3 Top-Rated Nevada Counseling Programs
Mental health needs in Nevada keep rising, and counseling programs (including MFT programs) are just what people need right now. The numbers tell a compelling story – the National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 109,000 Nevada adults struggle with serious mental illness. The state also has 33,000 young people between 12-17 who experience depression. The situation becomes more challenging when you realize that 164,000 Nevadans couldn’t get the mental health care they needed because there weren’t enough providers and the costs were too high.
Nevada has three schools that offer specialized counseling programs to help you become a marriage and family therapist. Before you start your journey, you should think over the state’s MFT license requirements. Most programs need 60 credit hours to complete.
The future looks bright for counseling professionals in Nevada. O*Net Online expects the field to grow by 26% by 2030. Nevada’s marriage and family therapists earn a median salary of $54,430, which beats the national average. Beyond the paycheck, you’ll make a real difference by helping people in Las Vegas, Reno, and communities throughout the state.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas – M.S. in Couple and Family Therapy
The University of Nevada-Las Vegas runs a top-tier Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy program. It’s one of the best educational paths you can take to become a therapist in Nevada. The program sits within the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. You’ll get both clinical excellence and academic rigor to build a successful career as a licensed marriage and family therapist.
Program overview
The M.S. in Couple and Family Therapy program at UNLV needs 60 semester credit hours to graduate. These credits are designed to help you get your license as a marriage and family therapist in Nevada. You’ll learn about couple and family therapy theories and mental health diagnoses over 2½ years (30 months) of full-time study.
Students move through the program together in groups. Classes meet three days each week from 1:00 to 3:45 p.m., though the days change by semester. The program goes beyond classroom learning with hands-on clinical training.
You can pick between two educational paths:
- Thesis Track – Great if you want to do research or pursue doctoral studies
- Non-Thesis Track – Focuses on preparing you for clinical practice
The program’s foundation in systemic worldview makes it unique. This approach helps you see people in their full context—as individuals, couples, families, groups, and community members. You’ll learn to analyze clinical problems from this viewpoint and handle various issues that clients bring.
Accreditation and licensure readiness
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) has given its seal of approval to UNLV’s program. It’s Nevada’s only COAMFTE-accredited couple and family therapy program. This puts the program among the nation’s best, with faculty who publish and research more than the national average.
After you graduate, you’ll be ready to:
- Get your license in Nevada
- Take the national MFT licensing exam
The program’s graduates have managed to keep a perfect 100% pass rate on the national MFT exam since November 1999. This shows how well the program prepares its students.
When you’re close to graduating, you can apply to become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Intern in Nevada. This lets you practice under a licensed AAMFT Approved Supervisor or AAMFT Supervisor Candidate. Remember that Nevada’s post-master’s internship rules are different from what you’ll do during the program.
Format and flexibility
Your training combines solid academics with hands-on clinical work. Starting in your first summer, you’ll see clients at the Center for Individual, Couple and Family Counseling (CICFC) to get your required 500 clinical hours. You need at least 400 direct client contact hours and 100 supervisory hours before you can graduate.
Classes follow a set schedule, with some room to plan ahead. You’ll have classes three afternoons a week (1:00-3:45 p.m.), though the days change each semester. Clinic hours work around client schedules.
If you’ve done graduate work before, you might be able to transfer up to 15 credits of non-degree courses. The MFT faculty decides on transfers after you’re admitted, and they prefer credits from other COAMFTE-accredited programs.
Your studies will mix:
- Classroom learning
- Supervised clinical work
- Research activities
- Professional growth
This approach helps you build both knowledge and practical skills for therapy. You’ll follow a careful sequence through practicum, internship, and final projects.
Tuition and affordability
The program costs about $33,200 total for tuition and books. UNLV keeps the fees lower than most similar programs nationwide.
Nevada residents pay around $4,500 each semester for the first six terms. Out-of-state students pay about $5,000 per semester during this time. Everyone pays about $3,200 for the last fall semester.
These costs cover:
- Non-state registration fees (including access funds)
- All non-state required fees (facility, technology, student health, rebel recycling, study abroad scholarship, GSA, student services, registration fee II)
- New Graduate Student Fee for first-semester students
- International students pay $145 extra plus health insurance
You have several ways to handle these costs. The program offers two or three graduate assistantships, but competition is tough. Payment plans help spread out the costs.
You can also look into:
- Federal loans
- State grants
- Scholarships
- Work-study programs
You’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for any financial help. Graduate assistantships go to students based on their experience, skills, and what the program needs.
University of Nevada-Reno – M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
The University of Nevada-Reno offers an excellent M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling program for students in northern Nevada. This degree combines theory with hands-on experience to help you build a rewarding career that helps families through life’s challenges.
Program overview
UNR’s Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling program features a 67 credit hour curriculum that gives you the skills needed for therapeutic practice. You’ll learn conceptualization skills and systems theory applications to help you work with different family structures and relationships.
The program stands out because of its unique way of teaching therapeutic interventions. You’ll learn to handle many common issues that come up in family therapy. The focus stays on wellness and growth rather than illness, which helps promote personal development, career growth, and emotional well-being.
The program blends science with practice to give you both knowledge and experience. You’ll learn to:
- Apply systems theory to different family types
- Understand complex family dynamics
- Use proven therapeutic methods
- Help multicultural populations
- Handle mental health issues in relationships
This education prepares you to work with many different families and situations in your practice.
Accreditation and licensure readiness
The program holds CACREP accreditation through 2024. This national recognition proves the program’s quality and high standards. CACREP accreditation helps graduates get licensed more easily.
The curriculum matches Nevada’s MFT license requirements, making it easier to start your practice after graduation. The courses meet all educational needs for becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Nevada. After graduating, you can apply for state licensure right away.
The program meets educational requirements for MFT licensure in several states:
- Nevada (MFT & CMHC)
- Georgia (MFT & CMHC)
- North Carolina (MFT & CMHC)
- Washington (CMHC)
Requirements vary by state, so check with specific state boards if you plan to practice elsewhere. This flexibility lets graduates work in different regions based on their career goals.
Touro University Nevada – M.Ed. in School Counseling with MFT Pathway
Touro University Nevada stands out among MFT Nevada programs with its unique dual-credential pathway. The M.Ed. in School Counseling with MFT Pathway gives you a great way to get expertise in both educational and therapeutic fields. This expands your career options throughout the state.
Program overview
The Touro University Nevada program in Henderson lets you earn credentials in both school counseling and marriage and family therapy. Students learn to address academic, career, personal, and social needs of K-12 students from all backgrounds. The program has 60 credit hours to prepare you for both professional roles.
The curriculum builds on core counseling foundations with specialized courses in educational and family systems contexts. Key courses include:
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| ESCV 601 | Introduction to School Counseling | 3 |
| ESCV 610 | Child and Family Counseling in a School Setting | 3 |
| ESCV 603 | Legal Issues in School Counseling | 3 |
| ESCV 605 | Group Counseling in a School Setting | 3 |
| ESCV 668A-F | Internship in School Counseling | 12 |
The MFT pathway focuses on evidence-based practices that give you tools to provide effective and compassionate client care. You’ll learn to assess and treat relationship conflicts and family dynamics along with school counseling preparation. This approach gives you complete training to address mental health challenges in educational settings.
Accreditation and licensure readiness
The program has accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This validates its adherence to professional standards for educator preparation and adds value to the school counseling component.
The program meets educational standards for Nevada license requirements across multiple domains. Touro University Worldwide’s MFT program shares curriculum elements with Touro Nevada’s pathway and meets licensing requirements in all 50 states. Some states might ask for additional coursework to meet their specific criteria.
Students learn essential topics like human development, psychotherapy techniques, and ethical and legal issues in counseling. Graduates can pursue licensure in both school counseling and marriage and family therapy fields after completing state-specific post-graduate requirements.
Format and flexibility
The program combines online education with hands-on experience. Students complete coursework online except for internship components. Working professionals can balance educational advancement with existing commitments easily.
The cohort-based structure promotes a supportive learning community. One cohort of about 46 students starts each year. This creates consistent peer engagement and professional networking throughout your educational trip.
Most students complete the program in two years. The coursework accommodates professionals who balance work and family responsibilities. Educational demands remain manageable with other life commitments.
Students get real-life experience through internships where they apply theoretical knowledge in actual counseling situations. The program has six sequential internship courses (ESCV 668A through ESCV 668F) for complete supervised practice.
Tuition and affordability
Tuition rates stay the same for in-state and out-of-state students. The university provides cost details including direct costs (tuition and fees) and indirect costs (books, supplies, living expenses, health insurance, transportation).
Contact the university directly for current program costs. They provide estimated attendance costs for each program to help with financial planning.
Students can explore various financial aid options. While federal aid might not cover online programs, students can apply for credit-based private loans. The Financial Aid Office can provide complete information about eligibility.
Admission requirements
The admission process is clear and thorough. Key requirements include:
- Baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher[193]
- S. citizenship or permanent resident status at time of application
- Two letters of recommendation on official letterhead (one from a supervisor)
- Personal statement about career goals
- Resume (encouraged but not required)
- Interview (waived for licensed teachers)
- Background check (waived for licensed teachers)
Students must submit a completed application with a $75 non-refundable fee and all official transcripts. Foreign transcripts need professional evaluation from agencies like World Education Services or National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
Applications for the summer 2026 term (starting July 6, 2026) close on June 26, 2026. The university processes applications until the cohort fills up.
Why choose Touro University Nevada
The program offers several unique advantages:
- Dual-Credential Preparation: Work in both educational settings and family therapy contexts
- Flexible Online Format: Advance your education while maintaining professional and personal commitments[193]
- Cohort-Based Learning: Learn with a supportive community of peers
- Cultural Competence Focus: Work effectively with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Learn both school counseling basics and family systems approaches
- Strong Employment Outlook: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects marriage and family therapy jobs to grow by 16% over the next decade – much faster than average
Touro’s foundation in Judaic values of teaching, service, and learning shapes its mission to expand healthcare and education services. This ethical framework helps develop counseling professionals who serve diverse populations with compassion and expertise.
The program prepares counselors for today’s complex educational environments while developing therapeutic skills for family contexts.
Pick the Right Program Today
Picking the right counseling program is a vital step to meet Nevada’s growing mental health needs. These three programs offer unique advantages to advance your career. UNLV stands out as Nevada’s only COAMFTE-accredited program with a perfect licensing exam pass rate. UNR provides detailed systems-based training with strong ethical foundations. Touro University Nevada offers a unique dual-credential pathway that combines school counseling with marriage and family therapy expertise.
These programs share several key qualities. All but one of these programs meet Nevada MFT license requirements, so you’ll graduate ready to pursue state licensure. Each program focuses on practical experience through supervised clinical work that helps you build vital skills before graduation. Their strong accreditations ensure you receive education that meets professional standards.
Counseling graduates have bright career prospects in Nevada. The projected 26% field growth by 2030 is nowhere near average occupational growth rates, which shows a strong need for qualified therapists. This need extends beyond Las Vegas and Reno to communities throughout the state where mental health services are in high demand.
Money matters when you pick your program. UNLV’s competitive tuition rates come with potential graduate assistantships. UNR provides various financial aid options. Touro’s online format lets you keep your current job, which can ease financial stress during your studies.
Programs have slightly different admission requirements. They all review both academic potential and personal fit for counseling work. Application deadlines and interview processes vary, so plan your application strategy early.
Becoming a licensed counselor takes commitment and careful planning. These Nevada programs will give you the knowledge, skills, and credentials to help address critical mental health needs. You can choose UNLV’s clinical excellence, UNR’s strengths-centered approach, or Touro’s flexible dual-credential pathway. Your choice opens doors to a rewarding career that helps individuals, couples, and families in Nevada thrive.