Best MFT Programs in Illinois

Marriage and family therapists are an important mental health resource to families, couples, and even individuals who are facing unique challenges in their relationships. Marriage and family therapists help these demographics through common situations that they face such as familial trauma, abuse, and violence.

Illinois, like many other states, needs family therapists, especially in rural areas where mental health access is limited or unavailable. If you want to become a marriage and family therapist, the first step is enrolling in an MFT degree program and getting licensed.

2026 Best MFT Programs in Illinois

Counseling Psychology Organization brings you the definitive guide to the best Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Illinois. Our comprehensive analysis evaluates top graduate schools across the state, considering factors like academic excellence, clinical training opportunities, faculty expertise, and student outcomes. Whether you're a prospective student seeking a transformative educational experience or a professional looking to advance your career, our rankings provide an authoritative roadmap to the most competitive MFT programs. We've carefully examined each institution's curriculum, research capabilities, and professional development resources to help you make an informed decision about your graduate education. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL - Private 4-year - northwestern.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

Online Learning - Visit Website

Northwestern University's online Marriage and Family Therapy master's program provides an innovative educational pathway for dedicated mental health professionals. Utilizing the Integrative Systemic Therapy approach, the curriculum emphasizes comprehensive clinical training through localized in-person experiences. The program's COAMFTE accreditation ensures high-quality instruction, with rolling admissions and multiple annual cohort starts. Designed for licensure preparation, students benefit from a flexible learning model that requires no GRE and focuses on developing sophisticated therapeutic techniques for addressing complex relational and systemic client challenges. The program cultivates self-reflective practitioners ready to make meaningful therapeutic interventions.

• Online and on-campus options
• COAMFTE accredited program
• No GRE required
• Four annual cohort starts
• Integrative Systemic Therapy approach
• In-person clinical training
• Rolling admissions process
• Licensure-focused curriculum

Doctorate - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

Online Learning - Visit Website

Northwestern University's Marriage and Family Therapy online master's program distinguishes itself through a comprehensive, research-driven curriculum tailored for aspiring therapists. Students can complete the degree in just 21 months, benefiting from small class sizes and flexible online learning. The COAMFTE-accredited program uniquely offers 400 hours of clinical fieldwork and 125 relational clinical hours, ensuring graduates develop advanced multicultural therapeutic skills. With no GRE requirement and placement specialist support, the program prepares professionals to work effectively with diverse populations, utilizing an integrative systemic therapeutic model that empowers individuals, couples, and families.

• Online MFT Master's degree
• 24 months full-time completion
• COAMFTE accredited program
• No GRE required
• 400 hours clinical fieldwork
• 125 relational clinical hours
• 15 students per classroom
• Placement specialists assist
• Integrative systemic therapeutic model
• Immersive experience included

Show 1 More Programs ˅

#2

DePaul University

Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - depaul.edu

Master's - Couples and Family Counseling

Campus Based - Visit Website

DePaul University's Marriage and Family Therapy program stands out for its innovative approach to counseling education. Emphasizing multicultural perspectives and evidence-based interventions, the program prepares students to address complex interpersonal dynamics. Graduates develop advanced clinical skills through comprehensive coursework and hands-on training, with a specific focus on systemic therapeutic techniques. The program integrates professional supervision and practical experiences, ensuring students are well-equipped to support diverse family structures. With a commitment to emotional wellness and professional development, DePaul's MFT program offers a robust curriculum that prepares counselors to navigate intricate relationship challenges in contemporary settings.

• Graduate-level counseling program
• Multicultural counseling focus
• Practical clinical experiences
• Comprehensive couples/family courses
• Professional supervision included
• Evidence-based intervention training
• CSL 556 Couples/Family Counseling course

#3

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, IL - Public 4-Year - uis.edu

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

Concentration: Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Illinois Springfield's Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling M.A. program offers a transformative 61-credit curriculum designed to cultivate advanced counseling professionals. Students engage in comprehensive training focused on family systems theory, multicultural counseling techniques, and clinical interventions. The program uniquely emphasizes systemic approaches, requiring students to complete a minimum of 120 clinical service hours across community agency placements. Graduates develop sophisticated relational skills, learning to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and support diverse populations through evidence-based therapeutic strategies. The concentration provides rigorous preparation for professional counseling careers, integrating theoretical knowledge with extensive practical experience.

• 61 total required credit hours
• 4 specialized concentration courses
• Minimum 120 clinical service hours
• Community agency clinical placements
• Comprehensive core counseling curriculum
• Practicum and internship experiences
• Systemic counseling approach
• Multiple counseling theory courses
• Multicultural counseling emphasis
• Professional experience focus

#4

The Chicago School at Chicago

Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - thechicagoschool.edu

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Chicago School's M.A. in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy represents a cutting-edge program designed for aspiring mental health professionals seeking comprehensive relational therapy training. Distinguished by COAMFTE accreditation, the program uniquely integrates 300 supervised clinical hours, enabling students to develop advanced diagnostic skills across diverse populations. Students benefit from a practitioner-scholar model that emphasizes systemic, culturally competent therapeutic approaches. With no GRE requirement and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, the program offers accessible entry for passionate clinicians. Multiple campus locations and a rigorous interview-based admissions process ensure a selective, high-quality educational experience focused on relational healing and community mental health intervention.

• COAMFTE Accredited Program
• 60 credit hours total
• 300 clinical supervised hours
• Multiple campus locations
• No GRE required
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Interview required for admission
• Three recommendation letters needed
• Practitioner-scholar model
• Systemic therapy approach

#5

Adler University

Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - adler.edu

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

Adler University's Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy delivers a pioneering 60-credit program emphasizing social justice and mental health excellence. COAMFTE-accredited, this comprehensive two-year degree prepares students for professional licensure through innovative clinical training. Students engage in a unique curriculum that integrates hands-on therapeutic experience with a 200-hour social justice practicum. The program's distinctive approach equips graduates to address complex family dynamics across diverse populations, with optional specializations including a sex therapy certificate. Graduates emerge as socially conscious clinicians ready to transform mental health practice through systemic, compassionate intervention.

• COAMFTE-accredited program
• 60-credit hour master's degree
• Two-year full-time program
• Social justice focused curriculum
• 200-hour social justice practicum
• Prepares for LMFT licensure
• Multiple specialization options
• Optional sex therapy certificate

Doctorate - Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

Adler University's Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy represents a cutting-edge doctoral pathway for advanced mental health professionals. This COAMFTE-accredited program spans 4-7 years, offering comprehensive training in systemic therapy, research methodology, and clinical leadership. Students develop expertise through rigorous coursework, substantial clinical practicums, and an intensive dissertation process. With a strong emphasis on social justice and cultural competence, the program prepares doctoral candidates for multifaceted careers in academic research, clinical practice, and therapeutic education. Unique opportunities like sex therapy certification enhance graduates' professional versatility.

• COAMFTE-accredited Ph.D. program
• 63-credit hour curriculum
• Full-time program, 4-7 years
• Located in Chicago campus
• Licensure eligible in Illinois
• Optional sex therapy certification
• Advanced clinical training
• Social justice focused curriculum

Doctorate - Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy

Concentration: Certificate in Sex Therapy - Campus Based - Visit Website

Adler University's Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy with Sex Therapy Certificate provides a transformative doctoral experience for advanced clinicians. This specialized COAMFTE-accredited program demands a minimum 3.25 GPA and requires a clinical master's degree. Students receive comprehensive training in systemic therapy, integrating advanced clinical techniques with robust research methodologies. The curriculum emphasizes social justice principles and prepares graduates for diverse professional roles in therapy, academia, and research. With a focused sex therapy certificate option, students gain specialized expertise to address complex interpersonal and sexual health challenges.

• COAMFTE-accredited Ph.D. program
• Advanced systemic therapy training
• Social justice focused curriculum
• Clinical and academic career preparation
• Optional sex therapy certificate
• Full-time 4-year program
• GPA requirement 3.25+
• Clinical master's degree required
• Illinois LMFT licensure pathway

Doctorate - Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy

Concentration: Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website

Adler University's Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy featuring a Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate offers an advanced clinical pathway for transformative mental health professionals. This COAMFTE-accredited doctoral program combines intensive clinical training with research-driven curriculum, preparing students for leadership roles in therapeutic practice. Through licensed faculty mentorship, full-time internship, and comprehensive dissertation requirements, graduates develop sophisticated intervention strategies for substance abuse and family systems. The program's social justice orientation ensures students are equipped to address complex behavioral health challenges with compassion and expertise.

• Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy
• COAMFTE-accredited program
• 4-year full-time doctoral program
• Clinical + research focus
• Optional sex therapy certificate
• Licensed faculty mentorship
• Social justice orientation
• Doctoral dissertation required
• Advanced clinical practicum
• Full-time internship included

Show 3 More Programs ˅

*Credit: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.

What is an MFT Degree?

Marriage and family therapy degrees (or MFT degrees for short) are degrees 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?

As you begin your search, one of the more important things to remember is to ensure that the programs you apply to are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or by CACREP. This ensures that the state board approves the program’s curriculum. If it’s not accredited, you will not be able to get licensed.

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Illinois?

Online programs have become very popular in the last several years, especially for marriage and family therapy degrees. However, because of the licensure requirements associated with MFT graduate degrees, it’s good to be aware of a couple of key points.

While you can take many MFT courses online, you will most likely have to participate in some in-person training. Most MFT degrees require that their students participate in clinicals to get first-hand experience in the field. These are usually done in the last year of a master’s degree and for all years in a doctorate degree.

Additionally, if you’re planning on applying to out-of-state online MFT degree programs, you’ll need to consider licensure requirements. While your education may be based out of a different state, you must follow the licensure regulations of Illinois if that’s where you intend to practice. Fortunately, there are options for students who want to receive their MFT education online in Illinois:

Northwestern University: Northwestern University offers its Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy online to full-time and part-time students in as little as 21 months or 36 months, respectively. The program is based in Evanston, IL but you can fulfill all coursework and clinical requirements from anywhere in the state.

Short Length MFT Programs in Illinois

There are many MFT degree programs to choose from in Illinois, but not all of them are exactly succinct if you’re on a tight time frame. Furthermore, shorter MFT programs like master’s degree programs are more affordable since you’ll be technically paying for less education. Below are a few examples of Illinois’ shortest MFT degree programs:

Affordable MFT Programs in Illinois

There is quite a range in tuition costs when it comes to MFT degree programs. If you’re aiming to go with a more affordable option, you’ll probably want to go with a master’s degree, which usually only costs between $400 and $800 per credit on average. Below are some of Illinois’ most affordable MFT master’s degree programs:

MFT Degree Levels

There are many different types of MFT degree levels available in Illinois. The most common are master’s degrees, doctorate degrees, and graduate certificates. Master’s degrees and doctorate degrees allow MFT students to become licensed marriage and family therapists, while graduate certificates are more geared toward individuals who are already licensed.

Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?

You might. A GRE (Graduate Record Examination) may be a requirement depending on the MFT program you’re applying to. This type of assessment measures your ability in certain academic areas to ensure a smooth transition into a graduate program. Not all schools require this, however. Some schools, such as Northern Illinois University, use other methods to gauge these academic areas. To find out if the program you’re applying to requires a GRE, you can check the admissions section of your school’s website.

Master's Degree in MFT

To become licensed as a marriage and family therapist, you’ll need to have a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at the very least. These types of degrees take about two years to complete following a bachelor’s degree program and usually require the completion of 60 credits, which introduce the student to more nuanced and complex topics surrounding marriage and family therapy.

MFT master’s degrees cost an average of $49,726 in tuition in Illinois and can be found nationwide. Here are just a few that are available in the State of Illinois:

Northern Illinois University: While most MFT master’s degree programs require the completion of 60 credits or more, Northern Illinois University’s M.S. in Applied Human Development and Family Sciences with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy allows students to complete their fully accredited master’s degree program with only 54 credits.

Northeastern Illinois University: If you’re looking to get your Associate’s Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (ALMFT) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Illinois, Northeastern Illinois University’s Couple and Family Counseling, M.A might be the right choice for you.

Graduate Certificate in MFT

As previously mentioned, MFT graduate certificates are not technically degrees; they’re more geared toward graduates who already have licensure in psychology or counseling but want to achieve a more balanced educational background in marriage and family therapy.

Graduate certificates typically take a year or less to complete and cost an average of $7129 in tuition in Illinois. There are several MFT graduate certificates available in Illinois. Here are two good options:

Governers State University: The Post-Master's Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Certificate offered by Governers State University allows licensed mental health professionals to add additional value to their CVs, increasing their marketability when seeking professional roles, but more importantly, providing a more holistic approach to their practice.

Wheaton College: The Marriage and Family Therapy Certificate offered by Wheaton College provides a Christian-based approach to marriage and family therapy, perfect for students who want to seek careers in biblical counseling, become clergy members, or expand their practice to reach individuals who prefer a Christian-based clinician.

MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

If you want to become an expert in marriage and family therapy, a doctorate is the way to go. You’ll be receiving the highest level of education that you could possibly receive with an MFT doctorate degree. There are two different types of MFT doctorate degrees — a Ph.D. and a PsyD. A Ph.D. is typically reserved for students who want to focus their careers on research, theory, and education, while a PsyD is typically more clinician-focused.

MFT doctorate degrees can range between $35,000 and $350,000 in tuition, depending on the program. They usually take between 4 and 8 years to complete. Here are a few MFT doctorate degrees available in Illinois:

Adler University: The Ph.D. in Couples and Family Therapy offered by Adler University not only prepares students for specialized practice as a marriage and family therapist but also offers students the option to further sub-specialize in either substance abuse counseling or sex therapy for additional credits. The program also communicates a strong focus on diversity, recognizing the various dimensions of culture.

The Chicago School: Currently the only PsyD in Marital and Family Therapy offered in the State of Illinois, The Chicago School’s program focuses on the clinical aspects of marriage and family therapy. It also allows students to seek careers in grant writing and education in addition to clinical work. Students can complete this degree program in three years following their master’s degree and can become licensed upon graduation.

Becoming an LMFT in Illinois

Obtaining MFT licensure is arguably the most important step to ensuring a successful marriage and family therapist career. Licensure ensures that you can legally practice as a therapist and gives you credibility as a mental health professional. Here’s what you need to know about MFT licensure in Illinois:

• 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 is recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or an equivalent accrediting body.
• Supervised Experience: Complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours. In Illinois, you usually need to accumulate around 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience, with at least 1,000 hours in direct client contact, 350 going towards couples and families, and 350 towards individual therapy. These hours must be completed over a period of at least 2 years.
• Examination: Pass the National MFT Examination, administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). This exam assesses your knowledge of marriage and family therapy concepts and practices.
• Application: Submit an application for licensure to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). This typically includes providing transcripts, proof of supervised experience, exam scores, and any other required documentation.
• Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
• Fees: Pay the required application and licensing fees.
• Continuing Education: After obtaining licensure, you will need to fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain your license. You will need to take part in at least 30 continuing education hours every 2 years before February 28th of every odd-numbered year.

List of MFT Degree Programs in Illinois