How to become a licensed marriage and family therapist

Becoming a marriage and family therapist can be a great career choice for those interested in working in the mental health field that recognize the importance of relationships to our health and wellbeing. This specialty involves working with couples and families in a variety of settings.

To begin working as a marriage and family therapist requires the minimum of a master’s degree. Some graduate programs offer a degree specifically in marriage and family therapy and others offer a master’s degree in counseling with a concentration in marriage and family therapy. If you are considering a career as a marriage and family therapist, keep reading below to learn more.

Skills and traits needed to be a marriage and family therapist

Beyond the educational and legal requirements, there are personal qualities that are essential to being a marriage and family therapist. They include:

Being a marriage and family therapist is not a good fit for someone who wants to fix or save people through their relationships. It is nice to want to help others, but therapy is not about fixing. It begins with having unconditional positive regard for clients and recognizing they are not broken. It is also not a good choice for someone who is merely seeking employment. The training is quite intensive and requires you to give a lot of yourself with little recognition.

It is worth noting that training and working as a marriage and family therapist includes education about recognizing and reporting child abuse. Marriage and family therapists are mandated reporters meaning they are legally required to report suspected child abuse to the designated authorities. This does not usually include the therapist finding out what happens afterwards. It can bring up many complex feelings and it is important that you have strategies for when you need additional support as a professional.

» Read: Differences between therapists and counselors

The steps to becoming a licensed MFT

Being a licensed marriage and family therapist means that you have completed the required training and can practice independently. This is the level required to have your own private practice and to use the title Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Licensure usually brings an increase in pay, career options, and opportunities. While your educational journey is unique, here are the general steps.

Step 1- Complete graduate school

The first step to becoming a LMFT is to find a graduate program that meets your needs. Many marriage and family therapy students have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work or related field, but other majors are also considered.

After acceptance students embark on courses such as lifespan development, counseling techniques, human sexuality, diagnosis, multicultural techniques, and theories of marriage and family therapy. Accredited programs include a clinical internship where you begin to see clients under close supervision. On average it takes 2-3 years to complete graduate school.

Step 2- State board requirements

After graduation, it is time to consult your state board requirements for the next part of your training. This varies by state, but generally includes passing the national exam and obtaining your clinical hours. It takes between 2-3 years to obtain the hours necessary for full licensure.

There are rules specific to marriage and family therapy that are different from counseling, psychology or social work. For example, the rules stipulate the type of mental health professional who can be enlisted as your clinical supervision and the number of hours you need to work with marriage and family clients.

What does “working under supervision” mean?

Within the counseling sector, working under supervision is terminology that relates specifically to the field. Although a clinical supervisor acts similar to a typical supervisor because they are someone you report to, their role incorporates other important factors. In guiding you, a clinical supervisor has a responsibility to ensure you provide the best care to your clients.

The newer you are in the role, the more involved supervision is. Your supervisor may sometimes sit in on your session, but this is not a common or ongoing expectation. More commonly, supervision commonly consists of an hour-long meeting on a weekly basis with your supervisor. They review your documentation including treatment plans and clinical notes, although the exact details of this can vary based on the agency, programs, and guidelines they follow.

Supervision time is also a place to ask questions and get input regarding your clients from someone who is more experienced. Your supervisor is there to help you, provide essential support, and to ensure all paperwork regarding the accruement of clinical hours is ready to submit to the board. Also expect supervision at your university, which is separate to the supervision on the work site.

Step 3- Applications and paperwork

Each state board has their own application with required fees. The fees associated with exams and applications can range from $150-$600. Typically a background check and recommendation letters from marriage and family therapists familiar with your work is required. You also have to send your transcripts along with your licensure application and proof of a passing exam score.

As you are working under supervision, there is documentation that you are required to maintain. You must maintain record of your clinical hours and supervision.

Step 4- Board approval

The state board verifies your education, work history, and application materials. If deemed satisfactory, you officially become a licensed marriage and family therapist.

What to look for in a marriage and family therapy program

There is a lot to consider when you are looking to apply to graduate school to become a marriage and family therapist. Do you want to attend classes on campus or online? Is there a certain educational approach that makes a program sound appealing to you and your goals? Will you also be working or taking care of your family?

Online, hybrid, or on-campus programs

On average it takes 2-3 years to complete graduate school. Some MFT programs utilize a fixed cohort model. This means that you and your fellow students work on the same with the goal of graduating together. Other programs offer flexible scheduling, giving the possibility to attend part time or full time.

Note that while many programs indicate that they are for working adults, this usually does not reflect when classes are available, program format, duration, or that the program is less challenging. For example, a program that offers on campus classes catering to working adults may have weekend or evening classes, or  an entirely online MFT program. The academic workload for a MFT program to be accredited for licensure is the same regardless of format, so just because something is online, or the weekends, does not mean it is less work. It is important to know yourself, your resources, and your responsibilities to help decide which type of program is a good fit for you.

Without licensure, you cannot legally practice as a MFT.

The issue with licensure requirements

The MFT programs at many traditional brick and mortar universities are designed to meet the requirements for licensure for the state the university is located in. Online programs can easily meet requirements for licensure but do not always to meet the criteria for specific states.

While some programs clearly say their curriculum does not meet the licensure standards of particular states, it is crucial that you do your research before signing the enrolment documents. Check the program matches the requirements for the state you plan to work in, and if necessary seek guidance to ensure your program meets your career goals.

Without licensure, you cannot legally practice as a MFT. For example, California has some of the most rigorous standards for marriage and family therapists in the country. If you plan to practice therapy in California, but the program you graduated from does not meet their requirements you may be faced with having to take additional courses.

Consider the educational philosophy guiding the program

There are a variety of educational philosophies about adult learners and marriage and family therapy that are often reflected in the coursework offered at any given program. Some schools focus on specific research and practice-based courses. Others have an increased focus on experiential learning and expect students to do deep self-reflection as part of their education. Some programs have a more intense focus on social justice and cultural competency as part of their curriculum. These philosophies are typically listed on the school website under the section on MFT therapy curriculum and requirements.

Many students apply to more than one graduate school when seeking admission to a MFT program. The admissions process often includes an interview where you can get more information to help you decide if a program is right for you.

It is also okay, if you don’t get into your top choice graduate program for MFT. Marriage and family therapists are lifelong learners who receive intense training after graduation, along with continuing education. The future can provide numerous opportunities to seek out specific trainings that interest you.

This page was written by Rayelle Davis, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor