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.
Ohio has two MFT licenses, Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), and Independent Marriage and Family Therapist (IMFT). There is also a registered marriage and family therapist trainee designation.
Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements
- Graduated from a regionally accredited program with at least a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, or a related subject with equivalent coursework.
- Must complete a practicum that includes 500 hours of client contact. 100 hours must be direct supervision
- An individual may be required to register as a marriage and family therapist trainee when completing their practicum or internship by the supervising agency. It is not required by the Board.
- Passed the exam prescribed by the Board.
- Must be approved by the Board to sit for the exam.
- A temporary license may be given to those who have completed all licensure requirements except for the exam.
- An MFT must be under the supervision of a licensed independent practitioner (licensed professional clinical counselor, independent social worker, independent MFT).
- Ohio licensure FAQs.
Independent Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements
- Completion of the requirements for the LMFT license.
- Completion of two years of post-degree supervised training as an MFT.
- Must include 200 hours of face-to-face supervision while completing a minimum of 1,000 hours of documented client contact in marriage and family therapy.
- Of the required 200 hours, a minimum of 100 hours must be individual supervision.
- Of the required 1,000 hours, a minimum of 500 hours shall be experience with couples and/or families present.
- An independent MFT may engage in private practice as an individual practitioner.
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 Ohio licensure, as determined by the Board.
- Read more about license portability in Ohio.
Read more details on Ohio MFT licensure
Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board
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