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

Becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in Kentucky involves completing a graduate-level program, supervised clinical experience, and passing a national licensing exam. Kentucky is seeing a rise in demand for licensed therapists, especially in rural areas where mental health services are expanding. With state-funded initiatives to increase behavioral health access, LMFTs in Kentucky have growing career opportunities in community mental health centers, addiction recovery clinics, school-based therapy, and telehealth services.

Kentucky’s MFT programs provide comprehensive clinical training in family systems therapy, ethical counseling, and trauma-informed treatment. Many programs emphasize culturally competent care, preparing students to work with diverse populations, including underserved rural communities and military families stationed in the state. Internship placements are a key component of MFT training, offering students hands-on experience in real-world counseling settings before they graduate.

Students in Kentucky have various degree formats to choose from, including traditional on-campus programs, hybrid models that blend online and in-person coursework, and fully online options with local clinical placements. These flexible learning formats make it easier for working professionals and career changers to pursue an MFT degree while meeting personal and professional obligations.

In this guide

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

If you are looking for the best Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Kentucky, you have come to the right place. marriagefamilytherapist.org has carefully reviewed and ranked these programs to help you find one that fits your needs. We consider factors like accreditation, faculty expertise, and student support. Our goal is to make your search easier and more informed. You can trust our rankings to guide you toward a quality education in this rewarding field. Learn more about how we create our rankings https://marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/.

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY - Public 4-Year - wku.edu

Master's - Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Western Kentucky University's Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Master's program prepares students for licensure through a hybrid format blending online and residential coursework. As a CACREP-accredited program, it emphasizes hands-on clinical training at the Talley Family Counseling Center, allowing students to develop practical skills in family therapy. The supportive cohort model and flexible pathways cater to diverse learners, with no entrance exam required. Graduates are equipped to provide effective mental health support in various counseling settings, making it an accessible and rigorous option for aspiring professionals.

Master of Arts in Education
Residential and online options
CACREP Accredited Program
Hands-on clinical experience
Talley Family Counseling Center training
Licensed professional preparation

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, KY - Private 4-year - campbellsville.edu

Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

Online Learning - Visit Website

Campbellsville University offers a fully online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy, accredited by COAMFTE, which does not require an entrance exam. This 60-credit program, taught by licensed professionals over flexible 8-week courses, emphasizes trauma response, crisis intervention, and addiction counseling. Students complete a 300-hour practicum to gain hands-on experience, preparing them for licensure and careers in a field with 15% projected job growth through 2032. At $445 per credit hour, it's an affordable option with a 3.0 GPA requirement and transfer opportunities for up to 12 credits.

100% Online Degree
60 Total Credit Hours
8-Week Course Length
3-Year Estimated Completion
COAMFTE Accredited
$445 Per Credit Hour
Next Start Date: 03/17/2025
300-Hour Practicum Required
19 Total Courses
GPA Requirement: 3.0

*Reference: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 data system.

Other MFT Programs Available in Kentucky

Kentucky offers several regionally accredited MFT programs that align with state licensure requirements and provide clinical training through university-affiliated counseling centers, hospitals, and private practices.

MFT programs in Kentucky focus on evidence-based therapy techniques, mental health assessment, and family crisis intervention, ensuring students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Many programs integrate internship placements with state-funded behavioral health programs, allowing students to work directly with families, couples, and individuals in need of professional counseling.

Graduates from Kentucky’s MFT programs are well-prepared for state licensure and careers in a variety of settings, including community counseling, private practice, and school-based therapy programs.

Kentucky’s Quickest MFT Programs

Accelerated degree tracks: Some Kentucky universities offer intensive, full-time MFT programs that can be completed in two years, including both coursework and supervised training.
Early clinical integration: Many programs embed practicum experiences in the first year, allowing students to begin accumulating required clinical hours sooner.
Flexible course scheduling: Hybrid and online courses give students the ability to take additional coursework per semester, helping them graduate more quickly.
Credit transfer opportunities: Students with prior graduate coursework in psychology or counseling may be eligible to transfer credits, reducing their time in school.

Choosing a structured program with early clinical exposure and flexible learning options can help students fast-track their journey to becoming a licensed MFT in Kentucky.

Kentucky’s Cheapest MFT Programs

Public universities offer affordable tuition rates: In-state students can benefit from lower tuition costs at Kentucky’s public institutions, making MFT education more affordable.
Scholarships and assistantships available: Many MFT programs provide financial aid, tuition waivers, and stipends for students working in research or teaching assistant roles.
Hybrid and online programs help reduce costs: Remote learning options eliminate the need for commuting and relocation expenses, making education more accessible.
Loan forgiveness programs for LMFTs in rural areas: Kentucky offers student loan repayment assistance for therapists working in high-need areas, particularly in rural behavioral health centers and school-based mental health programs.

By taking advantage of public university tuition rates, scholarships, and financial assistance programs, Kentucky students can obtain a high-quality MFT education without excessive student debt.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Kentucky

Step 1: Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in MFT
To qualify for LMFT licensure in Kentucky, students must complete a COAMFTE-accredited or regionally accredited master’s or doctoral program in Marriage and Family Therapy or a closely related field. The degree program must include coursework in family systems therapy, clinical assessment, legal and ethical considerations, and cultural competence.

Step 2: Complete 1,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
Kentucky requires MFT graduates to complete 1,000 hours of supervised experience, with at least 500 hours in direct client contact. These hours must be completed under the supervision of a licensed MFT or equivalent mental health professional.

During this supervised training, LMFT candidates gain practical experience working with diverse populations, handling relationship conflicts, and implementing evidence-based therapeutic techniques.

Step 3: Pass the National MFT Examination
The next step toward licensure is passing the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Exam. This standardized test evaluates an applicant’s ability to:

Conduct clinical assessments and therapy sessions
Apply ethical and legal considerations in practice
Develop treatment plans for families, couples, and individuals
Use evidence-based intervention strategies

Passing this exam demonstrates that a candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to practice marriage and family therapy professionally.

Step 4: Submit a Licensure Application to the Kentucky Board of Licensure for MFT
Candidates must submit their application, including:

Official transcripts from their graduate program
Verification of supervised clinical hours
National MFT exam scores
A background check and licensing fee

Once approved, candidates receive their official LMFT license, allowing them to practice independently in Kentucky.

Step 5: Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education
Kentucky requires LMFTs to renew their license every two years by completing 15 hours of continuing education (CE) credits per year, including:

Ethics training and professional standards courses
Workshops on trauma-informed therapy and telehealth
Diversity and cultural competency training

Staying current with continuing education ensures that licensed therapists remain informed of the latest mental health research and best practices.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Kentucky

Average Salary: $56,700 per year
Top 10% Salary: $84,000+ per year
Entry-Level Salary: $44,000 per year
High-Demand Areas: Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro
Primary Work Environments: Private practice, addiction recovery centers, community mental health clinics, school counseling programs

Kentucky has a steady demand for LMFTs, with strong job opportunities in urban areas and rural mental health facilities. With state initiatives supporting behavioral health programs, the outlook for MFT careers in Kentucky remains promising.

Kentucky provides strong opportunities for students pursuing an MFT degree, offering accredited academic programs, structured licensure pathways, and financial incentives for therapists working in underserved areas. With increasing job demand, growing teletherapy opportunities, and strong public health initiatives, Kentucky is an ideal state to train, become licensed, and establish a successful career in Marriage and Family Therapy.

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