Best MFT Programs in Utah Online

Marriage and family therapy (MFT) is a well-established but rapidly growing field that focuses on relationships and the common issues that arise in family dynamics. Though marriage and family therapists have been around for over a century, the demand for these highly specialized professionals has never been greater. The State of Utah has a particular need for marriage and family therapists due to the rural landscapes and diverse communities. To learn how you can become a marriage and family therapist, take a look at our guide below, which outlines MFT degrees and the process for getting licensed.

What is an MFT Degree?

An MFT degree program provides all of the necessary training and skills that a marriage and family therapist needs to become a clinical practitioner, educator, researcher, or theorist. These programs include a combination of classroom participation, comprehensive coursework, and supervised practice. They are usually catered to students who want to pursue licensure, though some students enrolled are simply there to learn more about this exciting and growing field of psychological study.

Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?

One of the most important things to understand about MFT degrees is accreditation. If a program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or CACREP, 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), students must be sure that their program is COAMFTE-certified or CACREP-certified, or else they will not be able to become licensed.

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Utah?

Getting your MFT degree online is a great option for students looking for a little extra flexibility in their schedules while enrolled in school. However, it’s important to keep a few things in mind when looking at these types of programs.

As of now, Utah does not offer online MFT programs based in the state, which means that if you want to get your MFT degree online, you’ll have to apply to schools outside of Utah. Because of the clinical requirements usually associated with MFT programs, this also means you’ll need to be located near campus or at least the state where your program is based. If you decide to go with this option, you’ll also need to transfer your MFT licensure when it’s time. That being said, these programs are currently the closest online MFT programs in proximity to Utah:

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 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 to enroll in this program; you’ll simply need a computer.

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. MFT graduate certificates exist, however, for students who are already licensed or who don’t plan on getting licensed.

Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?

Some schools measure their applicant’s graduate placement through an exam called the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE for short. However, this requirement isn’t necessary for some institutions. The best way to find out if you’ll be required to submit a GRE with your application is to check your school’s admissions page.

Master's Degree in MFT

MFT master’s degree programs typically run for two years. They usually require the completion of around 60 credits and cost between $400 and $800 per credit. Upon graduation from an MFT master’s degree, you’ll be eligible to become licensed and sit for the exam. There are several MFT master’s degree programs located in Utah:

Utah Valley University: The Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy offered by Utah Valley University is a comprehensive 57-credit program designed to equip students with the latest therapeutic methods as they apply to couples and families. Students will take courses such as Couples Therapy, Working with Diversity, Group Therapy, and Child Development. Clinical practicums take place at a variety of institutions located within the Provo community.

Utah State University: There are two degree options offered by Utah State University for students who want to become marriage and family therapists. The first is the Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, which is primarily focused on MFT training. The second is the MS in Human Development and Family Studies, MFT Specialization, which allows students to focus their studies on human development and supplement their understanding of marriage and family therapy through a thesis option. Both options lead to MFT licensure.

Graduate Certificate in MFT

MFT graduate certificates are one-year non-degree programs typically geared toward mental health professionals who may lack training in marriage and family therapy or for anyone who wants to better understand the field. These programs don’t provide a track to licensure, but they are quick, effective, and affordable at only $1,000 to $1,500 per program (on average). Utah does not currently host MFT graduate certificates in the state, but you can find them online or in nearby states:

Denver Family Institute: The Denver Family Institute offers a fully accredited two-year MFT graduate certificate focusing on the intersectionality and diversity of relationships and community. Students who have obtained a counseling graduate degree or are currently enrolled in a counseling graduate degree program will be eligible to apply.

Antioch University: Students looking to specialize in marriage and family therapy through a graduate certificate program can do so through Antioch University, which has campuses 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.

MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

An MFT doctorate degree is the highest level of education a marriage and family therapist can obtain. Having a doctorate degree in marriage and family therapy opens up students to a wide range of esteemed careers in research, clinical practice, or education. MFT doctorate degrees take between four and eight years to complete and can cost anywhere from $35,000 on the low end to $150,000+ on the high end in tuition. For many, the investment is well worth it.

There are two different types of MFT doctorate degrees. The first (and more common) is a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy. This type of degree is focused on the research and theoretical aspects of marriage and family therapy. The other is a PsyD, which is more clinical-focused. There is currently one MFT doctoral degree available in Utah:

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.

Becoming an LMFT in Utah

The last thing you’ll need to accomplish before setting off to find marriage and family therapist positions is securing licensure. These are the steps you’ll need to complete to become licensed in the State of Utah:

• Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related field from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or a regionally accredited institution.
• Supervised Experience: Accumulate postgraduate supervised clinical experience. In Utah, this typically involves completing 2 years (4,000 hours) of supervised clinical experience, with at least 1,000 hours of direct client contact.
• Examination: Pass the national licensure examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
• Application: Submit an application for licensure to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). This usually involves providing documentation of your education, supervised experience, and examination results, along with any other required forms and fees.
• Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
• Continuing Education: After receiving your licensure, you’ll need to maintain it by completing 40 hours of continuing education credits every two years.

List of MFT Degree Programs in Utah

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