Becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Colorado
To become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Colorado, you'll need a COAMFTE-accredited master's or doctoral degree, complete 2,000 supervised clinical hours (master's track) or 1,500 hours (doctoral track), and pass both the AMFTRB National Examination and Colorado Jurisprudence Exam. The complete process typically takes 6-8 years, with Colorado LMFTs earning a median salary of $69,990.
Colorado faces a growing mental health crisis, with over one-third of adults reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression. As families navigate increasingly complex challenges, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists play a crucial role in strengthening relationships and improving mental health outcomes across the state. With 810 licensed LMFTs currently practicing in Colorado and strong job growth projected at 14% through 2031, now is an excellent time to pursue this rewarding career.
The path to becoming an LMFT in Colorado is comprehensive and well-defined. You'll need specialized graduate education, extensive supervised clinical experience working directly with couples and families, and successful completion of national and state examinations. While the journey requires significant time and dedication, Colorado's competitive salaries and diverse practice opportunities make it a worthwhile investment for those passionate about family systems therapy.
This complete guide walks you through every requirement for Colorado LMFT licensure, from choosing an accredited program to maintaining your license. Whether you're just starting to explore the field or you're an out-of-state therapist seeking Colorado licensure, you'll find the practical information you need to navigate the process successfully.
Table of Contents
- Educational Requirements for Colorado LMFTs
- Post-Degree Supervised Experience Requirements
- Licensure Examinations in Colorado
- Colorado LMFT Application Process
- Continuing Professional Development Requirements
- Colorado LMFT Salary and Career Outlook
- License Reciprocity and Endorsement
- Frequently Asked Questions
Educational Requirements for Colorado LMFTs
Colorado requires all LMFT applicants to hold a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field. The Colorado State Board of Marriage and Family Therapist Examiners, operating under the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), sets strict educational standards to ensure all licensed therapists have the foundational knowledge needed to practice safely and effectively.
Your master's or doctoral degree must be from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), or an equivalent program approved by the Colorado Board. COAMFTE accreditation is the gold standard in MFT education, ensuring programs meet rigorous standards for faculty qualifications, curriculum content, clinical training, and student outcomes. If your degree is from a non-COAMFTE-accredited program, you'll need to submit detailed course syllabi and descriptions for individual Board review to determine substantial equivalency. The Board evaluates each program individually, which can add several weeks to your application processing time.
The required coursework must include specific content areas mandated by Colorado regulations. Your program must provide at least nine semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) in each of these three core areas:
- Human Development: Coursework covering individual development across the lifespan, family life cycle stages, and developmental theories applicable to clinical practice.
- Marital and Family Studies: Content on family systems theory, couple dynamics, family structure and functioning, and sociocultural contexts affecting families.
- Marital and Family Therapy: Clinical techniques, intervention strategies, treatment planning, and evidence-based approaches specifically designed for working with couples and families.
Additionally, your program must include at least 3 semester hours each in research methods and professional studies (ethics, legal issues, professional identity). This ensures you can critically evaluate research, apply evidence-based practices, and navigate the ethical complexities of clinical work.
All graduate programs must include a supervised practicum or internship totaling at least 300 hours of clinical experience. This hands-on training allows you to apply classroom knowledge under close supervision before entering post-degree supervised practice. When you apply for licensure, you'll need a letter of completion from your practicum supervisor documenting these hours.
Several Colorado universities offer COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs, including Colorado State University's well-established program in Fort Collins. Whether you choose a campus-based or hybrid program format, make sure to verify the current COAMFTE accreditation status directly with the Commission, as accreditation can change. You can also explore MFT degree programs in Colorado to find options that match your educational goals and schedule.
| Degree Level | Typical Duration | Credit Hours | Clinical Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's in MFT | 2-3 years | 48-60 credits | 300+ practicum hours |
| Doctoral (PhD/PsyD in MFT) | 4-6 years | 90-120 credits | 500+ practicum hours, dissertation |
The Board may credit military training toward Colorado licensing requirements if it determines the training is substantially equivalent to the required MFT education. Veterans should submit detailed documentation of their training, including course descriptions, clinical hours, and supervision received, for individual evaluation.
Post-Degree Supervised Experience Requirements
After completing your graduate degree, you'll enter a period of supervised clinical practice before you can apply for full LMFT licensure. During this time, you'll work as a Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate (LMFTC), practicing under the oversight of an approved supervisor while accumulating the required hours. This supervised experience is where you develop the clinical skills and professional judgment needed for independent practice.
Colorado's supervised experience requirements differ based on whether you hold a master's or doctoral degree. Both tracks require extensive direct client contact, with specific emphasis on working with couples and families rather than only individuals.
Master's-Level Supervised Experience Requirements
If you completed a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, you must accumulate at least 2,000 clock hours of post-degree supervised experience over a minimum of two years. This extended timeframe ensures you gain experience across different seasons, populations, and clinical situations. The hours break down as follows:
- 1,500 hours must be direct client contact: This means face-to-face therapeutic sessions with clients, whether conducted in person or via telehealth. Administrative tasks, case notes, treatment planning, and other indirect activities don't count toward this requirement.
- 1,000 hours must involve couples or families: At least half your clinical work must focus on relational therapy with two or more family members present. This ensures you develop specialized competency in systemic interventions, not just individual therapy skills.
- 100 hours of clinical supervision required: You need regular oversight from an approved supervisor throughout your experience period. At least 50 of these hours must be individual, face-to-face supervision. The remaining 50 hours can be any combination of individual or group supervision.
Doctoral-Level Supervised Experience Requirements
Candidates with doctoral degrees in marriage and family therapy have reduced experience requirements, recognizing the additional clinical training typically included in doctoral programs. You must complete at least 1,500 clock hours of direct client contact over a minimum of one year. The specific requirements include:
- 1,500 hours of face-to-face client contact: All hours must be direct clinical service delivery, meeting the same standards as the master's-level requirement.
- 1,000 hours with couples or families: Two-thirds of your clinical work must focus on relational therapy involving multiple family members.
- 75 hours of clinical supervision: You need at least 37.5 hours of individual, face-to-face supervision, with the remainder coming from individual or group supervision.
| Requirement | Master's Track | Doctoral Track |
|---|---|---|
| Total Clock Hours | 2,000 hours | 1,500 hours |
| Minimum Time Period | 2 years | 1 year |
| Direct Client Contact | 1,500 hours | 1,500 hours |
| Couples/Family Hours | 1,000 hours | 1,000 hours |
| Total Supervision | 100 hours | 75 hours |
| Individual Supervision | 50 hours minimum | 37.5 hours minimum |
Finding and Working with an Approved Supervisor
Your clinical supervisor must be an actively licensed LMFT in Colorado or hold another mental health license approved by the Board (such as a licensed psychologist or professional counselor with appropriate training in systemic therapy). If your supervisor is not a Colorado LMFT, you'll need to submit additional documentation demonstrating their qualifications, which can complicate your application.
Supervision typically costs between $75-150 per hour in Colorado, depending on your location and supervisor's experience level. Most candidates budget $4,000-8,000 for supervision over their candidacy period. Some community mental health agencies include supervision as part of employment benefits, making them attractive settings for completing your hours.
You can work full-time or part-time during your supervised experience period, but the minimum two-year requirement (for master's-level candidates) ensures you can't rush through the process. This extended timeframe allows you to develop clinical maturity, experience seasonal variations in client presentations, and build a diverse clinical portfolio. Upon completion, your supervisor will provide a formal statement verifying your experience, which you'll submit with your licensure application.
Licensure Examinations in Colorado
Colorado requires all LMFT candidates to pass two separate examinations before granting full licensure. These exams assess both your clinical competency in marriage and family therapy and your understanding of Colorado-specific laws and regulations governing practice.
AMFTRB MFT National Examination
The Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) develops and administers the national licensing examination used by Colorado and most other states. This computer-based exam tests your knowledge of clinical practice, ethical decision-making, and professional standards in marriage and family therapy.
The exam contains 200 multiple-choice questions covering domains such as the practice of systemic therapy, assessing and diagnosing client systems, designing and conducting treatment, evaluating ongoing processes and terminating treatment, managing crises, and maintaining ethical and legal standards. You'll have four hours to complete the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.
The AMFTRB exam costs $275, plus any applicable site fees. You can take the exam during one of four testing windows throughout the year. Colorado allows you to sit for the exam as early as your final academic term if you've met all other requirements, which can streamline your path to licensure.
The national pass rate for first-time test takers typically ranges from 75-80%, though rates vary by testing period. AMFTRB offers study materials, including practice questions, content outlines, and a candidate handbook, available on their website. Many candidates also use commercial study guides or form study groups to prepare. Most successful candidates report studying 40-60 hours over 6-8 weeks before the exam.
Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination
In addition to the national exam, you must pass Colorado's online jurisprudence examination. This test specifically covers the Colorado Mental Health Practice Act, state regulations for marriage and family therapists, scope of practice boundaries, mandatory reporting requirements, confidentiality laws, and ethical standards specific to Colorado practice.
The jurisprudence exam is administered online, and you may take it once you've applied for licensure. It's open-book, allowing you to reference the statutes and regulations during the test. Most candidates spend two to three hours reviewing Colorado's Mental Health Practice Act and Board rules before taking the exam. The Colorado DORA website provides all necessary study materials at no cost.
If you don't pass either examination on your first attempt, you can retake it. The AMFTRB exam can be retaken after a 90-day waiting period, with additional fees required for each attempt. The jurisprudence exam typically has no waiting period for retakes. Your AMFTRB exam scores remain valid for three years from the date you pass. If you don't complete your Colorado licensure application within this timeframe, you'll need to retake the examination. However, once you obtain licensure in any state using your AMFTRB score, that score remains valid indefinitely for endorsement applications to other states participating in the AMFTRB system.
Colorado LMFT Application Process
Once you've completed your education, supervised experience, and examinations, you're ready to apply for full LMFT licensure in Colorado. The application process is managed through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Professions and Occupations.
The application requires extensive documentation to verify you've met all requirements. You'll need to submit official transcripts from your graduate program showing degree conferral and required coursework, verification of your supervised experience signed by your supervisor(s), proof of passing scores on both the AMFTRB and jurisprudence examinations, verification of any prior mental health licenses you've held in other states, and a completed criminal background check.
If your degree is from a non-COAMFTE-accredited program, you'll also need to provide detailed course syllabi and descriptions for all required content areas. The Board reviews these materials individually to determine substantial equivalency, which can add several weeks to your processing time.
The initial application for LMFT Candidate status costs $55. This allows you to begin your supervised experience under temporary licensure. Once you've completed all requirements and applied for full LMFT licensure, additional fees apply based on the current fee schedule published by DORA. License renewal occurs on a two-year cycle, with fees typically around $200-250 per renewal period.
Application processing typically takes four to eight weeks for complete applications with all required documentation. Incomplete applications or those requiring additional review can take significantly longer. The Board meets regularly to review applications, but timing depends on when your application is deemed complete relative to their meeting schedule.
Common mistakes that delay applications include submitting unofficial transcripts instead of official ones, incomplete supervision verification forms missing required signatures or details, applying before all supervised hours are actually completed, and failing to disclose prior licenses or disciplinary actions in other states. Taking time to carefully review all requirements and double-check your documentation before submitting can save months of processing delays.
Continuing Professional Development Requirements
Maintaining your Colorado LMFT license requires ongoing professional development to ensure you stay current with evolving research, clinical techniques, and ethical standards. Colorado mandates that all licensed Marriage and Family Therapists complete continuing professional development (CPD) activities regularly.
You must complete at least 40 hours of approved CPD activities during each two-year renewal period. These hours must be earned before you submit your license renewal application, not during the renewal year. The Board expects you to engage in activities that enhance your clinical competence, keep you informed about advances in the field, and strengthen your professional skills.
Acceptable CPD activities include workshops and seminars related to marriage and family therapy practice, academic courses relevant to clinical practice, professional conferences focused on mental health or family systems, clinical supervision of other therapists (if you're an approved supervisor), published research or professional writing, presentations at professional conferences or training events, and online courses from approved providers. The Board maintains standards for what qualifies, so verify approval status before counting hours toward your requirement.
Colorado doesn't mandate specific content areas for your CPD hours, giving you flexibility to focus on areas relevant to your practice setting and client population. However, staying current on ethics, cultural competency, and evidence-based practices is strongly encouraged. Many therapists include at least a few hours of ethics training in each renewal cycle, even though it's not strictly required.
You must maintain documentation of your CPD activities, including certificates of completion, course descriptions, dates attended, and hours earned. The Board conducts random audits of renewal applications, so keep these records for at least four years after each renewal. Failure to complete required CPD hours can result in license suspension or additional continuing education requirements as a condition of renewal.
Your license expires on August 31st of odd-numbered years (e.g., 2025, 2027, 2029). You can submit your renewal application up to 90 days before expiration, and you have a 60-day grace period after expiration to renew with a late fee. If your license lapses beyond this grace period, you'll need to apply for reinstatement, which requires demonstrating you've completed all CPD requirements plus meeting additional conditions set by the Board.
Colorado LMFT Salary and Career Outlook
Marriage and Family Therapists in Colorado enjoy competitive salaries and strong career prospects. The field offers financial stability combined with the intrinsic rewards of helping families strengthen their relationships and overcome challenges.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), Marriage and Family Therapists in Colorado earn a median annual salary of $69,990. This means half of Colorado LMFTs earn more than this amount, and half earn less. The median salary in Colorado is notably higher than the national median of $63,780 for the same profession, reflecting Colorado's strong demand for mental health services and relatively high cost of living in major metropolitan areas.
Salary ranges vary significantly based on experience level, practice setting, geographic location within the state, and areas of specialization. Entry-level LMFTs in Colorado typically start near the 10th percentile wage of $43,750 annually. As you gain experience, develop specialized skills, and build your reputation, earnings increase substantially. The 75th percentile for Colorado LMFTs is $104,990, while top earners at the 90th percentile make $126,700 or more annually.
The mean (average) annual salary for Colorado LMFTs is $89,280, higher than the median due to high earners in private practice and specialized settings. This suggests significant income potential for therapists who develop expertise in high-demand areas or establish successful private practices.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $43,750 | $21.03 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,960 | $26.42 |
| Median (50th) | $69,990 | $33.65 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,990 | $50.48 |
| 90th Percentile | $126,700 | $60.91 |
| Mean (Average) | $89,280 | $42.92 |
Colorado currently has approximately 810 licensed Marriage and Family Therapists actively practicing in the state. Despite this existing workforce, demand continues to grow as awareness of mental health needs increases and insurance coverage for therapy services expands. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14% employment growth for Marriage and Family Therapists nationally from 2021 through 2031, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to excellent job security and numerous opportunities for new graduates.
Practice settings significantly influence salary potential and work-life balance. LMFTs work in individual and family services organizations, which employ the highest percentage of therapists in the field. Other common settings include outpatient mental health centers, hospitals and medical facilities, residential treatment programs, schools and educational institutions, government agencies, and private practice (solo or group).
Private practice offers the highest income potential, with established therapists often earning well above the 75th percentile, but it requires business skills, self-motivation, and typically several years of experience to build a steady client base. Agency positions provide more stability, regular hours, built-in supervision and consultation, and benefits packages, though salaries may be lower than in private practice. Many therapists start in agency settings to gain experience and build confidence before transitioning to private practice.
Specialization can significantly boost earning potential. LMFTs who develop expertise in high-demand areas such as trauma-informed care, substance abuse treatment, adolescent therapy, divorce and custody issues, or specific evidence-based approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) or Gottman Method Couples Therapy often command higher fees and have full caseloads.
Geographic location within Colorado also affects salary. LMFTs practicing in the Denver metro area, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and other Front Range communities typically earn higher salaries due to larger populations, higher cost of living, and greater concentration of potential clients. Rural and mountain communities may offer lower salaries but often have tremendous need for mental health services and may offer loan repayment programs or other incentives to attract therapists.
Suppose you're interested in exploring other mental health licensing pathways in Colorado. In that case, you might also consider becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, pursuing psychologist licensure, or becoming a licensed social worker in Colorado.
License Reciprocity and Endorsement
If you're already licensed as an LMFT in another state and want to practice in Colorado, you may be eligible for licensure by endorsement rather than starting the application process from scratch. This streamlined pathway recognizes your existing credentials while ensuring you meet Colorado's specific requirements.
To qualify for licensure by endorsement, you must hold a current, active LMFT license (or substantial equivalent) in good standing from another state. Your credentials must be substantially equivalent to Colorado's requirements, meaning you completed similar education, supervised experience, and examination requirements. You'll need verification sent directly from your current licensing jurisdiction(s) to the Colorado Board, documenting your license status, issue date, and any disciplinary history.
Colorado participates in the AMFTRB endorsement process, which facilitates license mobility between states. If you passed the AMFTRB examination in your original state, Colorado will accept that score rather than requiring you to retake the exam. However, you'll still need to pass Colorado's jurisprudence examination covering state-specific laws and regulations.
The endorsement application requires you to demonstrate either completion of post-degree supervised practice meeting Colorado's standards or at least two years of active practice as a licensed LMFT, averaging at least 20 hours per week, with no break in practice exceeding six months. This ensures you have recent, relevant clinical experience even if your original licensing requirements differed from Colorado's current standards.
If you're a military spouse or veteran, Colorado offers additional provisions to expedite licensure. The state must issue a license within 30 days to qualified military spouses who hold a valid license in another state and are in good standing. Active duty service members and veterans may receive credit for military training and experience if the Board determines it's substantially equivalent to the required MFT education and supervised practice.
While endorsement simplifies the process compared to initial licensure, you should still expect several months for application review, background checks, and verification processing. Start the endorsement application before relocating to Colorado if possible, and maintain your out-of-state license in good standing throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an LMFT in Colorado?
The complete timeline from starting graduate school to obtaining full LMFT licensure typically takes six to eight years. This includes two to three years for your master's degree, two or more years completing supervised clinical hours (or one or more years with a doctoral degree), and several months for the application and examination process. Some variation occurs depending on whether you attend school full-time or part-time and how quickly you accumulate supervised hours.
What's the difference between an LMFT and an LPC in Colorado?
Both LMFTs (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists) and LPCs (Licensed Professional Counselors) are licensed mental health professionals in Colorado, but they have different training focuses and theoretical orientations. LMFTs receive specialized education in systems theory and relational therapy, emphasizing work with couples and families as interconnected units. LPCs have broader training in various counseling approaches and typically work more with individuals, though many also see couples. Both licenses allow independent practice, insurance reimbursement, and similar scopes of practice under Colorado law.
Can I get my Colorado LMFT license with an out-of-state degree?
Yes, you can obtain Colorado LMFT licensure with a degree from an out-of-state program, provided it meets Colorado's requirements. If your degree is from a COAMFTE-accredited program anywhere in the United States, Colorado will recognize it. If your degree is not COAMFTE-accredited, you'll need to submit detailed course syllabi and descriptions for the Board to evaluate whether your education is substantially equivalent to Colorado's requirements. This individual review process can add time to your application.
How much does LMFT supervision cost in Colorado?
Supervision rates in Colorado typically range from $75-150 per hour, depending on the supervisor's experience, location, and whether supervision is individual or group. Since you need 100 hours of supervision for the master's track (with at least 50 individual hours), expect to budget approximately $4,000-8,000 total for supervision over your candidacy period. Some community mental health centers and agencies include supervision as part of employment benefits, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
What is the pass rate for the AMFTRB exam?
The AMFTRB MFT National Examination has a first-time pass rate typically ranging from 75-80%, though exact rates vary by testing period. The exam is challenging and requires thorough preparation, but most candidates who study systematically for 6-8 weeks pass on their first attempt. AMFTRB provides study resources, including practice questions and content outlines. If you don't pass initially, you can retake the exam after a 90-day waiting period.
Can I practice therapy while completing my supervised hours?
Yes, you can practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate (LMFTC) while accumulating your supervised hours. You must hold an active candidate license from Colorado DORA, work under the supervision of an approved supervisor, and clearly identify yourself as a candidate (not a fully licensed LMFT) in all professional communications. You can see clients, bill insurance (in many cases), and gain valuable clinical experience, but you must maintain regular supervision throughout this period.
Does Colorado accept COAMFTE-accredited online degrees?
Colorado accepts degrees from COAMFTE-accredited programs regardless of delivery format, including online and hybrid programs. What matters is COAMFTE accreditation, not whether courses were delivered in person or online. However, you should verify the current accreditation status directly with COAMFTE before enrolling, as accreditation can change. Some programs hold accreditation for on-campus tracks but not online versions, so confirm specifically for your intended program format.
What happens if I let my Colorado LMFT license expire?
If your license expires and you don't renew within the 60-day grace period, your license lapses, and you must cease practicing immediately. To reinstate a lapsed license, you'll need to submit a reinstatement application, pay reinstatement fees (higher than renewal fees), demonstrate you've completed all continuing education requirements for the lapsed period, and potentially meet additional conditions imposed by the Board. The reinstatement process can take several months, during which you cannot practice. It's much simpler to renew on time or within the grace period.
Can Colorado LMFTs prescribe medication?
No, LMFTs in Colorado cannot prescribe medication. Prescriptive authority is limited to physicians, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and (in some states) psychologists with additional training. As an LMFT, your scope of practice focuses on psychotherapy, assessment, diagnosis of mental health conditions, and family systems interventions. If clients need medication evaluation, you would refer them to an appropriate prescriber while continuing to provide therapy.
Do I need malpractice insurance to practice as an LMFT in Colorado?
While Colorado doesn't legally require LMFTs to carry malpractice insurance, it's strongly recommended and often required by employers or as a condition of insurance panel membership. Professional liability insurance protects you from financial loss if a client files a lawsuit alleging malpractice, negligence, or ethical violations. Policies typically cost $500-1,500 annually, depending on coverage limits and whether you practice independently or are covered under an employer's policy. Most professional associations offer group rates on malpractice insurance.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado LMFT licensure requires a COAMFTE-accredited graduate degree, 2,000 supervised clinical hours for master's-level candidates (1,500 for doctoral), and successful completion of both the AMFTRB National Examination and Colorado Jurisprudence Exam.
- The complete pathway from starting graduate school to full licensure typically takes 6-8 years, with significant time dedicated to supervised clinical experience working directly with couples and families.
- Colorado LMFTs earn a competitive median salary of $69,990 annually, significantly higher than the national median, with experienced therapists and those in private practice earning $100,000 or more.
- The profession offers excellent job security with 14% projected growth through 2031, driven by increasing awareness of mental health needs and expanding insurance coverage for therapy services.
- Maintaining your license requires completing 40 hours of continuing professional development every two years, ensuring you stay current with evolving clinical practices and ethical standards.
Ready to Start Your Marriage and Family Therapy Career in Colorado?
Explore COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs in Colorado and take the first step toward becoming a licensed therapist who makes a lasting difference in families' lives.
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.
