Maryland State Resources

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.

Maryland has two MFT licenses, Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist (LGMFT), and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Graduate License Requirements

• A master's or doctoral degree from an accredited program in marriage and family therapy, or a related subject with equivalent coursework. 
• Pass the AMFTRB exam, and a jurisprudence exam.
• This license is valid for two years under the supervision of an approved MFT supervisor while fulfilling post-graduate supervised clinical experience.
• Read more details on LGMFT.

Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements

• Completion of the requirements for the LGMFT license. 
• Pass the AMFTRB exam, and a jurisprudence exam. 
• Completion of two years of post-degree supervised clinical experience as an MFT.
  • A minimum of 2,000 hours of experience.
  • 1,000 hours of which must be face-to-face client contact.
  • 100 hours must be face-to-face clinical supervision hours. A maximum of 50 hours may be group supervision. 
  • Read details about supervision.
• Read more details on LMFT.

Licensure by Endorsement (Portability)

• Must provide verification of licenses held in other jurisdictions, with evidence of no disciplinary action.
• Pass the AMFTRB exam, and a jurisprudence exam.
• Provide verification of practicing marriage and family therapy for at least two years and 2,000 hours of practice.
• Meet or exceed the educational requirements for Maryland licensure. The Board may waive this requirement if provided with documentation of a minimum of 3 graduate semester credit hours in the following topics:
  • Diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders.
  • Sexual issues in marriage and family therapy.
  • Couples therapy, theory, and techniques.
  • Professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities in marriage and family therapy.

Read more details on Maryland MFT licensure
Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists

Continuing Education

In order to renew a license, a licensee must complete continuing education every two years. 

Required hours

• To renew a license, must complete 40 hours of continuing education.
  • A license holder who has a renewal period of less than two years must complete 20 hours. 
• Read more on required subjects and accepted courses.

 

Additional Resources

State Officials & Legislative Information

• Find elected officials

AAMFT Resources

• Find a COAMFTE-accredited program
• Approved Supervisor Directory
• AAMFT Code of Ethics
• Best Practices in the Online Practice of Couple and Family Therapy

Contact Information

• AAMFT Central
• AAMFT Advocacy