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What is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)?
What is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)?
A marriage and family therapist is a mental health professional trained in systems theory. This is different from psychology-based fields such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed professional counselors (LPCs). Systems theory, at its core, says that everything that happens in our life is part of a cycle, whether we are aware of it or not. Sometimes, people are stuck in their cycles with seemingly no way out.
As a therapist, my job then is to 1) understand the cycle, 2) figure out where it isn't helpful for you, and 3) help you break that cycle. As the name of the profession implies, I can see partners/polycules and families, AND individuals! I am trained to work with varying groups and numbers of people in the room.
My regular services are appropriate for anyone who is appropriate for out-patient mental health care.
What training is required to become an MFT?
What training is required to become an MFT?
The requirements vary from state to state, but in Texas, there are a couple of stages you must meet to obtain your first license, which is the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFT-Associate).
To reach this stage, you must have:
A Master's or doctoral degree in an appropriate mental health field, preferably marriage and family therapy, from an accredited university (COAMFTE is the national accrediting organization for our field).
Passed a jurisprudence exam (essentially an exam over the laws of your state of practice) and the national AMFTRB exam.
A supervisor that is guiding you in your work.
The next stage is obtaining your full licensure, becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I am currently at this stage. The requirements for Texas are as follows:
3000 total hours
1500 "direct" hours (minimum) - meaning hours doing actual therapy
1500 "indirect" hours (minimum) - time spent doing documentation, running a business, or other clinically related activities.
200 hours of supervision (minimum) - 200 hours being supervised by your licensed supervisor
Where are you in this process?
Where are you in this process?
I am currently working towards full licensure. I have:
A completed Master's degree in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy from Texas Tech University
Passed the AMFTRB and the Texas jurisprudence exam.
Obtained a supervisor (Dr. Heather Austin-Robilliard)
Just shy of 2,000 hours of direct and indirect experience across clinical work completed in my master's program, my doctoral program, and my private practice work.
To enhance my clinical ability and to maintain my current abilities:
I am finishing a Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy (expected completion date of May 2026).
I have taken on an internship as part of that Ph.D. that has trained me as a Medical Marriage and Family Therapist (MedFT), meaning that I have extensive experience working alongside other healthcare professionals to provide integrated care.
Taking continuing education courses (currently 15 hours a year, as required by Texas)
Reading clinical books and research articles to gain exposure to and knowledge of advancements in the field.
Have more questions? Please feel free to email me at kaity.sweck@a-new-chapter-therapy.com !
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