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

Nebraska provides a limited but strong selection of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs, designed to equip students with the clinical skills, ethical knowledge, and professional experience required for licensure. With an increasing demand for licensed mental health professionals, LMFTs play a crucial role in providing therapy services across both urban and rural communities.

Many of Nebraska’s MFT programs emphasize family systems theory, trauma-informed therapy, and integrated behavioral health approaches, ensuring that students are prepared to work with diverse populations, including couples, children, and individuals in crisis. The state’s rural mental health needs have led to a growing emphasis on teletherapy and community-based counseling, making Nebraska an ideal location for therapists who want to work in expanding mental health networks.

Students can pursue campus-based, hybrid, or fully online MFT programs, giving them the flexibility to balance their education with professional and personal responsibilities. Nebraska’s strong internship placement system allows students to gain hands-on experience in local clinics, hospitals, and private practices, helping them meet state licensure requirements while developing their clinical skills.

In this guide

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

Looking for the best marriage and family therapy programs in Nebraska? At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we carefully rank these programs to help you find the right fit for your education. Our team reviews each school based on important factors like curriculum quality, faculty experience, and student support. We focus on programs that prepare you well for a career in therapy. Whether you are starting your journey or advancing your skills, our rankings give you clear insights. Check out our detailed process to see how we create these rankings. https://marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE - Public 4-Year - unl.edu

Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization (M.S.)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Nebraska-Lincoln's hybrid Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization (M.S.) transforms professionals into skilled, multi-culturally sensitive clinicians through a two-year, 53-credit program. COAMFTE-accredited since 1993, it emphasizes trauma-informed care, attachment-based therapy, and ethical practices, with over 500 clinical contact hours. Students in cohorts of 8-12 complete 12-month internships in diverse settings, meeting Nebraska licensure requirements. This master's program does not require an entrance exam and focuses on distance therapy technology, with applications due December 1, 2024.

24-month program completion
53 total credit hours
COAMFTE accredited since 1993
500+ clinical contact hours
12-month internship placements
Cohort size 8-12 students
Application deadline Dec. 1, 2024
State licensure preparation
Advanced trauma-informed training
Distance therapy technology focus

Graduate Certificate - Marriage and Family Therapy (M.S.)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Marriage and Family Therapy (M.S.) program is a 24-month, COAMFTE-accredited campus program that develops ethical, culturally sensitive clinicians. Students complete 53 credit hours and gain over 400 direct contact hours through advanced trauma-informed training and innovative therapy techniques. The cohort model of 8-12 students includes a 12-month internship at the on-campus Couple and Family Clinic, with distance therapy technology training. This master's program does not require an entrance exam and prepares graduates for state licensure, with the next application due December 1, 2024.

24-month program completion
53 total credit hours
COAMFTE fully accredited
400+ direct contact hours
Cohort model: 8-12 students
Next application due Dec. 1, 2024
State licensure preparation
On-campus Couple and Family Clinic
Advanced trauma-informed training
Distance therapy technology training

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Concordia University-Nebraska

Seward, NE - Private 4-year - cune.edu

Master's - MA Marriage and Family Therapy

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Concordia University-Nebraska's MA in Marriage and Family Therapy integrates Christian faith with clinical training, preparing graduates for diverse counseling roles. This hybrid program spans 62-64 credits over 24 months, featuring online synchronous classes and on-campus residencies. Students complete a 300-hour practicum, gaining hands-on experience in family dynamics while adhering to COAMFTE standards. The curriculum emphasizes ethical, holistic mental health approaches, with no entrance exam required. At $500 per credit hour, it offers a faith-based pathway to state licensure, ideal for those seeking to blend psychological expertise with spiritual perspectives in therapy settings.

62-64 credit hour program
$500 per credit hour
8-week course format
24 months to complete degree
Online synchronous classes
Fall cohort start
300-hour practicum required
COAMFTE standards aligned
Christ-centered perspective
Preparation for state licensure

*Data citation: NCES, IPEDS 2023 Final Release Data.

MFT Programs in Nebraska

Nebraska has several regionally accredited MFT programs that meet state licensing requirements, offering students high-quality academic training and supervised clinical experience.

These programs focus on counseling ethics, psychological assessment, and culturally responsive therapy, ensuring that students are prepared for licensure and professional practice in private practice, school counseling programs, and behavioral health agencies. Many universities have partnerships with hospitals, mental health centers, and nonprofit counseling organizations, allowing students to gain practical experience before graduation.

Graduates from Nebraska’s MFT programs frequently find employment in community health clinics, state-funded therapy initiatives, and private counseling practices, helping meet the growing need for licensed mental health professionals in the state.

Nebraska’s Quickest MFT Programs

For students looking to complete their MFT degree efficiently, Nebraska offers structured graduate programs that integrate supervised clinical experience early on, helping students fulfill licensure requirements faster.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln provides a COAMFTE-accredited Couple and Family Therapy Master’s program that can be completed in approximately two years with full-time enrollment. This program is ideal for students who want a well-established curriculum with strong faculty mentorship and research opportunities. However, due to its research-intensive focus, it may not be the best fit for students who want a purely clinical practice-oriented program.

For those seeking flexibility and an accelerated path to licensure, Nebraska’s MFT programs provide year-round coursework, hybrid learning models, and early clinical placements, ensuring that students gain practical experience while completing their academic requirements. Check out the fastest MFT programs.

Nebraska’s Cheapest MFT Programs

Students in Nebraska seeking cost-effective MFT education options have access to affordable public university programs and private institutions with financial aid opportunities.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln provides a competitive tuition rate for in-state students, making it one of the most budget-friendly COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs in the region. With graduate assistantships, research opportunities, and scholarships, students can further reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Nebraska also participates in loan forgiveness programs for LMFTs working in underserved communities, making it an attractive state for students who want to minimize student debt while gaining valuable clinical experience in rural mental health settings. By exploring scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, and flexible learning options, students in Nebraska can earn an MFT degree at a lower cost without compromising educational quality.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Nebraska

Step 1: Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
To qualify for licensure, students must complete a COAMFTE-accredited or state-approved MFT program, which includes coursework in family therapy techniques, mental health assessment, clinical ethics, and cultural competency.

Step 2: Complete 3,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
Nebraska requires LMFT candidates to complete 3,000 post-graduate supervised clinical hours, with 1,500 hours dedicated to direct client contact. Supervision must be conducted by a licensed MFT or another 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 assesses clinical reasoning, ethical practice, and treatment planning skills.

Step 4: Apply for Licensure Through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
After completing all requirements, applicants must submit official transcripts, proof of supervised hours, and national exam scores to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Once approved, they will receive their LMFT license, allowing them to practice independently.

Step 5: Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education
To renew their license, LMFTs in Nebraska must complete 32 continuing education (CE) hours every two years, including coursework in ethics, trauma-informed care, and advanced clinical training.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Nebraska

LMFTs in Nebraska work in various settings, including private practices, behavioral health organizations, hospitals, and school-based counseling programs. The average salary for LMFTs in Nebraska is $58,900 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $85,000 annually.

Salaries vary based on specialization, location, and work setting. LMFTs working in Omaha and Lincoln tend to earn higher wages, while those in rural areas often qualify for state-funded loan forgiveness programs due to mental health workforce shortages.

With Nebraska investing in behavioral health services and teletherapy, job opportunities for LMFTs are increasing, providing stable career prospects for graduates. The rise of virtual therapy options also allows LMFTs to serve clients across the state, helping expand access to mental health care.

Nebraska offers strong educational opportunities for students pursuing a career in Marriage and Family Therapy, with accredited programs, structured licensure pathways, and diverse career options. With public university affordability, hybrid learning options, and state-backed mental health funding, Nebraska is an excellent place for MFT students to train and build a career.

For those looking for a flexible, cost-effective, and rewarding career path, Nebraska’s MFT programs prepare graduates with the clinical expertise, hands-on experience, and professional credentials needed to succeed in therapy and counseling roles. Whether working in rural mental health clinics, school counseling services, or telehealth therapy, LMFTs in Nebraska play a vital role in strengthening relationships and improving mental health outcomes across the state.

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