How to Become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Louisiana (2025)
To become a licensed marriage and family therapist in Louisiana, you'll need a master's or doctoral degree (minimum 60 graduate semester hours) from an accredited MFT program, complete two calendar years of supervised clinical experience under provisional licensure, and pass the National MFT Examination. The entire process typically takes 6-8 years from the time you earn your bachelor's degree.
Marriage and family therapists play a vital role in Louisiana's mental health landscape. These professionals help individuals, couples, and families navigate relationship challenges, emotional disorders, and mental health concerns through a systemic, relationship-focused approach. If you're considering a career as an MFT in Louisiana, you'll need to meet specific educational, clinical, and examination requirements set by the state's licensing board.
Louisiana's path to MFT licensure is comprehensive but straightforward. You'll earn a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy, complete two years of supervised clinical experience under provisional licensure, and pass a national examination. While the journey requires dedication, the reward is a fulfilling career helping Louisiana families build stronger relationships and overcome mental health challenges.
This guide walks you through every requirement for becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in Louisiana, including education, supervision, examination, salary expectations, and career outlook. To learn more about the MFT profession and career opportunities nationwide, see our complete marriage and family therapist career guide.
Louisiana MFT License Requirements Overview
The Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners oversees MFT licensing in the state. Louisiana requires marriage and family therapists to meet rigorous standards that ensure practitioners have the education, training, and skills necessary to provide effective family systems therapy.
Here's a quick overview of Louisiana's core requirements for MFT licensure:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Master's or doctoral degree (minimum 60 graduate semester hours) from a COAMFTE-accredited program, or equivalent training with required MFT coursework |
| Diagnostic Coursework | Minimum six credit hours in diagnostic psychopathology (DSM/ICD assessment) required for applicants after January 1, 2018 |
| Provisional License | Work under provisional LMFT status during supervised experience period |
| Clinical Experience | Two calendar years of post-graduate work experience under qualified supervision |
| Supervision | 200 hours of qualified supervision (minimum 100 hours individual, up to 100 hours group) |
| Examination | National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination |
| Typical Timeline | 6-8 years total (4 years bachelor's + 2 years master's + 2 years supervised experience) |
Educational Requirements
Louisiana's educational requirements ensure that MFT candidates receive comprehensive training in family systems theory, clinical assessment, and therapeutic interventions. You have several pathways to meet these requirements.
The most direct route is earning a master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). These programs are specifically designed to prepare students for MFT licensure and include all required coursework and clinical training.
Alternatively, you can meet Louisiana's educational requirements through:
- A certificate of marriage and family therapy from a COAMFTE-accredited training facility
- A master's or doctoral degree from a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), provided you complete at least six graduate-level courses specifically in marriage and family therapy.
All qualifying degrees or certificates must include a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours. Regardless of which educational pathway you choose, your training must consist of coursework in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) ethics code. You'll also study marriage and family systems theory, clinical assessment techniques, treatment methodologies, and therapeutic interventions for couples and families.
Diagnostic Psychopathology Requirement: If you're applying for licensure after January 1, 2018, and the board did not previously approve your academic background, you must complete at least six credit hours in diagnostic psychopathology. This coursework should cover DSM/ICD diagnostic systems, clinical assessment, and related topics. Licensed MFTs who wish to perform diagnoses must demonstrate competency in these areas through their graduate coursework or continuing education as permitted by the board.
During your graduate program, you must complete at least 500 hours of supervised direct client contact. At least 250 of these hours must involve working with couples or families (not just individuals), and you'll need at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision during your graduate training. Explore MFT degree programs available to Louisiana students to find the right program for your goals.
Clinical Experience and Supervision Requirements
After completing your graduate degree, you'll need to accumulate substantial post-graduate clinical experience before you can become fully licensed in Louisiana. During this period, you'll work under provisional licensure status, which allows you to practice under qualified supervision while completing your requirements.
Louisiana requires two calendar years of post-graduate work experience under qualified supervision as mandated by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 1116. You cannot rush through this requirement by working excessive hours in a shorter timeframe. This extended timeline allows you to encounter diverse clinical situations, develop your therapeutic style, and build confidence in your abilities.
Throughout your supervised experience, you should use systemic theories and treatment methods with every client. Louisiana encourages supervisees to work with as many couples and families as possible while also gaining experience in providing individual therapy within a family systems framework. Your work should include substantial direct clinical services with clients, along with related professional activities such as writing case notes, attending workshops, participating in consultations, and engaging in other clinical support work.
The supervision component is equally important. You must complete 200 hours of qualified clinical supervision from an approved supervisor. Here's how those supervision hours break down:
- At least 100 hours must be individual supervision (one-on-one with your supervisor)
- Up to 100 hours may be group supervision (with other supervisees present)
- Up to 100 of your total supervision hours can be credited to your graduate program
- Supervision includes individual, group, and co-therapy formats as permitted by board regulations
Your supervisor must be either COAMFTE-approved or meet Louisiana's qualifications for clinical supervisors. The supervision relationship is designed to help you develop clinical competence, ethical practice, and professional identity as a marriage and family therapist.
Examination Requirements
Once you've completed your education and are well into your supervised clinical experience, you'll need to pass the National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination. This is the only exam Louisiana accepts for MFT licensure.
The examination is developed and administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). It's a comprehensive test of your knowledge in marriage and family therapy theory, clinical practice, ethics, and professional standards.
Before you can sit for the examination, you must receive approval from Louisiana's advisory committee. The committee reviews your application to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. If you don't pass the exam on your first attempt, Louisiana requires a six-month waiting period before you can retake it. The testing agency determines the passing score for the examination.
Step-by-Step Path to Louisiana MFT Licensure
Understanding the complete timeline helps you plan your educational and career path. From earning your bachelor's degree to obtaining your license, becoming an MFT in Louisiana typically takes 6-8 years. Here's how the process unfolds:
1. Earn Your Bachelor's Degree (4 years)
Start with a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field. While you don't need a specific major, coursework in psychology, human development, and social sciences provides a strong foundation for graduate study in MFT.
2. Complete a Master's or Doctoral Program in Marriage and Family Therapy (2-3 years)
Enroll in a COAMFTE-accredited MFT program or a CACREP-accredited program with MFT specialization. Your program must include a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours. If applying after 2018, ensure your program comprises at least six credit hours in diagnostic psychopathology covering DSM/ICD systems and clinical assessment. During this time, you'll complete required coursework and accumulate 500 supervised direct contact hours with clients. At least 250 hours must involve working with couples or families, and you'll receive at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision.
3. Obtain Provisional LMFT License
After graduation, apply for provisional licensure with the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board. This provisional license allows you to practice under qualified supervision while completing your post-graduate requirements. You must clearly identify yourself as a provisionally licensed MFT in all professional communications.
4. Complete Post-Graduate Supervised Experience (2 years minimum)
Work in a clinical setting under qualified supervision for at least two calendar years. Many graduates work in community mental health centers, private practices, hospitals, or family service agencies during this phase. Your work should focus on providing direct clinical services while also engaging in related professional activities.
5. Complete Supervision Requirements (concurrent with Step 4)
Throughout your post-degree clinical work, you'll meet regularly with your qualified supervisor. You need a total of 200 hours of supervision, with at least 100 hours being individual supervision. Your supervisor helps you refine your clinical skills, navigate ethical dilemmas, and develop your professional identity.
6. Pass the National MFT Examination
Apply to take the national exam through Louisiana's licensing board once you've received committee approval. Prepare using study guides and practice materials. Many candidates take the exam during their supervised experience period or shortly after completing their requirements.
7. Submit Your License Application
Once you've met all requirements, submit your application to the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners. You must be of good moral character and not in violation of licensing laws. The board will review your documentation, verify your supervised experience and supervision hours, confirm your exam results, and conduct a criminal history background check as required by Louisiana statute. After approval, you'll receive your full Louisiana LMFT license.
Louisiana MFT Salary and Career Outlook
Marriage and family therapy offers both personal fulfillment and solid earning potential. Understanding the financial aspects of the career helps you make informed decisions about your professional path.
National Salary Data (May 2024)
Louisiana doesn't have state-specific salary data available in the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report, typically due to smaller sample sizes in the state. However, national data provides valuable context for what MFTs can expect to earn.
According to the May 2024 BLS data, marriage and family therapists nationwide earned the following annual salaries:
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $42,610 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,600 |
| Median (50th) | $63,780 |
| Mean (Average) | $72,720 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,020 |
| 90th Percentile | $111,610 |
In Louisiana, MFT salaries may vary based on factors like practice setting, geographic location within the state, years of experience, and whether you work in private practice or for an organization. Louisiana's lower cost of living compared to many other states can make these salaries go further in terms of purchasing power and quality of life.
Job Growth and Employment Outlook
The career outlook for marriage and family therapists is positive both nationally and in Louisiana. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14% employment growth for MFTs between 2021 and 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Several factors drive this growth.USst, the U.S. population continues to grow, creating greater demand for mental health services overall. Second, insurance companies increasingly cover marriage and family therapy services, making treatment more accessible to families who previously couldn't afford it. Third, there's growing recognition that relationship and family dynamics significantly impact mental health, leading more people to seek MFT services.
In Louisiana specifically, opportunities for MFTs continue to expand. The state has invested in mental health services, and the expansion of telehealth has made therapy more accessible in rural areas. Schools increasingly recognize the value of family-focused interventions for students struggling with behavioral or emotional challenges.
Nationally, there were 65,870 employed marriage and family therapists as of May 2024. This represents a robust and growing profession with opportunities in diverse settings, including private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, and employee assistance programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an LMFT in Louisiana?
The complete process typically takes 6-8 years from the time you start your bachelor's degree. This includes four years for your bachelor's degree, 2-3 years for your master's or doctoral program in MFT, and then a minimum of two calendar years of post-graduate supervised clinical experience under provisional licensure. Some people complete the journey in six years by attending accelerated programs and fulfilling all requirements within the minimum timeframes, while others take longer if they pursue their education part-time or take breaks between stages.
Can I complete my supervision hours online or via telehealth?
Louisiana's regulations for telehealth supervision have evolved, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. The board permits various supervision formats, including individual, group, and co-therapy supervision. Check with the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board for current policies on remote supervision, as regulations continue to adapt to modern technology and practice needs.
What's the difference between an MFT and an LPC in Louisiana?
Both MFTs and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) are mental health professionals, but they have different training focuses and theoretical orientations. MFTs specifically train in systems theory and focus on relationships, couples, and families. LPCs typically have broader training in individual counseling across various theoretical approaches. MFTs view problems through a relational lens, while LPCs may focus more on personal psychology. Both licenses allow independent practice in Louisiana, and your choice should align with your interests and career goals. Learn more about becoming a licensed professional counselor in Louisiana.
Do I need to retake the exam if I move to another state?
Louisiana allows licensure by endorsement for marriage and family therapists already licensed in another jurisdiction. To qualify for endorsement, you must have been certified and actively practiced as an MFT in another state or jurisdiction for at least five years. You'll still need to apply, verify your out-of-state license, and demonstrate that your training meets Louisiana's standards. Contact the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board directly to discuss your specific situation and endorsement eligibility.
How much does the licensing process cost?
The cost of becoming an MFT in Louisiana includes multiple expenses. You'll pay for your graduate education (which varies significantly by program), the national examination fee, supervision costs (if not covered by your employer), application fees for your provisional and full licenses, and ongoing continuing education once licensed. While we can't provide specific dollar amounts as costs change, plan for substantial investment in your education and initial licensing process.
Can I practice while completing my supervised hours?
Yes, you can work as a provisionally licensed marriage and family therapist in Louisiana while completing your supervised clinical experience. You must work under the supervision of a qualified supervisor and clearly identify yourself as a provisionally licensed or associate MFT in all professional communications. You cannot practice independently until you've completed all requirements and received your full LMFT license.
What are the continuing education requirements for Louisiana LMFTs?
Louisiana requires marriage and family therapists to complete continuing education to maintain their licenses. The full LMFT license must be renewed every two years with 40 continuing education hours. Provisional license holders must complete 20 CE hours for their biennial renewal. These requirements ensure practitioners stay current with best practices, new research, and evolving standards in the field. Contact the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board for information on approved CE providers and acceptable topics.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana requires a master's or doctoral degree (minimum 60 graduate semester hours) from a COAMFTE-accredited MFT program or equivalent training with required coursework in marriage and family therapy.
- Applicants after January 1, 201,8 must complete at least six credit hours in diagnostic psychopathology (DSM/ICD assessment) to perform diagnoses.is
- You must complete two calendar years of post-graduate work experience under qualified supervision while holding provisional LMFT status.
- The National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination is required for licensure, and you need approval from Louisiana's advisory committee before taking it.
- Marriage and family therapists earned a national median salary of $63,780 in May 2024, with strong career growth projected at 14% through 2031
Ready to Start Your Louisiana MFT Career?
Take the first step toward becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in Louisiana. Explore accredited MFT programs that can prepare you for a rewarding career helping individuals, couples, and families build stronger relationships and overcome challenges.
Find Accredited MFT Programs
Research Additional Psychology Professional Licenses Granted by Louisiana:
- Louisiana Psychologist Licensing
- Louisiana Professional Counselor Licensing
- Louisiana Social Work Licensing
- Marriage and Family Therapist Career Guide
Schools with MFT Degree Programs Accepting Students from Louisiana
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Marriage & Family Therapists are based on national data, not school-specific information. Louisiana state-level data was not available in the May 2024 report. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
