Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure

This information is provided in good faith to applicants as of August 19, 2020.

The Marriage and Family Therapy track of the OnlinePsychology@Pepperdine program leads to a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. The program is designed to lead to eligibility for an Associate Marriage and Family Therapy (AMFT) license within California. States typically have additional post license requirements to become eligible for an independent practice license, including additional hours under supervision and testing. In California the independent practice license is Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), other states may have a different license name.

Pepperdine University has regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). OnlinePsychology@Pepperdine does not have specialized programmatic accreditation. States that require a specialized accreditor may have additional requirements for licensure.

The table below provides a state by state breakdown of comparable licenses, including a determination of eligibility for licensure. This information provided is designed as a baseline determination of whether the program meets individual state specific requirements. Other licenses may be more applicable and/or require additional standards. Licensure requirements and appropriate pathways are subject to change and may differ based on individual student backgrounds, including coursework taken outside the scope of the program. Students should do their own due diligence and determine the appropriate pathway and license type for themselves.

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Alabama

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: Coursework in the following areas:

Marriage and Family Studies (2 courses);
Marriage and Family Therapy (3 courses);
Human Development (2 courses);
Professional Ethics (1 course);
Research (1 course); and
Mental Health Diagnosis (1 course).

Field Experience Requirements: Internship must last a minimum of 12 months and have a minimum of 500 direct client hours obtained concurrently with the minimum 100 hours of individual supervision. 250 of the direct client contact hours must be with couples or families present in the therapy room.

State Regulation: Alabama – Rules and Regulations

State Board: Alabama – Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: Pepperdine is currently reviewing whether the program aligns with current state requirements.

Alaska

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Licensed MFT Associate (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: Courses in the following areas:

Marital and Family Therapy (9 semester credits);
Marital and Family Studies (9 semester credits);
Human Development (9 semester credits);
Professional Ethics (3 semester credits); and
Research (3 semester credits).

Field Experience Requirements: One year of supervised clinical practice in marital and family therapy.

State Regulation: Alaska – Statutes and Regulations

State Board: Alaska – Board of Marital and Family Therapy

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not meet the field experience requirements for the state of Alaska.

Arizona

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: Courses in each of the following areas:

Marriage and Family Studies (3 course);
Marriage and Family Therapy (3 courses);
Human Development (3 courses);
Professional Studies (1 course); and
Research (1 course).

Field Experience Requirements: Practicum must include 300 direct client hours provided under direct supervision.

State Regulation: Arizona – Rules and Laws

State Board: Arizona – Board of Behavioral Health Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Arizona.

Arkansas

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE);
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Please note: Online programs must have an approved national accreditor or seek Arkansas endorsement.

Examinations:

The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy; and
Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam.

Curriculum Requirements: The graduate semester hours must meet the national academic and training content standards adopted by the Board from COAMFTE.

Field Experience Requirements: 500 hours of direct client contact with 250 hours specific to marriage and family therapy.

State Regulation: Arkansas – Rules and Regulations

State Board: Arkansas – Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The state of Arkansas requires that online programs be accredited by COAMFTE. The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Arkansas.

California

What is Issued: License

Name of What’s Issued:

Associate Marriage and Family Therapy (AMFT) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Regional accreditation.

Examinations:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy California Law and Ethics Exam; and
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy California Clinical Exam.

Curriculum Requirements: At least 60 semester or 90 quarter units of instruction that includes no less than 12 semester or 18 quarter units of coursework in theories, principles, and methods of a variety of psychotherapeutic orientations directly related to marriage and family therapy and marital and family systems approaches to treatment, and how these theories can be applied therapeutically with individuals, couples, families, adults, including elder adults, children, adolescents, and groups to improve, restore, or maintain healthy relationships. Instruction in all of the following content areas:

Diagnosis, assessment, prognosis, and treatment of mental disorders;
Developmental issues from infancy to old age;
Broad range of matters and life events within marriage and family relationships;
Cultural competency and sensitivity;
Multicultural development and cross-cultural interaction;
The effect of socioeconomic status on treatment and resources;
Resilience;
Human sexuality;
Substance use disorders; and
California law and professional ethics.

Additional coursework is required in Aging and Long-Term Care, and applicants must complete the required coursework or supervised experience for suicide risk assessment and intervention

Field Experience Requirements: Practicum that involves direct client contact, and the following:

A minimum of 6 semester or 9 quarter units of practicum in a supervised clinical placement that provides supervised fieldwork experience;
A minimum of 150 hours of face-to-face experience counseling individuals, couples, families, or groups; and
75 hours of either (or a combination of) client centered advocacy and face-to-face counseling.

State Regulation: California – Statutes and Regulations

State Board: California – Board of Behavioral Sciences

Federal Disclosure: Meets State Requirements.

Additional Important Information: California has different requirements for applicants applying through reciprocity.

Colorado

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Marriage and Family Therapy Candidate (MFTC) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations:

The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy; and
Colorado Jurisprudence Exam.

Curriculum Requirements: 60 semester credits in the following areas:

Marital and Family Studies (9 semester credits);
Marital and Family Therapy (9 semester credits);
Human Development (9 semester credits);
Professional Studies (3 semester credits); and
Research (3 semester credits).

Field Experience Requirements: Minimum of 300 hours of supervised practicum/internship, or a combination of the two, in the principles and practice of marriage and family therapy. The practicum/internship must include at least 15 hours/week, of which approximately 8-10 hours are spent in face-to-face contact with individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of assessment, diagnosis, and intervention.

State Regulation: Colorado – Laws, Rules, and Policies

State Board: Colorado – Board of Marriage and Family Therapist Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: Colorado has a requirement for schools to provide workers’ compensation insurance to students in clinical placements. Pepperdine does not currently provide this insurance and thus the state is restricted.

Connecticut

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: At total of 45 semester hours, or its equivalent, of coursework in the following areas:

Marital and Family Systems (6 semester credits);
Marital and Family Therapy (6 semester credits);
Individual Development (6 semester credits);
Professional Ethics (3 semester credits); and
Research Methodology (3 semester credits).

Field Experience Requirements: One calendar year of supervised clinical practice in marital and family therapy, including a minimum of 500 supervised clock hours of direct face-to-face client contact.

State Regulation: Connecticut – Regulations

State Board: Connecticut – Department of Public Health

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Connecticut.

Delaware

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage. and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed)

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: At least 45 credit hours which must include the following:

Foundations of Relational/Systemic Practice, Theories & Models (6 semester credits);
Systemic/Relational Assessment & Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment (6 semester credits);
Biopsychosocial Health & Development Across the Lifespan (3 semester credits);
Diverse, Multicultural and/or Underserved Communities (3 semester credits);
Clinical Treatment with Individuals, Couples and Families (6 semester credits);
Professional Identity, Law, Ethics & Social Responsibility (3 semester credits);
Research & Evaluation (3 semester credits);
Contemporary Issues;
Community Intersections & Collaboration; and
Electives (6 semester credits).

Field Experience Requirements: Nine credit hours earned by serving an internship. The internship must have included at least 300 hours of direct client counseling, 150 hours of which must have been spent on couples and family therapy.

State Regulation: Delaware – Regulations

State Board: Delaware – Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements,

Federal Disclosure Reason: This program does not meet the credit hour requirements for the state of Delaware.

District of Columbia

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Accreditation Requirements: The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: A qualifying degree should include a total of at least 39 semester hours in the following areas:

Family Systems Theories (3 credits);
Marriage and Family Studies (6 credits);
Marriage and Family Therapy (9 credits);
Human Development (9 credits);
Psychological and Mental Health Competency (6 credits);
Professional Ethics (3 credits); and
Research (3 credits).

Field Experience Requirements: 500 hours of direct client contact and 250 in Marriage and Family Therapy/Systemic work.

State Regulation: District of Columbia – Regulations

State Board: District of Columbia – Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The District of Columbia requires COAMFTE accreditation for online programs.

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Florida

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Registered Marriage & Family Therapist Intern (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: Completed 36 semester hours of graduate coursework (a minimum of 3 semester hours each) in the following 9 areas:

Dynamics of Marriage and Family Systems;
Marriage Therapy and Counseling Theory and Techniques;
Family Therapy and Counseling Theory and Techniques;
Individual Human Development Theories (Life Cycle);
Personality Theory or General Counseling Theory + Techniques;
Psychopathology;
Human Sexuality Theory;
Psychosocial Theory; and
Substance Abuse Theory and Techniques.

A minimum of 1 graduate-level course of 3 semester hours in the following areas:

Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards;
Diagnosis, Appraisal, Assessment and Testing for Individual or Interpersonal Disorder or Dysfunction; and
Behavioral Research.

Field Experience Requirements: A minimum of one supervised clinical practicum, internship, or field experience in a marriage and family counseling setting, during which the student provided 180 direct client contact hours of marriage and family therapy services.

State Regulation: Florida – Requirements

State Board: Florida – Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not offer the full credit requirement for “Human Sexuality” and does not offer a “Psychosocial Theory” course.

Georgia

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: Coursework in the following areas:

Marriage and Family Studies (3 courses);
Marriage and Family Therapy (3 courses);
Human Development (3 courses);
Marriage and Family Therapy Ethics (1 course); and
Research (1 course).

Field Experience Requirements: One year practicum:
A minimum of 500 hours of direct clinical experience. Such practicum shall include 100 hours of supervision provided by a licensed marriage and family therapist, professional counselor, clinical social worker, psychiatrist or psychologist, who was also an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Approved Supervisor, a Georgia Board Approved Marriage and Family Therapy Supervisor, or a person who was receiving supervision-of-supervision in order to qualify for either designation.

State Regulation: Georgia – Rules and Regulations

State Board: Georgia – Board of Prof. Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Georgia.

Hawaii

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Marriage and Family Therapy Intern (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: A minimum of 33 semester hours or 44 quarter hours in the following course areas:

Marriage and Family Studies (9 semester or 12 quarter hours);
Marriage and Family Therapy (9 semester or 12 quarter hours);
Human Development (9 semester or 12 quarter hours);
Ethical and Professional Studies (3 semester or 4 quarter hours); and
Research (3 semester or 4 quarter hours).

Field Experience Requirements: A one year practicum within the master’s or doctoral degree program, with at least 300 supervised client contact hours.

State Regulation: Hawaii – Statute/Rule Chapter

State Board: Hawaii – Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Professional and Vocational Licensing

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Hawaii.

Idaho

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE);
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); or
Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: If the program is not COAMFTE or CACREP accredited, then it includes at minimum at least 27 semester credits or 36 quarter credits in the following areas:

Marriage and Family Studies (9 semester credits);
Marriage and Family Therapy (9 semester credits);
Biophysical Health and Development Across the Lifespan (9 semester credits);
Psychological and Mental Health Competency (6 semester credits);
Professional Ethics and Identity (3 semester credits); and
Research (3 semester credits).

Field Experience Requirements: A one year practicum. The practicum must consist of at least three hundred (300) hours of direct client contact, of which at least 150 hours must be with couples, families and other systems.

State Regulation: Idaho – Rules

State Board: Idaho – Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Idaho.

Illinois

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE);
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); or
Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: A minimum of 48 semester hours or equivalent hours of graduate coursework:

Individual Development and Family Relations (minimum of 3 credits);
Theoretical Foundations and Clinical Practice (minimum of 18 credits);
Professional Studies and Ethics (minimum of 3 credits); and
Research (minimum of 3 credits).

Field Experience Requirements: Clinical Practicum or Internship must be 300 hours: 15 hours per week, approximately 8-10 hours in face-to-face contact with individuals, couples, families and groups for the purpose of assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

State Regulation: Illinois – Administrative Code

State Board: Illinois – IDFPR – Marriage and Family Therapist

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Illinois.

Indiana

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associates (LMFTA) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation.

Examinations: Examination provided by the board.

Curriculum Requirements: Complete 27 semester hours of graduate course work that must include graduate level course credits with material in the following content areas:

Theoretical Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy;
Major Models of Marriage and Family Therapy;
Individual Development;
Family Development and Family Relationships;
Clinical Problems;
Collaboration with other disciplines;
Sexuality;
Gender and Sexual Orientation;
Issues of Ethnicity, Race, Socioeconomic Status, and Culture;
Therapy Techniques; and
Behavioral Research.

Not less than 1 graduate level course of 2 semester hours in the following areas:

Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards Issues in the practice of marriage and family therapy or an equivalent course approved by the board; and
Appraisal and Assessment for Individual or Interpersonal Disorder or Dysfunction.

Field Experience Requirements: At least one supervised clinical practicum, internship, or field experience in a marriage and family counseling setting that meets the following requirements:

The applicant provided five hundred (500) face to face client contact hours of marriage and family therapy services under the supervision of a licensed marriage and family therapist who has at least five years of experience or a qualified supervisor approved by the board; and
The applicant received 100 hours of supervision from a licensed marriage and family therapist who has at least five years experience as a qualified supervisor.

State Regulation: Indiana – Statutes and Rules

State Board: Indiana – Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client contact hours required for the state of Indiana.

Iowa

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy

Curriculum Requirements: At least 60 semester hours and must include: At least 9 semester hours or the equivalent in the following 3 areas:

Theoretical foundations of marriage and family therapy systems;
Assessment and treatment in family and marital therapy; and
Human Development.

At least 3 semester hours or the equivalent in the following 2 areas:

Ethics and professional studies; and
Research.

Field Experience Requirements: A graduate-level clinical practicum in marital and family therapy of at least 300 clock hours is required for all applicants.

State Regulation: Iowa – Licensure Rules

State Board: Iowa – Board of Behavioral Science

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: Pepperdine is currently reviewing whether the program aligns with current state requirements.

Kansas

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Regional accreditation.

Examinations: A nationally administered, standardized written examination approved by the board.

Curriculum Requirements: Nine semester hours in the following areas:

Human Development;
Theoretical Foundations of Marital and Family Functioning; and
Marital and Family Assessment and Therapy.

Three semester hours in the following areas:

Professional Study; and
Research.

In addition to or as a part of the academic requirements for the graduate degree, completion of 15 graduate semester credit hours, or the academic equivalent, supporting diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders (DSM). 3 of the 15 semester credit hours, shall consist of a discrete academic course with the primary and explicit focus of psychopathology and the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. The remaining 12 graduate semester credit hours shall consist of academic courses with the primary and explicit focus of diagnostic assessment, interdisciplinary referral and collaboration, treatment approaches, and professional ethics or other coursework that specifically contains identifiable, equivalent instruction.

Field Experience Requirements: A part-time clinical experience that integrates didactic learning with clinical experience and that is completed concurrently with didactic coursework at a typical rate of five to 10 hours of direct client contact per week; consists of at least 300 total hours of client contact; and includes at least 60 total hours of supervision that is provided by the program’s core faculty and off-site supervisors. The practicum shall provide a minimum of 30 supervised hours in an individual format and no more than 30 supervised hours in a group format. Supervision shall occur at least once a week.

State Regulation: Kansas – Statutes and Regulations

State Board: Kansas – Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The state of Kansas does not approve online programs in counseling.

Kentucky

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: Coursework in the following areas:

Marriage and Family Studies (9 semester hours);
Marriage and Family Therapy (9 semester hours);
Human Development (9 semester hours);
Psychopathology and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3 semester hours);
Professional Studies (3 semester hours); and
Research (3 semester hours).

Field Experience Requirements: Practicum or internship; The practicum or internship shall include a minimum of one (1) year or 300 hours of supervised direct client contact with individuals, couples, and families for family therapy.

State Regulation: Kentucky – Statutes and Regulations

State Board: Kentucky – Board of Licensure for Marriage and Family Therapist

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Kentucky.

Additional Important Information:

An applicant who did not complete a clinical practicum in graduate school may satisfy the practicum requirement with his or her first 300 post masters’ client contact hours.
These hours shall not be counted toward the two (2) years of required post master’s experience or the 200 hours of clinical supervision.

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Louisiana

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Provisional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed)

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE);
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); or
Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: A minimum of 60 semester hours of coursework in the following areas:

Theoretical Knowledge of Marriage and Family Therapy (2 courses);
Clinical Knowledge of Marriage and Family Therapy (4 courses);
Assessment and Treatment in Marriage and Family Therapy (9 credit hours; 3 in assessment and 6 in diagnosis);
Individual, Couple, and Family Development (1 course);
Professional Identity and Ethics (1 course);
Research (1 course); and
Additional Learning (1 course).

Field Experience Requirements: As part of their degree program, an applicant must have completed 500 supervised face-to face direct client contact hours with individuals, couples, families, and/or groups from a systemic/relational perspective with 100 hours of face-to-face supervision. At least 250 of these hours must be with couples or families present in the therapy room. If a student is simultaneously being supervised and having direct client contact, the time may be counted as both supervision time and direct client contact time.

State Regulation: Louisiana – Rules

State Board: Louisiana – Board of Licensed Professional Counselors

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Louisiana.

Maine

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: A minimum of 60 semester hours in the following areas:

Marital and Family Studies (9 semester hours);
Marital and Family Therapy (9 semester hours);
Human Development (6 semester hours);
Human Sexuality;
Diagnosis and Treatment;
Professional Orientation; and
Research and Evaluation.

Field Experience Requirements: A practicum course with clinical instruction and an internship lasting one full academic year – 900 clock hours with a minimum of 360 clock hours of direct client contact.

State Regulation: Maine – Laws & Rules

State Board: Maine – Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of credit hours necessary to be cleared in the state of Maine.

Maryland

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist (LGMFT) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: 60 graduate credits, with 45 credit hours in the following 6 core areas:

Three courses in Analysis of Family Systems, including: a.) Supervised Clinical Practice; b.) Normal and Abnormal Personality Development; and c.) Psychopathology
Four courses in Family Therapy; Theory and Techniques, including: a.) Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental and Emotional Disorders in Family Systems; b.) Major Models of Family Therapy; and c.) Marriage and Family Therapy Models (consists of 2 courses);
Couples Therapy, Theory, Techniques;
Gender and Ethnicity;
Sexual Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy; and
Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Field Experience Requirements: A supervised clinical practice that includes at least 60 hours of approved supervision and 300 hours of face-to-face client contact with couples, families and individuals, at least 100 hours of which are relational therapy.

State Regulation:

Maryland – Requirements – LGMFT

Maryland – Requirements – LCMFT

State Board: Maryland – Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Maryland.

Massachusetts

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: Minimum of 60 semester hours including: Three courses each in:

Marital and Family Studies;
Marital and Family Therapy; and
Human Development.

One course in:

Professional Studies; and
Research.

Field Experience Requirements: The internship or practicum shall include a minimum of 300 hours of direct/face to face client contact with individuals, family groups, couples, groups or organizations (public or private) under the direction of an approved supervisor. The
supervision shall consist of 100 face-to-face hours, of which 50 must be individual supervision. In addition, of the 100 hours of supervision, 25 hours must be supervision of direct observation or audio or videotape supervision.

State Regulation: Massachusetts – Statutes and Regulations

State Board: Massachusetts – Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Massachusetts.

Michigan

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Limited Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LLMFT) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: Coursework in the following areas:

Family Studies (3 courses);
Family Therapy Methodology (3 courses);
Human Development, personality theory, or psychopathology (3 courses);
Ethics, Law, Standards of Professional Practice (2 semester hours); and
Research (2 semester hours).

Field Experience Requirements: Practicum with 300 hours of direct client contact.

State Regulation: Michigan – Laws and Rules

State Board: Michigan – Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Michigan.

Additional Important Information: Additional requirements for identifying victims of human trafficking.

Minnesota

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations:

A national examination designed and scored by a professional examination service approved by the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards; and
A state licensure examination provided by the board.

Curriculum Requirements: A master’s degree with the following coursework

Human Development (9 semester hours);
Marital and Family Studies (9 semester hours);
Marital and Family Therapy (9 semester hours);
Research (3 semester hours); and
Ethical and Professional Studies (3 semester hours).

Field Experience Requirements: A clinical practicum in marriage and family therapy of at least 300 hours of clinical client contact including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals, couples, and families. Of the 300 hours, at least 150 hours must be with couples, families, or similar relational groups.

State Regulation: Minnesota – Statutes and Rules

State Board: Minnesota – Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Minnesota.

Mississippi

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (LMFTA) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements: The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: The graduate semester hours must meet the national academic and training content standards adopted by the Board from COAMFTE.

Field Experience Requirements: No less than 12 consecutive months that provided him or her face to face clinical practice with individuals, couples and families. The practicum student must have completed a minimum of 500 face to face clinical client contact hours of which no less than 200 must be relational contact hours with couples and/or families and must have received supervision with a ratio of no less than one hour of supervision for each six hours of clinical client contact.

State Regulation: Mississippi – Rules

State Board: Mississippi – Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The state board requires COAMFTE accreditation.

Missouri

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Provisional Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (PLMFT) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: At least 45 semester hours in the following areas:

Theoretical Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy (3 semester hours);
Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy (12 semester hours);
Human Development and Family Studies (6 semester hours);
Ethics and Professional Studies (3 semester hours);
Research Methodology (3 semester hours); and
Practicum (6 semester hours).

An applicant for supervision or licensure shall document completion of 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours of study in the area of diagnostic systems either within the curriculum leading to a master, doctoral, or specialist degree, or a post master’s graduate level coursework prior to the issuance of a license.

Field Experience Requirements: A practicum in marital and family therapy, including at least five hundred (500) hours of client contact.

State Regulation: Missouri – Rules

State Board: Missouri – State Committee of Marital & Family Therapists

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Missouri.

Montana

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE);
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: 60 semester hours with a minimum of 48 semester hours in the following areas:

Foundations of Relational/Systemic Practice, Theories, and Models;
Biopsychosocial Health and Development Across the Lifespan;
Clinical Treatment with Individuals, Couples, and Families;
Ethics in Marriage and Family Therapy;
Diverse, Multicultural, and/or Underserved Communities; and
Systemic/Relational Assessment and Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment.

Field Experience Requirements: A minimum total of 500 direct-client contact hours of which at least 50 percent is with couples or families, and 100 hours of supervision of which at least 75 are in individual supervision with, at most, one other supervisee.

State Regulation: Montana – Regulations

State Board: Montana – Board of Behavioral Health

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Montana.

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Nebraska

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Provisional Mental Health Practitioner License – while obtaining post-grad field experience
Mental Health Practitioner License – once post-grad field experience has been completed

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE);
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements:

Mental Health Practitioner Pathway:

Theories and Techniques (3 semester hours)
Professional Ethics (3 semester hours)
Assessment Techniques (3 semester hours)
Human Growth and Development (3 semester hours)
Research and Evaluation (3 semester hours)

Marriage and Family Therapy Certification:

Marriage and Family Studies (9 semester hours)
Marriage and Family Therapy (9 semester hours)
Human Development (9 semester hours)
Professional Studies (3 semester hours)
Research (3 semester hours)

Field Experience Requirements: At least 6 semester hours or 9 quarter hours which includes 300 hours of supervised direct client contact with individuals, couples, and families. Of these 300 hours, no more than 150 hours may be with individuals.

State Regulation: Nebraska – Rules and Regulations

State Board: Nebraska – Division of Behavioral Health

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Nebraska.

Additional Important Information: There are other licensure options available to applicants. Contact the state board for additional information.

Nevada

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist – Intern (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: Graduate education must include 60 semester hours in the following courses of study:

Human Development, including sexuality (2 courses);
Marital and Family Systems (2 courses);
Marital and Family Therapy (3 courses);
3. Ethical and Legal Issues (1 course);
Supervised Practice of MFT (3 courses);
Diagnosis and Assessment, including the use of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (1 course);
Social and Cultural Foundations (1 course);
Research (1 course);
Abuse of Alcohol or Controlled Substances (1 course);
Crisis or Trauma (1 course);
Grief or Loss (1 course);
Group Counseling (1 course); and
Individual Counseling Theories (1 course).

Field Experience Requirements: Clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and families and be equivalent to 3 courses taken during 3 semesters which provide a minimum of 40 weeks of supervised practice.

State Regulation: Nevada – Rules and Regulations

State Board: Nevada – Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists & Clinical Professional Counselors

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The curriculum does not meet the state’s equivalency for COAMFTE accreditation.

New Hampshire

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Candidate for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapist (official title unclear) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: Courses must include:

Marital and family studies, family development and family interaction patterns across the life cycle of the individual (3 courses);
Marital and Family Therapy (3 courses);
Diagnosis (1 course);
Human Development (3 courses);
Professional Studies (1 course); and
Research (1 course).

Field Experience Requirements: One-year practicum with a minimum 300 hours of face-to-face client contact hours with individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of assessment, diagnosis and treatment. At least half of these client contact hours shall have been completed with couples and families.

State Regulation: New Hampshire – Laws and Rules

State Board: New Hampshire – Board of Mental Health Practice

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of New Hampshire, and the state requires students to have one year of residential coursework.

Additional Important Information: A minimum of one academic year of full-time academic graduate study in marriage and family therapy shall be completed in residence at the institution granting the degree. Whether graduate study was completed in residence shall be determined based on criteria which include the following:

Predominant modality shall be face-to-face instruction;
Advising and evaluation shall be done face-to-face;
Students shall have face-to-face access to a core of marriage and family counseling faculty whose primary time and employment responsibilities are to the institution; and
Students shall have face-to-face access to other students matriculated in the program.

New Jersey

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: A minimum of 8 courses out of the following:

Theoretical Foundations (a minimum of 2, 3 semester hour courses);
Assessment and Treatment in Marriage and Family Therapy (a minimum of 4, 3 semester hour courses);
Human Development and Family Studies (a minimum of 2, 3 semester hour courses); and
Supervised Clinical Internship Practicum/Course (a minimum of 2, 3 semester hour courses).

A minimum of 1 course from each of the following areas:

Ethics and Professional Development;
Research; and
Additional Learning.

Field Experience Requirements: The rendering of professional marriage and family therapy services under supervision to individuals, couples and families, individually or in groups, whether in the general public or in organizations, whether public or private.

State Regulation: New Jersey – Laws and Regulations

State Board: New Jersey – Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not meet the required number of courses in Assessment and Treatment in Marriage and Family Therapy.

New Mexico

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: 45 semester hours of graduate level coursework the embraces a family systems perspective and consists of the following areas:

Marriage and Family Studies (9 semester hours);
Marriage and Family Therapy (9 semester hours);
Human Development (9 semester hours);
Multicultural Studies (3 semester hours);
Professional Studies (3 semester hours);
Research (3 semester hours);
Supervised Practicum (6 semester hours); and
Electives (any area listed above to satisfy the remaining 45 semester hours).

Field Experience Requirements: 300 hours of supervised direct client contact, for a period of at least 12 months.

State Regulation: New Mexico – Rules and Laws

State Board: New Mexico – Counseling and Therapy Practice Board

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of New Mexico.

New York

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Limited Permit (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: Shall be a program in marriage and family therapy leading to a master’s or doctoral degree, which includes at least 45 semester hours, or the equivalent, of study; contain curricular content that includes but is not limited to each of the following content areas:

The study of Human Development, including individual, child and family development (3 semester hours);
Marriage and Family Therapy Clinical Knowledge, including but not limited to Psychopathology (12 semester hours);
Marriage and Family Therapy Theoretical Knowledge (6 semester hours);
Family Law; Research (3 semester hours); and
Professional Ethics (3 semester hours).

Field Experience Requirements: A supervised practicum in marriage and family therapy of at least 300 client contact hours.

State Regulation: New York – Laws, Rules & Regulations

State Board: New York State Education Department – Office of the Professions

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of New York, and the program does not contain a Family Law course as required by the state of New York.

North Carolina

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (LMFTA) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: A graduate degree that includes marriage and family therapy content, including coursework in:

Theoretical Foundation of Marriage and Family Therapy;
Assessment and Diagnosis;
Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy;
Human Development and Family Relations;
Professional Identity and Ethics;
Clinical Research; and
Supervised Clinical Practicum or Internship.

Field Experience Requirements: Minimum of 9 semester hours.

State Regulation: North Carolina – Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Act

State Board: North Carolina – Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: Additional information needs to be reviewed from the institution about practicum requirements before the state is cleared.

North Dakota

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: Coursework in the following areas:

Human Development (9 semester hours);
Systemic/Relational Assessment and Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment (3 semester hours);
Marital and Family Studies (6 semester hours);
Marital and Family Therapy (12 semester hours);
Research (3 semester hours);
Professional Studies (3 semester hours);
Diversity and Psychopharmacology (9 semester hours); and
Clinical Practicum (9 semester hours).

Field Experience Requirements: 9 semester hours or at least 500 hours or 12 months of clinical client contact with individuals, couples, and families.

State Regulation: North Dakota – Statutes & Rules

State Board: North Dakota – Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of North Dakota.

Ohio

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Temporary MFT License (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: Marriage and family therapist training must include instruction in at least the following:

Research and Evaluation;
Professional, Legal, and Ethical Responsibilities;
Marriage and Family Studies;
Marriage and Family Therapy;
Human Development;
Appraisal of Individuals and Families;
Diagnosis of Mental and Emotional Disorders; and
Systems Theory.

Field Experience Requirements: Practicum that includes at least 300 hours of direct client contact.

State Regulation: Ohio – Laws and Rules

State Board: Ohio – Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Ohio.

Oklahoma

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation.

Examinations:

The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy; and
Oklahoma Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Examination.

Curriculum Requirements: Coursework in the following areas:

Theoretical Foundations of Marital and Family Systems (3 courses);
Assessment and Treatment in Marital and Family Therapy (3 courses);
Human Development (3 courses);
Ethics and Professional Studies (1 course);
Research (1 course); and
Practicum/Internship.

Field Experience Requirements: Practicum must have at least 300 clock hours.

State Regulation: Oklahoma – Acts and Regulations

State Board: Oklahoma – Board of Behavioral Health

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not meet the required number of courses in Assessment and Treatment in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Oregon

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Intern (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE);
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations:

The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy; and
Oregon Law and Rules Examination.

Curriculum Requirements: If the program is not COAMFTE or CACREP accredited, then it must meet the following requirements: The program must be at least 2 years in duration, including at least 60 semester hours with the following coursework:

Individual and Family Development (4 semester hours);
Couple and Family Theoretical Foundation Studies (6 semester hours);
Couple and Family Therapy, Treatment, and Techniques Studies (6 semester hours);
Diagnosis of mental disorders (2 semester hours);
Diversity studies that include issues related to diversity, power and privilege (2 semester hours);
Ethical and Professional Studies (2 semester hours);
Research Methods or Statistics; and
Supporting coursework focusing on counseling and/or systems approaches (36 semester hours).

Field Experience Requirements: A supervised clinical practicum or internship experience of at least 700 clock hours with 280 hours of direct client contact.

State Regulation: Oregon – Rules

State Board: Oregon – Board of Licensed Professional Counselors & Therapists

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Oregon.

Pennsylvania

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: Courses in the following areas:

Human Development (3 courses/9 semester hours);
Marriage and Family Studies (3 courses/9 semester hours);
Marriage and Family Therapy (3 courses/9 semester hours);
Professional Studies (1 course/3 semester hours);
Research (1 course/3 semester hours); and
Practicum.

Field Experience Requirements: Practicum must be at least one year minimum and 300 hours of supervised direct client contact with individuals, couples, and families.

State Regulation: Pennsylvania – Regulations

State Board: Pennsylvania – Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Pennsylvania.

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Rhode Island

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: 60 semester hours in the following areas:

Theoretical Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy (2 courses/6 semester hours);
Clinical Knowledge (6 courses/18 semester hours);
Human Development and Family Relations (1 course/3 semester hours);
Ethics and Professional Studies (1 course/3 semester hours);
Research (1 course/3 semester hours); and
Elective (1 course/3 semester hours).

Field Experience Requirements:

12 semester hours of practicum and one calendar year of supervised internship consisting of 20 hours per week; and
500 direct client contact hours with 100 hours required in the supervised clinical practicum and 250 hours must be completed with couples or families present in the room.

State Regulation: Rhode Island – Regulations

State Board: Rhode Island – Department of Health

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Rhode Island.

South Carolina

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (LMFT/A) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: 60 semester hours in the following areas:

Foundations of Relational/Systemic Practice, Theories, and Models (6 semester hours);
Clinical Treatment with Individuals, Couples, and Families (6 semester hours);
Diverse, Multicultural and/or Underserved Communities (3 semester hours);
Research and Evaluation (3 semester hours);
Professional Identity, Law, Ethics and Social Responsibility (3 semester hours);
Biopsychosocial Health and Development Across The Lifespan (3 semester hours); and
Systemic/Relational Assessment and Psychopathology, Diagnosis and Treatment (3 semester hours).

Field Experience Requirements: A minimum of 500 clinical contact hours with individuals, couples, families, and other systems physically present, at least 40% of which must be relational. The 500 hours must occur over a minimum of 12 months of clinical practice. A minimum of 100 hours of clinical supervision must be provided by a marriage and family therapy supervisor, that included experience assessing and treating clients with the more serious problems as categorized in standard diagnostic nomenclature.

State Regulation: South Carolina – Regulations

State Board: South Carolina – Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors and Psycho-Educational Specialists

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not meet the clinical contact hour requirements for the state of South Carolina.

South Dakota

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE);
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); or
Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: 48 semester hours in the following areas:

Marriage and Family Studies (3 courses/9 semester hours);
Marriage and Family Therapy (3 courses/9 semester hours);
Human Development (3 courses/9 semester hours);
Professional Studies (1 course/3 semester hours);
Research (1 course/3 semester hours); and
Practicum.

Field Experience Requirements: Practicum experience must be one year minimum during graduate work. 15 hours/week, approximately 8-10 hours in direct client contact with individuals, couples, and families. A minimum of 300 client contact hours is required.

State Regulation: South Dakota – Statutes and Rules

State Board: South Dakota – Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapist Examiners

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of South Dakota.

Tennessee

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Marital Therapy Intern or Family Therapy Trainee (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation.

Examinations:

The National Examination in Marriage and Family Therapy; and
Tennessee Jurisprudence Oral Exam.

Curriculum Requirements: Coursework in the following areas:

Human Development (3 courses);
Marriage and Family Studies (3 courses);
Marriage and Family Therapy (3 courses);
Research (1 course);
Professional Ethics (1 course);
Assessment and Diagnosis – including Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) (1 course); and
Supervised Practicum or Internship.

Field Experience Requirements: Supervised practicum/internship of no less than 300 hours which includes experience in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of cognitive, affective and behavioral problems or dysfunctions in the DSM-IV (or its successor).

State Regulation: Tennessee – Statutes and Rules

State Board: Tennessee – Board for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapists

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not meet the required number of courses in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Texas

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (LMFTA) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation.

Examinations:

The National Examination in Marriage and Family Therapy; and
Texas Jurisprudence Exam.

Curriculum Requirements: 60 semester hours in the following coursework:

Theoretical Knowledge and Foundations of marriage and family therapy (3 semester hours);
Assessment and Treatment in marriage and family therapy (12 semester hours);
Human Development, Gender, Multicultural Issues and Family Studies (6 semester hours);
Psychopathology (3 semester hours);
Professional Ethics (3 semester hours);
Applied Professional Research (3 semester hours);
Treatment of Addictions and Management of Crisis Situations;
Supervised Clinical Internship; and
Remaining courses must be marriage and family therapy related coursework.

Field Experience Requirements: 12 months or 9 semester hours of practicum with 300 hours of experience.150 hours must be direct client contact hours. Of the 150 direct client contact hours, at least 75 hours must be direct client contact with couples and families.

State Regulation: Texas – Rules and Regulations

State Board: Texas – Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not meet the practicum credit hour requirements for the state of Texas.

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Utah

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: Coursework in the following areas:

Theoretical Foundations of Marital and Family Therapy (6 semester hours);
Assessment and Treatment in Marriage and Family Therapy, including Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) (9 semester hours);
Human Development and Family Studies, including Ethnic Minority Issues, and Gender Issues including Sexuality, Sexuality Functioning, and Sexual Identity (6 semester hours);
Professional Ethics (3 semester hours);
Research Methodology and Data Analysis (3 semester hours);
Electives in Marriage and Family Therapy (3 semester hours); and
Clinical Practicum.

Field Experience Requirements: Clinical practicum of not fewer than 600 hours which includes not fewer than 100 hours of face to face supervision and not fewer than 500 direct contact hours of face to face supervised clinical practice of which not less than 250 hours shall be with couples or families who are physically present in the therapy room.

State Regulation: Utah – Administrative Code

State Board: Utah – Dept. of Commerce – Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Utah.

Vermont

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: 48 credit hours in the following areas:

Diagnosis and Treatment-Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) (3 credit hours);
Marriage and Family Therapy/Systems (6 credit hours);
Marriage and Family Therapy Skills (3 credit hours);
Marriage and Family Therapy Treatment Modality (3 credit hours);
Human Growth and Development (3 credit hours);
Diversity/Social and Cultural Foundations (3 credit hours);
Research (3 credit hours); and
Professional Ethics (3 credit hours).

At least 3 graduate credits in at least 2 of the 9 following areas of study (can be taken post-degree)

Human Sexuality;
Psychopharmacology;
Domestic Violence;
Sexual Abuse;
Gender and Sexuality;
Groups;
Crisis Intervention;
Addictions/ Chemical Dependency; and
Appraisal and Assessment.

Field Experience Requirements: A minimum of 500 hours of internship within the degree conferred is required for the degree to be accepted toward licensure. To be eligible for licensure each applicant must provide 500 hours of direct service.

State Regulation: Vermont – Rules

State Board: Vermont – Board of Allied Mental Health

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Vermont.

Additional Important Information: An applicant who did not provide 500 hours of direct service during the internship must add to the 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised practice the difference between the direct service hours provided and 500 direct service hours required for licensure.

Virginia

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements: Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: 60 semester hours of coursework in the following areas:

Marriage and Family Studies (6 semester hours);
Marriage and Family Therapy (6 semester hours);
Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan (3 semester hours);
Abnormal behaviors (3 semester hours);
Diagnosis and Treatment of Addictive Behaviors (3 semester hours);
Multicultural Counseling (3 semester hours);
Professional Identity and Ethics (3 semester hours);
Research (3 semester hours);
Assessment and Treatment (3 semester hours); and
Supervised Internship.

Field Experience Requirements: Supervised internship of at least 600 hours to include 240 hours of direct client contact, of which 200 hours shall be with couples and families. Only internship hours earned after completion of 30 graduate semester hours may be counted towards residency hours.

State Regulation: Virginia – Laws and Regulations

State Board: Virginia – Board of Counseling

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Virginia.

Washington

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate (LMFTA) (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Regional accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: At least 45 semester hours total and at least 27 semester hours in the first 5 areas of study:

Marital and Family Systems (6 semester hours);
Marital and Family Therapy (6 semester hours);
Individual Development (2 semester hours);
Psychopathology (2 semester hours);
Human Sexuality (2 semester hours);
Research (3 semester hours);
Professional Ethics and Law (3 semester hours);
Electives (3 semester hours); and
Supervised Clinical Practice (9 semester hours).

Field Experience Requirements: Supervised clinical practice. An applicant may acquire up to nine semester credits or twelve quarter credits through supervised clinical practice in marriage and family therapy under the supervision of a qualified marriage and family therapist as determined by the school.
State Regulation: Washington – Laws

State Board: Washington – Department of Health

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: This program does not meet the credit hour requirements for the state of Washington. Pepperdine is currently reviewing whether the program aligns with current state requirements.

West Virginia

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Provisional license (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE);
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); or
Regional Accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: 60 semester hours in the following areas:

Marriage and Family Studies;
Systems Theory;
Research;
Professional Ethics;
Human Growth and Development;
Appraisal of Individuals and Families;
Principles of Etiology, Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment Planning, and Prevention of Mental and Emotional Disorders and Dysfunction Behavior;
Practicum; and
Marriage and Family Therapy (4 courses).

Field Experience Requirements: Minimum 12 months, supervised clinical practicum with 300 hours of direct contact with individuals, couples and families; 50% of the 300 hours must be with couples and families.

State Regulation: West Virginia – Rules

State Board: West Virginia – Board of Examiners in Counseling

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of West Virginia.

Wisconsin

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Marriage and Family Therapy Training License (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE); or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: The following coursework:

Foundations of Relational or Systemic Practice, Theories and Models (6 semester hours);
Clinical Treatment with Individuals, Couples, and Families (6 semester hours);
Diverse, Multicultural, or Underserved Communities (3 semester hours);
Research and Evaluation (3 semester hours);
Professional Identity, Federal and State Law, Ethics, and Social Responsibility (3 semester hours);
Biopsychosocial Health and Development Across the Lifespan (3 semester hours);
Systemic Assessment and Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment (3 semester hours);
Contemporary Development which Interface Marriage and Family Therapy Knowledge (3 semester hours); and
Clinical Internship.

Field Experience Requirements: The internship shall consist of a minimum of 300 hours in face−to−face contact with individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment under supervision in not less than 8 calendar months.

State Regulation: Wisconsin – Statutes and Administrative Code

State Board: Wisconsin – Department of Safety and Professional Services

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: The program does not have the number of direct client hours required for the state of Wisconsin.

Wyoming

What is Issued: License.

Name of What’s Issued:

Provisional Licensure (while post-graduate supervised hours are being completed).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) (once supervised hours have been completed).

Accreditation Requirements:

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE);
Regional accreditation; or
Equivalent accreditation.

Examinations: The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

Curriculum Requirements: 48 semester hours in the following areas:

Foundations of Relational/Systemic Practice, Theories & Models (6 semester hours);
Clinical Treatment with Individual, Couples and Families (6 semester hours);
Diverse, Multicultural and/or Underserved Communities (3 semester hours);
Research and Evaluation (3 semester hours);
Professional Identity, Law, Ethics & Social Responsibility (3 semester hours);
Biopsychosocial Health and Development Across the Lifespan (3 semester hours);
Systemic/Relational Assessment & Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment (3 semester hours);
Contemporary Issues;
Community Intersections & Collaboration; and
Practicum/Internship.

Field Experience Requirements: Includes a minimum of 500 clinical contact hours with individuals, couples, families and other systems physically present, at least 40% of which must be relational.

The 500 hours must occur over a minimum of twelve months of clinical practice; and
The 500 hours may include a maximum of 100 alternative hours or clinical activity; or
Alternatively, the program may demonstrate that graduating students achieve a competency level equivalent to the 500 client contact hours. (see additional information).

State Regulation: Wyoming – Rules and Regulations

State Board: Wyoming – Mental Health Professions Licensing Board

Federal Disclosure: Does Not Meet Requirements.

Federal Disclosure Reason: Pepperdine is currently reviewing whether the program aligns with current state requirements.

Additional Important Information: Programs that do not require 500 hours must document that students are informed about licensure portability issues that may result from not having 500 hours. Those programs requiring less than 500 hours may not use alternative hours to count toward total client contact hours.