Becoming a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in Oregon
To become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Oregon, you need a qualifying graduate degree that meets Oregon's LMFT coursework requirements, complete 1,900 post-degree direct client contact hours over at least 36 months (including 750 hours with couples and families), and pass the AMFTRB National MFT Exam plus Oregon's Law & Rules and Mandatory Reporting exams. The process typically takes 6-8 years, with Oregon LMFTs earning a median salary of $79,890 annually (May 2024 BLS data).
Marriage and family therapists bring a unique, relationship-focused approach to mental health treatment. While other counselors often focus on the individual, marriage and family therapists view clients through the lens of their family systems and relationships. This systems-based perspective enables LMFTs to examine how family dynamics, communication patterns, and relationship roles influence mental health and well-being.
Oregon offers strong career prospects for marriage and family therapists, with 1,524 licensed professionals as of year-end 2022 (the latest published Board figure), and median annual salaries 25% above the national average. The path to becoming an LMFT in Oregon is comprehensive, requiring specialized education, extensive supervised experience, and successful examination. This guide covers everything you need to know about Oregon's LMFT licensing requirements, from choosing the right graduate program through obtaining your license and building your career.
Table of Contents
Educational Requirements for Oregon LMFTs
The foundation of becoming an LMFT in Oregon starts with earning a graduate degree that meets the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists' (OBLPCT) LMFT coursework requirements. The Oregon Board requires a graduate degree that meets OBLPCT's LMFT coursework requirements (typically an MFT degree, though closely related degrees may qualify if all LMFT coursework areas are met).
Your graduate program must include specific coursework that meets Oregon's LMFT coursework requirements. For degrees granted on or after October 1st, 2014, Oregon uses a Group A and Group B coursework structure:
Current Coursework Requirements (Degrees Granted On/After October 1st, 2014)
| Course Group | Required Areas | Total Credits Required |
|---|---|---|
| Group A (Core MFT Areas) | • Marriage and Family Studies • Marriage and Family Therapy • Individual Development • Professional Studies • Research |
Minimum credits in each area as specified by OBLPCT |
| Group B (Supporting Coursework) | Additional coursework supporting marriage and family therapy practice | As specified for the total required graduate credits |
Note: For degrees granted before October 1st, 2014, different credit requirements applied. Refer to the OBLPCT LMFT Courses page for specific pre-2014 requirements.
Graduate Practicum Requirements
Your graduate program must include a practicum with at least 280 direct client contact hours (240 if the degree was awarded by October 1, 2014). This practicum offers hands-on clinical experience, typically involving direct client contacts, supervision sessions, case documentation, staff meetings, and community relations activities. The practicum must focus on relationship issues with couples and families.
When selecting a graduate program, consider choosing one accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). COAMFTE accreditation isn't required for Oregon licensure, but it may ease licensure in other states if you later relocate. For information about Oregon MFT degree programs, you can explore both on-campus and online options that meet state requirements.
Supervised Clinical Experience Requirements
After completing your graduate degree, you must accumulate 1,900 post-degree direct client contact (DCC) hours over at least 36 months. This requirement applies regardless of which licensing pathway you choose, though how you register while accumulating these hours differs.
All supervised experience must be accumulated after you graduate from your qualifying graduate program. Hours completed during your graduate practicum don't count toward this 1,900 DCC hour requirement. Of these 1,900 hours, at least 750 hours must be spent providing therapy to couples and families.
Supervision Standards
Oregon has specific requirements for the structure of supervision. Supervision must be at least 2 hours in any month with ≤45 DCC hours and at least 3 hours in any month with ≥46 DCC hours. At least 50% of monthly supervision must be individual (one-to-one) rather than group supervision.
For example, if you complete 40 direct client contact hours in a given month, you are required to have at least 2 hours of supervision that month, with a minimum of 1 hour being individual supervision. If you complete 50 hours in a month, you require at least 3 hours of supervision, with at least 1.5 hours being individual supervision. This ensures you receive personalized feedback on your clinical work and professional development.
Additional Requirements
- Minimum timeframe: Your 1,900 DCC hours must span at least 36 months (3 years)
- Supervisor qualifications: Your supervisor must be a licensed mental health professional approved by the Oregon Board
- Documentation: You must maintain detailed logs of both direct client contact hours and supervision sessions
- Couples and family focus: At least 750 of your 1,900 DCC hours must involve providing therapy to couples and families
Acceptable clinical hours include direct therapy sessions with individuals, couples, and families. The Oregon Board emphasizes that quality matters as much as quantity; therefore, your experience should encompass diverse clinical populations and presenting problems.
Examination Requirements
To become licensed in Oregon, you must pass three separate examinations:
- AMFTRB National MFT Examination: The national licensure exam covering core MFT competencies
- Oregon Law & Rules Exam: State-specific examination on Oregon laws and regulations governing MFT practice
- Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Exam: Required examination on Oregon's child abuse reporting requirements
Before you can schedule your examinations, you must submit all required documentation to the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists for review. This includes verification of your education, documentation of your supervised hours, and proof that you've met all other eligibility requirements.
AMFTRB National MFT Examination
The AMFTRB National MFT Examination is computer-based and tests your knowledge across core competency areas. Per the AMFTRB exam blueprint, content areas include:
- Systems theories and family therapy models
- Assessment and diagnosis within a relational context
- Treatment planning and intervention strategies
- Professional ethics and legal responsibilities
- Cultural competency and diversity issues
- Research and program evaluation
You'll receive your results shortly after completing the examination. If you don't pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after waiting the required period specified by AMFTRB.
Oregon State Examinations
Oregon's Law & Rules exam and Mandatory Reporting exam ensure you understand state-specific requirements for practicing marriage and family therapy in Oregon. These examinations cover Oregon statutes, administrative rules, the scope of practice, and mandatory reporting obligations for mental health professionals.
Pathways to Licensure: Registered Associate Route
Most applicants register as Registered Associates (LMFT Associates) to accrue their supervised direct client contact hours. This registration (formerly known as "registered intern") enables you to work under supervision while completing your 1,900 DCC hours and meeting the 36-month minimum timeframe.
Registered Associate (LMFT Associate) Pathway
The Registered Associate pathway is the primary route to LMFT licensure in Oregon. When you register as an LMFT Associate with the Oregon Board, you can:
- Work in clinical settings under approved supervision
- Accumulate your required 1,900 DCC hours
- Gain specialized experience providing therapy to couples and families
- Build your clinical skills over the required 36-month minimum period
- Earn income while completing your pre-licensure requirements
During your time as a Registered Associate, you must clearly identify yourself as an LMFT Associate (not a licensed therapist) when working with clients and in all professional communications.
Direct Method
A limited Direct Method exists for some applicants. However, all LMFT applicants must still meet the 1,900 DCC hour requirement (including 750 hours with couples and families) and the 36-month minimum timeframe. For details on Direct Method eligibility, consult the Oregon Board's guidance on supervised experience.
| Pathway | Registration Status | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Associate (Most Common) | LMFT Associate | 1,900 DCC hours (750 with couples/families) over a minimum of 36 months under approved supervision |
| Direct Method (Limited) | Varies | Same hour and timeframe requirements; see Board guidance for eligibility criteria |
Oregon LMFT Salary and Career Outlook
Oregon offers one of the most competitive salary markets for marriage and family therapists in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Oregon LMFTs significantly outpace their peers nationally in earning potential.
Oregon vs. National LMFT Salaries
| Salary Metric | Oregon | National Average | Oregon Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $79,890 | $63,780 | +25% |
| Mean Annual Salary | $94,520 | $72,720 | +30% |
| Entry Level (10th Percentile) | $59,770 | $42,610 | +40% |
| 25th Percentile | $65,400 | $48,600 | +35% |
| 75th Percentile | $137,950 | $85,020 | +62% |
| Top Earners (90th Percentile) | $137,950 | $111,610 | +24% |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024 (Oregon). National figures from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Oregon's higher cost of living, particularly in metropolitan areas like Portland, contributes to these elevated salaries. However, even accounting for living expenses, Oregon LMFTs enjoy strong earning potential throughout their careers.
Employment Outlook
At year-end 2022, OBLPCT reported 1,524 LMFT licensees (the latest published Board figure available). For the most current count, use the Board's license lookup tool. This represents significant growth in the profession over the past decade, reflecting increasing recognition of the value of relationship-focused therapy approaches.
The national job outlook for marriage and family therapists remains strong, with faster-than-average growth projected through 2032. Factors driving this growth include increased insurance coverage for mental health services, a reduction in the stigma surrounding the seeking of therapy, and a growing recognition that relationship problems impact overall health and well-being.
Where Oregon LMFTs Work
Oregon LMFTs find employment in diverse settings, including:
- Private practice: Many experienced LMFTs operate independent practices or group practices
- Community mental health centers: Agencies serving diverse populations with sliding-scale fees
- Hospitals and healthcare systems: Integrated behavioral health roles supporting medical treatment
- Family services agencies: Organizations focused on child welfare, domestic violence, or family support
- Employee assistance programs: Providing short-term counseling to employees and their families
- Schools and universities: Counseling centers serving students and families
- Residential treatment facilities: Working with families affected by substance abuse or mental illness
Your specific employment setting has a significant impact on your earning potential, work schedule, and clinical autonomy. Private practice often offers the highest income potential but requires business management skills and building a client base. Agency positions typically provide more structure, benefits, and supervision support while you're developing your clinical expertise.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Maintaining your Oregon LMFT license requires ongoing professional development and timely renewal of your license. Understanding these requirements helps you maintain good standing and continue to develop your clinical skills throughout your career.
License Renewal Cycle
Oregon LMFT licenses must be renewed biennially (every two years). The Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists sends renewal notices before your license expiration date. Still, it's your responsibility to ensure timely renewal even if you don't receive a notice.
Continuing Education Requirements
To renew your license, you must complete 40 continuing education (CE) hours every 24 months, including:
- 6 hours in ethics
- 4 hours in cultural competency
- 2 hours in suicide risk assessment and management
- Plus three additional hours in supervision if you hold the Board's Supervisor Registry
Acceptable continuing education includes workshops, seminars, online courses, professional conferences, and academic coursework relevant to the practice of marriage and family therapy. The Oregon Board maintains a list of approved CE providers and topics.
When planning your continuing education, focus on areas that strengthen your clinical skills, address emerging practice issues, or help you develop specialty expertise. Common CE topics include trauma-informed care, culturally responsive therapy, evidence-based treatment approaches, ethics, and specific populations or presenting problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an LMFT in Oregon?
The complete process typically takes 6 to 8 years. You'll spend 2-3 years earning your graduate degree in marriage and family therapy, followed by a minimum of 36 months (3 years) accumulating 1,900 supervised direct client contact hours while working as a Registered Associate. The timeline varies based on whether you attend graduate school full-time or part-time and how quickly you accumulate your post-degree supervised hours.
Can I transfer my LMFT license from another state to Oregon?
Oregon offers licensure by endorsement for therapists licensed in other states. You must submit documentation that demonstrates your compliance with Oregon's education, experience, and examination requirements. If your original state had substantially similar requirements, the endorsement process can be relatively straightforward. Contact the Oregon Board directly to have your credentials evaluated for endorsement eligibility.
Do I need to live in Oregon to get an Oregon LMFT license?
No, you don't need to be an Oregon resident to obtain an Oregon LMFT license. However, if you plan to practice in Oregon, you must comply with all state requirements. If you're practicing via telehealth with Oregon residents while living in another state, you'll need to hold an Oregon license, as licensure follows the client's location, not the therapist's.
What's the difference between an LMFT and an LPC in Oregon?
Both LMFTs (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists) and LPCs (Licensed Professional Counselors) are licensed mental health professionals in Oregon, but they receive different training emphases. LMFTs specialize in systems-based, relational approaches and are specifically trained to work with couples and families. LPCs receive broader training in individual counseling across various settings and populations. Both can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, and both can work with individuals, couples, or families once licensed.
Can Oregon LMFTs diagnose mental health conditions?
Yes, licensed marriage and family therapists in Oregon can diagnose mental health conditions. Under ORS 675.705(7), the' scope of practice ' for LMFTs includes assessment and diagnosis. Your training includes using the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) to diagnose mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders within your competency level. For specific scope questions, consult the Board's FAQ page.
Do Oregon LMFTs need malpractice insurance?
While Oregon doesn't legally require malpractice insurance, carrying professional liability insurance is strongly recommended and often required by employers. If you plan to operate a private practice, malpractice insurance is crucial for protecting yourself from potential claims. Most professional liability policies for therapists are affordable and provide significant protection.
Can I work as a Registered Associate while completing my supervised hours?
Yes, most applicants register as LMFT Associates (Registered Associates) with the Oregon Board and work under supervision while accumulating their required 1,900 direct client contact hours. This allows you to gain experience and earn income during your pre-licensure period. You must work under the supervision of a qualified licensed professional and clearly identify yourself as an LMFT Associate (not a licensed therapist) when working with clients.
What happens if I don't pass the MFT exam on my first attempt?
If you don't pass the AMFTRB National MFT Examination on your first try, you can retake it after waiting the required period specified by AMFTRB. There's no limit on how many times you can take the exam, but you'll need to pay the exam fee for each attempt. Many candidates who don't pass the first time find success after additional study and preparation. Consider working with a study group or using test preparation materials specifically designed for the MFT exam.
What is the minimum timeframe to complete supervised hours?
Oregon requires that your 1,900 direct client contact hours span at least 36 months (3 years), regardless of how quickly you accumulate the required hours. This ensures you gain experience across different seasons, client situations, and stages of therapeutic relationships. Even if you could theoretically complete 1,900 hours faster, you must still meet the 36-month minimum before you can apply for full licensure.
Key Takeaways
- Oregon requires a graduate degree that meets OBLPCT's LMFT coursework requirements, including at least 280 direct client contact hours in your graduate practicum (for degrees granted on October 1, 2014)
- You must complete 1,900 post-degree direct client contact hours over at least 36 months, including 750 hours providing therapy to couples and families.
- Three examinations are required: AMFTRB National MFT Exam, Oregon Law & Rules Exam, and Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Exam.
- Most applicants register as LMFT Associates (Registered Associates) to accumulate supervised hours under the supervision of an approved supervisor.
- Oregon LMFTs earn significantly above the national average, with a median salary of $79,890 and a mean wage of $94,520 (BLS OEWS May 2024)
- License renewal requires 40 CE hours every 24 months, including specific hours in ethics (6), cultural competency (4), and suicide assessment (2)
Ready to Start Your LMFT Journey in Oregon?
Becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in Oregon opens doors to a rewarding career helping couples and families build healthier relationships. With competitive salaries and strong job growth, Oregon offers an excellent environment for MFT professionals. Take the first step by exploring accredited marriage and family therapy programs that meet Oregon's educational requirements.
Related Oregon Licensing Resources:
- How to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon
- Oregon Psychologist Licensing Requirements
- Oregon Social Work Licensing Process
- Learn More About MFT Careers
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.
