A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Marriage and family therapy is a calling to help people strengthen relationships through compassion-driven care. It’s also a promising career—demand is rising as it becomes an increasingly important part of integrated health care.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 13% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
If you’re drawn to a purpose-led profession that blends empathy with expertise, this guide will walk you through every step on how to become a family therapist and marriage counselor.
The LMFT Roadmap at a Glance
| Step | Core Focus | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
1. Complete education | Build foundational academic and clinical knowledge. | Earn a bachelor’s in psychology or related field, then a COAMFTE-accredited master’s in MFT. |
2. Earn clinical experience | Develop practical skills under supervision. | Complete between 1,500 and 4,000 supervised clinical hours, depending on the state. |
3. Pass examination | Demonstrate competency through standardized testing. | Pass the AMFTRB’s MFT National Examination. Confirm state-specific rules before testing. |
4. Gain state licensure | Submit licensure application with your state. | Complete final, state-specific requirements such as ethics exams and background checks before submitting an application and fees. |
5. Select work environment | Select a professional setting aligned with your goals. | Options include private practice, hospitals, community centers, treatment facilities, and schools. Consider early experience in supervised or multidisciplinary settings. |
6. Gain advanced certifications | Deepen expertise through advanced training. | Pursue certifications like Gottman Method, EFT, CBT, TF-CBT, or mindfulness and systems-focused modalities to enhance skills and credibility. |
7. Continuing education | Maintain licensure and professional growth. | Complete 30–40 hours of CE every 2 years via AAMFT-approved courses. Stay current with trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and telehealth practices. |
What Is an LMFT?
A licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) is a state-licensed mental health professional who assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental and emotional disorders through a family systems or relationship lens.
LMFTs focus on how relationships influence wellbeing and how change in one part of a system can improve the whole. Their scope of practice includes psychotherapy, treatment planning, and collaboration with other health providers in settings like clinics, hospitals, and schools.
These professionals are trained to translate evidence-based approaches into practical strategies that strengthen communication, resolve conflict, and support recovery. The profession is organized nationally, and licensure is regulated by state boards.
Core Responsibilities of an LMFT
- Identify clients’ emotional, behavioral, and psychological needs
- Help clients process and adjust to difficult changes in their marriage and family systems
- Create treatment plans that help clients develop coping strategies and decision-making skills
- Refer clients to and coordinate care with other specialists, resources, or community services
- Practice ethically and complete and maintain confidential files and records
Seven Steps to Becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
To become a licensed marriage and family therapist, candidates must meet their state’s requirements—a combination of graduate education, clinical hours, and exam completion. The steps below describe a common pathway toward state licensure, but always confirm the exact requirements with the relevant licensing board.
Step 1: Pursue Education
A solid academic foundation is the basis for understanding people, relationships, and the science behind meaningful emotional change.
1.1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Begin with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, family studies, or a related field. This equips you with fundamentals in human behavior, research methods, and interpersonal dynamics. While the major itself isn’t always strictly required, admission to a master’s program in marriage and family therapy often assumes prior coursework in these areas.
1.2. Earn a Master’s Degree
Every state requires a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy (MFT) or a closely related discipline to qualify for full licensure. These graduate programs typically cover family systems theory, therapeutic interventions, ethics, assessment, and practicum experiences. Completing a master’s from a regionally accredited institution ensures the coursework aligns with licensure standards.
During a master’s program is also when you can complete an internship, which may be required for licensure in your desired state of practice.
To explore a graduate-level option that aligns closely with licensure goals and delivers a flexible format for working professionals, explore Pepperdine’s online MFT Program.
Step 2: Gain Clinical Experience
Once you’ve earned a master’s degree, you will complete supervised clinical experience. State mandates vary, ranging from roughly 1,500 to 4,000 post-degree clinical hours to become an LMFT.
During this phase, you’ll gain extensive hands-on experience providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families under the guidance of a licensed professional. Some states also require a portion of hours be contact hours with couples or families, specifically.
You will also meet regularly with your supervisor (either one-on-one or in a small group) to review cases, discuss progress, and strengthen your clinical judgment.
This practical training is where classroom knowledge turns into confident practice. It’s your chance to refine therapeutic techniques and grow into an independent clinician.
Step 3: Take Examination
Almost all states require LMFTs pass the MFT National Examination, developed by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). Candidates must contact the state board where they intend to practice for a letter of eligibility and an approval code to register for the exam.
The MFT National Examination comprises 180 multiple-choice questions covering knowledge essential to the professional practice of marital and family therapy, including the practice of systematic therapy and maintaining ethical standards.
Always check with your state licensing board to confirm which exam meets the requirements before applying.
Step 4: Gain State Licensure
Some additional requirements may be needed in your state, for example:
- a state-specific law or ethics exam
- an oral examination
- completion of a background check
Once you meet all the state requirements, you can apply for licensure to practice independently.
Step 5: Choose a Work Environment
At this stage, you can select from a diverse range of professional settings, each with a different rhythm and scope of practice.
- Many LMFTs pursue private practice because they value autonomy, flexible hours, and the ability to specialize in areas like couples therapy, trauma recovery, or family transitions. It’s worth noting that private practice requires management skills and often collaboration with other professionals through referrals or case consultations.
- Others thrive in hospitals or community mental health centers, where therapy is part of a multidisciplinary care model. These roles allow you to address acute or complex issues and work closely with psychiatrists, social workers, and physicians.
- Treatment centers and rehabilitation facilities let you work with clients facing addiction, grief, or behavioral challenges. This is ideal for those drawn to structured, outcome-driven environments. LMFTs in schools or universities may provide student counselling or develop family-support initiatives.
Early-career therapists might benefit from starting in a setting with robust supervision and a varied caseload. Exposure to different populations helps refine clinical judgment and shape a long-term professional identity. Ultimately, the best environment for you aligns with your therapeutic style, career goals, and the type of impact you want to create.
Step 6: Consider Advanced Certifications
While licensure qualifies you for general practice, advanced training allows you to refine your therapeutic approach and work with specific populations or clinical concerns. Some examples of advanced certifications and credentials include:
- Certified Gottman Therapist: The Gottman Method is a research-based approach for improving the functioning of couples and families. Earning this designation allows you to offer clients a proven framework for managing conflict and deepening connection in their relationships.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing External (EMDR): EMDR is an interactive psychotherapy technique used to treat trauma and other distressing life experiences. Certification demonstrates a specialized skill set in helping clients process and heal from these difficult memories.
- Sandtray Therapist Certification: Sandtray therapy is an expressive, nonverbal method where clients use miniature figures and sand to create a scene that reflects their internal world. It can help therapists access deeper emotional insights and facilitate healing with clients of all ages.
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT): PCIT helps caregivers apply positive parenting strategies with young children who struggle with frequent tantrums, aggression, or other regulation difficulties. With this certification, therapists can provide real-time feedback using a live coaching model and help strengthen the parent-child relationship.
Step 7: Engage in Continuing Education
Maintaining licensure and staying current in clinical practice are essential for a successful career in how to become a family therapist. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) offers a wide range of continuing education (CE) opportunities that many state licensing boards recognize.
Most states require licensed marriage and family therapists to complete a specific number of CE hours (often between 30 and 40 hours every two years), though the exact figure depends on your jurisdiction. For example, some states require 36 hours every two years, including a minimum of six hours in law and ethics.
Remember, high-quality CE covers more than compliance. Expert therapists view ongoing education as a tool to sharpen skills, deepen systemic insight, and adapt to emerging therapy trends. Topics often include cultural competency, trauma-informed approaches, telehealth delivery, and family systems therapy. These are all essential to how you become a marriage counselor who’s agile and thriving.
To make the most of CE, choose AAMFT-approved courses, plan ahead of your renewal deadline, and document all your activities. Preparation helps to protect your license and supports your growth as a purpose-driven professional.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Become an LMFT?
The process to become an LMFT can take about seven to nine years, if you’re starting from scratch. This includes about four years to complete a bachelor’s degree, two to three years for a master’s in marriage and family therapy, and one to two years of supervised postgraduate clinical experience. Some states may add examination or practicum requirements, but the timeline generally reflects the commitment needed to gain both the academic foundation and hands-on expertise for licensure.
What Is the Difference Between a Family Therapist and a Family Counselor?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but marriage and family therapists usually hold specialized graduate training in systemic therapy (treating individuals within the context of their relationships). Family counselors may come from broader counseling backgrounds, such as clinical mental health or social work. They tend to focus more on individual adjustment and communication skills. Both aim to improve family dynamics, but LMFTs apply relational theory as the central framework for therapy.
What Are the Skills Needed to Be a Marriage and Family Therapist?
Successful LMFTs combine empathy, communication, and analytical thinking. They’re skilled in listening without judgment, identifying relationship patterns, and guiding clients through conflict resolution. Strong ethics, cultural sensitivity, and emotional resilience are essential, as the work can be complex and deeply personal. Effective therapists also develop business and organizational skills, especially those in private practice, to manage client relationships and continued professional development.
What’s the Difference Between an MFT and an LMFT?
MFT refers to Marriage and Family Therapy, which is the academic or professional field of study. LMFT stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, which is the credential you earn after completing the required education, supervised hours, and passing the state licensure exam. In short, MFT is the degree, while LMFT is the legal license that allows you to practice.
Is an MFT Degree Worth It?
An MFT degree opens the door to a rewarding, purpose-driven profession that is in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for marriage and family therapists will grow 13% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. This career can also offer the personal satisfaction of helping people strengthen relationships and improve their wellbeing. For those drawn to meaningful, people-centered work, pursuing an MFT degree can be a fulfilling, worthwhile choice.
Last updated December 2025.