Illinois MFT Programs

There are a handful of accredited higher education programs for MFT careers within various colleges and universities in the state of Illinois. Students should look for designation by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) when browsing opportunities as these programs will meet all the requirements necessary to receive licensure in the state of Illinois.

Adler University provides graduate education for Master's degrees and PhDs.

While there are no online programs specific to the state of Illinois, students can explore online options at other locations and use their degrees toward a state licensure if accredited by the COAMFTE.

Consider an online counseling program: Learn more.
MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine

Northwestern University MS in Marriage and Family Therapy

The Family Institute at Northwestern offers a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, which includes over 500 hours of direct clinical work and 250 hours of supervision.

All clinical practicum sessions will take place within the university's own clinic, The Center for Applied Psychological and Family Studies. There are two different tracks that students can take to customize their experience: the Clinical track and Clinical and Research track.

Clinical MFT Track

The Clinical track will focus on internship placement and a capstone project related to the experience, along with a written paper. The Clinical and Research Track will offer lab sessions and is geared toward those taking a PhD course int he future. This track concludes with a Master's thesis and capstone project.

Consider a Featured Online MFT Program

Northern Illinois University MS in Applied Human Development and Family Sciences

There is a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy within the Master of Science in Applied Human Development and Family Sciences program at Northern Illinois.

The entire program requires 54 credit hours to complete, which takes approximately two years.

Courses

Examples of courses in this specialized program include Human Development and Family Studies, Treatment of Children and Adolescents, and Family Stress and Structural Diversity. Students are admitted once per year before the spring semester, and final deadline for applications is January 15th. Application requirements include unofficial transcripts, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, updated resume, and a statement of purpose. A background check must also be performed before entering practicum courses.

Adler University MA in Couple and Family Therapy

The Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy helps students gain the experience needed to work with established faculty members in the industry through community-based practicum sessions and providing an opportunity to explore real-world scenarios.

This program is anticipated to be for full-time students and can be completed within two years.

Along with clinical practicum, there is a comprehensive exam that culminates the program at the end. Being part of the alumni association will give students the ability to expand their networking opportunities when looking for employment after graduation. Students that have entered the program in 2015 and 2016 have enjoyed a 100 percent pass rate on national exams when gaining the licensure.

LMFT Licensure in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Professional Regulation handles licensure for MFT positions throughout the state. Those that have taken a program accredited by COAMFTE will meet the requirements needed for licensure, otherwise specific coursework in family relations, clinical practice and practicum, professional studies and ethics, and research are needed.

In total, there should be 48 total semester hours dedicated to subjects within MFT. At least 3,000 total work experience hours should be accounted for, with that being under professional supervision between two to five years. A third of those hours should be dedicated to directly working with patients.

Beginning in 2017, those that have been previously excluded from health care work can apply for a licensure and it will be reviewed by the department.

Illinois Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing and Disciplinary Board

Illinois Dpt of Professional Regulation
320 W. Washington St., 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786
Website
LMFT Licensure:

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

LMFT Careers and Salaries in Illinois

Illinois has a median salary of approximately $47,200, which is lower than the national average according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This is normal around the central part of the United States, but is a little lower than some neighboring states like Indiana, Wisconsin, and Milwaukee.

There are over 440 employees within MFT, and the sector will continue to get larger as health insurance continues to expand their coverage on mental health. Eventual graduates from these programs will find plenty of opportunities within MFT at Pillars Community Health in Berwyn, the Great Lakes Psychology Group in Naperville, and North Shore Family Services at various locations throughout the state.

Popular Online MFT Programs

Liberty University 🗹 Online

Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online

University of Wisconsin – Superior 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters


Campus-Based COAMFTE Accredited Illinois MFT Degrees

The COAMFTE (Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education) is the top accrediting board for MFT programs. Below is a list of COAMFTE accredited MFT programs in Illinois. You can view online COAMFTE accredited MFT counseling programs or all Illinois counseling degrees.

Adler University
COAMFTE
  • Master's (M.A.) in Couple and Family Therapy
  • PhD in MFT
Northern Illinois University
COAMFTE
  • MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
Wheaton College Graduate School
COAMFTE
  • MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
+ Go to the list of all Illinois counseling programs.
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