Becoming a LMFT-A in NC

To be considered for a LMFT-A license in the state of North Carolina, a candidate must first successfully complete the academic requirements ( i.e. qualifying degree, minimum of a masters, additional coursework, etc.) and then apply for and pass the National MFT Examination.

During this process candidates should begin interviewing to select their AAMFT Approved Supervisor. The selected AAMFT Approved Supervisor will play an important role in clinical oversight of the training and development of the candidate’s therapeutic skills during the associate licensure time period. Once candidate has made a selection for their AAMFT Approved Supervisor, they will complete the NC supervision agreement.

Candidate may then submit their application for LMFT-A . The application fee is $200.

Passing the examination does not authorize you to practice MFT or use the title of LMFT or LMFT-A in NC until the Board has approved your full application for licensure.

Licensure cannot be approved until, in addition to all other requirements, an official transcript verifying your degree has been conferred has been received directly from the university.

Click to learn more from NC MFT Licensure Board on LMFTA requirements.

Becoming a LMFT in NC

The North Carolina Marriage & Family Therapy Board requires evidence of supervised clinical experience to obtain full licensure. A minimum of 1500 direct (face-to-face) counseling hours, at least 1000 of which need to be post-graduate hours, and 200 supervision hours with an AAMFT-approved supervisor is required to be eligible for full licensure.

Reciprocity for Out-of-State Providers

The North Carolina Marriage & Family Therapy Board does have an option for reciprocity where providers from other states may meet requirements for licensure in NC.

Some of the reciprocity consideration for Out-of-State LMFT applicants include:

Out-of-State LMFT applicant is fully licensed as a marriage and family therapist for a minimum of five (5) years. Their license must current, in good standing, and minimum of five years must be five continuous years prior to application.
Out-of-State LMFT applicant is licensed in another jurisdiction whose requirements meet or exceed North Carolina’s requirements.
- Currently all states are recognized as meeting or exceeding North Carolina’s requirements.
Out-of-State LMFT applicant may not have unresolved ethical or legal complaints in any jurisdiction.
Out-of-State LMFT applicant must have passed the National MFT Examination.

Click to learn more from NC MFT Licensure Board on Reciprocity Considerations & Requirements.