Best MFT Programs in Wyoming Online

As the least populated state in the country (per capita), Wyoming is well-known for its vast open spaces and charming rural communities. But this breathtaking desolate wilderness also comes with an unfortunate lack of mental health resources, in particular, marriage and family therapists. If you’re based in Wyoming and want to make a difference in the lives of couples, families, children, and adolescents, you may be interested in this exciting and consistently growing field of study. To get started, you’ll need to graduate with an MFT degree.

What is an MFT Degree?

MFT degree programs are designed to train future marriage and family therapists for the workplace. They cover complex topics such as substance abuse, violence, and interpersonal relationships and develop methods to address these problems when they arise among families, couples, or even individuals.

Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?

An important thing to remember to look for in an MFT graduate degree program is accreditation. If a school is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or by CACREP in cases where the degree program is considered a counseling degree program, it means that the program meets the licensure requirements of the state.

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Wyoming?

As there are currently no online MFT degree programs available in Wyoming, students must limit their search to online MFT degree programs based in other states. Due to the clinical nature of MFT degree programs, this also means that you’ll need to consider your ability to complete your in-person clinical arrangements if applying for graduate degrees. Some programs allow you to participate in clinicals in various communities within the state your program is based, while others require that you commute to campus.

When enrolled in another state’s MFT degree program, you’ll also need to consider the impact this will have on licensure. For example, if your MFT degree program is based in Colorado, you’ll need to transfer licensure to Wyoming if your goal is to practice there. Keeping all of this in mind, here are a few nearby programs that may be worth looking into:

Colorado Christian University: If you’re looking for a biblical approach to marriage and family therapy, you may be interested in Colorado Christian University’s online Master’s in Counseling with a concentration on Marriage and Families. Students can complete this program entirely online apart from three in-person clinical sessions located in Lakewood, CO.

Grand Canyon University: Located in Arizona, Grand Canyon University offers a fantastic and affordable graduate certificate 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.

MFT Degree Levels

There are many different types and levels of MFT degree programs, but if students want to become licensed marriage and family therapists, they will need to complete a graduate degree. Doing so ensures that they will meet the licensure requirements when they graduate.

If you're looking for an on-campus MFT degree program in Wyoming, you're unfortunately not going to have much luck. There are currently no MFT programs based in this incredibly rural state. However, there are many options for students who are looking to get their MFT degree online or in a nearby state. Below are the types of degrees you will find in your search and a few MFT degree program options worth considering.

Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?

It depends on the program. Each MFT degree program has its own set of admissions guidelines, and therefore, whether or not you will be required to submit a GRE (Graduate Record Examination) with your application, will depend on your school’s admissions process. Check with your school’s registrar to learn if this requirement will be asked of you.

Master's Degree in MFT

MFT master’s degree programs are by far the most common type of marriage and family degree program, largely because this is the lowest level of degree that still allows licensure. Master’s degrees take four years for full-time study and around 30 credits to complete. On average, MFT master’s degree programs cost $400-800 per credit. As mentioned, Wyoming does not currently offer MFT master’s degree programs in the state. Here are a few alternative options located close by:

University of Colorado: The University of Colorado offers a Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy that offers special insights into the common issues that arise between couples and family members. The program lasts between 2.5 to 3.5 years and requires the completion of 54 credits. Students enrolled in this program perform clinicals on campus at the University of Colorado’s Student and Community Counseling Center.

Idaho State University: The Master’s Degree of Counseling with a focus on Marriage and Family Counseling offered by Idaho State University gives students a unique insight into important therapeutic methods and gives them the skills to develop strategies in pre-marital and couples counseling, conflict resolution, and divorce mediation. The program is offered at both Pocatello and Meridian campuses.

Graduate Certificate in MFT

Graduate certificates, though not technically degrees, allow graduate students who have received a master’s degree (or higher) in another psychological discipline or generalized psychology to get licensed or specialize as a marriage and family therapist.

The primary benefit to this route is that MFT graduate certificates only take around a year and 15-30 credits to complete. They also typically cost much less as a result — around $1,000 to $1,500 for the entire tuition. As mentioned, no MFT graduate certificates currently exist in Wyoming, but you can find MFT graduate certificate programs available in nearby states or online. Here are a few good examples:

Antioch University: Students looking to specialize in marriage and family therapy through a graduate certificate program can do so through Antioch University, which has campus locations in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The program is offered primarily online with in-person clinicals to be designated in the city of the student’s choice. Unlike the typical graduate certificate length of around a year, Antioch University’s MFT graduate certificate takes three semesters to complete, which is a great option for students who want a more immersive program.

Regis University: Located in Regis, Colorado, Regis University offers a Post-Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy that is perfect for students who want a crash course on remedying the common challenges that couples and families face, but don’t want to commit to licensure (or are already licensed). If you do need licensure, Regis University also offers an MFT master’s degree program.

MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

MFT doctorate degrees are reserved for the highest-level marriage and family therapy scholars. In the field of psychology, there are two common doctorate degrees: Ph.D. programs, which focus on research or education, and PsyDs, which focus on clinical practice. These highly specialized degree programs take between four and eight years to complete. Unfortunately, neither MFT Ph.D. or PsyD programs are available in-state – however, you can find them in nearby states or online:

Brigham Young University: The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Marriage and Family Therapy program offered by Brigham Young University is a fantastic choice for MFT students looking to expand their education to not only better understand topics relating to marriage and family therapy but also other therapeutic methods relating to clinical psychology, speech and language disorders, audiology, and social work through their on-campus Comprehensive Clinic. One unique aspect that sets Brigham Young University’s program apart is the generous $22,500 per year research stipend offered to all enrolled students.

Texas Tech University: Students based in Wyoming who don’t mind relocating to Texas may find Texas Tech University’s PhD in Couples, Marriage and Family Therapy program appealing. This program provides unique insight into diverse topics such as military families, substance abuse, and domestic violence and emphasizes a strong clinical focus.

Becoming an LMFT in Wyoming

The last step in becoming a marriage and family therapist in Wyoming is getting licensed. Each state has requirements you’ll need to fulfill to receive and maintain your licensure. Here’s what you’ll need to accomplish in Wyoming:

• Education: Complete a master’s or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Ensure your program meets the educational requirements set forth by the Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board.
• Supervised Experience: Accumulate the required supervised clinical experience. This typically involves completing a certain number of hours of supervised practice under the guidance of a licensed therapist. Wyoming requires around 3,000 hours of supervised experience, with specific requirements for the breakdown of hours in various areas, including 1,200 direct-contact hours and 100 hours of face-to-face care.
• Examination: Pass the required licensing examination. This often includes passing the national examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
• Application: Submit an application for licensure to the Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board. This usually involves providing documentation of your education, supervised experience, examination scores, and any other required information.
• Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check as part of the licensure application process.
• Fees: Pay any required application and licensing fees.
• Continuing Education: Once licensed, you’ll need to complete 45 continuing education hours every two years to maintain your license.