Becoming a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in Arizona

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How to Become a Marriage Family Therapist in Arizona

Arizona is ripe with opportunity for marriage family therapists. Working with individuals, couples, and families within the family dynamic, marriage and family therapists have a deep understanding of how any number of mental health conditions and problems are influenced by the family relationship. These highly educated, state-licensed mental health professions treat depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, alcohol/drug abuse, childhood autism, marital problems, child-parent problems, and much more.

The work of marriage and family therapists is valued in a wide variety of settings ranging from mental health centers like Sierra Tucson in Tucson to governmental entities like the Arizona Department of Health Services in Phoenix to small private practices throughout the state.

Learning how to become a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in Arizona starts with an overview of state education and licensing requirements.

Licensing Requirements for Marriage Family Therapists in Arizona

To become an LMFT in Arizona, you must first earn a master’s or doctorate degree in marriage, couple, and family counseling or another area of behavioral health science that’s been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

MFT Educational Track	Education Requirements	Education Length	Available Programs
Undergraduate Work	Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Counseling	4 Years	Online or Campus
Graduate Work	Earn a Master's Degree in Counseling	5-6 Years	Online or Campus
PHD or Doctoral Work	Earn a Doctorate in Counseling	7-8 Years	Online or Campus

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Work Experience Required for MFT Licensure in Arizona

Once you’ve earned your degree, you must complete at least 3,200 hours of work experience within a minimum of two years’ time. You must complete this requirement under the direct supervision of a licensed counselor who’s approved by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.

At least one half of the required hours (1,600) hours must be in direct client contact. One thousand of these hours must in direct client contact with families and couples, while the final 600 hours can be with groups and individuals.

Examination Requirements to Become a Counselor in Arizona

To become an LMFT in Arizona, you must take and pass the national exam developed by the Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).

You’ll be able to take the exam either after you’ve completed your education or after you’ve completed your supervised experience. You’ll apply with the Board and pay the $250 application fee. Once the Board approves your application, you’ll be eligible to schedule and take the exam.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Career Outlook In Arizona

Between 2020 and 2030, jobs among marriage and family therapists in Arizona are projected to grow by 39% - that’s much higher than the national projected growth rate of 14% (between 2021 and 2031) during this time.

During this ten-year period leading to 2030, the state expects about 150 annual job openings in this profession through a combination of new job growth, retirements, and natural job turnover.

As of May 2022, marriage and family therapists in Arizona earned a median salary of $46,860, while seasoned pros in this field earned salaries that reflected the 75^th – 90^th percentile, which was about $64,280 - $64,290.

Research Additional Psychology Professional Licenses Granted by Arizona

As you begin to learn more about how to become an LMFT and the career possibilities in this field, you may also want to explore the licensing processes and earning potential of similar careers:

Learn how to become a psychologist in Arizona: Requires a PhD or a PsyD; clinical, counseling, and school psychologists in Arizona earned a median salary of $82,210 as of May 2022, while the profession’s top earners (75^th – 90^th percentile) earned about $105,340 - $140,050 during this time.
Learn how to become a counselor in Arizona: Requires a master’s degree with a focus in the specialty; substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earned a median salary of $41,560 in Arizona as of May 2022, while those with considerable experience earned salaries that more closely reflected the 75^th – 90^th percentile, which was $49,220 - $61,960 during this time.
Learn how to become a social worker in Arizona: Requires a master’s in social work; Arizona’s child, family, and school social workers earned a median salary of $43,060, and mental health and substance abuse social workers earned a median salary of $41,560 as of May 2022. The top earners in these fields (75^th – 90^thpercentile) earned $48,060 - $59,890 and $49,220 - $61,960, respectively, during this time.