What Are the MFT License Requirements in California?
Working as a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT) can be a rewarding career. And those living in California are already in a great location to join the field of psychology. For example:
- As of May 2024, more licensed MFTs were employed in California than in any other state, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- California is projected to experience 26.6% growth in positions for licensed MFTs through 2032, reported by Projections Central, a workforce forecasting website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
- All counties and regions of California are experiencing shortages of nonprescribing, licensed behavioral health clinicians, according to a 2025 report from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI).
For those who are interested in working as licensed MFTs and helping people improve their lives, enrolling in a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology (MSCP) program can be worthwhile to meet the MFT license requirements in California and enter the field.
What Is an MFT License?
An MFT license is a required credential that serves as evidence that an individual has the expertise and experience to offer services in the field of marriage and family therapy. Through their graduate-level education in areas such as family systems and psychotherapy, as well as their clinical experience, licensed MFTs in California serve as mental health professionals who have the knowledge and skills to address a range of issues within the context of a marriage, family, or other group.
An individual who meets California MFT licensing requirements is also knowledgeable about ethical and legal requirements for working in the profession. In addition, to retain their licenses, licensed MFTs in California must adhere to requirements to stay up to date in their field by meeting continuing education requirements.
What Can You Do With an MFT License?
Satisfying the requirements for MFT licensing in California can allow an individual to offer services to treat a range of disorders and challenges within the context of a marriage, family, individual, or other group. For example, a licensed MFT can help clients address issues in areas such as:
- Adolescent behavior challenges
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sexual abuse
- Marital distress
- Infidelity
- Bipolar disorder
- Caregiving for adults
- Gender identity
- Substance abuse and addiction
The responsibilities of a licensed MFT include:
- Conducting client assessments and pinpointing their emotional and psychological needs
- Developing treatment plans to help clients address their challenges, implement various coping strategies, and strengthen their decision-making abilities
- Speaking with their clients about their experiences and emotions
- Assisting clients in processing how they react to events in their lives
- Helping clients adjust to changes in their lives (for example, divorce)
- Referring clients to specialists or other resources if needed
- Maintaining confidential client information
According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), licensed MFTs typically provide short-term marriage and family therapy — over an average of 12 therapy sessions.
How to Get an MFT License in California
Making the effort to become a therapist focusing on marriage and family therapy is a worthwhile endeavor that can result in a fulfilling career. The process to meet the requirements for MFT licensing in California are outlined below.
1. Complete an Undergraduate Degree Program
Completing a bachelor’s degree program in a discipline such as psychology, social work, or a related field can establish a solid foundation of knowledge for those who want to become an MFT. For example, earning an undergraduate degree in psychology, an individual can acquire expertise in subjects such as personality theory, cognitive psychology, social psychology, and lifespan development.
2. Earn a Graduate Degree
Individuals who aspire to become licensed MFTs in California must earn a master’s or doctoral degree from a degree program that meets requirements set forth in the California Business and Professions Code.
Examples of the types of graduate degrees necessary to become a licensed MFT in California include graduate degrees in field such as:
- Clinical psychology
- Counseling psychology
- Marriage, family, and child counseling
- Marriage and family therapy
- Couples and family therapy
- Psychology
These types of graduate degree programs offer students expertise in subjects such as:
- Couples psychotherapy
- Family systems and relational psychotherapy
- Clinical assessment and treatment
- Psychotherapy innovations
- Diagnosis and treatment of addictions
- Positive psychology and mindfulness
In addition to coursework, graduate programs require students to complete practicums in which they receive valuable training and experience in providing therapy services.
3. Satisfy California Requirements Regarding Supervised Work Experience
After completing qualifying graduate degree programs, individuals must satisfy California’s requirements for MFT licensing in a supervised work experience.
Before gaining the required experience, an individual must register with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to earn the Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) credential.
After registering as an AMFT, an individual must complete 104 weeks of supervision and 3,000 hours of supervised work experience providing therapy and performing related responsibilities (for example, writing clinical reports). This experience must meet all California requirements, and they must submit all required documentation regarding their supervised work experience to the BBS.
4. Pass Required Exams, and Obtain and Maintain California Licensure
After completing supervised work experience requirements, an individual must:
- Pass a required California law and ethics exam
- Apply for licensure from the BBS
- Pass a licensed MFT clinical exam
- Receive licensure to practice independently
California licenses for MFTs expire every two years. To renew a license, an individual must pay a fee and complete 36 hours of continuing education, including six hours of education in law and ethics.
Meet California MFT Licensing Requirements and Pursue a Rewarding Career
Getting the education and experience necessary to satisfy MFT licensure requirements in California could allow you to launch a meaningful career helping others improve their lives. Individuals who become licensed MFTs have the opportunity to apply their expertise and experience in ways that make a lasting difference.
Individuals who are interested in launching careers in marriage and family therapy can explore the Notre Dame de Namur University MSCP degree program to learn how it can help them reach their goals. Preparing students for professional roles in both clinical and business settings, the program offers students expertise that aligns with contemporary mental health demands. Start working to achieve your career ambitions in psychology today.
Recommended Readings
How Long Does It Take to Get a Psychology Degree?
Master of Arts vs. Master of Science: What’s the Difference?
Where Do Clinical Psychologists, Therapists, & Counselors Work
Sources:
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, About Marriage and Family Therapists
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Therapy Topics
California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Handbook for Future LMFTs
Projections Central, Long-Term Occupational Projections (2022-2032)
Teal, How to Become a Counselor
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Marriage and Family Therapists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles