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.
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 Program in Wisconsin
Online programs offer great flexibility, which can be ideal for working students or those with other commitments. However, ensuring the program is flexible enough to meet your individual needs is important. The program’s cost can vary depending on the institution and the specialization you choose. It is important to factor in the program’s cost when deciding.
In Wisconsin, one university offers this type of versatile master’s degree program.
- University of Wisconsin- Superior: offers a 100% online Master in Counseling with Marriage and Family Therapy track. The program is designed to prepare students to become licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) by passing the national exam.
Online programs can be accessed from the comfort of your home. Wisconsin students can enroll in any of the following online programs offered at universities in states outside of the state and still be eligible for licensure in their home state.
Here are a few FULLY online programs that Wisconsin residents can take advantage of:
- Manhattan College: prepares future therapists to work with and provide treatment for familial relationships, marital/couple relationships, parent-child relationships, pre-marital, and other personal relationships. The program is 60 graduate credits with a required 500 hours of internship experience.
- Loma Linda University: offers an online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MSMFT) program that utilizes both synchronous and asynchronous learning while all practicum hours are completed in person local to the student.
- Touro University Worldwide offers a 100% online program accredited by COAMFTE. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the National MFT exam and apply for licensure in most states.
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 Marriage and Family Therapy Programs in Wisconsin
CACREP is another accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy programs. CACREP stands for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. It is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that accredits counseling programs in the United States and Canada. CACREP accreditation is voluntary, but many state and national professional organizations recognize it.
CACREP accreditation is a valuable asset for counseling programs. It demonstrates to students, employers, and the public that the program meets high-quality standards. CACREP accreditation can also help programs attract qualified students and faculty, making it easier for graduates to obtain licensure and employment.
Here is a list of CACREP-accredited marriage and family therapy master’s degree programs in Maine:
- Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI –
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, WI –
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- University of Wisconsin – Madison-
- Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- University of Wisconsin – River Falls-
- School Counseling
- University of Wisconsin – Stout-
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- University of Wisconsin – Whitewater-
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- School Counseling
- University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh-
- School Counseling
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Student Affairs and College Counseling
- Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI-
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Although these programs are not specifically dedicated to the practice of Marriage and Family Therapy, they are similar enough in studies and practice that graduates of these programs meet the qualifications to sit for the MFT national licensing exam.
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!
