How to Become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Iowa
To become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Iowa, you need a master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a program approved by the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science, complete 300 internship hours during your degree, then fulfill 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience over at least two years (including 110 hours of individual supervision), and pass the AMFTRB (Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards) national examination. Iowa LMFTs earn a median salary of $61,450 annually, with the 90th percentile reaching $169,590 (2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data).
Marriage and family therapists play a vital role in helping Iowa families navigate relationship challenges, communication barriers, and mental health concerns. Whether you're drawn to working with couples in crisis, supporting families through transitions, or helping individuals understand relationship patterns, becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Iowa offers a rewarding career path with strong earning potential.
Iowa's licensing process is comprehensive and designed to ensure therapists are well-prepared to handle the complexities of relational mental health care. This guide walks you through every step of becoming an LMFT in Iowa, from choosing the right graduate program to passing your licensing examination.
Table of Contents
- Educational Requirements for Iowa LMFTs
- COAMFTE-Accredited Programs in Iowa
- Graduate Internship Requirements
- Post-Degree Supervised Clinical Experience
- Supervision Requirements Explained
- AMFTRB Licensing Examination
- License Application Process
- Complete Timeline and Cost Breakdown
- Iowa LMFT Salary and Employment Outlook
- How Iowa Compares to Neighboring States
- Maintaining Your Iowa LMFT License
- Scope of Practice for Iowa LMFTs
- Frequently Asked Questions
Educational Requirements for Iowa LMFTs
The first major step toward LMFT licensure in Iowa is completing your graduate education. Iowa requires all marriage and family therapy licensure applicants to hold either a master's degree or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution with a program approved by the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science (or its equivalent for out-of-state programs).
Bachelor's Degree (4 Years)
Your path begins with earning a bachelor's degree. While you don't need a specific undergraduate major to pursue MFT graduate programs, coursework in psychology, sociology, social work, or human development provides excellent preparation. Many prospective therapists major in psychology, counseling, or family studies.
Master's or Doctoral Degree (2-3 Years)
After completing your bachelor's degree, you'll need to earn a graduate degree from an Iowa-approved program. The strongest option is choosing a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), as these programs meet Iowa's educational standards and prepare you comprehensively for licensure.
During your graduate program, Iowa requires you to complete at least nine semester credit hours in each of these three core areas:
- Theoretical Foundations of Family and Marital Systems - Courses covering systemic theory, family systems therapy models, and relational frameworks
- Assessment and Treatment in Marital and Family Therapy - Clinical coursework teaching evaluation methods and therapeutic interventions specific to couples and families
- Human Development - At least nine credits in human development, with one course specifically covering psychopathology
You'll also need to complete at least three semester hours in ethics and professional studies, plus coursework in research methods relevant to marriage and family therapy.
COAMFTE-Accredited Programs in Iowa
Choosing a COAMFTE-accredited program ensures your education meets Iowa's licensing requirements. Iowa currently has limited in-state options for COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs, so many Iowa students also consider online MFT degree programs or programs in nearby states.
When selecting a program, verify with the COAMFTE website that the program maintains current accreditation status. You should also confirm directly with the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science that your chosen program meets Iowa's approval standards if it's not COAMFTE-accredited.
For more information about Iowa MFT degrees and schools, including program details and admission requirements, explore available options in your area.
Graduate Internship Requirements
During your master's or doctoral program, Iowa requires you to complete a minimum of 300 internship hours. These supervised clinical hours are completed as part of your degree program under the oversight of qualified supervisors approved by your graduate program.
Your internship hours should include:
- Direct client contact working with couples, families, and individuals
- Experience across diverse clinical settings, when possible
- Regular supervision from licensed professionals
- Integration of academic learning with clinical practice
These 300 internship hours count toward your clinical training but are separate from the post-degree supervised experience required after graduation.
Post-Degree Supervised Clinical Experience
After completing your graduate degree, Iowa requires you to accumulate 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience before becoming eligible for licensure. This experience must be completed over a minimum of two calendar years, but there's flexibility in how you structure your work schedule.
The 3,000-hour requirement can be fulfilled through:
- Full-time work: Completing approximately 1,500 hours per year over two years (about 30-32 hours per week year-round)
- Part-time work: Spreading 3,000 hours over more than two years (for example, working 20 hours per week would take approximately 3 years to complete)
- Variable schedules: Any combination that reaches 3,000 total hours in at least two calendar years
Of the 3,000 total hours, at least 1,500 hours must involve direct client contact. The remaining hours can include case documentation, treatment planning, consultation, professional development, and other clinical duties.
During this post-degree supervised period, you'll work under the supervision of a board-approved supervisor while gaining practical experience applying your education in real clinical settings. It's critical to verify your supervisor meets Iowa Board approval requirements before beginning supervised hours, as hours completed under unapproved supervisors won't count toward licensure.
Supervision Requirements Explained
Iowa has specific requirements for the supervision you receive during your 3,000 hours of post-degree clinical experience. Understanding these requirements helps ensure your hours count toward licensure.
Individual Supervision Hours
You must complete a minimum of 110 hours of individual supervision during your post-degree experience. This one-on-one time with your supervisor focuses on your clinical development, case consultation, and professional growth. This represents approximately 3.7% of your total 3,000 clinical hours.
Direct Observation Requirement
At least 24 hours of your supervision must include live or recorded direct observation of your client interactions. This allows your supervisor to provide specific feedback on your therapeutic techniques, communication skills, and clinical interventions.
In-Person vs. Remote Supervision
Iowa law now permits supervision to be conducted remotely via secure video conferencing, though many supervisors still prefer some in-person supervision. The specific ratio of in-person to remote supervision may vary by supervisor and practice setting.
Supervisor Qualifications
Your clinical supervisor must meet Iowa Board of Behavioral Science approval standards. Qualified supervisors typically include:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) in Iowa with at least three years of post-licensure clinical experience
- Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) with appropriate experience
- Licensed Independent Social Workers (LISWs) meeting supervision requirements
- Other licensed mental health professionals approved by the Board
- Supervisors who have completed the required supervision training (if applicable)
Your supervisor must be approved by the Iowa Board before you begin accumulating supervised hours. You can verify approved supervisors through the Board's online directory or by contacting the Board directly at the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.
Multiple Supervisors
Iowa allows you to work with up to four supervisors simultaneously during your supervised experience. This can be beneficial if you're gaining experience in multiple settings or need specialized supervision in different areas of practice. However, you must submit a supervision plan for each supervisor and ensure each is board-approved.
AMFTRB Licensing Examination
Once you've completed your education and 3,000 hours of supervised experience, you're eligible to sit for the national licensing examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
Examination Format and Content
The AMFTRB examination is a computer-based test that evaluates your knowledge across core domains of marriage and family therapy practice:
- The practice of systemic therapy
- Assessing, hypothesizing, and diagnosing
- Designing and conducting treatment
- Evaluating the ongoing process and terminating treatment
- Managing crisis situations
- Maintaining ethical and legal standards
The examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions administered over a 4-hour testing period at Pearson VUE testing centers. The passing score is scaled and determined by the AMFTRB to ensure consistent standards across testing administrations.
Examination Costs
As of 2025, the AMFTRB examination fee is approximately $395. This fee must be paid directly to AMFTRB when scheduling your examination appointment.
Examination Scoring and Retakes
You'll receive your examination results from AMFTRB, which will be forwarded to the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science. If you don't achieve the required passing score on your first attempt, Iowa allows you to retake the examination. Key policies for retakes include:
- A mandatory 90-day waiting period between examination attempts
- Payment of the full examination fee ($395) for each attempt
- No limit on the number of times you can retake the examination
- Scores are reported directly to the Iowa Board
Preparing for the Exam
Most candidates prepare for 3-4 months using study materials specifically designed for the AMFTRB exam. Study resources include practice tests, study guides, and review courses offered by various professional organizations. The AMFTRB website provides official study materials and practice questions.
License Application Process
After passing the AMFTRB examination, you can apply for your Iowa LMFT license through the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science.
Your application will require:
- Completed application form and required fees
- Official transcripts from your graduate program
- Documentation of your supervised clinical experience
- Supervisor verification forms signed by your approved supervisor(s)
- Official AMFTRB examination score report
- Background check and fingerprinting
- Verification of any licenses held in other states
The board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Processing time typically ranges from 4-8 weeks once your complete application is submitted. You cannot practice as an LMFT in Iowa until you receive your license approval.
Complete Timeline and Cost Breakdown
Understanding the full timeline and financial investment helps you plan your path to LMFT licensure in Iowa.
| Stage | Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 4 years | $40,000-$100,000+ |
| Master's in MFT | 2-3 years | $30,000-$80,000 |
| Graduate Internship (300 hrs) | Concurrent with the degree | Included in tuition |
| Post-Degree Supervision (3,000 hrs) | 2-3 years minimum | $2,000-$12,000 (supervision fees vary) |
| AMFTRB Examination | 3-4 months prep | $395 exam fee + $200-500 study materials |
| License Application | 4-8 weeks processing | $200-400 (application + background check) |
| Total Timeline | 8-10 years | $72,795-$189,295 |
Additional ongoing costs include annual license renewal fees (approximately $200-300) and continuing education requirements.
Iowa LMFT Salary and Employment Outlook
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in Iowa enjoy competitive salaries and strong job prospects. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2024, LMFT salaries in Iowa show promising earning potential.
Iowa LMFT Salary Data (2024)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics report, Iowa marriage and family therapists earn the following:
| Salary Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-Level) | $42,120 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,460 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $61,450 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,030 |
| 90th Percentile (Highly Experienced) | $169,590 |
| Mean (Average) Salary | $72,070 |
Iowa currently employs approximately 90 licensed marriage and family therapists, according to BLS data. The national median salary for LMFTs is $63,780, making Iowa's median salary of $61,450 slightly below but competitive with national averages. The wide range between entry-level ($42,120) and top earners ($169,590) demonstrates significant earning potential for experienced therapists.
Factors Affecting LMFT Salaries in Iowa
Several factors influence earning potential for Iowa marriage and family therapists:
- Work setting: LMFTs working in hospitals, government agencies, and private practice often earn higher salaries than those in community mental health centers
- Geographic location: Therapists in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City typically earn more than those in rural areas
- Experience level: As shown in the salary data, experienced therapists can earn significantly more than entry-level professionals
- Specialization: LMFTs with specialized training in high-demand areas (trauma, substance abuse, child/adolescent therapy) may command premium rates
- Insurance credentialing: Therapists who are credentialed with multiple insurance panels often have higher client volume and income
Employment Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average growth for marriage and family therapists nationwide through 2032. Several factors contribute to strong demand:
- Increased insurance coverage for mental health services
- Growing recognition of the effectiveness of couples and family therapy
- Rising demand for relationship counseling and family support services
- Limited number of practicing LMFTs relative to demand
How Iowa Compares to Neighboring States
If you're considering where to practice, it's helpful to understand how Iowa's LMFT salaries and requirements compare to surrounding states.
| State | Median Salary (2024) | Post-Degree Experience Required | Examination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $61,450 | 3,000 hours (min. 2 years) | AMFTRB |
| Illinois | $66,230 | 3,000 hours (min. 2 years) | AMFTRB |
| Minnesota | $67,550 | 2,000 hours | AMFTRB |
| Missouri | $59,380 | 3,000 hours (min. 2 years) | AMFTRB |
| Nebraska | $58,920 | 3,000 hours (min. 2 years) | AMFTRB |
| Wisconsin | $60,100 | 3,000 hours | AMFTRB |
Iowa's licensing requirements are comparable to most neighboring states, with all requiring the AMFTRB examination and approximately 3,000 hours (or two years minimum) of post-degree supervised experience. Minnesota requires fewer hours (2,000), which may be completed faster, while most other Midwest states have similar 3,000-hour requirements.
Maintaining Your Iowa LMFT License
After obtaining your LMFT license in Iowa, you must maintain it through regular renewal and continuing education.
License Renewal
Iowa LMFT licenses are renewed biennially (every two years). You'll receive renewal notices from the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science prior to your renewal date. Renewal requires:
- Completion of continuing education requirements
- Payment of renewal fees
- Confirmation of current professional liability insurance
- Any required attestations or documentation
Continuing Education Requirements
Iowa requires licensed marriage and family therapists to complete 40 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period to ensure they stay current with best practices and new developments in the field. Specific requirements include:
- Total hours: 40 CE hours every two years
- Ethics requirement:A Minimum of 3 hours must focus on ethics
- Supervision training: If you provide clinical supervision, you must complete 3 hours in supervision every two years
- Mandatory reporter training: 2 hours in identifying and reporting child abuse and/or 2 hours in identifying and reporting dependent adult abuse (unless exempt)
- Core training curriculum: Beginning July 2024, licensees must complete the required 2-hour core training within the first six months of employment/self-employment, then every three years thereafter
All continuing education hours may be completed through independent study. The Iowa Board of Behavioral Science doesn't pre-approve CE providers, so it's your responsibility to ensure the programs you attend meet licensing requirements. Keep documentation of all CE for four years in case of an audit.
Scope of Practice for Iowa LMFTs
Understanding what you can and cannot do as an Iowa LMFT helps you practice ethically and within legal boundaries.
What Iowa LMFTs Can Do
- Provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups
- Diagnose mental health and relational disorders
- Develop and implement treatment plans
- Conduct assessments and evaluations related to relational functioning
- Provide clinical supervision to unlicensed therapists (after meeting supervisor requirements)
- Maintain a private practice
- Bill insurance companies for covered services
- Provide telehealth services to Iowa residents
What Iowa LMFTs Cannot Do
- Prescribe medication (LMFTs are not medical doctors)
- Diagnose or treat primarily medical conditions
- Practice outside their scope of training and competence
- Provide services using "psychologist" as a title (specific to doctoral-level psychologists)
For comprehensive information about marriage and family therapist careers, including work settings, daily responsibilities, and career advancement opportunities, explore additional career resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an LMFT in Iowa?
The complete path from starting your bachelor's degree to obtaining LMFT licensure typically takes 8-10 years. This breaks down as: 4 years for a bachelor's degree, 2-3 years for a master's degree (including the 300-hour internship), 2-3 years to complete 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience, and 3-4 months for examination preparation and application processing. If you already have a bachelor's degree, expect 4-6 years from starting your master's program to licensure.
Can I work as a therapist in Iowa before becoming fully licensed?
No, Iowa doesn't have an associate or provisional license level for marriage and family therapists. You can work under supervision after completing your degree, but you cannot independently practice or use protected titles like "therapist" until you're fully licensed. During your supervised experience, you must clearly identify yourself as working under supervision.
Does Iowa accept LMFT licenses from other states?
Iowa may grant licensure by endorsement to LMFTs licensed in other states if you meet Iowa's education, supervision, and examination requirements. You'll need to apply through the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science and provide verification of your out-of-state license. Each case is reviewed individually based on how your previous state's requirements compare to Iowa's standards.
What's the difference between an LMFT and an LPC in Iowa?
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) receive specialized training in systems theory and relational therapy, focusing on treating couples, families, and individuals within a relational context. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) have broader training in individual counseling and may work with individuals, couples, or families, but from a different theoretical foundation. Both are licensed mental health professionals who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
Can I complete my supervised hours part-time?
Yes, Iowa allows you to complete your 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience part-time. The key requirement is accumulating 3,000 total hours over a minimum of two calendar years. Working 20 hours per week would take approximately 3 years to reach 3,000 hours, while working 30 hours per week takes about 2 years. Your pace is flexible as long as you meet the minimum two-year calendar time and total hour requirements. Consult with the Iowa Board to ensure your schedule meets their standards.
How much does LMFT supervision typically cost in Iowa?
Supervision costs vary widely depending on your supervisor's experience, location, and your employment situation. Many supervisees work in agencies or clinics where clinical supervision is provided as part of their employment at no additional cost. If you're paying for private supervision out-of-pocket, rates typically range from $50-150 per hour. With 110 hours of individual supervision required, expect to invest $5,500-$16,500 if paying privately. Some supervisors offer package rates or sliding scale fees for supervisees early in their careers.
Do online MFT programs meet Iowa's requirements?
Online or hybrid MFT programs can meet Iowa's requirements if they're COAMFTE-accredited or specifically approved by the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science. You must verify that your chosen online program meets Iowa's standards before enrolling. The program must include sufficient in-person clinical training components, as some hands-on learning is required.
What happens if I fail the AMFTRB exam?
If you don't pass the AMFTRB examination on your first attempt, you can retake it after a mandatory 90-day waiting period. You'll need to pay the examination fee ($395) again for each attempt. Iowa doesn't limit the number of times you can take the exam. If you don't pass initially, review your score report to identify weak areas, use additional study resources, consider joining a study group or taking a review course, and give yourself adequate preparation time before retaking. Most candidates who don't pass on the first attempt succeed on subsequent tries with focused preparation.
Can Iowa LMFTs provide telehealth services?
Yes, licensed Iowa LMFTs can provide telehealth services to clients physically located in Iowa at the time of service. You must follow HIPAA-compliant technology platforms, maintain the same ethical standards as in-person therapy, and ensure you're meeting all Iowa telehealth practice requirements. If you want to provide services to clients in other states, you generally need licensure in those states as well.
Key Takeaways
- Iowa requires a master's or doctoral degree in MFT from an approved program, 300 internship hours during your degree, and 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience over at least two years
- You must complete 110 hours of individual supervision (with 24 hours including direct observation of your clinical work) under a board-approved supervisor
- Passing the AMFTRB (Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards) national examination is required, with a $395 exam fee and a 90-day waiting period between retake attempts
- The complete path from bachelor's degree to LMFT license takes approximately 8-10 years (or 4-6 years if you already have a bachelor's degree)
- Iowa LMFTs earn a median salary of $61,450 annually (2024 BLS data), with experienced therapists in the 90th percentile earning $169,590
- COAMFTE-accredited programs provide the strongest preparation for Iowa licensure and ensure educational requirements are met
- Total educational and licensing costs typically range from $72,000-$189,000, with supervision fees varying based on employment setting
- The field shows strong employment growth nationwide, with increasing demand for relationship therapy services and expanding insurance coverage for mental health treatment
Ready to Start Your Iowa LMFT Journey?
Explore accredited marriage and family therapy programs that meet Iowa's licensing requirements and match your career goals.
Related Iowa Psychology Professional Licenses
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.
