitals and behavioral health organizations hire LMFTs for integrated care teams and crisis intervention programs.
  • School-based therapy programs allow LMFTs to work with children, adolescents, and families in educational settings.
  • Teletherapy expansion in Oregon has increased job opportunities for LMFTs providing remote counseling services.

With competitive salaries, high demand for licensed therapists, and flexible work settings, Oregon remains a top destination for LMFT professionals.

Oregon offers a variety of accredited MFT programs, structured licensure pathways, and expanding career opportunities for licensed therapists. With affordable tuition rates, flexible program options, and financial incentives for therapists working in underserved areas, Oregon remains a strong location for aspiring LMFTs.

For students seeking a high-quality, career-focused, and financially viable MFT education, Oregon’s programs provide the clinical training, licensure preparation, and hands-on experience necessary to succeed in private practice, behavioral health organizations, and school-based mental health services. Whether working in urban therapy centers or rural mental health programs, LMFTs in Oregon play a critical role in strengthening family relationships and improving mental health care across the state.