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Marriage, Family and Child Therapy

California has two levels of licensing: Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) For additional information see the�� website. Below are the steps necessary to apply for Associate Marriage and Family Therapist after graduating from the ������ý Master of Science in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling (MSC/MFCT) program.

Clearances:

California law authorizes the Board to conduct criminal record background checks to help determine the eligibility of a person applying for a license or registration. As part of the application process, you will need to complete the following:

• Fingerprint clearance must be obtained via��. DO NOT COMPLETE FINGERPRINTS MORE THAN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION. Live Scan results without corresponding applications on file are destroyed after six months. Additional information can be found in��.

• Evaluation of the applicant’s criminal history is part of the application process. See��.

Exams:

To become an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) you will need to take and pass the California Law and Ethics Exam and then take and pass the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Clinical Exam.��For study materials download the��

Apply for Licensure:

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT):

• ����������official transcripts for your counseling course work once your degree has been conferred and have the transcripts sent electronically to the Board at��BBStranscripts@dca.ca.gov.
• and begin accruing hours toward the State-required post-graduate total. Before you complete the associate registration form, be sure to have the following so you are prepared to submit all items in the same package:
  • Submit and applicable fee.
  • Submit , in the��.
  • Complete three hours in the provision of mental health services via telehealth, including law and ethics related to telehealth (verified on the Degree Program Certification).
  • Complete six hours in Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention Requirement (verified on the Degree Program Certification).

• Applicants should review information about the�� which allows applicants who graduated after January 1, 2020 to count supervised experience between the degree award date and issue date of the Associate registration number under the rule if the workplace required the applicant to complete Live Scan fingerprinting and IF the Associate application is received within 90 days of the qualifying degree award date.

The Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) is the first level of licensure in California. To be eligible to apply for the second level of licensure, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), additional supervised clinical experience hours and official passing scores on the LFMT Clinical Exam and California Law and Ethics Exam are required.�� For information on how to upgrade your Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) to the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) credential review the��website.

Stage Agency Contact Information:

1625 North Market Blvd., Suite S200
Sacramento, CA 95834

Phone: 916-574-7830

Toll free: 800-326-2297

This summary of state licensure requirements is provided as a reference tool for our counseling students and graduates. Every effort is made to ensure this information is accurate and up to date. However, as licensing requirements are subject to change at any time, you are strongly encouraged to regularly check with the state licensing authority (provided above) for licensure requirements.