Both the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) licenses can prepare you to provide essential therapy and counseling services. They do differ in their duties and scope, however, and becoming an AMFT is often a step on the path to getting your LMFT license.

Understanding the differences between LMFT vs. AMFT can help you chart your journey towards a fascinating, rewarding career in mental health counseling. In this guide, we will explore the differences between the two licenses, the key responsibilities of both roles, and how to become licensed in each field.

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What is an LMFT?

So, what is a LMFT? An LMFT is a licensed mental health professional who specializes in helping individuals, couples, and families improve their relationships and address issues within the context of familial systems.

Generally, to become an LMFT, candidates must receive at least a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and pass the national licensing exam (more on this later).¹

Key Responsibilities of an LMFT

LMFTs work to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and promote emotional well-being through established therapeutic techniques and relational theory. Their main responsibilities include:² 

• Assessing and diagnosing mental health and relational issues
• Providing therapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups
• Developing treatment plans tailored to clients' needs

From behavioral issues to divorce adjustment, eating disorders, and more, LMFTs take on these responsibilities for a wide variety of cases and disorders.

What is an AMFT?

An AMFT is a mental health counseling professional in the process of gaining supervised clinical experience to fulfill the requirements for full licensure as an LMFT.³ Under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor, AMFTs provide therapy with a focus on:⁴

• Improving relationships
• Creating and executing unique therapy plans for their individual patients
• Addressing mental health issues

AMFTs generally work in clinical settings, such as hospitals and private practices, with patients experiencing a wide variety of behavioral and mental disorders.

Qualifications for Becoming an AMFT

Candidates for AMFT licensure must first complete a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. They also have to satisfy any state-specific requirements (like supervised clinical hours) and pass a national licensing exam.

We’ll detail the step-by-step path to becoming an AMFT later in the article.

Differences Between LMFT and AMFT

LMFTs and AMFTs play essential roles in mental health care, but a few factors distinguish them, such as:

Supervision and Hours Requirements

After meeting state requirements for supervision and clinical hours, LMFTs are licensed to practice independently. This qualification allows them to provide therapy without ongoing oversight.

In contrast, AMFTs are required to work under the supervision of licensed professionals while completing their clinical hours.⁵ This supervision is an essential part of AMFT training, as it hones skills and builds confidence for independent practice.

Scope of Practice

While both LMFTs and AMFTs can provide therapeutic services, LMFTs have more professional autonomy and responsibility. They can independently diagnose and treat patients for a variety of relational issues and mental health concerns.⁶ Since AMFTs must work under supervision, they cannot diagnose or treat clients independently. Instead, their practice is limited to providing therapy under the direction and approval of a licensed professional.⁷

Path to Becoming an LMFT

Becoming an LMFT can be a demanding, but rewarding journey. It requires a combination of education, training, and licensure. By taking the following steps, you can ensure you have the education, skills, and qualifications necessary to help individuals, couples, and families navigate complex emotional and relational challenges:⁸

• Obtain a degree – After candidates receive a bachelor’s degree in a related field, they must also obtain a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from an accredited MFT program. If you want to reach even higher, you can kickstart your career as an LMFT with a PhD in marriage and family therapy. 
• Complete coursework – During the MFT program, students complete a variety of courses that provide theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Common areas of study include different types of therapy, clinical assessment, and diagnosis techniques.
• Gain clinical experience – After completing coursework, students must complete supervised clinical hours in a real-world setting. Depending on the state, up to 4,000 hours of post-graduate supervised experience is required.⁹ If you’re wondering how to become a LMFT in California, for instance, you’ll need 3,000 clinical hours. This includes direct client contact, case management, and regular supervision to enhance your clinical skills.
• Pass the licensing exam – After completing their education requirements and fieldwork, candidates must pass a licensing exam administered by the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).¹⁰ This exam assesses knowledge in areas like clinical assessment, therapeutic intervention, and ethical practice.¹¹

Path to Becoming an AMFT

What can you expect if you want to become an AMFT?

After earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field, individuals must complete a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. These programs include coursework and clinical training tailored to essential skills like cultural competency and trauma-informed care.¹²

Graduates then apply for associate registration with their state’s licensing board by submitting the required documentation—like transcripts or proof of education. An AMFT must also complete up to 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience under a licensed therapist.¹³  

Which Path is Right for You?

If independence and long-term specialization are your goals, LMFT is a fitting field to aspire to. For those just starting their career journey, AMFT licensure provides the necessary supervised experience to excel in the long run. To determine the right path for you, reflect on:

• Your professional timeline
• Your readiness for responsibility
• Whether you want to pursue an independent practice 
• How comfortable you are working under supervision

You can also consult with an admissions officer to help guide you through the decision-making process.

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While the AMFT designation provides essential supervised experience as you build your clinical skills, the LMFT license offers the autonomy to practice independently and advance your professional goals.

At Alliant International University, our dedicated admissions officers can help you navigate these options and determine the path that aligns with your personal and career aspirations. Contact us today to learn more about our programs, coursework, and resources designed to support you every step of the way on your journey to becoming a licensed therapist.

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Sources:

1. “How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist.” edX. 2022. http://teach.com/careers/psychology/marriage-and-family-therapist/. Accessed December 9, 2024. 
2. “Marriage and Family Therapist: The Family-Friendly Mental Health Professionals.” American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. 2023. http://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/Consumer_Updates/MFT.aspx. Accessed December 9, 2024.
3.  “What is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)?” MSW Degrees. 2024. http://www.mswdegrees.org/resources/what-is-an-amft/. Accessed December 9, 2024.
4. “What is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)?” MSW Degrees. 2024. http://www.mswdegrees.org/resources/what-is-an-amft/. Accessed December 9, 2024.
5. “What is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)?” MSW Degrees. 2024. http://www.mswdegrees.org/resources/what-is-an-amft/. Accessed December 9, 2024.
6. “What is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)?” MSW Degrees. 2024. http://www.mswdegrees.org/resources/what-is-an-amft/. Accessed December 9, 2024.
7. “ What is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)?” MSW Degrees. 2024. http://www.mswdegrees.org/resources/what-is-an-amft/. Accessed December 9, 2024.
8. “How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist.” edX. 2022. http://teach.com/careers/psychology/marriage-and-family-therapist/. Accessed December 9, 2024. 
9. “How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist.” edX. 2022. http://teach.com/careers/psychology/marriage-and-family-therapist/. Accessed December 9, 2024. 
10. “Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.” Association of Marital & Family Regulatory Boards. 2024. http://amftrb.org/exam-info/. Accessed December 9, 2024.
11. “Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.” Association of Marital & Family Regulatory Boards. 2024. http://amftrb.org/exam-info/. Accessed December 9, 2024.
12. “What is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)?” MSW Degrees. 2024. http://www.mswdegrees.org/resources/what-is-an-amft/. Accessed December 9, 2024.
13. “What is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)?” MSW Degrees. 2024. http://www.mswdegrees.org/resources/what-is-an-amft/. Accessed December 9, 2024.