Becoming a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Marriage and Family Therapists Licensure Requirements

A licensed marriage and family therapist in Rhode Island renders counseling services to families. It is also common for individual counseling to take place. A therapist is trained in making assessments based on a person's emotional and mental state. That being said, there are specific requirements that must be achieved before one can become licensed in Rhode Island for marriage and family therapy.

General Qualifications for Licensure

• Be of Good Moral Character
• Official transcripts showing proof that Educational Requirements were met
• Documentation that practicum experience requirement met
• Record of supervised work experience
• Pass State Licensing Examination

Education Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Licensing in Rhode Island

Any person wishing to obtain the LMFT must show proof of completion of a graduate degree program in marriage and family therapy accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges or its equivalent. Also accepted is a master's degree in marriage and family therapy with required coursework listed below according to the Rhode Island rules and regulations for licensing.

The 60 semester credit hours must include:

• Theoretical Foundations (6 semester hours)
• Clinical Practice (18 semester hours)
• Human Development (3 semester hours)
• Professional ethics, legal and identity issues (3 semester hours minimum)
• Professional research ( 3 semester hours)
• Graduate elective ( 3 semester hours)
• Supervised clinical practice (practicum) (500 hours consecutively for 12 months)

Lear more about Rhode Island MFT degrees.

Supervised Postgraduate Work Experience Requirement

In Rhode Island, applicants working under the direct supervision of a licensed marriage and family therapist must accrue two years experience. During this time, 2000 hours of clinical experience in marriage and family therapy is accrued, which includes direct client, contact. Included are 100 hours of individual supervision.

Marriage and Family Therapists Examination Requirements in Rhode Island

Rhode Island residents considering a career in marriage and family therapy must also pass a state exam put approved by the AAMFT. Once the applicant passes the exam, still the votes from four members of the board must be given before an applicant is deemed licensed in marriage and family therapy.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Career Outlook In Rhode Island

The employment rate in the area of marriage and family therapy is increasing. It is expected to rise 41% by 2010. According to wage information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average income in 2011 for marriage and family therapists in Rhode Island was $56,210, which equates to $27 per hour. Although the average yearly income for 2012 and 2013 aren't updated yet, the numbers are expected to be as impressive if not more.

For more information contact the Rhode Island Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

Research Additional Psychology Professional Licenses Granted by Rhode Island:

• Rhode Island Counselor Licensing
• Rhode Island Social Work Licensing
• Learn More About The Career of an LMFT

Schools with Degree Programs Accepting Students from Rhode Island