Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Colorado 2025
Colorado has a growing demand for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) as mental health awareness continues to expand. With a rising population and increased focus on holistic wellness, more individuals and families are seeking therapy services, creating strong job opportunities for licensed therapists.
The state offers several accredited MFT programs designed to train students in systemic therapy, trauma-informed care, and community mental health services. This guide highlights the best MFT programs in Colorado, including fast-track and cost-effective options, plus licensure details and job outlook.
In this guide
2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Colorado
Regis University
Denver, CO - Private 4-year - regis.edu
Master's - M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Regis University is a COAMFTE-accredited 60-credit hybrid program costing $806 per credit hour, totaling about $48,360. Emphasizing systemic therapy, it offers small classes and hands-on clinical training with a 95% job placement rate. Completion takes 2.5-3 years, including practicum and internship, and no entrance exam is required for this master's-level program.
- 60-credit Master's degree program
- 95% job placement rate
- COAMFTE accredited program
- $806 per credit hour
- 2.5-3 years to complete
- Small class sizes
- On-campus and weekend formats
- Practicum and internship included
- Thornton Campus location
- Systemic therapy approach
Graduate Certificate - Marriage and Family Therapy Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
Regis University's Post-Graduate Marriage and Family Therapy Certificate enhances counseling expertise for licensed mental health professionals through 18 on-campus credits at $806 per credit hour. This program focuses on systemic therapy techniques, requiring a master's degree and 120 clinical hours, with supervision from licensed MFTs. It employs rolling admissions with start dates in January, May, and August, and no entrance exam is needed as it is a post-graduate certificate.
- Post-graduate certificate program
- 18 total credit hours
- On-campus courses only
- $806 per credit hour
- Requires master's degree
- 120 clinical hours required
- Starts January, May, August
- Rolling admissions process
- Systemic therapy focus
- Supervision with licensed MFTs
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO - Public 4-Year - unco.edu
Master's - Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling/Therapy M.A.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Northern Colorado offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling/Therapy that prepares students for LMFT licensure. This campus-based program requires a 3.0 GPA minimum and includes 66-75 credit hours of comprehensive clinical training. Students develop advanced skills in relationship dynamics, systemic therapy, and trauma intervention through diverse coursework and practical experiences. The program emphasizes ethical counseling practices and serves varied populations, with a pre-admission workshop and interpersonal skills assessment as part of the admission process. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
- CACREP Accredited Program
- 66-75 Total Credit Hours
- Licensure Track for LMFT
- Specialized Relationship Systems Focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Requirement
- Comprehensive Clinical Training
- Diverse Coursework Options
- Pre-Admission Workshop Required
- Interpersonal Skills Assessment
- Trauma and Intervention Courses
Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, CO - Private 4-year - ccu.edu
Graduate Certificate - Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Online Learning - Visit Website
Colorado Christian University's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration integrates biblical principles with clinical training, preparing graduates for licensure in Colorado and beyond. This CACREP-accredited program offers a flexible 69-credit curriculum delivered online or in hybrid formats, allowing completion in as little as 30 months. Students engage in three in-person residencies to develop skills in systemic therapy, conflict resolution, and interpersonal dynamics. The program does not require an entrance exam, focusing instead on practical application through two courses per seven-week block. Graduates are equipped to address diverse family and couple issues in various clinical settings.
- 100% online or hybrid format
- 69 total credit hours
- CACREP-accredited program
- Complete in 30 months
- Three in-person residencies
- Transfer up to 12 credits
- Colorado and online locations
- Biblical counseling approach
- Licensure preparation
- Two courses per seven-week block
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, CO - Public 4-Year - ucdenver.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus is a COAMFTE-accredited, 54-credit program that spans 2.5 to 3.5 years, emphasizing social justice, diversity, and systemic approaches. Students gain hands-on clinical experience through mentorship, preparing them for comprehensive mental health services in various settings. With fall and spring admission cycles, the program requires an interview and three recommendation letters but does not specify an entrance exam. Its inclusive, culturally sensitive curriculum and on-campus format at a military-friendly institution with an on-campus hospital make it a robust choice for aspiring therapists.
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- 54-credit Master's Degree
- On-campus program
- 2.5-3.5 years completion time
- Fall/Spring admission cycles
- Application deadline: Feb 1 (Fall)
- Application deadline: Sept 1 (Spring)
- Required interview process
- Three recommendation letters needed
- Social justice focused curriculum
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO - Public 4-Year - colostate.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization - Campus Based - Visit Website
Colorado State University-Fort Collins offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization. This campus-based program emphasizes evidence-based clinical practices, diversity, and social justice, preparing students for licensure as professional therapists. Through supervised therapy at multiple specialized centers, students gain hands-on experience in real-world settings. The program requires an entrance exam, such as the GRE, for admission. It is military-friendly and focuses on comprehensive clinical training, individual and family development, and ethical practices.
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- Focuses on Evidence-Based Practices
- Supervised Clinical Experience
- Multiple Therapy Center Options
- Emphasizes Diversity and Ethics
- Master of Science Degree
- Prepares Licensed Therapists
- Comprehensive Clinical Training
Other MFT Programs Available in Colorado
Colorado’s top MFT programs are designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical training. Many programs emphasize working with diverse populations, including military families, rural communities, and underserved groups.
Some of the best MFT programs in Colorado include:
- Adams State University – Offers a Master’s in Counseling with a Marriage and Family Therapy emphasis, designed for students planning to work in rural or high-need areas.
These programs prepare students for state licensure and diverse career pathways, from private practice to nonprofit mental health organizations.
Colorado's Quickest MFT Programs
For students eager to join the workforce quickly, Colorado offers accelerated and highly structured MFT programs designed for faster completion.
Factors that help students finish faster:
- Year-Round Coursework – Some programs include summer and winter terms to reduce overall time to graduation.
- Intensive Practicum Models – Programs offering structured, front-loaded clinical hours can streamline degree completion.
- Online & Hybrid Flexibility – Some courses allow students to fast-track certain classes while balancing fieldwork requirements.
Here are some of the fastest MFT programs in Colorado:
|
School
|
Program Length
|
Type
|
|---|---|---|
|
2 years
|
Hybrid
|
|
|
2 – 2.5 years
|
Campus
|
|
|
2.5 years
|
Online
|
These programs offer intensive coursework and hands-on clinical training, helping students graduate and begin practicing sooner.
Colorado's Cheapest MFT Programs
For students focused on affordability, Colorado has several cost-effective MFT programs at public universities and online institutions.
Ways to save on tuition costs:
- Take Advantage of In-State Tuition – Colorado residents can access reduced tuition at public universities.
- Scholarship & Grant Programs – Many schools offer funding options for mental health students.
- Hybrid & Online Learning – Some programs lower expenses by minimizing on-campus requirements.
Here are some of the most affordable MFT programs in Colorado:
|
School
|
Estimated Tuition
|
Type
|
|---|---|---|
|
$6,500 per year
|
Online
|
|
|
$8,700 per year
|
Campus
|
|
|
$9,100 per year
|
Campus
|
These affordable options help students earn a respected degree while minimizing financial burden.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Colorado
Becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Colorado involves completing education, supervised practice, and state-specific exams.
Steps to Become an LMFT in Colorado:
- Earn an MFT Degree – Graduate from a COAMFTE-accredited or regionally accredited MFT program.
- Complete 2,000+ Supervised Clinical Hours – Colorado requires 2,000 post-degree supervised hours, with at least 1,500 hours in direct client contact.
- Pass the National MFT Exam – Administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
- Apply for Licensure – Submit an application to the Colorado State Board of Marriage & Family Therapist Examiners.
- Maintain Continuing Education Requirements – LMFTs in Colorado must complete continuing education credits for license renewal.
For official licensure details, visit Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Colorado
Colorado has seen a steady rise in demand for LMFTs, particularly in rural and underserved communities where mental health services are expanding.
Colorado-Specific LMFT Data:
- Colorado Population: 5.8 million
- Marriage Rate in Colorado: 7.5 per 1,000 residents (CDC Marriage Rates by State)
- Average LMFT Salary: $58,400 per year
- Top 10% LMFT Salary: Over $85,000 per year
Where LMFTs Work in Colorado:
- Behavioral Health Clinics – Therapists provide care in public health and state-run centers.
- Private Practice & Group Therapy Offices – Many LMFTs operate independent practices.
- Military & Veteran Counseling Services – With several military bases in Colorado, LMFTs serve active-duty personnel and veterans.
- University & School Counseling – MFTs work in campus mental health and academic counseling centers.
With strong job growth and rising salaries, Colorado remains an ideal place to launch an LMFT career.
Why Choose an MFT Program in Colorado?
Colorado is an excellent state for MFT education, offering flexible learning formats, diverse clinical settings, and strong job demand.
Top reasons to study MFT in Colorado:
- Growing Mental Health Field – Colorado has a rapidly expanding need for licensed therapists.
- Opportunities in Rural & Urban Settings – LMFTs can work in Denver, Boulder, and underserved rural areas.
- Diverse Training Environments – Students train in private practice, hospitals, and teletherapy settings.
- Flexible Program Options – Choose from online, hybrid, or on-campus MFT degrees.
For students passionate about mental health and relationship therapy, earning an MFT degree in Colorado is a rewarding career move.
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