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

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

If you're looking for the best marriage and family therapy (MFT) programs in Oregon, you've come to the right place. At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we carefully review and rank these programs to help you find one that fits your goals. Our rankings highlight schools with strong curricula, experienced faculty, and good support for students. Whether you aim to start a career or advance your skills, our list points you to top options in the state. We focus on what matters most to future therapists, so you can make a smart choice. Learn more about how we create our rankings at https://marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/.
#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 M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy offers a hybrid program with concentrations in Medical Family Therapy, Substance Use Disorder Treatment, and Integrated Behavioral Healthcare. This program equips students with advanced skills in multicultural mental health, trauma-informed care, and rural healthcare specialization, emphasizing ethical practice and cultural sensitivity. Graduates are prepared for impactful careers in diverse community settings, with no entrance exam required for admission.

  • 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

Focusing on Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Oregon Tech's hybrid M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy develops compassionate therapists skilled in rural mental health and integrated healthcare. Students gain expertise in trauma-informed approaches, multicultural competence, and clinical practices for substance use disorders, supported by collaboration with local organizations. The program does not require an entrance exam, preparing versatile professionals for community service.

  • 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 M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy, with a concentration in Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, provides specialized training in rural mental health, medical family therapy, and substance use disorders. Through a hybrid format, students learn culturally responsive and trauma-informed care, emphasizing ethical practice and strong local collaborations. No entrance exam is needed, positioning graduates to make meaningful impacts in diverse mental health settings.

  • 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
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#2

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's Master of Science in Couples and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited, 90-credit hybrid program that prepares students for licensure through intensive clinical training. With a small cohort of 22-24 students, it offers hands-on experience at the Center for Healthy Relationships, providing 350 direct client contact hours and supervision. The curriculum emphasizes diversity, social justice, and inclusive learning, supporting multiple career pathways in therapeutic settings. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program.

  • 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

Focusing on a Spanish Language Specialization, the University of Oregon's hybrid Master of Science in Couples and Family Therapy equips students to serve diverse populations. This 90-credit, COAMFTE-accredited program admits 22-24 students annually, featuring clinical training at multiple sites with 350 client contact hours. It emphasizes licensure preparation through small cohort learning and innovative supervision at the Center for Healthy Relationships, fostering skills for inclusive therapy. No entrance exam is needed for this master's program.

  • 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
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#3

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's Master's in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling prepares graduates for dual licensure as LPCs and LMFTs through a comprehensive 64-credit hybrid program. The CACREP-accredited curriculum combines online coursework with in-person clinical training, requiring a 700-hour internship. Students develop systemic therapy skills while integrating spiritual perspectives, with flexible scheduling options including day, evening, and weekend classes. The program does not require entrance exams and offers promising career prospects with a 16% projected job growth in the field.

  • 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
#4

Lewis & Clark College

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

Graduate Certificate - Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy

Concentration: Addictions treatment - Campus Based - Visit Website

Lewis & Clark College's Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy specializes in addictions treatment, preparing students for licensure as marriage and family therapists. The 60-credit curriculum integrates social justice and strength-based approaches, with a focus on addiction therapy. Students complete clinical internships and can choose full-time (3 years) or part-time (4 years) options. This campus-based program does not require an entrance exam, emphasizing cohort learning and diverse clinical skills for effective practice in various settings.

  • 60 semester credit hours
  • Full-time: 3 years
  • Part-time: 4 years
  • Fall semester start
  • Cohort learning model
  • Social justice perspective
  • Clinical internship included
  • Multiple therapy concentrations
  • Prepares for LMFT licensure
  • Strength-based therapeutic approach
#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 three-year cohort-based education blending in-person classes in downtown Portland with extensive clinical training. This 90-credit hybrid program prepares graduates for LPC and LMFT licensure through hands-on practicum at the Community Counseling Clinic and structured internships with partner organizations. Evening classes accommodate working professionals, while CACREP accreditation ensures quality. The program does not require an entrance exam, focusing instead on comprehensive professional development for diverse community settings. Estimated resident costs are approximately $54,020, offering valuable training for aspiring marriage and family therapists.

  • 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
#6

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 73-credit Christ-centered program that integrates psychological expertise with biblical foundations to prepare students for state licensure. The curriculum emphasizes advanced clinical skills development through 325 practicum hours, with flexible evening and weekend classes accommodating working professionals. This comprehensive training equips graduates for diverse clinical environments including mental health clinics and counseling centers. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and accredited baccalaureate prerequisite but does not mention entrance exam requirements.

  • 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

Western Seminary's Master of Arts in Counseling with Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling concentration provides rigorous 71-credit training blending psychological expertise with theological insights. Students complete 700 total clinical hours, including 280 direct client contact hours, through practicum and four internship semesters. The program emphasizes licensure preparation with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and flexible weeknight/Saturday schedules. This integrative approach combines academic excellence with practical skills development for professional counseling roles in various mental health settings, without mentioning specific entrance exam requirements.

  • 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 ˅
*Data source: NCES, IPEDS 2023 institutional survey.

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.