Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Illinois 2025
Becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in Illinois requires completing an accredited graduate degree, gaining supervised clinical experience, and passing a national licensing exam. Illinois has a strong demand for LMFTs, particularly in urban areas where mental health services continue to expand. Rural regions of the state also have a growing need for qualified therapists as behavioral health programs work to increase accessibility to mental health care.
Students pursuing an MFT degree in Illinois will need to complete coursework in clinical practice, family systems therapy, ethics, and trauma-informed care, ensuring they are well-prepared for state licensure and professional practice. Many MFT programs integrate internships and practicums early in the curriculum, allowing students to gain real-world experience in hospitals, private practices, and community mental health centers before they graduate.
For those looking for flexible learning options, hybrid and online MFT programs in Illinois provide greater accessibility to coursework while maintaining in-person clinical training. Some programs cater to working professionals by offering evening or weekend classes, making it easier for students to balance education with other commitments.
In this guide
2025 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Illinois
Finding the best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Illinois is easier with marriagefamilytherapist.org. We rank programs to help you choose the right one. Our list looks at quality, cost, and what students say. Whether you're starting or advancing your career, our rankings guide you. Learn how we pick the top programs https://marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/.
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL - Private 4-year - northwestern.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Northwestern University offers a unique blend of online and on-campus learning, focusing on the Integrative Systemic Therapy approach. This COAMFTE-accredited program is tailored for those seeking licensure, featuring rolling admissions, four annual cohort starts, and no GRE requirement. It includes in-person clinical training to ensure students gain hands-on experience in their communities. The program prepares graduates to address complex relational issues with a curriculum designed to foster self-reflective, skilled therapists ready to make a difference in diverse populations.
- Online and on-campus options
- COAMFTE accredited program
- No GRE required
- Four annual cohort starts
- Integrative Systemic Therapy approach
- In-person clinical training
- Rolling admissions process
- Licensure-focused curriculum
Doctorate - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northwestern University's online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is designed for those aiming to become licensed therapists, offering a COAMFTE-accredited curriculum that emphasizes research and clinical practice. The program stands out for its no GRE requirement, flexible online format, and the ability to complete it in 24 months full-time. Students benefit from small class sizes, a 400-hour clinical fieldwork component, and 125 relational clinical hours, all within an integrative systemic therapeutic model. The program also provides placement specialists to assist graduates in their professional journey, making it a comprehensive choice for aspiring MFT professionals.
- Online MFT Master's degree
- 24 months full-time completion
- COAMFTE accredited program
- No GRE required
- 400 hours clinical fieldwork
- 125 relational clinical hours
- 15 students per classroom
- Placement specialists assist
- Integrative systemic therapeutic model
- Immersive experience included
DePaul University
Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - depaul.edu
Master's - Couples and Family Counseling
Campus Based - Visit Website
DePaul University offers a distinguished Marriage & Family Therapy program focused on Couples and Family Counseling, tailored for those eager to foster healing in relationships. This graduate-level program stands out for its emphasis on multicultural counseling and evidence-based practices, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet the needs of diverse populations. With a curriculum that includes comprehensive courses on couples and family dynamics, alongside practical clinical experiences, students gain the skills necessary for effective intervention. The program also provides professional supervision, enhancing learning outcomes. A highlight is the CSL 556 Couples/Family Counseling course, which delves deep into therapeutic strategies for relationship challenges.
- Graduate-level counseling program
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Practical clinical experiences
- Comprehensive couples/family courses
- Professional supervision included
- Evidence-based intervention training
- CSL 556 Couples/Family Counseling course
University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, IL - Public 4-Year - uis.edu
Master's - M.A. in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling
Concentration: Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Illinois Springfield offers a specialized M.A. in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling, designed to equip students with the skills needed for effective counseling within relational contexts. This 61-credit-hour program emphasizes a systemic approach, integrating core counseling principles with specialized training in family systems and multicultural counseling. Students gain hands-on experience through 120 clinical service hours, practicum, and internship placements in community agencies. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of counseling theories and techniques, preparing graduates for diverse professional settings. Highlights include a focus on practical interventions, comprehensive coursework, and a strong emphasis on multicultural competence.
- 61 total required credit hours
- 4 specialized concentration courses
- Minimum 120 clinical service hours
- Community agency clinical placements
- Comprehensive core counseling curriculum
- Practicum and internship experiences
- Systemic counseling approach
- Multiple counseling theory courses
- Multicultural counseling emphasis
- Professional experience focus
Adler University
Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - adler.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Adler University's Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy stands out for its COAMFTE accreditation and a strong emphasis on social justice. This 60-credit program equips students with the skills to work with diverse populations through a blend of academic coursework and clinical training. Unique features include a 200-hour social justice practicum and options for specialization, preparing graduates for LMFT licensure and impactful careers in mental health.
- COAMFTE-accredited program
- 60-credit hour master's degree
- Two-year full-time program
- Social justice focused curriculum
- 200-hour social justice practicum
- Prepares for LMFT licensure
- Multiple specialization options
- Optional sex therapy certificate
Doctorate - Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy at Adler University is a COAMFTE-accredited program designed for those aiming to excel in advanced practice, research, or education. With a 63-credit curriculum, it emphasizes cultural competence and social justice, offering pathways to licensure in Illinois. Students can enhance their expertise with optional certifications, such as in sex therapy, and benefit from extensive clinical training and a dissertation requirement.
- COAMFTE-accredited Ph.D. program
- 63-credit hour curriculum
- Full-time program, 4-7 years
- Located in Chicago campus
- Licensure eligible in Illinois
- Optional sex therapy certification
- Advanced clinical training
- Social justice focused curriculum
Doctorate - Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy
Concentration: Certificate in Sex Therapy - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on the Certificate in Sex Therapy, Adler University's Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy offers an advanced, COAMFTE-accredited curriculum. This program is tailored for clinicians seeking to deepen their expertise in systemic therapy with a social justice lens. It requires a clinical master's degree and a 3.25+ GPA, providing a clear pathway to Illinois LMFT licensure and opportunities for specialized practice in sex therapy.
- COAMFTE-accredited Ph.D. program
- Advanced systemic therapy training
- Social justice focused curriculum
- Clinical and academic career preparation
- Optional sex therapy certificate
- Full-time 4-year program
- GPA requirement 3.25+
- Clinical master's degree required
- Illinois LMFT licensure pathway
Doctorate - Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy
Concentration: Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website
Adler University's Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy with a concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling is a COAMFTE-accredited program that prepares students for leadership roles in therapy, academia, and research. This 4-year full-time program includes advanced clinical practicums, a dissertation, and the option to pursue additional certifications. It's ideal for those committed to integrating social justice into their practice and research in substance abuse counseling.
- Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy
- COAMFTE-accredited program
- 4-year full-time doctoral program
- Clinical + research focus
- Optional sex therapy certificate
- Licensed faculty mentorship
- Social justice orientation
- Doctoral dissertation required
- Advanced clinical practicum
- Full-time internship included
The Chicago School at Chicago
Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - thechicagoschool.edu
Master's - M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Chicago School at Chicago offers a transformative M.A. in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy, designed for those aiming to make a significant impact in relational healing and community mental health. This COAMFTE-accredited program stands out for its systemic, culturally competent approach, preparing students with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic skills. With a requirement of 60 credit hours and 300 supervised clinical hours, students gain hands-on experience in treating diverse clinical populations. The program follows a practitioner-scholar model, emphasizing real-world application. Admission is competitive, requiring a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, an interview, and three recommendation letters, but notably, no GRE is required.
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- 60 credit hours total
- 300 clinical supervised hours
- Multiple campus locations
- No GRE required
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Interview required for admission
- Three recommendation letters needed
- Practitioner-scholar model
- Systemic therapy approach
MFT Programs in Illinois
Students pursuing an MFT degree in Illinois can choose from accredited programs that meet the state’s licensure requirements, offering clinical experience, faculty mentorship, and a variety of specializations. Some programs focus on traditional in-person learning, while others provide hybrid models that blend online coursework with local practicum experiences.
The curriculum for MFT programs in Illinois typically includes courses in family systems, mental health assessment, couples therapy, and multicultural counseling. These subjects ensure that students develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to work with diverse populations in Illinois’ mental health field. Many programs also emphasize preparing students for the licensing exam, integrating exam review components within their coursework.
Illinois’s Quickest MFT Programs
- Fastest completion time: Some programs allow students to finish their master’s degree in two years with a structured, full-time course load and integrated clinical training.
- Year-round enrollment: Some programs offer summer and accelerated courses, helping students complete coursework at a faster pace than traditional semester-based programs.
- Practicum integration: Certain programs embed clinical training into the first year, allowing students to complete their required hours alongside their coursework rather than waiting until the final year.
- Prior learning credit: Students with a background in psychology, social work, or counseling may be able to transfer relevant credits, reducing the number of courses they need to take.
For students who want to enter the workforce as quickly as possible, choosing a structured MFT program with early clinical placement opportunities can help speed up the path to licensure and professional practice.
Illinois’s Cheapest MFT Programs
- Public universities offer lower tuition rates: In-state students can take advantage of affordable tuition at public institutions, making MFT education more accessible.
- Financial aid and scholarships: Many MFT programs provide scholarships and assistantships to help students reduce costs, with special funding available for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Hybrid and part-time learning options: Online and hybrid programs allow students to work while completing their degree, helping them offset tuition costs through employment.
- Loan forgiveness programs: Therapists who work in underserved areas of Illinois may qualify for student loan forgiveness or tuition reimbursement programs, making the degree a cost-effective investment.
Students concerned about affordability should explore financial aid options, employer tuition assistance, and state-sponsored mental health workforce initiatives that help reduce the overall cost of earning an MFT degree in Illinois.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Illinois
- Earn an accredited graduate degree: Students must complete a COAMFTE-accredited master’s or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related field.
- Complete supervised clinical experience: Illinois requires 3,000 total supervised hours, with at least 1,000 hours in direct client contact and 200 hours of clinical supervision.
- Pass the National MFT Exam: Applicants must take and pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam, which assesses clinical skills, ethical decision-making, and theoretical knowledge.
- Submit licensure application: Candidates must submit all required documentation, including academic transcripts, proof of supervised experience, and exam results, to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
- Maintain continuing education: To keep their license active, LMFTs in Illinois must complete 30 continuing education (CE) credits every two years, including courses on ethics and cultural competence.
The licensing process ensures that LMFTs in Illinois are well-equipped to handle clinical cases, maintain ethical standards, and provide effective therapy to individuals, couples, and families.
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Illinois
- Average Salary: $62,800 per year
- Top 10% Salary: $95,000+ per year
- Entry-Level Salary: $50,000 per year
- High-Demand Areas: Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, Rockford
- Primary Work Environments: Private practice, community mental health centers, university counseling services, hospital-based therapy
Illinois’ growing mental health sector provides many opportunities for LMFTs, particularly in urban areas like Chicago, where demand for licensed therapists continues to increase. Additionally, rural and suburban areas face shortages of mental health professionals, creating job openings for MFTs willing to work in community-based mental health services.
The rise of teletherapy and digital mental health services has further expanded job options, allowing therapists to work remotely and serve clients across the state. This has been particularly beneficial for rural and underserved communities, where access to in-person therapy may be limited.
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