Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)-By Examination

First Time License - Application by Examination

This application is for individuals who have completed the degree program requirements of 18VAC115-50-50, the coursework requirements of 18VAC115-50-55, have completed the post-degree supervised residency requirements of 18VAC115-50-60, and passed the National MFT examination administered by AMFTRB., and would like approval for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).  

Requirements for Application:

• Education:
  • Successfully graduate with graduate degree from a CACREP or COAMFTE accredited program or from a program that prepares individuals to practice marriage and family therapy, as defined in §54.1-3500 of the Code of Virginia, and
  • Completed the graduate coursework requirements in the 10 core content areas. 

•  Experience: Have completed a Board-approved post-degree residency consisting of:
• Delivered 3,400 hours of clinical marriage and family therapy services.
• Completed 2,000 hours of face-to-face client contact in the provision of clinical marriage and family services.
• Completed 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact with couples, families, or both.
• Completed a minimum of 1 hour per 40 hours of work experience, and a maximum of 4 hours per 40 hours of work experience for a total of 200 hours of individual face-to-face supervision with your qualified supervisor. 
• Completed your supervision within a minimum of 21 months and a maximum of 4 years.
  
  
•  Examination: Pass the National MFT Examination administered by AMFTRB 

Follow these steps to apply for Licensure by Examination

• Laws regarding the Practice of Counseling in the state of Virginia.
• Regulations regarding the Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy in the state of Virginia. 
• LMFT Licensure Process Handbook . This handbook provides detailed information about the required documents and process to obtain a license.

• Review the Application Instructions for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) by Examination for the documents needed to submit with your online application.
• Gather and request the necessary documents.

Do not start the online application until you have requested or obtained the applicable documents from Step 2. Submitting incomplete applications will delay the review and approval process. 

Begin the Online Application:

• Register for an Account or Login if you have an existing account.
• Select Initial Application from the menu.
• Select ‘Counseling’ as the Profession.
• Select 'Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist' as the License Type.
• Select ‘Examination’ as the Obtained by Method.
• Click ‘Start Application’.

Complete the Required Fields. 

Within the online application portal, upload the applicable documentation. PDF file format is preferred.

The following are possible documents you may be required to upload within the online application portal:

• Verification of Supervision form (Must be notarized).
• National Practitioners Data Bank Self-Query Report
• Verification of Required Coursework form
• Verification of Degree and Internship form
• Verification of Out-of-State Supervisor’s Licensure
• Additional Degree Program Information
• Proof of Out-of-State License from the issuing jurisdiction.
• Proof of Name Change
• Supporting Documentation for any criminal convictions, past actions, or possible impairments.

Within the online application portal, pay the application fee. 

• The fee for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) is $175.00
• All fees are nonrefundable.

• You will receive automated emails from coun@dhp.virginia.gov with your application status.
• You can also visit the Online Checklist  to view the status of your application.
• If your name or address changes prior to receiving your license, notify the Board as soon as possible in writing by submitting the Name/Address Change Form.
• Contact the Board with any questions: coun@dhp.virginia.gov or TEL: (804) 367-4610.