Best MFT Programs in Nebraska Online
If you’re interested in becoming a specialist in the mental health field and want to work with a wide range of individuals and demographics, you might be interested in the field of marriage and family therapy. This is an established but rapidly growing counseling field that is in high demand in Nebraska and nationwide. To become a practitioner in marriage and family counseling, you’ll need to enroll in an MFT degree program and become licensed as a marriage and family therapist. Read below to see how you can locate these programs and become licensed in the state.
What is an MFT Degree?
An MFT degree, otherwise known as a marriage and family therapy degree, is a psychology or counseling degree that specializes in marriage and family therapy. The degree covers strategies to help families and couples work through common issues such as a death in the family, parenting skills, or a loss of passion in a relationship.
Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?
One of the most crucial requirements for MFT licensure is accreditation. As you look at the programs below, make sure that any programs you apply for are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or by CACREP if the program is considered a counseling degree program. This ensures that the program meets the minimum requirements for licensure set forth by the state board.
Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Nebraska?
The answer is “Yes!” Marriage and family therapy degree programs are widely available online, though as of now, none currently exist in Nebraska. This doesn’t mean that you’re ineligible to enroll. There are a few online programs that are based in neighboring states, some of which only require in-person clinicals in the final year of study. Keep in mind that if you want to practice in Nebraska as a licensed marriage and family therapist, you’ll still have to transfer over your license. Here are a few options to consider:
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 focus on Marriage and Families. Students can complete this program entirely online apart from three in-person clinal sessions located in Lakewood, CO.
Mount Mercy University: Located in Cedar Rapids, IA, this MFT master’s degree program strongly focuses on neuroscience, which sets it apart from many other similar MFT programs. Mount Mercy University also has its very own on-site therapeutic clinic dedicated to treating couples, families, and individuals in the Cedar Rapids community where students can take part in their required clinical arrangements. Apart from these in-person requirements, the bulk of Mount Mercy’s program is accessible through its online format.
MFT Degree Levels
There are many different degree levels associated with marriage and family therapy—associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. However, unless licensure is not a priority, students will need to graduate from an MFT graduate degree program, such as a master’s or doctoral degree program.
Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?
In your search for MFT degree programs, you’ll likely see the terms “GRE” or “no GRE” in the admissions requirements section of the program’s website. A GRE (also known as a Graduate Record Examination) is typically used by MFT programs to measure a student’s academic achievement at the graduate level. However, not all MFT programs require this. As mentioned, the website of your prospective program will have additional information on whether or not you will be required to submit a GRE.
Master's Degree in MFT
If you simply want to meet the minimum requirements for MFT licensure, an MFT master’s degree program is the way to go. These programs take two years to complete and typically require 60 credit hours. In terms of tuition, MFT master’s degree programs cost between $400 and $800 per credit. In Nebraska, there is currently one MFT master’s degree program available:
University of Nebraska: If you’re looking for a marriage and family therapy master’s degree program that offers training in Gottman Level 1, attachment-based family therapy, and Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), the University of Nebraska offers these and much more through their comprehensive, hands-on curriculum. You can also take advantage of their on-campus training facility when it’s time to fulfill your supervision hours.
Graduate Certificate in MFT
If you already have training as a marriage and family therapist (or related clinical field), you may be interested in enrolling in an MFT graduate certificate program. While not a degree, these programs offer a brief insight into the field of marriage and family therapy. You can’t seek licensure with an MFT graduate certificate alone, but you can sometimes apply your credits toward an MFT graduate degree.
MFT graduate certificates take about a year to complete and cost between $1,000 and $1,500. There is currently one option available in Nebraska:
University of Nebraska: If you’re looking for an MFT graduate certificate that has a medically-based focus, the University of Nebraska offers a Medical/Family Therapy Graduate Certificate at their Lincoln Campus. This certificate program studies the relationship between medical practice and therapeutic practice as it pertains to families, couples, and individuals.
MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)
MFT doctorate degrees come in two types — a PhD, which specializes in research and education, and a PsyD, which specializes in clinical practice. Both degrees take between 4 and 8 years to complete and cost between $35,000 and $300,000. As of now, Nebraska does not host any in-state MFT doctorate degree programs, but you can find these in nearby states or online. Here are a few to consider:
University of Iowa: This PhD in Couple and Family Therapy offered by the University of Iowa is perfect for students looking to enter into both research and clinical roles in the marriage and family specialization. The program is focused on applying a responsive therapeutic approach to systemic deficits found in the mental health field.
Saint Louis University: In addition to its MFT master’s degree program, Saint Louis University also offers a PhD in Family Therapy. Like the master’s degree, the PhD in Family Therapy also comes with the option to specialize in medical family therapy, allowing students to seek careers in medical centers, hospitals, clinics, and other medically focused healthcare organizations. The program requires 51 credit hours plus a dissertation and a number of clinical hours to graduate.
Becoming an LMFT in Nebraska
Becoming licensed as a marriage and family therapist is essential for practicing in the state. Marriage and family therapist licensure requirements are a little bit different in every state, but in Nebraska, you’ll need to complete the following:
- 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 requirements set forth by the Nebraska Board of Mental Health Practice.
- Supervised Experience: Accumulate postgraduate supervised clinical experience. In Nebraska, you usually need to complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, with 1,500 hours being direct client contact. This experience is typically obtained through internships or employment in a mental health setting.
- Licensure Examination: Pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam. This is a national examination that tests your knowledge and competency in the field of marriage and family therapy.
- Jurisprudence Examination: In addition to the licensure examination, you’ll also need to take a jurisprudence examination to test your understanding of local laws and regulations.
- Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check. This is a standard procedure to ensure client safety.
- Application: Submit an application for licensure to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services – Division of Public Health. Along with the application, you’ll need to provide documentation of your education, supervised experience, examination results, and any other required materials.
- Supervision: Ensure that throughout your supervised experience, you have been under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional who meets the requirements set by the Nebraska Board of Mental Health Practice.
- Fees: Pay any required application and licensing fees.
- Continuing Education: After becoming licensed, fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain your licensure. You’ll need to take 32 hours of continuing education hours every two years.