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

Montana offers limited but growing options for Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) education, with a strong emphasis on rural mental health care. As mental health services expand in urban areas like Billings and Missoula, there is also a significant demand for licensed therapists in Montana’s rural and tribal communities, where access to behavioral health services is limited.

While Montana does not have a COAMFTE-accredited MFT program, students can pursue regionally accredited counseling programs with an MFT specialization that meet state licensure requirements. Many students in Montana choose online or hybrid MFT programs from accredited out-of-state institutions, which allow them to complete coursework remotely while fulfilling clinical training within Montana-based therapy settings.

Montana’s wide-open geography and rural population create a unique mental health landscape, with many MFT programs focusing on teletherapy training, trauma-informed care, and community-based mental health interventions. These specialized skills help therapists provide care to individuals, couples, and families across large geographic areas where traditional therapy options may be limited.

In this guide

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

Finding the right Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) program in Montana can shape your future career. At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we've ranked the best MFT programs to help you choose. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. Whether you're starting or advancing your career, our rankings guide you to the top options. We believe in clear, honest advice to support your journey in family therapy. Learn how we picked these programs https://marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/.

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT - Public 4-Year - montana.edu

Master's - Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling

Campus Based - Visit Website

Montana State University's Master's in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling stands out for its CACREP accreditation, ensuring high-quality education and training. This program delves deep into family systems perspectives, equipping students with the skills to address a wide range of mental health and relationship issues. With a curriculum designed to meet Montana licensure requirements, graduates are well-prepared to serve diverse populations. The program emphasizes supervised practical experience, offering students hands-on opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Its focus on comprehensive counseling skills and holistic understanding of interpersonal dynamics makes it a top choice for aspiring professionals.

CACREP Accredited Program
Family Systems Perspective Training
Licensed Professional Counselor Preparation
Works with Diverse Client Populations
Supervised Practical Experience
Meets Montana Licensure Requirements
Comprehensive Counseling Skills Training

*U.S. Department of Education institutional data (IPEDS 2023).

Montana’s Quickest MFT Programs

For students looking to complete their MFT degree as efficiently as possible, program length depends on course availability, program structure, and whether students enroll full-time or part-time. While Montana has limited in-state MFT program options, students pursuing their degree at Montana State University or through online COAMFTE-accredited programs can expect an estimated completion time of 2-3 years with full-time enrollment.

Online programs often provide year-round enrollment and accelerated course options, allowing students to take additional classes each semester to graduate faster. Many programs also integrate clinical hours early, helping students accumulate supervised experience while completing coursework, which can shorten the time to licensure. Those with previous coursework in psychology or counseling may be able to transfer credits, reducing the total number of required credits and expediting graduation.

Montana’s Cheapest MFT Programs

Finding the most affordable Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program in Montana requires considering tuition, mandatory fees, and additional costs such as books, technology fees, and housing. Since Montana does not have a COAMFTE-accredited in-state MFT program, students looking for cost-effective options often explore public universities with counseling programs that meet state licensure requirements or accredited online programs that offer competitive tuition rates.

Montana State University provides one of the most affordable graduate options for students pursuing an MFT-related degree, offering lower tuition rates for in-state residents compared to private institutions or out-of-state programs. Additionally, students can access scholarships, assistantships, and grant opportunities to further reduce tuition costs. Those considering online or hybrid MFT programs from out-of-state universities may be eligible for regional tuition discounts through multi-state education agreements. Comparing the total cost of attendance, including living expenses and financial aid opportunities, will help students determine the most budget-friendly path toward licensure.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Montana

Step 1: Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
To qualify for licensure in Montana, students must complete a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from a COAMFTE-accredited or regionally accredited institution. Coursework must include family therapy models, clinical ethics, psychological assessment, and trauma-informed therapy techniques.

Step 2: Complete 3,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
Montana requires LMFT candidates to complete 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised experience, with 1,500 hours dedicated to direct client contact. Supervision must be provided by a licensed MFT, psychologist, or other qualified mental health professional.

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 evaluates clinical decision-making, ethical practice, and therapy intervention techniques.

Step 4: Apply for Licensure Through the Montana Board of Behavioral Health
After completing clinical training and passing the national exam, candidates must submit an application to the Montana Board of Behavioral Health, including proof of education, supervised hours documentation, and exam scores.

Step 5: Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education
To renew their LMFT license, Montana therapists must complete 40 continuing education (CE) hours every renewal cycle, with coursework in ethics, teletherapy best practices, and rural mental health service delivery.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Montana

Marriage and Family Therapists in Montana serve a wide range of populations, including rural communities, military families, and Indigenous populations. LMFTs are in demand in school-based counseling programs, private practices, and community health organizations. The average salary for LMFTs in Montana is $58,300 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $85,000 annually.

Salaries vary based on geographic location, specialization, and work setting. LMFTs in urban areas like Billings and Missoula tend to earn higher wages due to greater demand for mental health services, while those in rural regions may qualify for state-funded loan forgiveness programs due to high therapist shortages.

Montana’s teletherapy sector is expanding, providing additional employment opportunities for LMFTs who want to work with clients in remote areas while maintaining a flexible schedule.

Montana provides a unique landscape for MFT students and professionals, with high demand for mental health services, financial aid incentives for rural therapists, and growing career opportunities in teletherapy. Although Montana does not have a COAMFTE-accredited MFT program, students can still pursue regionally accredited degrees that meet licensing requirements.

With affordable online program options, strong state support for mental health professionals, and diverse clinical training opportunities, Montana is an excellent place for students to train, obtain licensure, and build a successful career in Marriage and Family Therapy. Whether working in private practice, school-based mental health services, or telehealth therapy, LMFTs in Montana play a crucial role in providing essential therapy services across the state.

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