Early Career/ Licensing Resources

Connecticut MFT Licensing Overview


Connecticut has a two-tiered license, the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA) and the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). The Associate License (LMFTA) can be obtained upon graduating from an accredited university and must be held for employment and for the duration in which full licensure requirements are completed. Once full licensure requirements are met, applicants can apply and obtain Full Licensure (LMFT). 

Licensing Exam Resources

CTAMFT currently offers licensing exam study groups multiple times throughout the year. To see when the next study group is being held, please visit our events page or email us at education@ctamft.org. 

For further information on the national licensing exam from the Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards, click here. 

Connecticut Specific Licensing Resources

The CT Department of Public Health's requirements for the Associate License can be found here.

The CT Department of Public Health's requirements for Full Licensure can be found here. 

LMFTA Designation FAQs:

Do I need to pass an exam for obtain LMFTA status?

No, unlike LPCs and LCSWs, MFTs do not need to pass an exam for the Associate License.  You WILL need to pass an exam for your full LMFT status.

Can I practice in private practice on my own with an LMFTA?

Technically, anyone can practice in private practice on their own but in order to bill for insurance you must have a full LMFT. Additionally, if you decide to practice in private practice, you will need to coordinate with your contracted supervisor for approval of clinical hours for licensure.

Do I need to have an approved supervisor to sign off for my supervision?

No, for the LMFTA status, you only need to find an LMFT to be your contracted supervisor.  You may choose to seek out supervision with an AAMFT Approved Supervision, but it is not required.  

Where can I find a list of LMFTs that are available for supervision?

You can find a list of AAMFT Approved Supervisor on https://www.aamft.org/Supervision/Search/Find_a_Supervisor.aspx. Also, please feel free to contact us for recommendations for LMFTS in your area that may be available.  Additionally, if you ARE and LMFT and are interested in being added to our available supervisor list, please send us your contact information, location, and current rate for supervision.  

How do I apply for the LMFTA status?

You can find all of the information for how to apply on DPH’s website - https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Practitioner-Licensing--Investigations/MFT/Marital-and-Family-Therapy-Associate

How long does the LMFTA license last?

When you get your initial LMFTA status – it lasts for 2 years which gives you 2 years to complete clinical hours, supervision hours, and pass the licensing exam.  After 2 years, you can renew it for an additional 2 years if you were unable to meet the requirements in the initial period.  If you cannot complete all of the requirements within the 4 years, you lose your LMFTA status and can no longer practice as an MFT.