Becoming a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in Louisiana

A marriage family therapist has many duties. Typically, a family therapist will diagnose and treat emotional and mental disorders including depression and anxiety, encouraging their clients to discuss their experiences and emotions. The main focus of a marriage family therapist will be on the relationships of their clients, bringing a family aspect to the therapy sessions.

In the state of Louisiana there are several requirements that a person must meet in order to become a licensed marriage family therapist.

Educational Requirements for Marriage Family Therapists in Louisiana

In order to become licensed in the state of Louisiana a person must first meet the educational requirements. This includes obtaining a master’s degree or doctorate in marriage family therapy from an institute that is accredited by COAMFTE or a certificate of marriage family therapy from a training facility accredited by COAMFTE or complete a master’s degree or doctorate in marriage family therapy from a school that has be accredited by CACREP with a minimum six graduate courses in the field of marriage family therapy. This must include courses in the AAMFT ethics code as well as at least 500 supervised direct contact hours with clients. At least 250 of the 500 hours must be with families and couples with at least 100 hours of supervision conducted face to face.

Examination Requirements

The only examination for licensure that will be accepted for licensure in the state of Louisiana is the National Marriage Family therapy examination that has been determined by the committee. Applicants must be approved by the advisory committee in order to sit for the examination. The testing agency determines the passing scores of the examination and any person that fails the examination will not be able to take another examination for six months.

Supervision Requirements

Licensure applicants that meet the requirements for the graduate degree must then complete aat least two years of work experience in family therapy under the supervision of a COAMFTE qualified supervisor. During the two years of work experience a person must complete 3000 hours of services to families, couples or individuals. At least 2000 hours must be in direct clinical services. The remaining 1000 hours may be from other related experiences including public relations, workshops, consultations, writing case notes, etc.

Supervisees should use systemic theories as well as treatment methods with every client and try to work with as many families and couples as they can. The required supervision must include 200 hours of direct supervision and at least half has to be individual supervision. One half of the required 200 hours can be received during the graduate program and be documented towards the requirement.

The required experience hours must be completed over the course of at least two years.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Career Outlook In Louisiana

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average national salary for marriage family therapists was $63,300 in May of 2022. That same year, marriage family therapists in the state of Louisiana earned an average of $41,680 making Louisiana one of the lower paying states of the field. In some states the average salary for marriage family therapists is over $60,000 per year.

For those that want to specialize in marriage family therapy, the job outlook is quite good. While the overall increase in mental health counselor positions is expected to increase by 22%, the number of marriage family therapists is expected to increase by 14% from 2021 through 2031. This career increase is expected because of the increase in the population and the fact that many insurance companies are starting to cover the expenses for therapy.

Research Additional Psychology Professional Licenses Granted by Louisiana:

• Louisiana Psychologist Licensing
• Louisiana Counselor Licensing
• Louisiana Social Work Licensing
• Learn More About The Career of an LMFT

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures for marriage and family therapists and substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2023.

Schools with MFT Degree Programs Accepting Students from Louisiana