How to Become a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

Becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) involves earning the necessary educational qualifications, while becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) requires completing clinical training and passing licensure exams. This guide outlines each step of the journey, from obtaining an MFT degree to earning your LMFT license, ensuring you understand both paths and what it takes to succeed in this rewarding profession.

In this guide

What Does a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) Do?

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) provide counseling services to individuals, couples, and families, focusing on improving relationships, addressing mental health issues, and promoting emotional well-being. LMFTs use therapeutic techniques based on family systems theory to help clients navigate challenges like communication breakdowns, trauma, addiction, and more.

Once licensed, an LMFT has the authority to practice independently, offer clinical supervision, and take on leadership roles within the mental health field. The key difference is that while MFTs with a degree can work under supervision, LMFTs have completed licensure requirements and can practice autonomously.

What Are the Educational Requirements for Becoming an MFT?

To become an MFT, you must:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Typically in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field.
Complete a Master’s Degree in MFT: A master’s program in Marriage and Family Therapy is the primary educational requirement. Accredited programs by COAMFTE or CACREP are essential, as they meet state licensure standards. Master’s programs usually take 2-3 years and include coursework in family systems, ethics, and therapeutic techniques.
Consider a Post-Master’s Certificate: If you already have a master’s degree in a related field, a post-master’s certificate in MFT can provide the necessary training for licensure.
Pursue a Doctorate in MFT (Optional): For advanced roles in clinical practice, research, or academia, a DMFT or PhD in MFT can be beneficial.

Why is Choosing an Accredited MFT Program So Important?

When pursuing an MFT degree, choosing an accredited program is critical because:

It Meets Educational Standards for LMFT Licensure: Most states require your degree to be from a COAMFTE-accredited program for licensure.
Ensures Quality Training: Accredited programs provide rigorous coursework and supervised clinical training essential for becoming an effective MFT.
Prepares You for Licensure Exams: Graduating from an accredited program ensures you have the necessary knowledge and experience to pass the LMFT licensing exam.

Check out the best MFT degree programs available for prospective students by state.

What Are the MFT & LMFT Clinical Training Requirements?

During your MFT education, clinical training includes:

Supervised Practicum and Internship: Master’s programs require 300-500 hours of supervised therapy practice with individuals, couples, and families.
Postgraduate Clinical Experience for LMFT: After earning your MFT degree, you must complete 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience to qualify for LMFT licensure.

This hands-on experience is crucial for developing your therapeutic skills and preparing for independent practice as an LMFT.

Steps to Become Marriage & Family Therapist

Getting Your MFT Degree:

Complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Earn a master’s degree in MFT from an accredited program.
Fulfill all academic and clinical training requirements during your master’s program.

Steps to Becoming a LMFT:

Gain Postgraduate Clinical Experience: Complete 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised practice after earning your MFT degree.
Apply for State Licensure: Submit transcripts, proof of clinical hours, and other necessary documents to your state’s licensing board.
Pass the Licensing Exam: Most states require the National MFT Exam administered by the AMFTRB, along with any state-specific tests.
Maintain Your LMFT License: Complete continuing education credits as required by your state to keep your license active.

Licensure for LMFTs involves completing supervised clinical hours, passing national exams, and meeting state-specific requirements. After earning your MFT degree, you must complete 2,000 to 4,000 supervised hours, depending on your state. The Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) administers the national exam required for licensure in most states. Applicants must also submit transcripts, proof of clinical experience, and any additional state-required documentation. Successfully completing these steps allows you to earn the LMFT credential, granting you the ability to practice independently, supervise interns, and work in various mental health settings.

What Skills and Qualities Are Needed to Become an MFT?

Successful MFTs and LMFTs share essential skills, including:

Empathy: Understanding and connecting with clients’ experiences.
Strong Communication: Facilitating open dialogue and providing clear guidance.
Analytical Thinking: Assessing family dynamics and developing tailored therapy plans.
Cultural Competence: Offering inclusive therapy to diverse populations.
Patience and Resilience: Managing the emotional demands of therapy.

What Career Options Will I Have as an LMFT?

A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) has a wide range of career opportunities across multiple industries. Whether working in mental health clinics, private practice, healthcare settings, or corporate wellness programs, LMFTs play a vital role in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate relationship dynamics and mental health challenges.

Private Practice: Many LMFTs establish their own businesses or join group practices, offering therapy for individuals, couples, and families.
Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities: LMFTs provide therapy in psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and integrated healthcare settings, often working alongside doctors and social workers.
Community Mental Health Centers: Nonprofit and government-funded clinics employ LMFTs to support underserved populations and low-income families.
Schools & Universities: LMFTs work in school counseling programs, student mental health services, and university counseling centers.
Corporate Wellness Programs: Some companies employ LMFTs to provide mental health resources, conflict resolution, and employee assistance programs (EAPs).
Military & Veterans Services: LMFTs work with military personnel, veterans, and their families to address trauma, PTSD, and reintegration challenges.
Government & Social Services: Many LMFTs work in child welfare agencies, family courts, and public mental health programs.

LMFT Specialties & Career Paths
The table below outlines some of the most common specialties within the LMFT field, including where LMFTs work, client populations, and focus areas.

MFT Specialty	Primary Work Settings	Client Focus	Common Cases
Couples Therapy	Private practice, mental health clinics	Married couples, dating partners	Communication issues, infidelity, intimacy challenges
Family Therapy	Private practice, hospitals, social services	Families, parents, children	Parenting conflicts, divorce adjustment, blended families
Child & Adolescent Therapy	Schools, community clinics, hospitals	Children, teens, families	Behavioral issues, trauma, school-related stress, identity development
Trauma & PTSD Therapy	VA hospitals, private practice, rehab centers	Veterans, abuse survivors, first responders	PTSD, abuse recovery, crisis intervention
Addiction Counseling	Rehab centers, private practice, community clinics	Individuals & families affected by addiction	Substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, relapse prevention
Sex Therapy	Private practice, wellness centers	Couples, individuals	Sexual dysfunction, intimacy issues, LGBTQ+ concerns
Grief & Loss Counseling	Hospice centers, hospitals, private practice	Individuals coping with loss	Bereavement, terminal illness, coping strategies
Corporate & Workplace Counseling	Corporate wellness programs, EAPs	Employees, executives	Workplace stress, career transitions, conflict resolution
LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy	Private practice, LGBTQ+ centers	LGBTQ+ individuals & couples	Coming out, gender identity, discrimination stress
Forensic & Court-Mandated Therapy	Family courts, correctional facilities, social services	Court-referred individuals & families	Divorce mediation, anger management, domestic violence counseling

Beyond traditional therapy roles, LMFTs can advance into clinical supervision, program administration, teaching, and research. Many LMFTs pursue additional certifications or post-master’s certificates in specialized fields such as sex therapy, trauma therapy, or addiction counseling to expand their expertise and job opportunities.

How Much Will I Earn as an LMFT?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics for Marriage and Family Therapists, MFTs earn a median salary of $58,510 per year, with top earners making over $104,710 annually, depending on location, experience, and specialization.