PURSUING LICENSURE

The unique training and clinical practice of a marriage and family therapist sets this group apart from other mental health professions. Several higher education institutions across the state of Texas offer a degree in a marriage and family therapy and others include tracks geared toward the MFT field.

Find an MFT Program

Seeking Your License in Texas?

If you are seeking a license in marriage and family therapy, we suggest that you contact the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC). BHEC is your resource on all questions regarding the process toward licensure and the requirements of maintaining that hard-fought professional designation. You will be able to find many resources on their website, including:

• Rules & Statutes for MFTs under the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council that outline the professional requirements of all MFT students and licensees
• Rosters of MFT professionals, which could be useful when searching for a supervisor, along with a list of approved supervisors
• MFT Application Information:
• Paper: MFT Board Approved Supervisor
• Online Licensing System (MUST be done online): Initial MFT Associate, Upgrade to full MFT, MFT from out-of-state
• Renewing Your License
• Other resources when pursuing licensure:
• Forms and publications
• Information on the State Jurisprudence Exam, which is required in order to obtain licensure

See the Steps of the Licensure Process

Continuing Education Requirements

• Licensed marriage and family therapists are required to obtain a minimum of 30 clock hours of continuing education during each renewal period they hold a license.
• LMFT Associates are not required to complete renewal requirements, such as continuing education, because the five-year Associate license may not be renewed. If an Associate does not satisfy experience requirements for upgrade to LMFT within the five-year license period, the person may apply for a new Associate license.
• Successful completion of a training course on human trafficking prevention described by §116.002 of the Occupations Code. Licensees who complete this training may claim 1 hour of continuing education credit.
• An LMFT must complete 30 hours of continuing education during each renewal period that they hold a license.
• Of those 30, at least 6 of the hours obtained must be in the area of ethics. These hours may be counted toward the total number of hours required.
• Of those 30, at least 3 of the hours obtained must be in the area of cultural diversity or competency. These hours may be counted toward the total number of hours required.
• To maintain supervisory status, a supervisor must successfully complete a minimum of 3 hours of clinical supervision continuing education each renewal period and pass the jurisprudence examination.