How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist in West Virginia
To become a Marriage and Family Therapist in West Virginia, you'll need a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited program, complete 3,000 supervised hours (1,500 with a doctorate), pass the AMFTRB national exam, and obtain provisional licensure. The median salary is $48,180 annually, with job growth projected at 6% through 2032.
Becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in West Virginia offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on families and couples as they navigate life's challenges. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the licensure process, from education requirements to exam preparation, ensuring you have all the information needed to launch your MFT career in the Mountain State.
Marriage and Family Therapists in West Virginia work with individuals, couples, and families to address mental health concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions. Using evidence-based psychotherapy techniques, MFTs help clients develop healthier communication patterns, resolve conflicts, and strengthen family bonds. The profession combines clinical expertise with a systems-based approach to mental health treatment.
Table of Contents
- Education Requirements for West Virginia MFT Licensure
- Comparing MFT Degree Pathways
- Supervised Clinical Experience Requirements
- Obtaining Your Provisional License
- MFT Examination Requirements
- Career Outlook and Salary Data
- Maintaining Your License
- Reciprocity with Other States
- Frequently Asked Questions
Education Requirements for West Virginia MFT Licensure
The West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling requires all MFT candidates to complete a master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from an accredited institution. Your program must meet specific accreditation standards to qualify for licensure.
Accepted Accreditation Bodies
West Virginia recognizes programs accredited by several organizations:
- COAMFTE (Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education) - The gold standard for MFT programs
- CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) - Widely recognized counseling accreditation
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS) - Regional accreditation body
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) - Regional accreditation for southern institutions
- Other comparable accredited institutions - Subject to board approval
Required Coursework
Your graduate program must include a minimum of 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) covering:
- Theoretical foundations of marriage and family therapy
- Clinical assessment and diagnosis
- Treatment planning and interventions
- Human development across the lifespan
- Research methods and program evaluation
- Professional ethics and West Virginia state laws
- Diversity and multicultural counseling competencies
- Psychopharmacology basics
- Crisis intervention and trauma-informed care
For professionals with graduate degrees in related mental health fields (psychology, counseling, social work), the Board requires written proof of completing equivalent coursework totaling at least 60 semester hours.
Comparing MFT Degree Pathways
| Degree Level | Program Duration | Supervised Hours Required | Total Time to License | Median Salary (WV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master's (MA/MS in MFT) | 2-3 years full-time | 3,000 hours | 4-6 years | $48,180 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | 3-4 years | 3,000 hours | 5-7 years | $50,000+ |
| Doctorate (PhD/DMFT) | 5-7 years | 1,500 hours | 6-8 years | $55,000+ |
Learn more about West Virginia MFT degree programs and schools.
Supervised Clinical Experience Requirements
After completing your educational requirements, you'll need to accumulate supervised clinical experience before qualifying for full licensure. West Virginia has specific requirements based on your degree level.
Master's and Educational Specialist Degree Holders
You must complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, including:
- 1,500 hours minimum of direct client contact (face-to-face therapy)
- At least 50% of direct contact hours must involve couples, families, or relational therapy
- 100 hours of supervision minimum (50 hours must be individual supervision)
- Supervisor qualifications: Licensed MFT with at least 5 years of experience or AAMFT Approved Supervisor
Doctoral Degree Holders
Doctorate holders need 1,500 hours of supervised experience with proportionally adjusted requirements:
- 750 hours minimum of direct client contact
- At least 50% involving systemic/relational therapy
- 50 hours of supervision minimum
Obtaining Your Provisional License
Before beginning your supervised experience, you must obtain a provisional license from the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling. This temporary license is essential, as supervised hours won't count without it.
Provisional License Application Process
- Complete the MFT Licensure Packet - Available from the WVBEC website for $30
- Submit official transcripts from your graduate program
- Provide supervision agreement signed by your approved supervisor
- Pass criminal background check, including FBI fingerprinting
- Pay application fee (typically $150-200)
Provisional License Timeline
- Initial validity: 36 months from issue date
- Extension available: One 24-month extension upon written request
- Total maximum time: 60 months to complete supervised hours
MFT Examination Requirements
All candidates must pass the national MFT examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
Exam Details
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Computer-based, 180 multiple-choice questions |
| Duration | 4 hours |
| Content Areas | Assessment, treatment planning, clinical practice, ethics, research |
| Passing Score | Varies by state (typically 60-70%) |
| Cost | $365 (as of 2024) |
| Retake Policy | 3 attempts allowed; additional education required after 3rd failure |
Exam Preparation Resources
- AMFTRB Study Guide and practice exams
- Family Therapy Review courses
- Online test prep programs (typically $200-500)
- Study groups with other provisional license holders
Career Outlook and Salary Data
The demand for Marriage and Family Therapists in West Virginia continues to grow as mental health awareness increases and insurance coverage for therapy services expands.
West Virginia MFT Salary Data (2024)
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), Marriage and Family Therapists in West Virginia earn:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $27,280 | $13.12 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,370 | $20.85 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $48,180 | $23.16 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,860 | $27.82 |
| 90th Percentile (Experienced) | $64,880 | $31.19 |
Employment Settings
West Virginia MFTs work in diverse settings:
- Private practice (self-employed or group practices)
- Community mental health centers
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Substance abuse treatment facilities
- Employee assistance programs
- Schools and universities
- Government agencies
- Telehealth platforms serving rural communities
Maintaining Your License
Once licensed, West Virginia requires ongoing professional development to maintain your MFT credentials.
Continuing Education Requirements
- 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years
- 3 hours must cover ethics and professional standards
- 2 hours in suicide prevention training
- Remaining hours in MFT-related topics
License Renewal
- Renewal is required every 2 years
- Renewal fee: approximately $150-200
- Submit proof of continuing education completion
- Maintain professional liability insurance
Reciprocity with Other States
West Virginia offers licensure by endorsement for MFTs licensed in other states, provided you meet equivalent requirements.
Endorsement Requirements
- Current, active license in good standing from another state
- Verification of supervised hours meeting West Virginia standards
- Proof of passing AMFTRB exam or equivalent
- No disciplinary actions on your record
- Application fee and background check
Neighboring states with potential reciprocity include Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky. Each state has its own specific requirements, so verify the current policies before relocating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed MFT in West Virginia?
The complete process typically takes 4-6 years after beginning graduate school: 2-3 years for your master's degree, followed by 2-3 years accumulating supervised clinical hours.
Can I start seeing clients before getting my full license?
Yes, but only under supervision and with a provisional license. You cannot practice independently until you receive your full LMFT credential.
What's the difference between an LMFT and LPC in West Virginia?
While both provide therapy, LMFTs specialize in systemic and relational therapy with couples and families. LPCs (Licensed Professional Counselors) have broader training in individual mental health counseling. The scope of practice and insurance reimbursement rates are similar.
What happens if I fail the AMFTRB exam?
You have three attempts to pass the exam. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake it after 60 days. After three failures, the Board requires proof of additional education before allowing another attempt.
Can I provide teletherapy as an MFT in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia permits teletherapy for licensed MFTs. You must follow state guidelines for telehealth practice and maintain appropriate technology security standards.
How much does the entire licensure process cost?
Total costs typically range from $2,000 to $3,000, including application fees ($150-200), provisional license ($150), exam fee ($365), supervision costs ($3,000-6,000), and continuing education. This doesn't include graduate school tuition.
Key Takeaways
- West Virginia MFT licensure requires a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited program
- Complete 3,000 supervised hours with a master's degree or 1,500 hours with a doctorate
- Provisional license required before beginning supervised practice (valid for 36 months, extendable to 60)
- Pass the AMFTRB national exam (3 attempts allowed)
- Median salary for West Virginia MFTs is $48,180 annually (2024 BLS data)
- Maintain licensure with 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years
Ready to Start Your MFT Career in West Virginia?
Take the first step toward becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Explore accredited MFT programs that meet West Virginia's requirements and begin your journey to helping families thrive. Learn more about MFT career opportunities nationwide.
Research Additional Psychology Professional Licenses Granted by West Virginia:
- West Virginia Psychologist Licensing
- West Virginia Counselor Licensing
- West Virginia Social Work Licensing
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other; Psychiatric Techs; Psychiatrists; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors; Marriage & Family Therapists; and Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
