A person’s interpersonal relationships greatly impact their happiness and mental health. One of the newest and fastest-growing disciplines within mental health counseling is marriage and family therapy. People who work as marriage and family therapists (MFTs) are licensed and certified counselors. They undergo long and specialized training to work with individuals, couples, and families.
| Wisconsin MFT Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| COAMFTE-accredited programs | 1 (University of Wisconsin-Stout) + 1 post-grad certificate (Family Therapy Training Institute) |
| License title | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) |
| Licensing board | WI Dept. of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) |
| Required supervised experience | 2 years post-master’s supervised practice |
| Licensing exams | National (AMFTRB) + Wisconsin state jurisprudence exam |
| CE requirements | 30 hours per biennium (4 hrs ethics); renewal by Feb 28, odd years |
| Median annual salary (WI) | $63,110 (BLS) |
| National median salary | $63,780 (BLS, May 2024) |
| National job growth (2024-2034) | 13% |
2026 updates for Wisconsin MFT students and professionals
Wisconsin’s DSPS has moved MFT license applications and renewals to its new LicensE online platform, replacing the previous paper-based process. If you’re applying for the first time or renewing your LMFT, you can now complete everything through the DSPS MFT licensing portal. The next renewal deadline for LMFTs is February 28, 2027 (odd-year cycle), so you have time to accumulate your 30 CE hours before then.
Wisconsin joined the Counseling Compact in 2023, and the compact became operational in fall 2025 for licensed professional counselors. However, the Counseling Compact does not cover marriage and family therapists. AAMFT continues to pursue a separate licensure portability model for MFTs through its Access MFTs initiative, though Wisconsin has not adopted it yet. If you hold an LMFT from another state, you can still apply for licensure by endorsement through DSPS.
MFTs look at a person’s relationships and their dynamics to help them function better. Mental health is often correlated with good relationships. MFTs can help people keep the good times happening within their relationships and cope with and grow through struggles and challenging times.
If you are thinking of embarking on a career as a marriage and family therapist in Wisconsin, we will show you programs you can enroll in to help you achieve this goal.
Online MFT Programs for Wisconsin Residents
Wisconsin has one COAMFTE-accredited MFT program (UW-Stout), but it is an in-person cohort. If you need the flexibility of online coursework, several accredited online MFT programs accept Wisconsin residents. You can explore our full list of COAMFTE-accredited online MFT programs or check nearby online options from schools like Touro University Worldwide and Loma Linda University, both of which offer CACREP-accredited counseling programs with MFT concentrations.
Accredited MFT Programs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin COAMFTE Accredited MFT Programs
COAMFTE is the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. It is a national accrediting body for marriage and family therapy programs. The programs that COAMFTE accredits meet high-quality standards and are recognized by state and national professional organizations.
- University of Wisconsin-Stout:
- In-person, cohort model.
- 300 hours of clinical practice completed at an on-campus clinic.
- Meets requirements for licensure in both Wisconsin and Minnesota.
- Family Therapy Training Institute:
- Post-Graduate Certificate Program
- Program for people who already possess a master’s degree in a related field.
- Evening and Weekend classes.
- Two-year, full-time program
CACREP-Accredited MFT Programs in Wisconsin
In addition to UW-Stout’s COAMFTE-accredited program, three CACREP-accredited Wisconsin schools offer marriage and family therapy or counseling concentrations that can lead to LMFT licensure in the state:
- Marquette University (Milwaukee) — M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a family therapy emphasis
- Mount Mary University (Milwaukee) — M.S. in Counseling with a marriage and family therapy track
- Viterbo University (La Crosse) — M.A. in Mental Health Counseling with MFT coursework
CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accreditation meets Wisconsin’s educational requirements for MFT licensure. Graduates of these programs are eligible to apply for a training license and begin supervised clinical practice toward full LMFT status.
No GRE Required MFT Programs in Wisconsin
Many colleges and universities require a standardized test called the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for admission into graduate-level programs. However, in recent years many colleges and universities have moved away from requiring standardized admission tests. You can find many Marriage and Family Therapy programs that do not require the GRE for admission. Some programs require the GRE only under certain circumstances.
Here is one marriage and family therapy program in Wisconsin that does not require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for admission:
- University of Wisconsin – Stout: Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Although UW does not require the GRE for admission, they have other requirements.
The requirements for admission are:
- A completed online application
- Official transcripts sent directly from your undergraduate school
- Undergraduate GPA of a minimum 2.75
- Three professional letters of recommendation.
While the University of Wisconsin – Stout runs a competitive program and admission is not easily obtained, they do not require applicants to take the Graduate Record Exam to gain entry into their program. UW Stout evaluates the applicant on their undergraduate course work and grade point average as well as through letters of recommendation.
What Will You Learn in a Wisconsin MFT Program
Marriage and Family Therapy programs have similar curriculum to other counseling programs like clinical mental health and school counseling. The specific courses and topics you will learn will vary depending on your chosen program. However, all Wisconsin MFT programs will prepare you with the knowledge and skills you need to become a licensed MFT.
MFT programs prepare students to become socially proficient marriage and family therapists by integrating the principles of social justice and diversity throughout all courses and clinical work. The MFT programs in Wisconsin are designed to prepare you to begin a marriage and family therapy career by providing basic didactic and clinical skills, professional development, and socialization.
After completing an MFT program in Wisconsin, students are eligible to sit for the licensure examination for MFTs. Once they have passed the test, they can become licensed MFTs.
Some topics and courses you will cover in your studies include:
- Ethical, Legal, and Professional Concerns in Family Therapy
- Foundational Theories of Marital and Family Therapy
- Human Development
- Assessment
- Diversity in Family Settings
- Theoretical and Clinical Problems
- Postmodern Approaches to Family Dynamics and Health
- Addictions and Families
In addition to this coursework, students in MFT programs must complete both practicum and internship courses where they begin to work with clients under the supervision of a professor and professional MFT. These hours are necessary for students to gain understanding and practice as a therapist but are also a requirement to sit for the licensing exam. Students will accumulate these hours by working with clients directly and also in offering in-direct support. Interns must report to a professor or internship supervisor who guides them throughout the experience.
How To Become a Fully-Licensed MFT in Wisconsin:
Wisconsin has three types of MFT licenses:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- a training license
- temporary license.
Training License Requirements:
- Graduated from a COAMFTE-accredited or Board-approved program with a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related topic with equivalent coursework.
- Has an offer to work in a supervised marriage and family therapy practice, in which they will complete their required supervision hours.
- Valid for 48 months and may be renewed. A training license is required to complete the necessary supervision hours for full marriage and family therapist licensure.
A temporary license may be granted to those who have completed all of the above requirements and fulfilled all required supervision hours but have yet to take the exam. This license is valid for up to 9 months and may only be renewed once.
Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements
- Completion of the requirements for a training license.
- Passed the exam approved by the board.
- Completion of 3,000 hours of post-degree work experience as an MFT.
- At least 1,000 hours must be face-to-face client contact.
- Must be completed with a training license.
Licensure by Endorsement
- Must currently hold a marriage and family therapist credential, which is substantially equivalent to the standards for Wisconsin licensure.
- Must pass an exam that tests knowledge of state law relevant to MFT.
Pass the National MFT exam.
The AMFTRB exam is the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards exam. It is a national exam that all LMFTs must pass to be licensed and is accepted by the state of Wisconsin.
The AMFTRB exam is a multiple-choice exam that tests your knowledge of MFT theory, assessment, and intervention. You must score at least 75% on the exam to pass.
Renew Your License every two years
Fully Licensed MFTs in Wisconsin must renew their MFT licenses every two years (odd years only). In addition to renewing their application, MFTs must complete 30 hours of Continuing Education Credits and provide evidence of this in their application.
Career and Salary Opportunities for LMFTs in Wisconsin
Marriage and family therapy is growing, and many career opportunities are available for MFTs in Wisconsin. Here, we will discuss some of the different career paths that MFTs can take and the average salary for MFTs in Wisconsin. The flexibility afforded to LMFTs in Wisconsin gives them the freedom to find the setting they prefer to work in.
Career Opportunities for MFTs
There are many different career paths available for MFTs in Wisconsin. The MFT license gives you the flexibility to work in a variety of settings. Some of the most common career paths include:
- Private practice: Licensed MFTs can open their private practices and see clients individually, couples, or families.
- Inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities: MFTs can work in inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities, providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families.
- Schools: MFTs can work in schools, providing therapy to students and their families.
- Community mental health centers: MFTs can work in community mental health centers, providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families.
- Government agencies: MFTs can work for government agencies, providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families.
Salary for MFTs in Wisconsin
Salaries for MFTs can vary depending on experience, location, and the setting in which you work. MFTs have the potential to earn higher wages as the demand for Marriage and Family therapy grows.
Here are some factors that can affect your salary as an MFT in Wisconsin:
- Experience: MFTs with more experience typically earn higher salaries.
- Location: MFTs in urban areas typically earn higher salaries than MFTs in rural areas.
- Setting: MFTs who work in private practice typically earn higher salaries than MFTs who work in other settings.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics collects data on the median salaries of MFTs by state. In Wisconsin, the average salary of MFTs is $63,110. We can also compare the median salaries in the neighboring states of Minnesota ($71,330) and Iowa ($52,050) to get an approximate idea of the median salary of MFTs in the area.
Marriage and family therapists can work in various settings, and salaries can vary based on the employer. MFTs work in mental health centers, hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, nursing homes, residential care facilities, and as private practitioners.
A career as a Marriage and Family Therapist can be gratifying. As an MFT in Wisconsin, you can work in various settings and earn a decent salary while helping people live more fulfilling lives. You will be able to show people how enriching their relationships can improve their mental health and overall enjoyment of life. Explore one of these MFT programs and start your path to becoming an MFT in Wisconsin today!
Frequently asked questions about MFT programs in Wisconsin
How many COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs are in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has one COAMFTE-accredited master’s program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. The Family Therapy Training Institute also offers a COAMFTE-related post-graduate certificate for people who already have a master’s degree in a related field. You can browse all COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs nationwide on our directory page.
What are the requirements to become an LMFT in Wisconsin?
You’ll need a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy (or a related field), at least two years of post-master’s supervised clinical practice, and passing scores on both the AMFTRB National Examination and the Wisconsin state jurisprudence exam. You apply through the Wisconsin DSPS. A training license is available while you complete your supervised hours.
What is the average salary for an MFT in Wisconsin?
Marriage and family therapists in Wisconsin earn a median annual salary of approximately $63,110, which is close to the national median of $63,780. Salaries vary depending on your location, experience, and work setting. The field is projected to grow 13 percent nationally from 2024 to 2034.
Does Wisconsin participate in an MFT interstate compact?
Not yet. Wisconsin has joined the Counseling Compact for licensed professional counselors, but that compact does not cover marriage and family therapists. If you hold an LMFT from another state, you can apply for Wisconsin licensure by endorsement through DSPS. AAMFT is pursuing a separate licensure portability model for MFTs, though Wisconsin has not adopted it.
