Whether you're currently licensed in another jurisdiction or just starting your journey, Montana has clear guidelines to help you achieve your professional goals. Below, we outline the essential steps and requirements to become an LMFT in Montana.
License Requirements for LMFT Not Currently Licensed in Another Jurisdiction
To become an LMFT in Montana, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Educational Requirements: You must meet one of the following options:
- Option 1: A minimum of a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
- Option 2: A minimum of a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling from a program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or COAMFTE.
- Option 3: A minimum of a master’s degree from an accredited institution with at least 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours, including courses in:
- Foundations of relational/systemic practice, theories, and models
- Biopsychosocial health and development across the lifespan
- Clinical treatment with individuals, couples, and families
- Ethics in marriage and family therapy
- Diverse, multicultural, and/or underserved communities
- Systemic/relational assessment and mental health diagnosis and treatment
- Supervised Counseling Experience: Proof of completion of 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience.
- Background Check: Submit fingerprints to the Montana Department of Justice for a fingerprint background check.
- Examination: Proof of passage of the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) examination or another exam approved by the board.
License Requirements for LMFT Currently Licensed in Another Jurisdiction
If you are already licensed in another jurisdiction, you have two options:
- Meet all the criteria for applicants not currently licensed.
- Hold a current, active license in good standing in another state or jurisdiction with substantially equivalent licensing requirements to Montana standards. Additionally:
- Complete supervised post-degree work that meets the requirements in ARM 24.219.704.
- Pass an exam as described above.
- Submit fingerprints for a background check.
Alternatively, you can count experience for education if:
- Your degree is at least 48 semester or 72 quarter credits.
- You completed five years of post-degree experience in marriage and family therapy in addition to the supervised work experience.
Checklist of Required Documents
Ensure you have the following documents when applying for your LMFT license:
- Official license verification from states and jurisdictions where you hold or have held a professional license.
- Detailed explanations and documentation for any disciplinary actions, if applicable.
- Certified education transcript(s) sent directly from the college or university.
- Completed fingerprint and background check results sent directly from the Montana Department of Justice.
- Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Rights form.
- Proof of passage of the exam sent directly from the AMFTRB.
- Proof of completion of 3,000 hours of supervised experience.
Application Fee
The application fee for LMFT is $200. You can apply online at this link or download a paper application. Online application is recommended.
For more information, please follow this link.
