Licensure
The information below is collected from state licensure boards or regulatory agencies responsible for regulating the professions of marriage and family therapy. The information is reviewed on an annual basis. Please be advised that laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.
Washington has two MFT licenses, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA), and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
Associate License Requirements
- A master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy, or a related topic with equivalent coursework, from an approved program.
- Must include a supervised internship/practicum.
- Must declare they are working towards full licensure.
- This license may only be renewed up to six times.
- Read more about associate licensing requirements.
Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements
- Completion of all the requirements for the Associate license.
- Completion of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.
- 1,000 hours must be direct client contact, of which 500 hours must be gained in diagnosing and treating families and couples.
- 200 hours of qualified supervision with an approved supervisor.
- 100 of which must be one-on-one supervision.
- 100 hours of supervision must be with a LMFT who has at least five years of clinical experience.
- A graduate from a COAMFTE-accredited program will be considered to have 500 hours of direct clinical contact and 100 hours of meetings with the supervisor.
- Pass the AMFTRB Exam.
- Read more about licensing requirements.
Licensure by Endorsement (Portability)
- Must provide verification of licenses held in other jurisdictions, with evidence of no disciplinary action or unresolved complaints.
- Licensing requirements in previous jurisdiction must meet or exceed the requirements for licensure in Washington.
Read more details on Washington MFT licensure
Washington State Department of Health: Licenses, Permits, and Certificates
Continuing Education
The LMFT license is renewed annually, however, every two years continuing education is due with renewal. The LMFTA license is renewed annually, and continuing education is due annually.
Required hours
Additional Resources
State Officials & Legislative Information
AAMFT Resources
Contact Information