1. Earn a Qualifying Degree

- Complete a master’s or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a closely related mental health field.

- Your degree must include at least 45 semester credit hours.

- Coursework must cover: marriage/family systems, individual development, assessment, ethics, research, and clinical practice.

- Practicum/internship hours should include direct client contact under supervision.

2. Identify an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor

- Before applying, secure a supervisor who is approved by the AAMFT or the NC Board.

- You and your supervisor must sign a Supervision Agreement outlining expectations and your plan for completing hours.

3. Create a LearningBuilder Account

- NC uses LearningBuilder for online applications.

- Create a profile and begin the LMFTA application process.

4. Gather Required Documentation

- Official transcripts (sent directly from your institution).

- Proof of completed practicum/internship.

- Three professional references.

- Supervision Agreement form.

- Proof of legal name (if different on documents).

5. Submit Your Application & Fee

- Complete your LMFTA application online through LearningBuilder.

- Pay the $200 application fee (non-refundable).

- Wait for Board approval, which may take several weeks.

6. Receive Your LMFTA License

- Once approved, you’ll receive an LMFTA license valid for up to 3 years.

- You must practice under supervision during this period.

- License renewal is required annually (20 CE hours, including 3 in ethics, are required per year).

1. Accrue Required Clinical Experience

- Complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of direct client contact, including:

- No more than 500 hours from your graduate program.

- At least 500 hours must be relational (i.e., couples or families).

- Hours must be obtained under the supervision of an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor or a Board-approved supervisor.

2. Accumulate Supervision Hours

- Complete 200 hours of clinical supervision, including:

- At least 25 hours post-graduation.

- Group supervision is allowed (up to 50%).

- Documentation must be maintained using Board-approved forms.

3. Pass the National MFT Exam

- Register and pass the AMFTRB National MFT Exam.

- The Board must receive your official exam scores from the testing agency.

4. Maintain Ongoing Supervision

- You must remain in supervision and continue logging hours until the LMFT license is granted.

5. Submit LMFT Application

- When all requirements are met, submit the LMFT application through LearningBuilder.

- Upload:

Clinical hours log.

Supervision verification.

Exam scores.

Application fee: $200.

6. Receive Full Licensure

- Upon approval, you will be issued an LMFT license and may begin independent practice.

- The Board will notify you through LearningBuilder, where you can print your license certificate.

Assessment and Diagnosis

LMFTs may diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and relational disorders within individuals, couples, and families.

Treatment Planning and Implementation

Therapists develop and carry out treatment plans using systemic, relational, and evidence-based interventions.

Client Populations

Serve individuals, couples, families, and groups across diverse settings including private practice, agencies, schools, and military organizations.

Practice Settings

LMFTs can work independently once fully licensed. LMFTAs must work under direct supervision until licensed.

-Legal and Ethical Guidelines-

Title Protection

Only professionals licensed by the NC MFT Board may use the titles “LMFTA” or “LMFT.”

Governance

Regulated by the North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 90, Article 18C and 21 NCAC 31 (Administrative Code).

Must adhere to the AAMFT Code of Ethics and relevant NC legal statutes.

Supervision Rules

LMFTAs must remain under active supervision for all clinical work until full licensure.

All supervision must be documented, structured, and provided by Board-approved professionals.