License Requirements for Marriage & Family Therapist
(LMFT) Associate
This is general information. Please refer to
WAC 246-809 for more detailed information about license requirements.
Education Requirements
A masters or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy, or a behavioral science masters or doctoral degree with equivalent coursework from an approved school. Program equivalency requirements.
Applicants must complete the following to qualify for an associate license:
- Submit complete application with signature and date.
- Submit application fee.
- Request out of state verification forms be sent directly from each state (if applicable).
- Attest to four (4) hours of HIV/AIDS education and training.
- Request official transcripts be sent from the college where the degree was obtained.
An associate is a pre-licensure candidate who has a graduate degree in mental health counseling or a related field. Associates are gaining post-graduate supervision experience needed for licensure as a marriage and family therapist. Associates may not independently provide marriage and family therapy or counseling for a fee, monetary or otherwise.
If an associate is working under the supervision of an approved supervisor, it is not considered independent practice.
Associate licenses are issued for one year. The credential must be renewed every year on the date of issuance. Upon renewal, associates must declare they are working toward licensure requirements.
The associate license cannot be renewed more than four times. This should allow licensed associates enough time to complete their supervision requirements for full licensure.
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