Best MFT Programs in Nevada Online

The choice to become a marriage and family therapist (MFT) is a rewarding and exciting one. Students who graduate from marriage and family therapy degree programs go on to practice as mental health professionals who help couples and families tackle important issues. The field of marriage and family therapy has grown exponentially in the last couple of years, and opportunities for career growth have only skyrocketed in Nevada due to its rural landscape and diverse demographics. To learn how you can take advantage of MFT degree programs in your state and get on track to licensure, check out the sections below.

What is an MFT Degree?

Marriage and family therapy degrees (or MFT degrees for short) are degree programs that train students in the psychological therapeutic methods for working with couples, families, or even individuals to navigate complex situations such as trauma, abuse, psychological disorders, or substance abuse. They can be utilized by mental health professionals looking to specialize in these methods or by anyone with an interest in marriage and family therapy.

Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?

If a program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), it means that when a student graduates from it, they will be eligible for licensure. When applying to MFT degree programs (regardless of the level), they will need to be sure that their program is COAMFTE-certified (or CACREP-certified if the program is considered a counseling degree) or else they will not be able to become licensed.

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Nevada?

Unfortunately, there are no online MFT programs that are based in Nevada at this time. You can enroll in an out-of-state online MFT program; however, it’s important to consider two things. The first is your clinical practicum hours. If you’re enrolling in a master’s degree or doctorate degree program, you’ll be required to fulfill in-person clinical hours in the state where your online program is based. Some programs allow their students to fulfill these in a matter of weeks, while others will require a year of commitment or more. While you may be able to do your coursework online, you will need to visit your school’s campus at some point to become licensed.

The other consideration is the licensure itself. Your program will be based outside of Nevada, so that means that if you want to become licensed in Nevada, you’ll need to make sure that your out-of-state licensure is transferable to Nevada. Alliant International University and Grand Canyon University (mentioned in previous sections of this guide) are both great online options for students in Nevada.

MFT Degree Levels

Before you begin your search for the perfect MFT degree program, it’s important to get familiar with the various levels of degrees of MFT degrees. While undergraduate degrees such as bachelor’s degrees and associate’s degrees do exist for marriage and family therapy, the most common by far are MFT master’s degrees and doctorate degrees. The reason for this is that licensure is only available at these levels.

Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?

You may. A GRE is a tool used by many universities to gauge a student’s academic levels prior to admitting them into an MFT Program. However, this isn’t always a requirement. Some schools may admit a student without submitting a GRE and instead ask for personal essays, transcripts, or other methods of gauging student success at the graduate level. Take a look at your program’s admissions requirements to find out if this requirement will be asked of you.

Master's Degree in MFT

MFT master’s degree programs are the most common type of MFT degree programs. With a 2-year timeline and $400 – $800 per credit, these 60-credit programs provide the quickest and most affordable route to licensure. Nevada currently has one MFT master’s degree program available to students:

University of Nevada: Students in the Las Vegas area can take advantage of the state’s only MFT degree program in the state. The Master’s Degree in Couple and Family Therapy offered by the University of Nevada not only provides a track to licensure, it also allows students to specialize and become certified as family therapy supervisors. To graduate, you’ll need to complete your coursework with a 3.0 GPA, a capstone, a thesis, and several hundred clinical hours.

Graduate Certificate in MFT

MFT graduate certificates are available for any student who has graduated from an MFT graduate degree program or a related mental health clinician graduate degree program. They typically provide a short but informative insight into marriage and family therapy in a year’s timespan. MFT graduate certificates only cost between $1,000 and $1,500; however, you need them in combination with a master’s degree to be eligible for licensure. There are currently no options available for Nevadans looking for graduate certificate programs in-state. However, there are many available in surrounding states. Here are some options:

Grand Canyon University: Located in Arizona, Grand Canyon University offers a fantastic and affordable program completely online. The program only requires the completion of 15 self-paced credits and it doesn’t require in-person clinicals, so you won’t need to relocate to enroll in this program, you’ll simply need a computer.

National University: This 100% online MFT graduate certificate is based in California, but students in Arizona are welcome to apply. The format is flexible with enrollment taking place every Monday. National University’s MFT graduate certificate requires the completion of 18 credits which can be completed in as little as a year.

MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

MFT doctorate degree programs come in two different varieties. One variety ( and most common) is a Ph.D. Ph.D. programs are usually geared toward students who want to become educators or researchers. There are also PsyDs, which are more geared towards students seeking a career in clinical practice. Both types take between four and eight years and run from about $30,000 to upwards of $150,000 or more. Right now, there are no MFT doctorate degree programs available in Nevada, but you can seek these programs out in nearby states:

Loma Linda University: This Ph.D. in Systems, Families, and Couples offered by Loma Linda University is a gem of MFT education in California. The program offers insight into the theory, research, and practice of family and couples therapy, mental health disorders, substance abuse, and all of the necessary topics associated with this specialization. The program takes four years to complete.

Alliant International University: Another great doctoral MFT program in California is Alliant International University’s PsyD in Marriage and Family Therapy. This program focuses on the mental health clinical aspects of marriage and family therapy and offers a hybrid learning option that balances online courses and hands-on experience, allowing for both convenience and immersive expertise.

Becoming an LMFT in Nevada

When you’ve completed all of your educational and clinical obligations, it’s time to seek licensure so that you will be eligible to practice in the state. Here is a complete set of milestones you’ll have to complete:

• Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. Ensure that your program meets the coursework requirements outlined by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists.
• Supervised Experience: Complete the required supervised clinical experience. In Nevada, this typically involves accruing at least 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised clinical experience, with at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact.
• Examination: Pass the National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination (NMFTE) administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
• Application: Submit an application for licensure to the Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists. Along with the application, you’ll need to provide documentation of your education, supervised experience, examination scores, and any other required materials.
• Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
• Fees: Pay the required application and licensing fees.
• Continuing Education: To maintain your license, you’ll need to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years.

List of MFT Degree Programs in Nevada

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