South Carolina LMFT License Requirements & Career Guide
To become a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in South Carolina, you need a COAMFTE-accredited master's degree with 48 semester hours, pass the state licensing exam, and complete 2 years of full-time supervised clinical practice including 1,500 clinical hours and 150 supervision hours. The average salary for MFTs in South Carolina is $51,940 annually, with the complete licensure process typically taking 6-8 years.
South Carolina offers rewarding career opportunities for marriage and family therapists who want to help couples, families, and individuals navigate relationship challenges and mental health concerns. The path to licensure involves substantial education, supervised experience, and examination requirements designed to ensure you're fully prepared for independent clinical practice.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in South Carolina, from educational requirements to salary expectations and career outlook.
Table of Contents
- South Carolina LMFT Licensure Overview
- General Qualifications for Licensure
- Education Requirements
- The LMFT Intern (LMFT/I) License
- Supervised Postgraduate Work Experience
- State Examination Requirements
- Salary and Employment Outlook
- Continuing Education and License Renewal
- Career Paths for LMFTs in South Carolina
- Frequently Asked Questions
South Carolina LMFT Licensure Overview
The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (LLR) oversees marriage and family therapy licensure through its Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy. The state uses a two-tiered licensing system: first, you'll obtain an LMFT Intern (LMFT/I) license to gain supervised experience, then advance to full LMFT licensure after meeting all requirements.
South Carolina requires applicants to submit their initial application and complete all requirements within a three-year window. If you take longer than three years, you'll need to restart the application process from the beginning, including paying the non-refundable application fee again. This timeline emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent progress toward licensure.
⚠️ Important 3-Year Application Window
You have exactly 3 years from your initial application submission to complete ALL requirements: education verification, LMFT/I license, supervised experience, and state exam. Missing this deadline means starting over with a new application and paying all fees again. Plan your timeline carefully to avoid costly delays.
Applications and fees for both LMFT and LMFT/I licenses must be submitted at least nine weeks before your intended examination date, so planning ahead is essential for staying on schedule.
General Qualifications for Licensure
Before diving into specific educational and experience requirements, applicants must meet several foundational qualifications for LMFT licensure in South Carolina:
- Age requirement: Must be at least 21 years old
- Good moral character: Demonstration of ethical conduct and professional integrity
- Criminal history review: Background check and disclosure of any criminal history
- Official transcripts: Documentation proving completion of educational requirements
- Practicum documentation: Records showing completion of required practicum hours
- Supervised experience verification: Documentation of post-degree supervised clinical work
- Examination passage: Successful completion of the state licensing exam
The "good moral character" requirement ensures that only individuals who demonstrate ethical behavior and professional integrity enter the field. Any criminal history will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility for licensure.
Education Requirements
The educational foundation for LMFT licensure in South Carolina is substantial and specific. You must complete at least a master's degree in marriage and family therapy consisting of 48 semester credit hours from a program approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or its equivalent.
COAMFTE accreditation is the gold standard in MFT education. These programs undergo rigorous review to ensure they meet national standards for training marriage and family therapists. You can verify program accreditation through the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) website.
Required Coursework Distribution
The 48 semester hours must be distributed across specific content areas to ensure comprehensive preparation:
| Content Area | Required Semester Hours | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Theoretical Foundations | 9 | Systems theory, family therapy models, and theoretical approaches |
| Clinical Practice | 5 | Psychopathology, diagnostic assessment, treatment planning |
| Human Development | 6 | Individual and family development across the lifespan |
| Professional Ethics and Legal Issues | 3 minimum | Ethics, law, professional identity, cultural competence |
| Professional Research | 3 | Research methods, evidence-based practice, outcome studies |
| Supervised Clinical Practice (Practicum) | 9 | 300 direct client contact hours, minimum 50 hours clinical supervision |
The clinical practice requirement must include a dedicated course in psychopathology and diagnostic assessment, ensuring you can recognize mental health conditions and make appropriate diagnostic decisions. The supervised clinical practice (practicum) component requires you to accumulate 300 face-to-face hours with clients under supervision, along with at least 50 hours of clinical supervision during your degree program.
If you're considering MFT degree programs in South Carolina, verify COAMFTE accreditation before enrolling to ensure your coursework meets state licensure requirements.
The LMFT Intern (LMFT/I) License
South Carolina requires all applicants to obtain an LMFT Intern (LMFT/I) license before accumulating the supervised post-degree clinical experience needed for full licensure. Think of the LMFT/I as your "training wheels" license that allows you to practice marriage and family therapy under direct supervision while completing your experience requirements.
LMFT/I Application Checklist
To obtain your intern license, you must submit:
- Licensure and Education Review application with affidavit of eligibility and professional photo
- Application fee (non-refundable)
- Official graduate transcripts showing your master's degree completion
- Description of coursework demonstrating how you met the 48 credit hour requirements
- Plan for post-master's clinical supervision, outlining your supervision arrangement
- Examination scores if you've already taken the licensing exam
The plan for post-master's clinical supervision is particularly important. You must identify a qualified supervisor who is a licensed marriage and family therapist willing to oversee your clinical work. This supervisor will guide your development during the two-year experience requirement.
Once you receive your LMFT/I license, you can begin accruing the supervised experience hours required for full LMFT licensure. You cannot count clinical hours completed before obtaining the LMFT/I license toward your licensure requirements.
Supervised Postgraduate Work Experience
After obtaining your LMFT/I license, you'll complete a two-year period of full-time supervised clinical practice. This hands-on training phase develops your clinical skills, professional judgment, and therapeutic competence under the guidance of an experienced licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) supervisor.
Experience Requirements Breakdown
| Requirement Type | Hours/Duration Required | Specific Details |
|---|---|---|
| Total Experience Period | 2 years full-time | Continuous supervised clinical practice in an MFT setting |
| Clinical Experience Hours | 1,500 hours | Direct clinical work in marriage and family therapy for over 2 years |
| Direct Client Contact | 150 hours minimum | Face-to-face therapy sessions with families, couples, and individuals |
| Total Supervision Hours | 150 hours | 100 hours individual supervision + 50 hours group or individual |
The 1,500 clinical hours represent your direct therapeutic work during the two-year period. This includes time spent conducting therapy sessions, case documentation, treatment planning, and other clinical activities. These hours are accumulated as part of your full-time employment in a marriage and family therapy setting while working under LMFT/I status.
Your clinical supervisor must be a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in good standing with the South Carolina Board. The supervision relationship is crucial to your development as a therapist. During supervision, you'll review your cases, receive feedback on your therapeutic approach, discuss ethical dilemmas, and refine your clinical skills.
The 150 hours of direct client contact must include work with various client systems, including families, couples, and individuals. This diversity of clinical experience ensures you're comfortable working with the full range of presenting concerns you'll encounter in your career.
Of the 150 total supervision hours, 100 must be individual supervision where you work one-on-one with your supervisor. The remaining 50 hours can be either individual or group supervision, giving you flexibility in how you receive professional guidance.
State Examination Requirements
South Carolina requires all LMFT applicants to pass a state licensing examination administered by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). This exam assesses your knowledge of marriage and family therapy theory, ethics, clinical practice, and state-specific regulations.
The state typically offers four scheduled examination dates throughout the year, though this schedule may vary. You must register for your exam at least nine weeks in advance by submitting both your LMFT application and LMFT/I application (if you haven't already obtained your intern license), along with all required fees.
Exam Preparation Tips
While specific exam content isn't publicly disclosed, successful candidates typically prepare by:
- Reviewing core MFT theories and therapeutic approaches
- Studying professional ethics codes and legal regulations
- Familiarizing themselves with diagnostic criteria and assessment methods
- Understanding South Carolina-specific laws governing MFT practice
- Taking practice exams through professional organizations like AAMFT
- Forming study groups with other candidates for mutual support
If you don't pass the exam on your first attempt, you can retake it at a future scheduled date. However, each attempt requires reapplication and payment of examination fees, so thorough preparation before your first attempt is financially and professionally beneficial.
Salary and Employment Outlook
Understanding the financial aspects of a career as a marriage and family therapist in South Carolina helps you make informed decisions about your educational investment and career path. Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a clear picture of earning potential in the state.
South Carolina MFT Salary Data (May 2024)
| Salary Measure | South Carolina | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,270 | $42,610 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,270 | $48,600 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $51,440 | $63,780 |
| Mean (Average) | $51,940 | $72,720 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,200 | $85,020 |
| 90th Percentile | $73,540 | $111,610 |
South Carolina's average salary for marriage and family therapists is $51,940 annually, which is approximately $20,780 below the national average of $72,720. However, the state's lower cost of living compared to many other regions can offset this salary difference.
The state employs approximately 550 marriage and family therapists, with opportunities concentrated in metropolitan areas like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville. Private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, and family service agencies all employ LMFTs throughout South Carolina.
Factors Affecting Salary
Several factors influence earning potential for LMFTs in South Carolina:
- Practice setting: Private practice therapists often earn more than those in community agencies
- Geographic location: Urban areas typically offer higher salaries than rural regions
- Years of experience: Seasoned therapists command higher fees and salaries
- Specializations: Niche expertise (trauma, addiction, couples therapy) can increase earning potential
- Additional credentials: Supervisory status or specialized certifications enhance marketability
- Business acumen: Private practitioners who build strong referral networks earn more
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment for marriage and family therapists nationally is projected to grow 14% between 2021 and 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth reflects increasing recognition of the importance of mental health services and the effectiveness of systemic approaches to treating individuals and families.
Continuing Education and License Renewal
Maintaining your LMFT license in South Carolina requires ongoing professional development through continuing education. Licensed marriage and family therapists must complete continuing education requirements during each renewal period to ensure they stay current with emerging research, therapeutic approaches, and ethical standards.
Continuing Education Requirements
While specific requirements are subject to change by the South Carolina Board of Examiners, LMFTs typically must complete continuing education hours during each renewal cycle. Contact the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy for the most current requirements, including:
- Total CE hours required per renewal period
- Required hours in specific content areas (such as ethics, cultural competence, or diagnosis)
- Approved CE provider criteria
- Renewal cycle timeline (typically every 1-2 years)
- Documentation and reporting requirements
Common Continuing Education Topics
High-quality continuing education helps you enhance your clinical skills and stay informed about best practices. Popular CE topics for marriage and family therapists include:
- Evidence-based treatment approaches for specific populations
- Cultural competence and diversity in clinical practice
- Ethics and professional boundaries
- Technology in therapy (telehealth, online interventions)
- Trauma-informed care
- Substance abuse treatment
- Suicide assessment and intervention
Professional organizations like the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and the South Carolina Association for Marriage and Family Therapy offer continuing education opportunities specifically designed for LMFTs. You can also earn CE credits through conferences, workshops, online courses, and professional literature review.
Check with the South Carolina LLR Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy for current renewal requirements, deadlines, and approved continuing education providers.
Career Paths for LMFTs in South Carolina
Licensed marriage and family therapists in South Carolina work in diverse settings and serve varied populations. Your clinical training prepares you for multiple career paths, each offering unique opportunities and challenges.
Private Practice
Many experienced LMFTs establish private practices, offering direct therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. Private practice provides autonomy, schedule flexibility, and the ability to specialize in specific areas of interest. You'll manage business operations, marketing, billing, and clinical services.
Community Mental Health Centers
Community mental health centers throughout South Carolina employ LMFTs to provide accessible mental health services to diverse populations, including underserved communities. These settings offer exposure to a wide range of clinical presentations and the opportunity to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams.
Medical and Hospital Settings
Hospitals and medical centers employ LMFTs to provide integrated behavioral health services. You might work in psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, or as part of medical teams addressing the psychological aspects of chronic illness, terminal diagnoses, or health behavior change.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Corporate employee assistance programs hire LMFTs to provide short-term counseling services to employees and their families. EAP work involves crisis intervention, work-life balance issues, relationship concerns, and referral to community resources.
Educational Settings
Some LMFTs work in school settings, providing counseling services to students and families or consulting with educational professionals on student mental health concerns. Others teach at colleges and universities, training the next generation of marriage and family therapists.
Specialized Treatment Programs
LMFTs work in specialized programs addressing specific concerns like substance abuse, eating disorders, domestic violence, or trauma. These focused settings allow you to develop deep expertise in particular treatment approaches and clinical populations.
For more information about career opportunities in marriage and family therapy, explore various specializations and practice settings available to licensed professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed MFT in South Carolina?
The complete process typically takes 6-8 years. This includes 2-3 years for a bachelor's degree (if not already completed), 2-3 years for a COAMFTE-accredited master's program, and 2 years of supervised post-degree clinical experience. The timeline can vary based on whether you attend school full-time or part-time and how quickly you complete your supervised hours.
What's the difference between LMFT and LMFT/I licenses?
The LMFT/I (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Intern) is a provisional license that allows you to practice under supervision while completing your required post-degree clinical experience. The LMFT is the full, independent license you receive after completing all education, experience, and examination requirements. Only with an LMFT license can you practice independently without supervision.
Can I transfer my LMFT license from another state to South Carolina?
South Carolina evaluates licensure applications on a case-by-case basis. While the state doesn't have automatic reciprocity agreements, it may grant licensure to applicants already licensed in other states if their education and experience meet South Carolina's requirements. You'll need to submit documentation of your out-of-state license, education, supervised experience, and examination scores for review.
How much does the LMFT application and licensing process cost?
Costs include application fees for both the LMFT/I and LMFT licenses, examination fees, transcript fees, and background check costs. Total expenses typically range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. Keep in mind that these fees are non-refundable, so completing requirements within the three-year application window helps avoid paying fees multiple times.
What happens if I don't complete all requirements within three years?
If you don't finish all licensure requirements within the three-year application period, you must restart the entire application process, including submitting a new application and paying all fees again. This policy emphasizes the importance of maintaining steady progress through your licensure requirements.
Do I need to complete continuing education to maintain my LMFT license?
Yes, South Carolina requires licensed marriage and family therapists to complete continuing education during each renewal period. Specific requirements (number of hours, approved topics, and renewal frequency) are established by the Board of Examiners. Check with the South Carolina LLR for current continuing education requirements.
Can I practice telehealth as an LMFT in South Carolina?
Yes, licensed marriage and family therapists can provide telehealth services in South Carolina, subject to state regulations governing remote practice. You must ensure you meet technical, ethical, and legal requirements for providing therapy services via telecommunications technology. The state may have specific requirements regarding informed consent, technology security, and cross-state practice.
What if I want to provide supervision to LMFT/I candidates in the future?
To become an approved supervisor for LMFT/I candidates, you typically need to hold an active LMFT license in good standing, have several years of post-licensure clinical experience, and complete supervision training requirements. Contact the South Carolina Board of Examiners for specific supervisor approval requirements and application procedures.
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina requires a COAMFTE-accredited master's degree with 48 semester hours in marriage and family therapy, covering theoretical foundations, clinical practice, human development, ethics, and research.
- You must obtain an LMFT/I (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Intern) license before accumulating the required 2 years of full-time supervised clinical practice.
- The supervised experience includes 1,500 clinical hours, at least 150 hours of direct client contact, and 150 hours of supervision (100 individual, 50 individual or group).
- All licensure requirements must be completed within a three-year window from initial application, or you'll need to restart the entire process and pay all fees again.
- The average salary for marriage and family therapists in South Carolina is $51,940, approximately $20,780 below the national average of $72,720.
- Employment for MFTs nationally is projected to grow 14% through 2031, reflecting increased demand for mental health services and systemic therapeutic approaches.
Ready to Start Your MFT Career in South Carolina?
Explore COAMFTE-accredited marriage and family therapy programs in South Carolina. Compare programs by cost, location, online options, and specialization tracks to find the right fit for your career goals.
Related Professional Licenses in South Carolina
If you're interested in related mental health careers in South Carolina, explore these licensing pathways:
- South Carolina Psychologist Licensing
- South Carolina Counselor Licensing
- South Carolina Social Work Licensing
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.
