Blogs

Virginia Welcomes New LMFTs as Access MFTs Law Goes into Effect

By Portability AAMFT posted 26 days ago
For years, AAMFT staff navigated calls from frustrated members with years of experience who were struggling to obtain secondary licensure in Virginia. A complex and often times laborious process meant many LMFTs ended up abandoning the effort rather than tracking down old syllabi or supervisors that had long since retired. And this challenge to the LMFT pipeline in the state meant marriage and family therapists were often being left out of important state efforts and programs. Because of this, when the Board of Directors approved the Access MFTs effort, Virginia quickly became a primary target state for the first phase. In partnership with the Virginia Association ...

Washington, D.C. Joins Phase 2 of the Access MFTs Initiative!

By Portability AAMFT posted 10-10-2024
AAMFT is excited to announce that Washington, D.C., has joined Phase 2 of the Access MFTs initiative. By building on our Phase 1 success in Maryland and Virginia, we're further connecting the DMV area. By expanding into the nation's capital, we’re creating greater professional flexibility for MFTs and enhancing job opportunities throughout the region. With Washington, D.C. on board, we are working to align licensure requirements across the DMV, making it easier for MFTs to practice in multiple jurisdictions. This will not only benefit professionals seeking to expand their practices but also increase access to critical mental health services for individuals and ...

Nevada Joins Phase 2 of the Access MFTs Initiative!

By Portability AAMFT posted 10-08-2024
AAMFT is proud to announce that Nevada has officially joined Phase 2 of the Access MFTs initiative! After our success in states like Georgia, Iowa, Tennessee, Maryland, and Virginia during Phase 1, Nevada presents a fresh opportunity to continue expanding licensure portability across the U.S. In Nevada, we will be working closely with local partners to adapt our portability model to the state’s specific regulatory environment. This collaboration will give MFTs in Nevada the freedom to grow their careers by making it easier to practice in multiple jurisdictions. By reducing licensure barriers, we also help bridge critical gaps in mental health care, bringing ...

Arkansas Joins Phase 2 of the Access MFTs Initiative!

By Portability AAMFT posted 09-25-2024
We’re pleased to share that Arkansas is now part of Phase 2 of the Access MFTs initiative! With the momentum from Phase 1 victories in states like Georgia, Iowa, Tennessee, Maryland, and Virginia, Arkansas is the next step in our ongoing effort to streamline licensure portability for marriage and family therapists nationwide. AAMFT will be working closely with stakeholders in Arkansas to adapt our model portability laws to fit the unique needs of the state. By doing so, we aim to create a more seamless process for MFTs, allowing them to practice in multiple states and better serve their communities. Expanding licensure flexibility will not only help MFTs professionally ...

Connecticut Joins Phase 2 of the Access MFTs Initiative!

By Portability AAMFT posted 09-25-2024
AAMFT is excited to announce that Connecticut has officially joined Phase 2 of the Access MFTs initiative. Building on the success of Phase 1, where we passed our model licensure portability laws in states like Georgia, Iowa, Tennessee, Maryland, and Virginia, we’re now focusing on Connecticut to ensure MFTs in the state have greater flexibility to practice across state lines. This partnership with the Connecticut Association for Marriage and Family Therapy aims to reduce barriers and streamline licensure, giving professionals more opportunities to expand their practices. By addressing the specific regulatory challenges unique to Connecticut, we’re confident ...

Texas Association for Marriage & Family Therapy Joins Access MFTs Effort

By Portability AAMFT posted 09-16-2024
AAMFT is excited to announce that the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (TAMFT) has joined as a partner in the Access MFTs initiative for the 2025 session. Launched in the fall of 2022, this AAMFT-led strategic portability initiative seeks to streamline the process and reduce barriers to licensure portability for MFTs across the United States. The Access MFTs plan employs a flexible model of licensure portability, designed to address the unique challenges and environments of each state. This strategy aims to rapidly advance the MFT profession, prioritizing areas where MFTs are currently working and wish to work. “[Easing barriers to] license ...

CAMFT & AAMFT Offer Comment Regarding California's Move Towards National MFT Exam

By Portability AAMFT posted 05-21-2024
We are excited to announce another major milestone for the MFT profession. As many of you know, 49 states recognize the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Board's (AMFTRB) Examination in Marital and Family Therapy as the exam graduates seeking a license must pass to become an LMFT in those states. However, in California, applicants for licensure must instead pass another exam, the California LMFT Clinical Exam, to become licensed as an MFT in that state. Having a separate state exam hinders the ability of California LMFTs, including experienced LMFTs, to become licensed in other states, as many states do not allow LMFTs who have passed the ...

Illinois Licensure Portability Senate Bill Passes House, Next Heads to the Governor's Desk!

By Portability AAMFT posted 05-20-2024
We're thrilled to announce a significant step forward for our Access MFTs initiative in Illinois! Senate Bill 3211 has unanimously passed the House floor and now heads to the Governor's desk for signature. This legislation represents a major victory for AAMFT, MFTs across Illinois, and the communities they serve. By streamlining the licensure process for qualified MFTs from other states, SB 3211 removes unnecessary barriers to providing essential mental health services. With the passage of this bill, Illinois residents will have increased access to mental healthcare, particularly in underserved areas. Patients will benefit from a broader range of ...

Georgia MFT Licensure Portability Bill Signed into Law!

By Portability AAMFT posted 05-03-2024
Exciting news from the Peach State! Governor Brian Kemp has signed SB 373 into law at a Jordan Vocational High School in Columbus, GA, alongside other bills championing workforce development and growth. This significant achievement underscores Georgia's commitment to addressing mental health care challenges and promoting well-being across the state. SB 373's journey through the legislative process has been swift and successful, with unanimous support at every stage. Led by Senator Larry Walker III and backed by a bipartisan coalition, alongside support from organizations like NAMI Georgia and Grady Memorial Hospital, this bill represents a unified effort ...

Arizona MFT Licensure Portability Bill Signed into Law!

By Portability AAMFT posted 04-24-2024
We are excited to announce another significant milestone for the MFT community: Governor Katie Hobbs has signed our Arizona MFT portability bill, SB 1062 , into law! This achievement marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to enhance mental health care access and support for MFTs across the country. Building on the momentum of the Access MFTs initiative, Arizona joins Iowa, Virginia, Tennessee, and Maryland as the latest state to enact legislation supporting MFT licensure portability. This collective progress underscores the growing recognition of the importance of MFTs and the need for flexible, accessible licensure options to serve diverse communities ...

Iowa MFT Licensure Portability Bill Signed into Law!

By Portability AAMFT posted 04-19-2024
We're thrilled to share the exciting news that Governor Kim Reynolds signed our Iowa MFT licensure portability bill, HF 2515 , into law. This significant achievement marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to enhance mental health care access and support for MFTs across the state. Following the unanimous approval of the bill by the Senate and its journey through the legislative process, we're pleased to see our advocacy efforts come to fruition. This success in Iowa joins the ranks of other states like Virginia, Maryland, and Tennessee, where similar MFT portability bills have been enacted, signaling a positive trend in advancing mental health care policies ...

Arizona Licensure Portability Bill Clears Senate Confirmation Vote, Moves on to Governor for Approval

By Portability AAMFT posted 04-17-2024
We're excited to announce SB 1062 , which includes our MFT licensure portability language. passed its Arizona Senate confirmation vote with widespread support! This significant milestone reflects the dedicated efforts of many advocates and professionals in our community. With its successful passage through the Senate, SB 1062 now heads to the Governor's desk for signature, marking Arizona's final step towards modernizing behavioral health licensure. We remain hopeful for the Governor's support and signature, confident that SB 1062 will make a tangible difference in enhancing mental health care access and quality for all Arizonans in need of vital services. ...

Iowa Senate Unanimously Passes MFT Portability Bill: Next Heads to Governor for Approval

By Portability AAMFT posted 04-12-2024
Exciting news emerges from Iowa! The Senate unanimously approves our MFT bill, HF 2515 , marking a significant stride in improving access to mental healthcare for individuals and families across the state. We anticipate a positive outcome with the bill now on its way to the Governor's desk for final approval. Following the successful passage of MFT portability bills in Virginia, Maryland, and Tennessee, we're optimistic about its swift enactment in Iowa. While we celebrate this milestone, we also remain actively engaging in the rules-making process. Our goal is to ensure that the rules don't inadvertently create unnecessary barriers, aligning with our mission ...

Tennessee MFT Licensure Portability Bill Signed into Law!

By Portability AAMFT posted 04-12-2024
Governor Bill Lee recently signed Tennessee's MFT portability bill, SB 2399 , into law, marking a significant victory for the MFT profession in the state. This legislation promises to enhance opportunities and mobility for MFTs statewide. Following the heels of Maryland and Virginia, where similar bills were recently enacted, Tennessee's new law removes unnecessary barriers for MFTs. These changes benefit MFTs from various states, making obtaining licensure and exploring practice opportunities in different regions easier. Additionally, they promote collaboration among MFT professionals, enhancing access to mental health care for individuals and families nationwide. ...

Maryland MFT Licensure Portability Bill Signed into Law!

By Portability AAMFT posted 04-10-2024
We're excited to share an incredible milestone: Governor Wes Moore has signed Maryland's MFT portability bills, HB 628 and SB 409 , into law. This achievement marks a significant step forward for Maryland, becoming the second state in the Access MFTs initiative to enact such groundbreaking legislation. The signing of these bills is a testament to the relentless advocacy efforts of many, including AAMFT, MetroMFT, and a coalition of supportive partners. This victory not only underscores the unity and resilience of the MFT community but also sets a precedent for future progress and advancement. This win holds immense significance, not just for Maryland ...

Virginia MFT Licensure Portability Bill Signed into Law!

By Portability AAMFT posted 04-05-2024
In a triumph for the MFT profession, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed the Virginia MFT portability bill into law on April 4. This significant achievement marks the culmination of rigorous legislative work and underscores the dedication and collaborative efforts of stakeholders, advocates, and volunteers across the Commonwealth. The Virginia MFT portability bill, officially known as HB 329 , navigated through both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly with resounding support and unanimous passage in each stage of the legislative process. The bill demonstrated the widespread recognition of the importance of licensure portability in supporting ...

Illinois Licensure Portability House Bill Passes Committee Hearing, Awaits Full Vote on House Floor

By Portability AAMFT posted 04-04-2024
We're thrilled to share a positive update on Illinois House Bill 5246 and its recent journey through the Health Care Licenses Committee. HB 5246 passed unanimously during the committee hearing, marking a significant stride in our mission to enhance mobility and accessibility within the MFT profession and address shortages of quality mental health clinicians. With the bill advancing to a vote on the full House floor, we're one step closer to realizing our vision of addressing mental health care disparities and recognizing the valuable contributions of MFTs in providing holistic therapy. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to this milestone. ...

AAMFT Licensure Portability Language Successfully Amended onto Arizona Bill

By Portability AAMFT posted 04-03-2024
We have exciting news regarding the progress of our portability bill in Arizona! Our portability language was successfully amended onto Senate Bill 1062 , marking a significant step forward. Following the amendment, it swiftly passed through its Committee of the Whole hearing; the bill proceeded to the House floor, where it received a favorable vote. With this positive momentum, the bill is now set to return to the Senate for a confirmation vote. We are hopeful for a smooth process and anticipate it making its way to the Governor's desk for signature. This achievement marks a significant milestone in our mission to enhance licensure portability for MFTs ...

Georgia Licensure Portability Bill Clears Senate Confirmation Vote, Moves on to Governor's Office

By Portability AAMFT posted 03-29-2024
We received exciting news late last night as SB 373 passed its Georgia Senate confirmation vote! This significant milestone marks a testament to the swift and collaborative efforts of all involved. With its passage through the Senate confirmation vote, SB 373 now heads to the Governor's desk for signature, marking the final step towards becoming law. We remain hopeful for the Governor's support and signature, knowing that SB 373 will make a tangible difference in not only the MFT profession but, more importantly, make a difference in the lives of countless Georgians in need of mental health services Your voice has been instrumental in shaping the future ...

Maryland Senate Licensure Portability Bill Passes Both Chambers, Heads To Governor's Desk

By Portability AAMFT posted 03-28-2024
We're thrilled to announce another significant milestone in Phase 1 of the Access MFTs initiative. Senate Bill 409 , championing licensure portability for MFTs, has successfully navigated through every stage of the legislative process and is now on its way to the Governor’s desk for final approval. This achievement reflects the dedication and collaborative efforts of our advocacy network and stakeholders. Who’ve worked tirelessly to advance the cause of MFT licensure portability, and this success is a testament to our collective commitment. But the momentum doesn't stop there. SB 409’s companion, House Bill 628 , is also making swift progress, moving through ...