Become a Mediator in Missouri

We welcome everyone who has  an interest in mediation to join AMM. You do not have to be a trained or experienced mediator to join.  We have resources and support to help new members develop mediation skills if that is your goal.

What can I expect in a career in mediation?  Mediators find their work challenging but also rewarding and fulfilling. After training (see below)  mediators have opportunities to enhance their experience with community mediation centers and other programs. Many mediators offer their services part-time. A full-time career as a mediator requires significant time devoted to networking and marketing. There are many jobs in which mediation skills can be applied, such as business risk management, collections, counseling, court administration, education, human resources, and sales. Mediators often engage with agencies and organizations on a referral basis rather than full-time employment. Some non-profits, such as MARCH Mediation, use who work on a sliding scale. 

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The only Missouri organization  providing statewide online access to the
public to find mediators of every variety. 
 
 What is required to be a mediator in Missouri? Missouri does not license or "certify" the mediation profession. (The national Model Standards prohibit a mediator from claiming to be certified when there is no official program for certification.) Some mediation programs do have specific educational requirements. It is advisable to check with specific programs and organizations about their expectations for training and experience.

Mediating for the Courts: Mediators taking referrals from the state court system must meet the training requirements of Missouri Supreme Court Rule 17 for civil mediation generally and Missouri Supreme Court Rule 88 for domestic relations mediation (see the rules at www.courts.mo.gov). The Missouri Bar maintains a list of mediators who meet the Supreme Court requirements (known as the "Rule 17 List"). An application form may be obtained from The Missouri Bar, which administers the statewide list for the courts (go to www.mobar.org).  There is no cost to be included on the Rule 17 List. Federal Courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri also have requirements for mediators handling federal cases and maintain lists of mediators. Some Circuits maintain their own lists. Court personnel also refer litigants to our website's FIND-A-MEDIATOR listing.

Where to get Core Training in Missouri:  "Core" (basic) mediator training is available from numerous trainers. Basic training can involve as little as 16 hours for civil mediation up to 40 hours for family dispute mediation. The following organizations offer training periodically in Missouri. Individual trainers also offer mediator training (see the training events list on this site).

  • Center for Conflict Resolution (Kansas City) offers mediation and conflict management training; also volunteer mediation opportunities.  Contact: 816-461-8255  or www.ccrkc.org
  • Center for The Study of Dispute Resolution at the University of Missouri (Columbia) offers a 16-hour civil mediation training and a 40-hour family mediation training.  For information:  www.missouri.edu/csdr.
  • Communication and Conflict Management Associates. Civil and family mediation training online. Contact:  [email protected]
  • Community Mediation Services of St. Louis offers volunteer opportunities. Contact (314) 884-8470 or [email protected]
  • Conflict Resolution Center - St. Louis offers training and invites mediators to volunteer services. Contact (314) 255-7449 or [email protected] A Mediator Apprenticeship Program (six months) is geared towards newly trained mediators looking for hands-on experience.  Each cohort goes for about six months, here is the link on our website for more information: https://www.crcstl.org/map
  • Confluence Missouri, a non-profit mediation organization in St. Louis, MO offers core mediation training in partnership with Alaris, St. Francis Community Center, St. Louis University, and University of Missouri at St. Louis. Accredited by The Missouri Bar and the Missouri Committee for Social Workers. Contact [email protected]
  • Johnson County Community College (Kansas City) offers a 26 hour core mediation training course every Spring, Summer, and Fall.  Contact: 913-469-2323 or www.centerforbusiness.org
  • ​​M.A.R.C.H. Mediation, Inc. a non-profit mediation organization providing mediation services under contract with the Missouri Department of Social Services and to the public. Training in basic and advanced mediation skills offered. Contact Dawn Kuhlman, Executive Director, at [email protected]















After training, where to get mediation experience:  A newly trained mediator will want to gain experience to build skills, confidence, and proficiency. It is recommended that a mediator handle at least one case per month to maintain skills. The following programs invite newly trained mediators:

The Seventh Judicial Circuit (northern Kansas City/Clay County) invites newly trained mediators to observe and co-mediate for the Small Claims and Landlord/Tenant mediation programs. Call the Office of Dispute Resolution Services at 816.736.8400.
The Sixteen Judicial Circuit (central Kansas City/Jackson County) has similar court connected programs and welcomes volunteers. Call Family Court Resource Services at 816-881-1814.
The Twenty-first Judicial Circuit (St. Louis County) also offers opportunities for mediating small claims and housing court disputes. Contact Mike at 314-423-1462.
Community Mediation Services of St. Louis Call (314) 884-8479 or contact [email protected]
Conflict Resolution Center of St. Louis City is a nonprofit organization that provides professional dispute resolution services are accessible to all residents. www.stlresolutioncenter.org  The Mediator Apprenticeship Program is geared towards newly trained mediators looking for hands-on experience.  Each cohort goes for about six months. For more information: https://www.crcstl.org/map.


Confluence Missouri is a non-profit that trains and works with mediators to provide mediation in the St. Louis City and County. www.confluencemissouri.org  or call 314-699-9235
MARCH Mediation Inc. also works with newly trained mediators around the state to develop skills in domestic relations mediation. For information see their website:  www.marchmediation.org
Opportunities with the federal government:  Go to usajobs.gov and create a profile to find internships in mediation.
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Continuing Education:  Mediators are encouraged to participate in continuing education every year.  The AMM Annual Conference is an excellent sources for advanced training.  Go to our "Training" page for information about upcoming opportunities.

Job Opportunities: Jobs for dispute resolution professionals, including mediators, are listed on the following websites.  AMM Members are also alerted to openings available locally through our quarterly newsletter The Communicator and via periodic email alerts.