How to Become an LMFT in California: Complete 2025 Guide
To become an LMFT in California, you need a master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy with at least 60 semester units, complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience (including 1,750 hours of direct counseling) within six years, and pass two state exams: the California Law and Ethics exam and the California Clinical exam. The process typically takes 6-8 years from starting graduate school to licensure, with California LMFTs earning a median salary of $63,780.
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Marriage and family therapists play a vital role in California's mental health landscape, treating individuals, couples, and families facing challenges like relationship conflicts, depression, anxiety, and family dynamics. These licensed professionals work in diverse settings, from hospitals like Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose to mental health centers like the Mental Health Center of San Diego to government agencies like the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
California is home to more marriage and family therapists than any other state, creating strong career opportunities for qualified professionals. Understanding the path to becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in California starts with knowing the specific education, experience, and licensing requirements that lead to practice.
Educational Requirements for California LMFTs
The California Board of Behavioral Sciences requires a master's or doctoral degree in specific fields related to marriage and family therapy. Your degree must fall into one of these approved categories:
- Marriage, family, and child counseling
- Marriage and family therapy
- Couple and family therapy
- Psychology
- Clinical psychology
- Counseling psychology
- Counseling or clinical mental health counseling with an emphasis in marriage, family, and child counseling or marriage and family therapy
Your university must hold basic institutional accreditation from a regional or national institutional accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education or the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. California also accepts all master's or doctoral degrees with specialty accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
Program Requirements
Approved programs must include at least 60 semester units of instruction. At least 12 semester units must focus on the principles, theories, and methods of psychotherapeutic orientations directly related to marriage and family therapy, as well as the marriage and family systems approach to treatment. These courses cover how to apply therapeutic theories to individuals, families, and couples.
Online and Hybrid Program Options
If geographic limitations or professional obligations make earning a traditional graduate degree challenging, you'll find numerous MFT graduate programs offered in hybrid or online formats. These flexible programs let you complete some or all coursework from home, making the path to becoming an LMFT more accessible for working professionals and those with family commitments.
Alternative Pathway for Related Degrees
Suppose you already hold a master's degree or higher in a related field like psychology, social work, psychiatric nursing, or ministry. In that case, you may be able to earn California LMFT licensure by completing a post-graduate training program specifically focused on marriage and family therapy.
Learn more about California MFT degree programs and schools.
Supervised Experience Requirements
After completing your approved graduate program, you'll need to accumulate at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience. This hands-on training must be completed within six years of finishing your graduate program.
As of December 2020, California established specific requirements for how these experience hours break down:
Direct Counseling Experience
You must complete a minimum of 1,750 hours of direct counseling experience. Within these hours, at least 500 hours must specifically involve diagnosing and treating couples, families, and children. This requirement ensures you develop specialized skills working with relationship and family systems.
Non-Clinical Experience
You can apply up to 1,250 hours of non-clinical experience toward your total. These hours may include:
- Direct supervision contact with your clinical supervisor
- Administering and evaluating psychological tests
- Writing clinical reports and assessments
- Writing progress notes and process notes
- Client-centered advocacy work
- Attending workshops, seminars, training sessions, or conferences directly related to marriage, family, and child counseling
This combination of direct clinical work and professional development activities provides well-rounded training for California's diverse mental health settings.
Examination Requirements
Once you've satisfied the supervised experience requirements, you'll apply to the California Board of Behavioral Science to take the required licensing examinations. The initial licensure application fee is $500.
After the Board approves your application, you'll need to schedule and pass two California-specific examinations:
1. California Law and Ethics Examination
This California-specific exam covers the laws, regulations, and ethical standards that govern marriage and family therapy practice in the state. You'll need to demonstrate understanding of California's specific legal and ethical requirements for LMFT practice.
2. California LMFT Clinical Examination
This exam focuses on clinical knowledge and skills specific to California practice settings. It assesses your ability to apply marriage and family therapy principles in real-world California contexts, including diagnosis, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions.
You must pass both exams to earn your California LMFT license. Each exam can be taken separately, allowing you to focus your preparation and retake individual exams if needed.
Application Process & Timeline
The complete path to California LMFT licensure typically takes 6-8 years from starting your graduate program to receiving your license. Here's a realistic timeline:
| Phase | Duration | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Education | 2-3 years | Complete 60+ semester units, earn a master's or doctoral degree |
| Supervised Experience | 2-4 years | Accumulate 3,000 hours (must complete within 6 years of graduation) |
| Exam Preparation & Testing | 3-6 months | Pass both required California examinations |
| License Application Processing | 2-4 months | Board reviews application, issues license |
Many aspiring LMFTs complete their supervised hours while working as associate marriage and family therapists (AMFTs), allowing them to earn income while gaining required experience.
Salary & Career Outlook in California
California offers strong career prospects for marriage and family therapists. The state employed 32,070 LMFTs as of May 2023, more than any other state in the nation. Job growth projections show an impressive 11% increase expected between 2020 and 2030, with approximately 3,170 annual job openings from new positions, retirements, and natural turnover.
California LMFT Salary Data (May 2023)
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, marriage and family therapists in California earn competitive salaries compared to national averages:
| Percentile | California Annual Salary | National Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $44,430 | $42,610 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,730 | $48,600 |
| Median (50th) | $63,780 | $63,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,660 | $85,020 |
| 90th Percentile | $121,700 | $111,610 |
| Mean (Average) | $74,660 | $72,720 |
California LMFTs at the 75th percentile and above earn notably more than the national average, with top earners making over $120,000 annually. The state's higher cost of living in metropolitan areas like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego corresponds with higher compensation for experienced therapists.
Related Mental Health Careers in California
As you explore the LMFT career path, you might also want to consider similar mental health professions in California. Each offers different educational requirements, practice scopes, and earning potential:
| Career | Education Required | Median Salary (CA) | 75th-90th Percentile (CA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical/Counseling Psychologist | PhD or PsyD | $120,520 | $142,730 - $172,750 |
| Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor | Master's in counseling | $64,840 | $80,010 - $102,940 |
| Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Worker | Master's in social work | $79,530 | $104,000 - $126,120 |
| Child, Family & School Social Worker | Master's in social work | $62,610 | $79,530 - $103,180 |
Each of these professions offers rewarding opportunities to help individuals and families improve their mental health and well-being. Your choice depends on your educational goals, preferred practice setting, and the populations you want to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an LMFT in California
How long does it take to become an LMFT in California?
The complete process typically takes 6-8 years from the start of your graduate program. This includes 2-3 years for your master's or doctoral degree, 2-4 years to complete 3,000 supervised hours (which you can often do while working as an AMFT), and several months for exam preparation and licensing application processing.
Can I get my California LMFT license with an online degree?
Yes, California accepts degrees from COAMFTE-accredited programs offered in online or hybrid formats. Your program must meet all 60-semester-unit requirements and include the required coursework in marriage and family therapy theories and methods. Many working professionals complete online MFT programs while maintaining their current employment.
What's the difference between an LMFT and an LPCC in California?
While both are licensed mental health counselors, LMFTs specialize in relationship and family systems therapy, focusing on how relationships and family dynamics affect individual mental health. LPCCs (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors) have broader training in specific mental health counseling approaches across various fields. As of May 2023, both professions have similar median salaries, with LMFTs earning $63,780 and LPCCs earning $64,840 annually in California.
Do I need COAMFTE accreditation to practice in California?
COAMFTE accreditation isn't required, but it guarantees your program meets California's requirements. If your program has COAMFTE accreditation, California automatically accepts it. Without COAMFTE accreditation, your school needs regional or national institutional accreditation, and you must verify that your specific program meets all California coursework requirements.
How much does it cost to apply for California LMFT licensure?
The initial licensure application fee to the California Board of Behavioral Science is $500. This is separate from the Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) registration fee of $150 if you register to work under supervision before completing your hours. Additional costs include exam fees for the two required California exams (Law and Ethics exam and Clinical exam), which typically total $300-400. You'll also need to factor in costs for supervision during your 3,000 hours of experience.
Can I work as a therapist in California while completing my supervised hours?
Yes, you can register as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) with the California Board of Behavioral Science. This registration allows you to provide therapy services under supervision while accumulating your required 3,000 hours. Many aspiring LMFTs work as AMFTs in community mental health centers, private practices, or hospitals.
What happens if I don't complete my 3,000 hours within six years?
California requires you to complete all supervised experience within six years of finishing your graduate degree. If you don't meet this deadline, you may need to complete additional coursework or retake specific requirements. It's important to work consistently toward your hours and maintain regular supervision to stay on track.
Key Takeaways
- Education First: You'll need a master's or doctoral degree with at least 60 semester units from a regionally accredited or COAMFTE-accredited program, with 12 units specifically in marriage and family therapy theory and methods.
- Supervised Experience: California requires 3,000 hours completed within six years, including at least 1,750 hours of direct counseling (with 500 hours treating couples, families, and children) and up to 1,250 hours of non-clinical activities.
- Two California Exams Required: You must pass the California Law and Ethics exam and the California Clinical exam to earn your LMFT license.
- Strong Career Outlook: California employs more LMFTs than any other state (32,070 positions as of May 2023), with 11% job growth projected through 2030 and competitive median salaries of $63,780, reaching $121,700 for top earners.
- Timeline Planning: Plan for a total of 6-8 years from starting graduate school to licensure, with most of that time spent gaining valuable supervised clinical experience while working as an associate therapist.
Schools with MFT Degree Programs Accepting Students from California
Ready to Start Your California LMFT Journey?
The path to becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in California offers the chance to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career. With strong job growth, competitive salaries, and diverse practice opportunities across the state, there's never been a better time to pursue LMFT licensure.
Find California LMFT Programs
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Marriage & Family Therapists are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
