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

Pursuing a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) degree in Kansas prepares students for clinical work, licensure, and careers in private practice, community mental health, and hospital-based therapy. The state’s mental health workforce is growing, with an increasing demand for licensed therapists in both urban and rural areas.

Kansas offers COAMFTE-accredited and regionally approved programs that ensure students meet the state’s LMFT licensure requirements. These programs emphasize family systems therapy, trauma-informed counseling, and clinical practice, preparing graduates to work with individuals, couples, and families across a variety of settings.

Students in Kansas can choose between traditional in-person programs, hybrid models with a mix of online and on-campus coursework, and fully online options that allow for local clinical training placements. Many universities integrate practicum experiences into the curriculum, enabling students to develop hands-on skills while completing their education.

In this guide

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

Looking for the best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Kansas? You're in the right place. At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we've ranked the top programs to help you find the perfect fit. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, we've got you covered. Check out our rankings to see which programs stand out. Learn how we rank the programs here.

Friends University

Wichita, KS - Private 4-year - friends.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Family Therapy

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Friends University's Master of Science in Family Therapy (MSFT) stands out as a COAMFTE-accredited program designed for those aiming to excel in the mental health field. This hybrid program blends online and in-person learning, offering flexibility without compromising the depth of training. Over 24 months and 60 credits, students immerse in a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills, including the opportunity to contribute to over 10,000 hours of relational services annually. With campuses in Wichita and Kansas City, the program caters to diverse schedules through day and evening cohorts. Graduates leave well-prepared for licensure, backed by high job placement rates and a systemic therapy approach that addresses the complexities of family dynamics.

COAMFTE Accredited Program
Two Campus Locations: Wichita/KC
24-month, 60-credit degree
Day and evening cohorts
High job placement rates
Multiple application rounds
Experienced, accessible faculty
Systemic therapy approach
Over 10,000 clinical hours

Ottawa University-Ottawa

Ottawa, KS - Private 4-year - ottawa.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling

Concentration: Gerocounseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Ottawa University-Ottawa offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with a specialized concentration in Gerocounseling, designed for those passionate about supporting the mental health of older adults. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person experiences, focusing on the unique challenges faced by aging populations. Students will engage in 900 hours of field placement, gaining hands-on experience in gerocounseling. The curriculum includes advanced counseling theories, ethical training, and psychodiagnostic planning, preparing graduates for licensure and professional practice in gerocounseling. Highlights include professional growth seminars and a comprehensive exam to ensure readiness for the field. Requires GRE.

Marriage and Family Therapy concentration
Prepares for state licensure
900 hours field placement
Professional growth seminars
Multiple counseling specializations
Clinical foundations courses
Ethical and professional training
Advanced psychodiagnostic planning
Supervised counseling experience
Comprehensive exam required

*Postsecondary education statistics from IPEDS 2023, NCES.

MFT Programs in Kansas

Kansas offers several regionally accredited programs that align with state licensure requirements and provide students with hands-on clinical training.

These programs focus on mental health assessment, ethical counseling practices, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches, ensuring that students gain the practical experience necessary to succeed as LMFTs. Many programs offer internships and practicum placements in mental health organizations, schools, hospitals, and telehealth services, preparing graduates for real-world therapy practice.

Graduates from these programs can pursue careers in private practice, public mental health organizations, and specialized counseling centers, serving clients with various psychological and relational concerns.

Kansas’s Quickest MFT Programs

Accelerated MFT degrees: Some programs offer intensive coursework with summer and fast-track options, allowing students to complete their master’s degree in as little as two years.
Integrated clinical experience: Some programs begin practicum training early in the curriculum, enabling students to accumulate required clinical hours faster.
Hybrid and online flexibility: Distance learning options provide the ability to complete coursework online while gaining hands-on experience through local clinical placements.
Transfer credit eligibility: Students with prior coursework in psychology or counseling may be able to apply credits toward elective or foundational MFT courses, reducing total time to graduation.

For students seeking the fastest route to LMFT licensure, selecting structured programs that incorporate supervised training early in the program is key to expediting degree completion.

Kansas’s Cheapest MFT Programs

Public universities offer lower tuition rates: In-state students benefit from reduced tuition costs at Kansas’ public institutions, making them a cost-effective choice.
Financial aid and graduate assistantships: Many MFT programs provide scholarships and work-study opportunities to help students offset tuition costs.
Hybrid and online programs reduce expenses: Some universities offer hybrid options, allowing students to work while studying, reducing financial strain.
Loan forgiveness for LMFTs in rural areas: Kansas offers loan repayment programs for therapists who commit to working in underserved communities, helping students manage student debt after graduation.

By exploring financial aid, public university tuition benefits, and part-time study options, students in Kansas can obtain a high-quality MFT education while keeping costs manageable.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Kansas

Step 1: Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
To qualify for LMFT licensure in Kansas, candidates must complete a COAMFTE-accredited or state-approved graduate program. The curriculum must include coursework in family therapy theories, psychological assessment, clinical ethics, and cultural competency. Most programs also require students to complete a supervised practicum, ensuring they gain real-world experience before graduation.

Step 2: Complete 3,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
Kansas requires LMFT candidates to accrue 3,000 hours of supervised experience, with at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact. These hours must be completed post-graduation under the supervision of a licensed LMFT, psychologist, or other qualified mental health professional.
Clinical hours provide valuable experience in diagnosing and treating relationship-based mental health issues, including couples therapy, family conflict resolution, and crisis intervention. Many LMFTs complete their hours by working in community mental health centers, private therapy practices, or school-based counseling programs.

Step 3: Pass the National MFT Examination
All candidates must pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Exam, which tests clinical reasoning, therapeutic interventions, and ethical decision-making. The exam ensures that LMFTs meet national professional standards before receiving their state license.

Step 4: Apply for Licensure Through the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB)
Once education and clinical requirements are met, applicants must submit their official transcripts, proof of supervised hours, national exam scores, and a background check to the Kansas BSRB. The application process also includes a licensing fee and ethics training verification.

Step 5: Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education
Licensed MFTs in Kansas must renew their license every two years by completing 30 continuing education (CE) credits, including:

3 hours in ethics training
Specialized courses in trauma-informed care, telehealth, or addiction therapy
Optional professional development workshops or online training programs

Maintaining CE requirements ensures that licensed therapists remain knowledgeable and up to date with best practices in the field.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Kansas

Average Salary: $57,600 per year
Top 10% Salary: $85,000+ per year
Entry-Level Salary: $45,000 per year
High-Demand Areas: Wichita, Topeka, Kansas City, Overland Park
Primary Work Environments: Private practice, community mental health agencies, hospitals, school-based therapy programs

Kansas has a strong job market for LMFTs, with many opportunities in urban and rural communities. The expansion of teletherapy and remote counseling services has further increased access to mental health care, allowing therapists to serve clients statewide without geographic limitations.

Kansas provides excellent opportunities for students pursuing a career in marriage and family therapy, offering structured educational pathways, affordable tuition options, and a strong job outlook. With a rising demand for LMFTs in both rural and urban settings, students who complete a COAMFTE-accredited program and gain supervised clinical experience will find diverse career options in mental health care.

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