Best Master’s in MFT Programs Near Lincoln, Nebraska: Rankings, Costs & Career Paths
Lincoln, Nebraska, combines the advantages of a university town with the growing need for behavioral health professionals across the Midwest. The city's network of hospitals, family service agencies, and counseling centers makes it an ideal place to pursue a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT).
Students in the Lincoln area benefit from small program sizes, community-based clinical opportunities, and affordable tuition compared with larger metro areas. Whether you're a psychology major planning your next step or a working professional considering a career shift, local MFT programs provide both quality education and strong regional career prospects.
In this article, you'll learn:
- What to look for in a Lincoln-area MFT program
- How local practicum placements work
- Typical tuition and fees for Nebraska students
- Nebraska licensure basics for Marriage & Family Therapists
- Local employment and salary outlook for graduates
2026 Best Master's in MFT Near Lincoln, NE
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE - Public 4-Year - unl.edu
Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization (M.S.)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited hybrid program that prepares students for Nebraska licensure through 53 credits over two years. It emphasizes trauma-informed care, attachment-based therapy, and ethical practices, with over 500 clinical contact hours and 12-month internship placements. The cohort model, limited to 8-12 students, includes advanced training in distance therapy technology and state licensure preparation. An entrance exam is not explicitly mentioned as required. Graduates are equipped for diverse settings like agencies and hospitals, with applications due by December 1, 2024.
- 24-month program completion
- 53 total credit hours
- COAMFTE accredited since 1993
- 500+ clinical contact hours
- 12-month internship placements
- Cohort size 8-12 students
- Application deadline Dec. 1, 2024
- State licensure preparation
- Advanced trauma-informed training
- Distance therapy technology focus
Concordia University-Nebraska
Seward, NE - Private 4-year - cune.edu
Master's - MA Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Concordia University-Nebraska's hybrid MA in Marriage and Family Therapy integrates Christian perspectives with COAMFTE-aligned training, requiring no entrance exam. The 62-64 credit program spans 24 months with 8-week courses and synchronous online classes, emphasizing a 300-hour practicum for hands-on experience. At $500 per credit, it prepares graduates for state licensure in diverse settings like hospitals and private practice, focusing on ethical, holistic counseling. Fall cohorts start with on-campus residencies, blending faith and psychology to address complex family dynamics effectively.
- 62-64 credit hour program
- $500 per credit hour
- 8-week course format
- 24 months to complete degree
- Online synchronous classes
- Fall cohort start
- 300-hour practicum required
- COAMFTE standards aligned
- Christ-centered perspective
- Preparation for state licensure
What to Look for in a Lincoln-Area MFT Program
MFT master's programs vary in format, focus, and cost. Before applying, it's important to confirm that your chosen program meets Nebraska's licensure standards and offers accessible clinical training.
| Feature | Why It Matters | Lincoln-Area Example |
| COAMFTE Accreditation | Ensures quality and reciprocity across states | Required for most LMFT pathways |
| Practicum and Supervision | Builds hands-on skills and professional readiness | Community-based placements across Lincoln |
| Flexible Formats | Supports working adults | Hybrid or evening courses offered at several regional universities |
| Faculty and Clinical Partnerships | Strengthens supervision and local connections | Strong ties with community health agencies |
Many Nebraska students choose programs that offer both on-campus clinics and partnerships with family service agencies to diversify their client exposure.
Explore MFT schools in Nebraska.
Practicum and Clinical Training Opportunities in Lincoln, NE
Lincoln's concentration of family and behavioral health services gives MFT students access to diverse practicum placements. Most programs require between 300 and 500 direct client contact hours, with supervision from a licensed MFT or LMHP.
| Clinical Site | Location | Focus Area | Typical Student Experience |
| Blue Valley Behavioral Health (BVBBH) | Lincoln and rural sites | Community mental health | Outpatient counseling, documentation |
| Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska | Lincoln | Family, adoption, parenting | Co-therapy and parenting support groups |
| Family Service Lincoln | Downtown Lincoln | Youth and family prevention | School-based work and family outreach |
| The Bridge Behavioral Health | Lincoln | Substance use and family systems | Individual, family, and discharge planning |
| Cedars Youth Services | Lincoln | Child and family stabilization | Family reunification and youth support |
| CHI Health St. Elizabeth | Lincoln | Integrated behavioral health | Short-term interventions in medical settings |
These placements offer exposure to multiple modalities, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), cognitive-behavioral family therapy, and trauma-informed systems work.
MFT Master’s Admissions and Curriculum Overview
Admissions standards are similar across Nebraska MFT programs.
Typical requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or related field
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Statement of purpose outlining interest in family systems work
- Two or three letters of recommendation
- Interview and background check
Sample Curriculum Structure
| Core Area | Example Courses |
| Foundations | Systems Theory, Human Development, Family Assessment |
| Clinical Practice | Couples Therapy, Child & Adolescent Interventions |
| Ethics and Law | Professional Ethics and Nebraska Counseling Law |
| Diversity and Culture | Multicultural Counseling in Family Contexts |
| Research | Program Evaluation and Applied Research |
| Practicum | Supervised Clinical Experience I–III |
Full-time students usually finish in 2–3 years, while part-time students may take 3–4 years depending on practicum scheduling.
Nebraska Licensure Basics for MFTs
Licensure in Nebraska is regulated by the state’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Most graduates pursue one or both credentials: Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
Licensure steps:
- Graduate from a regionally accredited or COAMFTE-accredited MFT program.
- Complete required supervised practicum hours.
- Pass the national MFT exam.
- Accumulate post-master supervised experience hours (under LMHP or LMFT supervision).
- Apply to the Nebraska DHHS with verification of education and supervision.
Lincoln programs are designed to meet these state requirements, and many graduates continue their supervision hours at local agencies after graduation.
Tuition, Fees, and Funding Strategies
Costs for MFT programs in Nebraska are typically lower than the national average. In-state tuition for public universities generally ranges from $18,000 to $25,000 for the full program, while private or hybrid programs may cost $25,000 to $35,000.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost | Notes |
| Tuition (per credit) | $450–$650 | Varies by university |
| University Fees | $400–$900 annually | Technology, student services |
| Practicum Costs | $300–$600 | Background check, insurance |
| Books & Materials | $600–$1,000 | Texts, therapy software |
| Licensure Exam & Fees | $350–$500 | National exam and application |
Ways to reduce costs:
- Apply for assistantships or part-time counseling center jobs.
- Check for tuition reimbursement through local employers such as CHI Health or Bryan Health.
- Apply for the Nebraska Behavioral Health Education Center (BHECN) scholarships that support students pursuing behavioral health licensure.
- Consider hybrid or online programs that allow continued full-time work during study.
MFT Career Paths and Major Employers in Lincoln
MFT graduates in Lincoln find roles in hospitals, family service nonprofits, school systems, and private practice. Many begin as LMHPs or provisional LMFTs while completing post-graduate supervision.
Common job titles:
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Behavioral Health Clinician
- Child and Family Therapist
- Integrated Care Counselor
- School-Linked Therapist
Leading Lincoln-area employers for MFTs and LMHPs:
- Bryan Health Behavioral Health Services
- CHI Health St. Elizabeth Hospital and Clinics
- Family Service Lincoln
- Blue Valley Behavioral Health (Lincoln Office)
- Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska
- Cedars Youth Services
- The Bridge Behavioral Health
- Region V Systems (public behavioral health network)
- Private group practices along South 48th Street and downtown Lincoln
| Role | Setting | Typical Salary Range (Lincoln Area)* |
| MFT/LMHP Therapist | Community agency | $52,000–$68,000 |
| Couples and Family Therapist | Private practice | $65,000–$85,000 |
| Integrated Care Clinician | Hospital clinic | $58,000–$75,000 |
| School-Linked Family Therapist | Nonprofit or contracted | $50,000–$68,000 |
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data and local job postings, 2025 estimates.
MFTs in Lincoln often work alongside social workers, psychologists, and medical staff to deliver coordinated family-based care. Demand is particularly high in school and integrated primary care settings.
Online Program Options Serving Lincoln Students
For students balancing work or family responsibilities, online and hybrid MFT programs have become more common. Nebraska residents can access several distance-learning options that align with state licensure requirements while completing local practicums.
Examples of online or hybrid options serving Lincoln:
- Regional universities with hybrid MFT or counseling programs that arrange clinical placements locally.
- National COAMFTE-accredited online programs that approve Nebraska sites for practicum supervision.
Before enrolling, confirm:
- The program's curriculum meets Nebraska's LMFT coursework and supervision standards.
- The university helps identify local practicum partners such as Family Service Lincoln or BVBBH.
- Your clinical supervisor holds Nebraska LMFT or LMHP credentials recognized by DHHS.
Hybrid programs often include evening virtual lectures with weekend residencies in nearby states or cities, giving students flexibility while maintaining in-person skill development.
Tips for Choosing the Right Program
- Ask how each program arranges practicum placements within Lincoln and nearby counties.
- Confirm supervision methods, i.e. live observation, video review, or co-therapy models.
- Review licensure alignment and national exam pass rates.
- Consider commute distances to sites such as Cedars or Lutheran Family Services when planning schedules.
- Compare tuition, assistantship availability, and post-graduation employment outcomes.
For students pursuing a career in marriage and family therapy, Lincoln, Nebraska, offers the right mix of affordability, accredited programs, and community-based experience. From hospital systems like CHI Health and Bryan Health to nonprofits like Family Service Lincoln, the city provides rich training and career opportunities for new therapists.
With careful selection and early planning, students can graduate prepared for Nebraska licensure and enter a field that directly supports families and communities throughout the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where do MFT students in Lincoln complete their practicum hours?
A: Most students complete placements at Family Service Lincoln, Blue Valley Behavioral Health, Lutheran Family Services, Cedars, or The Bridge Behavioral Health. Some also train at university counseling centers or integrated clinics at CHI Health.
Q: Which Lincoln employers frequently hire new LMHP or LMFT graduates?
A: Bryan Health, CHI Health St. Elizabeth, Blue Valley Behavioral Health, Family Service Lincoln, and Region V Systems are among the area's most active behavioral health employers.
Q: How much do licensed MFTs earn in Lincoln?
A: The average annual salary ranges from about $60,000 to $75,000, depending on setting and experience. Private practice and hospital-based roles tend to pay the highest.
