Becoming a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in Washington

A therapist offers his or her clients a valuable resource. He or she is equipped with specialized knowledge and training to assist with diagnosed emotional and mental disorders. A marriage and family therapist counsels couples, families, and individuals. To become a marriage and family therapist in Washington certain requirements must be met.

Education Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing in Washington

Washington State Credentialing Requirements states, a master's or doctoral degree program in the field of marital and family therapy must be completed. The coursework must meet the requirements put forth by the WAC246-809-121 Washington State Legislature.

A total of 60 quarter hours or 45 semester hours in all of the required study areas is also necessary. Minimum semester hours of 27 or 36 quarter hours in:

• Individual development
• Human sexuality
• Marital and family systems
• Marital and family therapy
• Professional ethics and law
• Psychopathology
• Research
• Electives (one course)

Read more about Washington MFT degrees.

Supervised Postgraduate Work Experience Requirement for a Marriage and Family Therapist

Upon satisfying the educational requirements and the membership requirement for the AMFTRB 24 months of supervised work experience in marriage and family therapy is necessary.

In addition, at least 3000 hours of training must be achieved of which 1000 hours require personal contact of which 500 hours in treating and diagnosing individuals, couples, and families. A minimum of 200 hundred hours of direct supervision is necessary with 100 hours being 1-one-1 with the supervisor is also necessary. The remaining hours can be divided between group and one on one therapy.

Marriage and Family Therapists Examination Requirements in Washington

The last requirement is to pass an examination approved by the AMFTRB (the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Board). In order to be approved for testing, an applicant must first show proof that all above mentioned requirements are met.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Career Outlook In Washington

The average yearly income for a family therapist in Washington in 2022 is $60,010 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That equates to an hourly rate of about $28.85.

Research Additional Psychology Professional Licenses Granted by Washington:

• Washington Psychologist Licensing
• Washington Counselor Licensing
• Washington Social Work Licensing
• Learn More About The Career of an LMFT

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures for marriage and family therapists are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2023.

Schools with MFT Degree Programs Accepting Students from Washington