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

Nevada offers a small but important selection of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs, designed to equip students with the clinical knowledge and hands-on training required for licensure. The rising demand for licensed therapists in both Las Vegas and Reno, as well as rural areas, makes it an ideal time to pursue an MFT degree in the state.

MFT programs in Nevada provide a strong foundation in family systems therapy, trauma-informed care, mental health assessments, and clinical intervention strategies. Many programs emphasize working with diverse populations, as Nevada’s rapidly growing communities require culturally competent therapists who can address unique relationship dynamics and behavioral health challenges.

Students can choose from campus-based and hybrid learning options, ensuring flexibility for those who need to balance coursework with professional and personal responsibilities. Programs in the state also prioritize clinical training, offering supervised practicum and internship placements in community clinics, hospitals, and private therapy practices to ensure that graduates meet Nevada’s LMFT licensure requirements.

In this guide

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

Looking for the best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Nevada? 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, our rankings guide you to the best options. Want to know how we picked these programs? Check out our rankings methodology for all the details.

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV - Public 4-Year - unlv.edu

Master's - Master of Science - Couple and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Nevada-Las Vegas offers a Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy, designed to equip students with the necessary skills for licensure in Nevada and national MFT certification. This program stands out for its blend of theoretical knowledge and practical clinical experience, catering to a wide range of students through both thesis and non-thesis tracks. With a strong emphasis on cultural sensitivity, graduates are prepared to address the complexities of family dynamics across diverse populations. The curriculum is tailored to foster professional growth, integrating research with clinical practice to ensure a comprehensive understanding of couple and family therapy.

Nevada MFT Licensure Preparation
Thesis and Non-Thesis Options
Culturally Sensitive Training
Clinical Experience Focus
Multiple Career Pathways
Diverse Population Competence
Professional Identity Development
Research and Clinical Integration

University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, NV - Public 4-Year - unr.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling

Concentration: Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Nevada-Reno's Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling stands out for its CACREP accreditation, ensuring high-quality education and training. This program is tailored for those aiming to specialize in family systems and therapeutic interventions, offering a deep dive into trauma-informed care and developmental theories. With a strong emphasis on cultural competence and ethical practice, students are equipped to address the complexities of modern relationships. The curriculum blends academic rigor with hands-on clinical experience, preparing graduates for licensure and impactful careers in therapy. Highlights include a January 15 application deadline and a focus on evidence-based strategies.

CACREP Accredited Program
Marriage and Family Counseling Track
Fall Application Deadline: January 15
Three Counseling Specializations Available
Culturally Competent Training
Comprehensive Clinical Preparation
Emphasis on Ethical Counseling Practice
Focus on Developmental Theory
Evidence-Based Intervention Strategies

*Credit: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.

MFT Programs in Nevada

Nevada has a limited selection of accredited MFT programs, but students can still pursue COAMFTE-accredited degrees or regionally accredited programs that meet licensure requirements.

Currently, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, making it the top choice for students pursuing licensure in Nevada. UNLV’s program includes a combination of academic coursework, hands-on clinical experience, and faculty mentorship, ensuring graduates are fully prepared to enter the workforce as licensed MFTs.

Other students may explore online or hybrid programs from out-of-state institutions, provided they meet Nevada’s licensure requirements. Programs from neighboring states such as California and Arizona also offer viable options for students willing to travel for in-person training components.

Nevada’s Quickest MFT Programs

Full-time enrollment at UNLV’s MFT program allows students to graduate in approximately two years, including coursework and supervised clinical training.
Hybrid or online MFT programs from accredited institutions allow students to accelerate coursework while completing required practicum hours locally.
Programs that integrate clinical training early in the curriculum help students complete supervised experience hours concurrently with coursework, expediting the path to licensure.
Those with a background in psychology, social work, or counseling may be eligible for transfer credits, reducing the overall number of courses required for degree completion.

For students looking to complete their MFT degree in the shortest time possible, enrolling in a structured program with early internship placements and year-round coursework can significantly reduce the time to graduation.

Nevada’s Cheapest MFT Programs

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) offers the most affordable in-state COAMFTE-accredited MFT program, making it the best option for cost-conscious students.
Financial aid, scholarships, and graduate assistantships are available at UNLV and other institutions, helping students offset tuition costs.
Online and hybrid programs from out-of-state universities may offer competitive tuition rates and flexible payment options, making them a viable choice for Nevada students.
State-funded tuition assistance programs and loan forgiveness opportunities exist for LMFTs willing to work in underserved areas, including rural regions of Nevada where mental health services are in high demand.

For students pursuing an affordable pathway to licensure, choosing a public university, applying for financial aid, and considering loan forgiveness programs can help reduce the financial burden of earning an MFT degree.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Nevada

Complete an MFT Graduate Program: Nevada requires students to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from a COAMFTE-accredited or state-approved institution. Coursework must include family therapy theories, ethics, psychological assessment, and supervised clinical practice.
Gain Supervised Clinical Experience: Candidates must complete 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience, including 1,500 hours of direct client contact. Supervision must be conducted by a licensed MFT or other qualified mental health professional.
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 knowledge, ethical decision-making, and diagnostic skills.
Apply for Licensure with the Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors: Once all educational and clinical requirements are met, applicants must submit official transcripts, proof of supervised hours, and exam scores to the Nevada licensing board.
Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education: Licensed MFTs in Nevada must complete 40 continuing education (CE) hours every two years, including courses in ethics, cultural competency, and advanced clinical techniques.

By following these steps, candidates can obtain full licensure as an LMFT in Nevada and begin practicing in a variety of mental health settings.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Nevada

Marriage and Family Therapists in Nevada work in a variety of clinical, community, and private settings, helping individuals, couples, and families navigate mental health challenges, relationship issues, and behavioral disorders. The average salary for LMFTs in Nevada is $65,700 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $90,000 annually.

Salaries vary based on geographic location, specialization, and work setting. LMFTs in Las Vegas, Reno, and Henderson tend to earn higher wages due to higher demand for therapy services, while those in rural areas may qualify for state-funded incentives, including loan forgiveness programs for therapists working in underserved regions.

Nevada’s expansion of teletherapy services has also opened new job opportunities, allowing LMFTs to serve clients remotely while maintaining a flexible work schedule. With continued investment in mental health resources, LMFTs in Nevada can expect strong job stability and career growth.

Nevada provides a limited but strong selection of MFT programs, offering students a clear pathway to licensure and rewarding career opportunities in mental health therapy. With affordable educational options, a growing demand for licensed therapists, and financial incentives for working in underserved areas, Nevada is a promising state for aspiring LMFTs.

For students seeking a structured, cost-effective, and flexible MFT education, Nevada’s programs equip graduates with the knowledge, practical experience, and professional credentials necessary to succeed in private practice, community mental health, school counseling, and teletherapy services. Whether working in urban therapy centers or providing behavioral health services in rural Nevada, LMFTs play a critical role in supporting the state’s mental health infrastructure.

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