Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Jobs & Career Guide

You must complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 hours depending on the state.

Here are some general guidelines for the required clinical experience for LMFT licensure:

1. Supervision: You must complete your clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional who meets your state’s requirements for supervision. Your supervisor will provide guidance and feedback on your work with clients and help you develop your clinical skills.
2. Population: Your clinical experience must involve working with individuals, couples, and families. You may also be required to work with specific populations, such as children, adolescents, or people with substance abuse disorders.
3. Setting: Your clinical experience may take place in a variety of settings, such as a mental health clinic, hospital, or private practice. The specific setting may depend on your state’s requirements and the availability of supervised clinical positions.
4. Duration: The amount of clinical experience required varies by state, but typically ranges from 1,500 to 4,000 hours. You may be required to complete your clinical experience within a certain time frame, such as 2-3 years.
5. Documentation: You must keep detailed records of your clinical experience, including the number of hours you have completed, the clients you have worked with, and the interventions you have used. You will need to submit this documentation to your state’s licensing board or regulatory agency when you apply for licensure.

You must pass a state-administered licensure exam. The exam typically covers topics such as clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and professional ethics.

The specific exam required for LMFT licensure varies by state.

Many states use the National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination (NMFTE), which is administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). The NMFTE is a standardized exam that assesses knowledge and skills in the areas of marriage and family therapy, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and ethical practice.

Other states use a different exam or a combination of exams. For example, California uses the California Law and Ethics Exam for LMFTs, as well as the Clinical Exam, which is also administered by the AMFTRB.

It’s important to check the specific requirements for LMFT licensure in your state, including the exam(s) you need to pass and any other requirements, such as supervised clinical experience or continuing education.

You must obtain a state license to practice as an LMFT. Each state has its own requirements for licensure, so it’s important to check the specific requirements in your state.

To learn more about licensing of LMFTs in your state visit this page on the AMFTRB website and locate the board of your state.