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.
District of Columbia has one MFT license, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements
- A master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy, or a related topic with equivalent coursework, from a COAMFTE-accredited program, or a recognized educational institution.
- Passed the exam approved by the board.
- Completion of two years of postgraduate full-time supervised clinical experience as an MFT. This is to be completed while unlicensed, and under supervision.
- A minimum of 2,000 hours of supervised practice, 1,000 of which must be direct client contact.
- A minimum requirement of one face-to-face meeting between supervisor and supervisee each month.
- One hour of direct supervision shall be provided for every 20 hours of direct client contact.
- Must be supervised under a board-approved supervisor.
Licensure by Endorsement (Portability)
- Must provide verification of licenses held in other jurisdictions, with evidence of no disciplinary action.
- The requirements of licensure in the previous state must be equivalent or exceed the requirements for Washington D.C. licensure, as determined by the Board.
Read more details on Washington D.C. MFT licensure in the Regulations.
Washington D.C. Board of Marriage and Family Therapy
Continuing Education
In order to renew a license, a licensee must complete continuing education every two years.
Required hours
Additional Resources
State Officials & Legislative Information
AAMFT Resources
Contact Information