Marriage & Family Therapy Certification
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are trained professionals that deal in mental health issues when dealing with a family unit. MFTs diagnose, treat and evaluate mental disorders and other behavioral problems within the context of the family structure. MFTs take the position that when a person goes through mental or behavioral issues, it is the family structure as a whole that is affected, and therefore must be treated.
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Education Requirements
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There are a number of education requirements which must be fulfilled before certification/licensure becomes a concern. There are two education options: a Master’s degree, which will take 2 to 3 years to complete, or a Doctoral degree that takes 3 to 5 years to acquire. A Master’s program prepares a student for a career in Marriage and Family Therapy by providing didactic and clinical skills, along with professional development and socialization. A Doctoral program will go above and beyond a Master’s program and provide a research and theory based perspective to Marriage and Family Therapy.
First-Hand Experience
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Most states require a certain level of first-hand experience before licensure is acquired. Along with Master’s and Doctoral programs comes a requirement of clinical and research experience. State licensing boards want to ensure that the prospective therapist has spent time with actual families, and knows how to apply knowledge in a real-life way. For example, New York requires 1,500 clock hours in the practice of Marriage and Family Therapy to apply for licensure.
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Supervision of Experience
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On top of the necessary first-hand experience, the supervision of such experience usually must meet certain requirements. For example, in New York, the supervisor must have a Master’s degree or higher in Marriage and Family therapy, be licensed as a MFT in the state of New York, and must acquire 960 clock hours in the practice of Marriage and Family Therapy over a period of 52 weeks.
Licensing Examination
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After the education and experience requirements are satisfied, you are allowed to take the licensing examination as a prospective MFT. In the State of New York, this requires submission of an application, along with a $371 fee. The school where your degree is acquired from will also have to verify that you completed the necessary coursework and earned a valid degree. Upon verification of such, you will be allowed to take the licensing exam. Passing the exam will give you licensure in that state.
Exceptions
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Occasionally prospective MFTs that meet the education requirements, along with the first-hand experience may be allowed a limited permit to practice Marriage and Family Therapy. New York issues limited permits, but only for prospective MFTs that only lack the examination requirements. Once the permit is issued, practice is only allowed under the supervision of a licensed professional.
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References
- Photo Credit family image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
