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

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

Looking for the best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Kentucky? marriagefamilytherapist.org has ranked the top options to help you find the right fit. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, these programs offer the training you need. Check out our rankings to see which schools stand out. Learn more about how we rank these programs here.

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 offers a hybrid Master's program in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, designed to prepare students for licensure as professional counselors. This CACREP accredited program blends theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experience, facilitated through the Talley Family Counseling Center. With both residential and online options, the program caters to students seeking flexibility without compromising on the quality of education. Graduates emerge ready to address the complexities of family dynamics and relationships, backed by a solid foundation in counseling techniques and ethical practice. The program's cohort model fosters a collaborative learning environment, enhancing the educational experience.

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 Master of Marriage and Family Therapy entirely online, tailored for those aiming to become licensed therapists. This 60-credit program equips students with the expertise to address emotional and relational issues across individuals, couples, and families. Highlighting trauma response, crisis intervention, and addiction counseling, the curriculum is delivered in flexible 8-week segments by experienced professionals. At $445 per credit hour, it's an affordable pathway to a career in a field expected to grow by 15% by 2032. The program includes a 300-hour practicum, requires a 3.0 GPA, and allows the transfer of up to 12 credits, making it a comprehensive and accessible option for aspiring therapists.

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
Transfer Up to 12 Credits
Free Continuing Education
Flexible Learning Options

*Based on: IPEDS 2023, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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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