How to Become a Licensed MFT in Nevada: Complete Requirements Guide 2025
To become a licensed marriage and family therapist in Nevada, you need a master's degree with at least 45 credit hours in specified MFT coursework (most COAMFTE-accredited programs require 60+ credits), pass the national AMFTRB examination, complete an oral board interview, and finish a 3,000-hour supervised internship including 1,500 hours of direct client contact. The complete process typically takes 4-6 years from starting graduate school to full licensure.
Marriage and family therapy has emerged as a vital mental health discipline in Nevada, officially recognized under NRS 641A. This comprehensive guide walks you through Nevada's complete licensing process, from educational requirements to career outlook, helping you navigate your path to becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the Silver State.
Nevada's licensing process requires passing the national AMFTRB examination and an oral board interview before beginning a supervised internship, ensuring candidates demonstrate both theoretical knowledge and professional readiness. Understanding these requirements is your first step toward a rewarding career helping individuals, couples, and families strengthen their relationships and improve their mental health.
Table of Contents
- What is Marriage and Family Therapy?
- Nevada MFT Licensing Requirements Overview
- Educational Requirements
- Examination Process
- Internship and Supervision Requirements
- Application Process and Timeline
- Licensure by Endorsement (Out-of-State)
- Costs and Fees
- After Licensure: Renewal and CEUs
- Nevada MFT Salary and Career Outlook
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marriage and Family Therapy?
Marriage and family therapy is a specialized form of mental health treatment that focuses on relationships as the primary factor in psychological health. Unlike individual therapy approaches, MFTs view mental health challenges through a relational lens, examining how family dynamics, communication patterns, and relationship structures impact individual well-being.
MFTs work with diverse client populations, including married couples, families with children, blended families, and individuals experiencing relationship difficulties. The approach recognizes that people's problems and solutions are often connected to their interactions with family members and significant others. In Nevada, marriage and family therapists practice in various setting,s including private practices, community mental health centers, hospitals, employee assistance programs, and family service agencies.
What distinguishes MFTs from other mental health professionals like psychologists, counselors, and social workers is their specialized training in systems theory and relational dynamics. While these professionals may also work with families, MFTs receive extensive graduate-level training specifically in marriage and family systems, making them uniquely qualified to address relationship-based mental health concerns.
Nevada MFT Licensing Requirements Overview
Nevada requires all marriage and family therapists to obtain state licensure before practicing independently. The Nevada Board of Marriage and Family Therapists oversees the licensing process, establishing standards that protect public safety while ensuring practitioners have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective treatment.
| Requirement | Details | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Master's degree with 45+ credit hours in specified MFT coursework | 2-3 years |
| Written Examination | Pass board-approved written exam on MFT literature | 3-6 months prep |
| Oral Interview | Board interview before internship registration | After the written exam |
| Supervised Internship | 3,000 hours, including 1,500 direct client contact hours | 2-3 years |
| Supervision | Minimum 160 hours with an AAMFT-approved supervisor | Throughout internship |
| Application Fee | $75 application processing fee | At application |
The total timeline from starting your master's program to obtaining full licensure typically spans 4-6 years, including 2-3 years of graduate education and 2-3 years of supervised post-graduate experience. This comprehensive preparation ensures Nevada's LMFTs are well-equipped to provide high-quality mental health services to individuals, couples, and families throughout the state.
Educational Requirements
Nevada mandates that marriage and family therapist candidates complete at least 45 credit hours in graduate-level coursework covering core areas of marriage and family therapy theory, practice, and professional ethics. While 45 credits represent Nevada's statutory minimum, prospective therapists should note that most COAMFTE-accredited programs require 60 or more credit hours to meet national accreditation standards. Graduating from a COAMFTE-accredited program, though not strictly required by Nevada, significantly facilitates licensure and enhances professional credibility, particularly if you later seek licensure in another state through reciprocity or endorsement.
All coursework must be completed at a regionally accredited institution. The program should preferably hold accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), as this ensures your education meets both Nevada's requirements and national professional standards.
Required Course Areas
The 45 credit hours must include coursework in eight specific areas. Here's what Nevada requires:
Human Development (2-4 courses required): These courses cover lifespan development from infancy through aging, examining how individuals grow and change throughout their lives. Topics typically include developmental psychology, family development stages, and human growth across the lifespan. Understanding developmental stages is critical for MFTs because relationship issues often connect to developmental transitions.
Marital and Family Systems (2-4 courses required): This foundational coursework explores various theoretical approaches to understanding family functioning. Students learn about systems theory, family structure and organization, and how different family configurations operate. These courses provide the theoretical framework that distinguishes MFT from other therapeutic approaches.
Marital and Family Therapy (3-5 courses required): The largest requirement, these courses teach specific therapeutic interventions and treatment approaches used with couples and families. Students learn evidence-based treatment modalities, therapeutic techniques, and how to apply theory to clinical practice. This coursework forms the core of your clinical skill development.
Professional Studies and Ethics (1 course required): This course covers professional conduct standards, ethical decision-making, legal responsibilities, and the business aspects of MFT practice. Nevada requires therapists to understand their professional obligations and the ethical complexities of working with multiple family members simultaneously.
Supervised Clinical Practice (3 courses required): These practicum courses must be taken over three consecutive semesters within one year, allowing students to apply their learning under supervision. Clinical practice courses provide hands-on experience with actual clients while still in graduate school, building foundational skills before a post-graduate internship.
Diagnosis and Assessment (1 course required): This coursework teaches diagnostic criteria from the DSM, assessment tools, and how to evaluate client functioning. MFTs need diagnostic skills to work with insurance companies and provide appropriate treatment recommendations.
Research (1 course required): A research methods course ensures therapists can understand and evaluate clinical research, apply evidence-based practices, and contribute to the profession's knowledge base. Nevada wants practitioners who can critically evaluate new treatment approaches and stay current with research findings.
Alcohol or Controlled Substance Abuse (1 course required): Given the prevalence of substance abuse issues affecting families, Nevada requires specific training in this area. This coursework covers assessment, treatment approaches, and family dynamics related to addiction.
Choosing the Right Program
When selecting a graduate program, prioritize COAMFTE-accredited programs as they meet national standards and often streamline the licensing process. Nevada doesn't strictly require COAMFTE accreditation, but it provides assurance that your education aligns with professional standards. Research Nevada MFT degree programs to find options that fit your schedule and career goals, including traditional on-campus programs and hybrid formats that combine online and in-person learning.
Examination Process
Nevada's examination requirements include both the national AMFTRB examination and an oral board interview, both of which must be successfully completed before registering as an intern. This two-part assessment process ensures candidates possess both comprehensive theoretical knowledge and the professional judgment necessary for supervised clinical practice.
National AMFTRB Written Examination
After completing your required coursework (minimum 45 credit hours), you become eligible to take the national Marriage and Family Therapy examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). Important: Nevada uses the standardized national AMFTRB examination, not a state-specific test. This national exam is recognized across most states, which can facilitate future licensure portability if you later relocate.
The AMFTRB examination assesses comprehensive knowledge across five content domains: (1) the practice of systemic therapy, (2) assessing, hypothesizing, and diagnosing, (3) designing and conducting treatment, (4) evaluating ongoing process and terminating treatment, and (5) managing crisis situations. The computer-based exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, 175 of which are scored, while 25 are pre-test items used for future exam development.
Application Timing: You must submit your examination application at least three months before your desired test date. The AMFTRB exam is offered year-round at designated Pearson VUE testing centers, providing flexibility in scheduling. However, you must complete Nevada's application process and receive board approval before registering for the exam through the AMFTRB system.
Required Documentation: Your examination application to the Nevada Board must include official transcripts from both undergraduate and graduate programs, three professional references, and a detailed summary of your clinical experience. The transcripts verify you've completed required coursework, while references confirm your suitability for professional practice.
Examination Registration: Once the Nevada Board approves your application and you receive your intern license number, you can complete the Testing Request form with the Board and then register directly with AMFTRB to schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center convenient to your location.
Preparation Strategies: Successful preparation typically involves reviewing graduate coursework, studying the AMFTRB content outline and practice materials, taking practice exams, and joining study groups with fellow candidates. The AMFTRB website provides detailed information about exam content domains, practice questions, and preparation resources. First-time pass rates for graduates of accredited programs typically range from 70-80%.
Oral Board Examination
Once you pass the national AMFTRB examination, you must schedule an oral examination with the Nevada Board of Marriage and Family Therapists before registering as an intern. This oral examination allows board members to assess your readiness for supervised clinical practice, your understanding of professional ethics, your clinical reasoning abilities, and your capacity to articulate therapeutic concepts clearly and professionally.
Examination Format: The oral examination typically involves discussing your clinical philosophy, responding to hypothetical case scenarios, and demonstrating your understanding of ethical decision-making in complex clinical situations. Board members evaluate your clinical reasoning, professional judgment, communication skills, and readiness to work with clients under supervision. The examination may also cover Nevada-specific regulations and statutes governing marriage and family therapy practice in the state.
Preparation Strategies: Practice articulating your therapeutic approach and theoretical orientation clearly. Review ethical codes from both AAMFT and Nevada regulations. Prepare to discuss how you'd handle common clinical situations such as confidentiality concerns with multiple family members, mandated reporting requirements, boundary issues, and crisis interventions. Many candidates find it helpful to conduct mock oral examinations with professors, supervisors, or fellow students to build confidence and refine their responses. Consider reviewing case studies and practicing verbal case conceptualization, as board members often want to assess your clinical thinking process.
Internship and Supervision Requirements
After passing both the national AMFTRB examination and oral board examination, you can register as an intern with the Nevada Board and begin your supervised post-graduate clinical experience. Nevada requires 3,000 total hours of supervised practice, with specific requirements for how these hours are accumulated and supervised. This substantial clinical experience requirement ensures you develop the practical skills and professional judgment necessary for independent practice.
Core Hour Requirements
Total Hours: 3,000 hours must be completed in an approved setting under qualified supervision. This typically takes 2-3 years when working full-time (40 hours per week), though part-time internships extend this timeline considerably. Candidates working 20-25 hours per week should realistically expect 3-4 years to complete the requirement, while those working fewer than 20 hours weekly may need 4-5 years or longer. The extended timeline for part-time work is important to consider when planning your career progression and financial sustainability during the internship period.
Direct Client Contact: At least 1,500 of your total hours must involve direct client contact after you're registered as an intern. Direct contact includes therapy sessions, family assessments, crisis interventions, and any time you're actively working face-to-face (or via telehealth) with clients. This requirement ensures you gain substantial hands-on clinical experience across diverse client presentations and therapeutic situations.
Required Supervision: You must receive at least 160 hours of supervision from an AAMFT-approved supervisor. This averages approximately 3-4 hours of supervision monthly over a two-year full-time internship. Supervision can be conducted individually (one-on-one with your supervisor) or in group format (typically 3-6 interns meeting with one supervisor). Nevada accepts both individual and group supervision toward the 160-hour requirement, though candidates should confirm with the Board whether any minimum number of individual supervision hours is required, as requirements can be updated. Supervision sessions provide essential opportunities to process cases, develop clinical skills, receive feedback on your therapeutic work, navigate ethical challenges, and refine your professional identity as a marriage and family therapist.
Alternative Hour Sources
Nevada allows certain activities to count toward your 3,000-hour requirement, with limitations:
| Activity | Maximum Hours | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Group Facilitation | 300 hours | Must be approved by the board, involves leading therapy or support groups |
| Personal Therapy | 150 hours | Your own therapy experience, demonstrating commitment to personal growth |
| Teaching/Workshops | 200 hours | Documented teaching, such as workshops, lectures, or training sessions |
| Additional Training | 50 hours | Graduate-level coursework beyond minimum requirements |
| Graduate Program Direct Contact | 500 hours | Client contact during graduate training, with 100+ hours of university supervision |
Finding an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor
Your supervisor must hold approval from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) as a qualified clinical supervisor. AAMFT-approved supervisors have completed advanced training in clinical supervision (typically 30-40 hours of supervisor-specific education), demonstrated substantial clinical experience, and met rigorous professional standards. When seeking a supervisor, prioritize finding someone whose clinical approach and theoretical orientation align with your professional interests and learning style, who has experience supervising interns toward licensure, and who can provide consistent, reliable supervision throughout your internship period.
To locate AAMFT-approved supervisors in Nevada, consult the AAMFT website's supervisor directory, contact the Nevada Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (NAMFT), reach out to your graduate program's alumni network, or contact agencies and private practices that employ marriage and family therapists. Many internship sites provide built-in supervision as part of employment, which significantly reduces out-of-pocket supervision costs. However, if your employment site doesn't provide qualified supervision, you'll need to arrange and pay for external supervision independently.
Supervision costs vary substantially based on your location, the supervisor's experience level, and whether supervision is individual or group-based. Budget approximately $75-150 per hour for individual supervision, or $25-50 per person per hour for group supervision (typically more cost-effective for interns). With 160 required supervision hours, individual supervision costs range from $12,000 to 24,000, while group supervision typically costs $4,000-8,000 total. Many internship positions offer stipends or hourly wages that help offset these supervision expenses, making it financially feasible to complete the internship requirement.
Application Process and Timeline
Understanding the application timeline helps you plan your path to licensure effectively. Here's a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect:
Months 1-24 (Graduate Education): Complete your master's degree program with required coursework. Begin building relationships with professors who can serve as references. Keep detailed records of your clinical hours during practicum experiences.
Month 25 (Initial Application): Three months before your desired examination date, submit your initial application to the Nevada Board. The $75 application fee is due at this time. Include official transcripts, three professional references, and your experience summary.
Month 26-28 (Application Review): The board reviews your application to verify you meet educational requirements. This process typically takes 4-8 weeks. The board will contact you if additional documentation is needed.
Month 28 (Written Examination): Take the written examination on your scheduled test date. Exam results are typically available within 2-4 weeks.
Month 29 (Oral Interview): After passing the written exam, schedule your oral interview with the board. Interviews are scheduled based on board availability, typically within 4-6 weeks of your request.
Month 30 (Internship Registration): Once you've successfully completed both examinations, register as an intern and begin accumulating supervised hours. This registration authorizes you to practice under supervision.
Months 30-54 (Supervised Practice): Complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience over approximately 24 months working full-time. Track all hours meticulously, ensuring you meet requirements for direct contact and supervision.
Month 55 (Final Application): Submit your final application for full licensure, including documentation of completed hours, supervision verification, and any additional requirements the board specifies.
Month 56 (Licensure): Receive your Nevada LMFT license and begin independent practice.
Licensure by Endorsement (Out-of-State Licensees)
Marriage and family therapists licensed in other states may qualify for Nevada licensure through the endorsement process, which recognizes substantial equivalency of your existing credentials while ensuring you meet Nevada's specific standards. However, endorsement is not automatic reciprocity, and Nevada's requirements for out-of-state applicants can be stringent.
Critical Requirement: Nevada may require applicants seeking licensure by endorsement to pass Nevada-specific examinations, including both the national AMFTRB examination (if you didn't take it for your original license) and potentially the oral board examination. The Board evaluates each application individually based on your original state's requirements at the time of licensure, your educational credentials, and your supervised experience documentation. Do not assume your out-of-state license automatically qualifies you for Nevada licensure without examination.
Required Documentation for Endorsement:
- Official verification of your current, active license from your original licensing state
- Official transcripts demonstrating completion of educational requirements equivalent to Nevada's standards (minimum 45 credit hours in specified content areas, though 60+ credits from COAMFTE programs is strongly preferred)
- Verification that your supervised clinical experience meets Nevada's requirements (3,000 hours total, 1,500 direct client contact, 160 supervision hours with an AAMFT-approved supervisor)
- Evidence that supervision was completed specifically for marriage and family therapy licensure (supervision hours completed toward licensure in other mental health fields typically will not be accepted)
- Criminal background check and professional reference letters
- Proof of current professional liability insurance
Important Note: Nevada does not participate in the Counseling Compact (an interstate agreement allowing practice privilege across state lines), as the Compact currently applies only to licensed professional counselors, not marriage and family therapists. AAMFT is working toward a separate interstate compact for LMFTs, but it does not yet exist. Therefore, if you plan to relocate to Nevada or provide services to Nevada residents via telehealth, you must obtain full Nevada licensure through endorsement before practicing.
Recommendation: If you're considering relocating to Nevada and are currently licensed elsewhere, contact the Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists early in your planning process. The Board can perform a preliminary evaluation of your credentials, identify any deficiencies, and clarify which examinations (if any) you'll need to complete. Early communication prevents surprises and allows time to address any gaps in your credentials before relocating. Contact the Board at (702) 486-7388 or visit marriage.nv.gov for endorsement application materials and guidance.
Costs and Fees
Understanding the financial investment required for licensure helps you plan accordingly. Nevada's licensing costs are relatively modest compared to some states, but when combined with education and supervision expenses, the total investment is significant.
Application Fee: $75 (one-time fee for initial application)
Written Examination Fee: Exam fees vary but typically range from $200-400, depending on the examination format and administration costs.
Graduate Education: Master's programs in marriage and family therapy cost $30,000-70,000 for in-state students at public universities, or $50,000-100,000+ at private institutions. Out-of-state tuition increases these costs substantially.
Supervision Costs: With 160 required supervision hours at $75-150 per hour for individual supervision, expect to invest $12,000-24,000 in supervision. Group supervision reduces this cost to approximately $4,000-8,000.
Total Investment: The complete cost of becoming an LMFT in Nevada, including education, examinations, supervision, and licensing fees, typically ranges from $50,000-125,000. However, many internship positions offer stipends or salaries that offset supervision costs, and financial aid can reduce educational expenses.
After Licensure: Renewal and CEUs
Obtaining your license marks the beginning of your professional journey as an independent marriage and family therapist, not its conclusion. Nevada requires ongoing professional development to maintain your license, ensure you stay current with advances in the field, and continue providing high-quality, evidence-based services to clients. Understanding renewal requirements and planning for continuing education helps you maintain licensure in good standing throughout your career.
License Renewal Requirements
Nevada LMFTs must renew their licenses biennially (every two years). The renewal cycle is based on your original license issue date, and the Nevada Board sends renewal notifications prior to expiration. Renewal requires submitting documentation of completed continuing education units (CEUs), paying renewal fees (approximately $300-450, depending on license type), and confirming you maintain professional liability insurance and meet other ongoing requirements. Failure to renew by the expiration date results in automatic license revocation, requiring reinstatement procedures including payment of late fees and submission of all continuing education documentation for the lapsed period.
Continuing Education Requirements (Specific)
Nevada requires Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years (biennial renewal period). These hours must meet specific content area requirements to ensure comprehensive professional development:
Mandatory Content Areas:
- Ethics: 6 hours must focus on ethics issues specifically pertaining to marriage and family therapy practice. Topics include confidentiality in couple and family therapy, informed consent with multiple clients, boundary management, dual relationships, mandatory reporting requirements, and ethical decision-making models.
- Suicide Prevention: 4 hours must address suicide assessment, prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies. This requirement reflects Nevada's commitment to reducing suicide rates and ensuring all mental health professionals can recognize and respond to suicidal risk.
- Cultural Competency/Diversity: 6 hours must cover cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. Effective January 1, 2024, this requirement ensures therapists develop skills for working effectively with Nevada's increasingly diverse population, addressing issues of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, socioeconomic status, and other cultural factors impacting therapy.
- Supervision (if applicable): If you hold AAMFT-approved supervisor status, at least 2 hours of your CEU requirements must address supervision-specific topics such as supervisor ethics, developmental models of supervision, multicultural supervision, and supervisory relationships.
Interactive vs. Non-Interactive: A maximum of 20 of the required 40 hours may be completed through non-interactive (online, self-study) formats. The remaining 20 hours must be interactive, involving live instruction with opportunities for participant engagement, questions, and discussion. This ensures you maintain professional connections and benefit from dynamic learning environments.
Prorated Requirements: For therapists receiving their first license, CEU requirements are prorated based on the original license issue date. For example, licenses issued between July 1 and December 31 require only 10 hours during the first partial renewal period. Consult the Nevada Board website or your license documentation for your specific prorated requirement.
Important Note: Nevada does not allow CEU hours to carry over from one renewal period to the next. You must complete a fresh 40 hours during each biennial period, meaning strategic planning of your continuing education throughout the two-year cycle prevents last-minute scrambling before renewal deadlines.
Approved CEU Providers
The Nevada Board accepts continuing education courses from several categories of approved providers. Acceptable providers include organizations approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), universities and educational institutions accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the American Psychological Association (APA), and other providers specifically approved by the Nevada Board. Always verify that your chosen courses meet Nevada Board approval standards before completing them to ensure they count toward your renewal requirement.
Many therapists fulfill CEU requirements through a combination of formats, including national or state AAMFT conferences, online courses from approved providers, workshops and seminars on specific therapeutic modalities or client populations, specialized training in evidence-based practices, and ethics refresher courses. Planning your continuing education strategically allows you to pursue areas of specialization while meeting mandatory content requirements.
Remote Supervision and Telehealth
Nevada, like many states, has adapted licensing policies to accommodate remote supervision and telehealth service delivery, particularly following expansions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board now accepts remote supervision via secure HIPAA-compliant video platforms as part of the 160 required supervision hours. However, specific requirements regarding technology standards, security protocols, and potential limitations on the percentage of remote versus in-person supervision may apply. Candidates should verify current remote supervision policies directly with the Nevada Board of Marriage and Family Therapists, as regulations continue evolving to balance accessibility with quality assurance. Contact the Board at (702) 486-7388 or visit marriage.nv.gov for the most current guidance on remote supervision acceptability and requirements.
Scope of Practice
As a licensed MFT in Nevada, you're authorized to diagnose and treat mental health conditions using marriage and family therapy approaches. Your scope of practice includes working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. You can bill insurance companies, work in private practice, and provide services across various settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and community organizations.
Nevada MFT Salary and Career Outlook
Career prospects for marriage and family therapists in Nevada are strong, with growing recognition of the importance of relationship-focused mental health services. Understanding salary expectations and employment trends helps you make informed career decisions.
Nevada Employment Data
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2024, Nevada employed approximately 150 marriage and family therapists. Important Data Limitation: The BLS did not release state-specific salary data for Nevada MFTs in the May 2024 report due to insufficient data for reliable statistical estimates (marked with the notation "(8) - Estimate not released" in official BLS documentation). This data gap occurs when employment numbers are too small or wage variations too broad to produce statistically valid state-level salary estimates that meet BLS publication standards.
Without Nevada-specific salary data available, prospective therapists can reference national salary figures and examine data from neighboring states with similar economic characteristics to develop realistic salary expectations. The table below provides context from national data and bordering states:
| Location | Median Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| United States (National) | $63,780 | 65,870 |
| Nevada | Data not available* | 150 |
| California | $63,780 | 32,070 |
| Utah | $81,170 | 1,980 |
| Arizona | $52,420 | Data not available* |
*BLS notation "(8) - Estimate not released" indicates insufficient data for reliable salary estimates
National Salary Ranges
Nationally, marriage and family therapists earn between $42,610 (10th percentile) and $111,610 (90th percentile), with a mean annual wage of $72,720 as of May 2024. These figures vary based on experience level, practice setting, specialization, and geographic location. Therapists in private practice often earn more than those in agency settings, while those with specialized training (such as trauma, addiction, or specific therapeutic modalities) command higher fees.
Career Growth Projections
The employment outlook for marriage and family therapists remains strong. According to BLS projections, MFT employment is expected to grow 14% from 2021 through 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. The broader category of mental health counselors is projected to grow even faster at 22% during the same period.
Several factors drive this growth. Increasing public awareness of mental health issues reduces stigma and increases help-seeking behavior. Health insurance companies are expanding coverage for mental health services, including marriage and family therapy. Additionally, growing recognition of the connection between relationship health and overall well-being fuels demand for relationship-focused therapy services.
Work Settings and Specializations
Nevada LMFTs work in diverse setting,s including private practices, community mental health centers, hospitals, employee assistance programs, family service agencies, substance abuse treatment facilities, domestic violence programs, and schools. Some therapists specialize in specific populations or issues such as trauma therapy, addiction counseling, divorce mediation, premarital counseling, or working with specific age groups.
The flexibility of the profession allows you to tailor your MFT career to your interests and strengths. Many therapists combine different work settings, maintaining a part-time private practice while working in an agency or hospital setting. This diversification provides income stability while allowing you to serve varied client populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an LMFT in Nevada?
The complete timeline from starting your master's program to obtaining full licensure typically takes 4-6 years. This includes 2-3 years for graduate education and 2-3 years for the supervised internship. The timeline can vary based on whether you attend school full-time or part-time, and how quickly you accumulate post-graduate clinical hours.
Can I practice marriage and family therapy in Nevada with an out-of-state license?
No, you cannot practice in Nevada solely based on an out-of-state license. Nevada requires all therapists practicing in the state (including those providing telehealth services to Nevada residents) to hold Nevada licensure. However, therapists licensed in other states may apply for licensure by endorsement, which recognizes substantial equivalency of credentials. Important: Endorsement is not automatic. Nevada may require you to pass the national AMFTRB examination and/or the oral board examination even if you're already licensed elsewhere, particularly if your original state's requirements differ significantly from Nevada's standards. Contact the Nevada Board early in your planning process to have your credentials evaluated and understand which requirements you'll need to meet. The Board can be reached at (702) 486-7388 or through their website at marriage.nv.gov.
Do I need to pass the National MFT Examination?
Yes. Nevada requires candidates to pass the national Marriage and Family Therapy examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). Nevada does not use a separate state-specific written examination. The AMFTRB exam is a standardized national examination recognized across most states, which facilitates license portability if you later relocate. You must complete this exam, along with Nevada's oral board examination, before beginning your supervised internship.
Can I complete my internship hours part-time?
Yes, Nevada allows both full-time and part-time internships. However, working part-time extends your timeline to licensure proportionally. For example, working 20 hours per week instead of 40 hours per week will take twice as long to accumulate the required 3,000 hours. Many interns start part-time while finishing graduate coursework, then transition to full-time after graduation.
What happens if I don't pass the written or oral examination?
If you don't pass either examination on your first attempt, you can retake it. The board will provide information about retake procedures, waiting periods, and any additional requirements. Most candidates pass eventually, often finding that the first attempt helps them understand the examination format and content areas they need to strengthen.
Does Nevada accept remote supervision via telehealth platforms?
Yes, Nevada currently accepts remote supervision conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platforms as part of the required 160 supervision hours. This policy accommodation, expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizes the practical benefits of remote supervision for geographic accessibility and scheduling flexibility. However, the Board may require specific security protocols, documentation of supervision modality, and compliance with HIPAA privacy standards. Some limitations on the percentage of remote versus in-person supervision may also apply, though this varies based on current Board policies. Always verify the most current remote supervision requirements directly with the Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists before relying exclusively on remote supervision arrangements. Contact the Board at (702) 486-7388 or visit marriage.nv.gov for current guidance on acceptable supervision formats and technology requirements.
Can I bill insurance as a registered intern?
Insurance billing policies for registered interns vary by insurance company. Some insurers credential and reimburse interns working under licensed supervision, while others only reimburse services provided by fully licensed therapists. Many internship sites handle billing and insurance matters, allowing you to focus on client care while gaining experience with various payment systems.
What's the difference between an MFT and other mental health professionals?
MFTs receive specialized training in systems theory and relational dynamics, viewing mental health through the lens of relationships and family systems. While psychologists, counselors, and social workers may also work with families, MFTs have graduate-level training specifically focused on marriage and family systems. This specialized training makes MFTs particularly effective at addressing relationship issues, family conflicts, and mental health concerns that arise from relationship dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- Nevada requires a master's degree with at least 45 credit hours in specified MFT coursework, though most COAMFTE-accredited programs require 60+ credits to meet national accreditation standards. COAMFTE accreditation is recommended but not required.
- Candidates must pass the national AMFTRB examination (not a Nevada-specific exam) and an oral board examination before registering as an intern, ensuring both theoretical competency and professional readiness.
- The supervised internship requires 3,000 total hours, including 1,500 hours of direct client contact and 160 hours of supervision with an AAMFT-approved supervisor. Full-time internships take 2-3 years, while part-time work may require 4-5 years or longer.
- The complete timeline from starting graduate education to full licensure typically takes 4-6 years, including both educational and post-graduate supervised experience requirements.
- Nevada employs approximately 150 MFTs. State-specific salary data is not available in the current BLS reports, but the national median salary is $63,780. Job growth is projected at 14% nationally through 2031 as demand for relationship-focused mental health services continues growing.
- License renewal requires 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including 6 hours in ethics, 4 hours in suicide prevention, and 6 hours in cultural competency, with a maximum of 20 hours allowed through non-interactive (online) formats.
- Out-of-state licensees seeking Nevada licensure by endorsement may be required to pass Nevada-specific examinations and should contact the Board early in the relocation planning process to verify credential equivalency.
Ready to Start Your MFT Career in Nevada?
Explore accredited marriage and family therapy graduate programs that align with Nevada's licensing requirements.
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.
