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

Colorado has a growing demand for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) as mental health awareness continues to expand. With a rising population and increased focus on holistic wellness, more individuals and families are seeking therapy services, creating strong job opportunities for licensed therapists.

The state offers several accredited MFT programs designed to train students in systemic therapy, trauma-informed care, and community mental health services. This guide highlights the best MFT programs in Colorado, including fast-track and cost-effective options, plus licensure details and job outlook.

In this guide

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

Looking for the best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Colorado? marriagefamilytherapist.org has done the research for you. We ranked top schools based on quality, affordability, and student success. Our list helps you find a program that fits your goals. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, we've got you covered. Check out our rankings to make an informed choice. Learn how we picked these programs https://marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/.

Regis University

Denver, CO - Private 4-year - regis.edu

Master's - M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Regis University offers a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, blending rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experience. This 60-credit hybrid program is designed for those seeking to make a difference in the lives of individuals, couples, and families through systemic therapy. With a focus on small class sizes and experiential learning, students are prepared for a successful career in mental health, evidenced by a 95% job placement rate. The program, accredited by COAMFTE, costs $806 per credit hour and can be completed in 2.5 to 3 years, offering flexibility with on-campus and weekend formats. A practicum and internship are integral parts of the curriculum, ensuring hands-on experience.

60-credit Master's degree program
95% job placement rate
COAMFTE accredited program
$806 per credit hour
2.5-3 years to complete
Small class sizes
On-campus and weekend formats
Practicum and internship included
Thornton Campus location
Systemic therapy approach

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO - Public 4-Year - unco.edu

Master's - Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling/Therapy M.A.

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Northern Colorado offers a Master of Arts in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling/Therapy, designed for those aspiring to become Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. This CACREP-accredited program emphasizes a systemic approach to therapy, focusing on relationship dynamics and interpersonal interactions. With a curriculum that spans 66-75 credit hours, students engage in comprehensive clinical training and coursework that covers trauma intervention, ethical practices, and counseling for diverse populations. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and includes a pre-admission workshop and interpersonal skills assessment. The program is tailored for individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health through specialized relationship systems focus.

CACREP Accredited Program
66-75 Total Credit Hours
Licensure Track for LMFT
Specialized Relationship Systems Focus
Minimum 3.0 GPA Requirement
Comprehensive Clinical Training
Diverse Coursework Options
Pre-Admission Workshop Required
Interpersonal Skills Assessment
Trauma and Intervention Courses

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO - Public 4-Year - colostate.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies

Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization - Campus Based - Visit Website

Colorado State University-Fort Collins offers a Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization. This COAMFTE accredited program is designed for those aiming to become licensed therapists, focusing on evidence-based clinical practices, diversity, and social justice. Students benefit from supervised clinical experiences at various therapy centers, ensuring comprehensive training in real-world settings. The program not only prepares graduates for professional counseling careers but also emphasizes the importance of ethics and individual and family development.

COAMFTE Accredited Program
Focuses on Evidence-Based Practices
Supervised Clinical Experience
Multiple Therapy Center Options
Emphasizes Diversity and Ethics
Master of Science Degree
Prepares Licensed Therapists
Comprehensive Clinical Training

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, CO - Public 4-Year - ucdenver.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers a Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy, a COAMFTE-accredited program that stands out for its commitment to social justice and diversity. This on-campus program requires 54 credits and typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 years to complete, offering fall and spring admission cycles. Applicants must submit three recommendation letters and undergo an interview process, with deadlines on February 1 for fall and September 1 for spring. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a career in mental health through a systemic approach, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and inclusion. Requires GRE.

COAMFTE Accredited Program
54-credit Master's Degree
On-campus program
2.5-3.5 years completion time
Fall/Spring admission cycles
Application deadline: Feb 1 (Fall)
Application deadline: Sept 1 (Spring)
Required interview process
Three recommendation letters needed
Social justice focused curriculum

*Based on: IPEDS 2023, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Other MFT Programs Available in Colorado

Colorado’s top MFT programs are designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical training. Many programs emphasize working with diverse populations, including military families, rural communities, and underserved groups.

Some of the best MFT programs in Colorado include:

Adams State University – Offers a Master’s in Counseling with a Marriage and Family Therapy emphasis, designed for students planning to work in rural or high-need areas.

These programs prepare students for state licensure and diverse career pathways, from private practice to nonprofit mental health organizations.

Colorado's Quickest MFT Programs

For students eager to join the workforce quickly, Colorado offers accelerated and highly structured MFT programs designed for faster completion.

Factors that help students finish faster:

Year-Round Coursework – Some programs include summer and winter terms to reduce overall time to graduation.
Intensive Practicum Models – Programs offering structured, front-loaded clinical hours can streamline degree completion.
Online & Hybrid Flexibility – Some courses allow students to fast-track certain classes while balancing fieldwork requirements.

Here are some of the fastest MFT programs in Colorado:

School	Program Length	Type
Regis University	2 years	Hybrid
Colorado State University	2 – 2.5 years	Campus
Adams State University	2.5 years	Online

These programs offer intensive coursework and hands-on clinical training, helping students graduate and begin practicing sooner.

Colorado's Cheapest MFT Programs

For students focused on affordability, Colorado has several cost-effective MFT programs at public universities and online institutions.

Ways to save on tuition costs:

Take Advantage of In-State Tuition – Colorado residents can access reduced tuition at public universities.
Scholarship & Grant Programs – Many schools offer funding options for mental health students.
Hybrid & Online Learning – Some programs lower expenses by minimizing on-campus requirements.

Here are some of the most affordable MFT programs in Colorado:

School	Estimated Tuition	Type
Adams State University	$6,500 per year	Online
Colorado State University	$8,700 per year	Campus
University of Colorado Denver	$9,100 per year	Campus

These affordable options help students earn a respected degree while minimizing financial burden.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Colorado

Becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Colorado involves completing education, supervised practice, and state-specific exams.

Steps to Become an LMFT in Colorado:

Earn an MFT Degree – Graduate from a COAMFTE-accredited or regionally accredited MFT program.
Complete 2,000+ Supervised Clinical Hours – Colorado requires 2,000 post-degree supervised hours, with at least 1,500 hours in direct client contact.
Pass the National MFT Exam – Administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
Apply for Licensure – Submit an application to the Colorado State Board of Marriage & Family Therapist Examiners.
Maintain Continuing Education Requirements – LMFTs in Colorado must complete continuing education credits for license renewal.

For official licensure details, visit the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) website.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Colorado

Colorado has seen a steady rise in demand for LMFTs, particularly in rural and underserved communities where mental health services are expanding.

Colorado-Specific LMFT Data:

Colorado Population: 5.8 million
Marriage Rate in Colorado: 7.5 per 1,000 residents (CDC Marriage Rates by State)
Average LMFT Salary: $58,400 per year
Top 10% LMFT Salary: Over $85,000 per year

Where LMFTs Work in Colorado:

Behavioral Health Clinics – Therapists provide care in public health and state-run centers.
Private Practice & Group Therapy Offices – Many LMFTs operate independent practices.
Military & Veteran Counseling Services – With several military bases in Colorado, LMFTs serve active-duty personnel and veterans.
University & School Counseling – MFTs work in campus mental health and academic counseling centers.

With strong job growth and rising salaries, Colorado remains an ideal place to launch an LMFT career.

Why Choose an MFT Program in Colorado?

Colorado is an excellent state for MFT education, offering flexible learning formats, diverse clinical settings, and strong job demand.

Top reasons to study MFT in Colorado:

Growing Mental Health Field – Colorado has a rapidly expanding need for licensed therapists.
Opportunities in Rural & Urban Settings – LMFTs can work in Denver, Boulder, and underserved rural areas.
Diverse Training Environments – Students train in private practice, hospitals, and teletherapy settings.
Flexible Program Options – Choose from online, hybrid, or on-campus MFT degrees.

For students passionate about mental health and relationship therapy, earning an MFT degree in Colorado is a rewarding career move.

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