LMFT vs. AMFT vs. LMFT-A

Understanding the differences between LMFT, AMFT, and LMFT-A is essential for knowing how the licensing process works and what each designation allows. These credentials are not interchangeable, as they each signify different levels of professional development and legal authority in clinical practice.

LMFT (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist)
An LMFT is a fully licensed therapist who has completed all state-mandated education, supervised experience, and licensing exams. LMFTs are permitted to practice independently without supervision and may provide individual, couples, and family therapy in a variety of clinical settings. Many LMFTs open their own private practices or take on supervisory roles, guiding newer therapists through their training.

To become an LMFT, candidates must:

• Earn a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) or a related field.
• Complete 2,000 – 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, depending on state requirements.
• Pass the National MFT Exam, administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
• Apply for and receive state licensure to practice independently.

LMFTs are qualified to diagnose and treat mental health disorders within the context of relationships and family systems. They may work in private practice, mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, and other healthcare settings.

AMFT (Associate Marriage & Family Therapist)
An AMFT is a pre-licensed therapist who has completed their graduate degree but has not yet met the requirements for full licensure as an LMFT. AMFTs must work under the supervision of a fully licensed LMFT or another approved mental health professional while accumulating the required number of clinical experience hours needed for independent licensure.

AMFTs are typically:

• Recent graduates who have earned a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related field.
  Actively working in clinical settings under direct supervision.
• Completing the necessary 2,000 – 4,000 supervised hours before qualifying for the licensing exam.
• Gaining hands-on experience in couples, family, and individual therapy.

AMFTs have the same core clinical training as LMFTs but are not yet eligible to practice independently. Their work must be overseen by a licensed supervisor, ensuring that they develop the necessary competencies and skills before becoming fully licensed therapists.

LMFT-A (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist – Associate)
The LMFT-A designation is functionally equivalent to AMFT but is used in certain states instead of AMFT. Some states, such as Texas and Washington, prefer the title LMFT-A to differentiate associate-level therapists from fully licensed LMFTs.

Like AMFTs, LMFT-As:

• Have completed an MFT graduate program but must work under supervision until they fulfill their clinical hour requirements.
• Must complete state-mandated supervision and pass the licensing exam to become an LMFT.
• Can provide therapy services but cannot operate a private practice independently until they earn full LMFT status.

The only difference between AMFT and LMFT-A is the terminology used in different states. The licensing process, supervised hours, and clinical training requirements remain the same.

Key Takeaways:

• LMFTs are fully licensed and can practice independently.
• AMFTs and LMFT-As are still in the supervised training phase and working toward full licensure.
• The title “AMFT” or “LMFT-A” depends on state regulations—some states prefer AMFT, while others use LMFT-A.

Both AMFT and LMFT-A represent essential steps toward becoming an LMFT, ensuring that new therapists gain the experience needed to practice effectively and ethically.