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MAC alumni handbook

(Table of Contents)
Chpt 1: Introduction
Chpt 2: Counselor credentials in WA
Chpt 3: Licensed mental health counselor
Chpt 4: Licensed marriage and family therapist
Chpt 5: Other counseling credentials in WA
Chpt 6: Supervision options for licensure
Chpt 7: Examination options for licensure
Chpt 8: Continuing education requirement

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology ("MAC")

The MAC Alumni Handbook:
Chapter 4:  Licensed marriage & family therapist 

Another important credential in the state of Washington is the "licensed Marriage and Family Therapist." Master's-level MFTs in private practice usually charge the same as MHCs. The major difference between the two certifications (LMHC and LMFT) reduces to a difference between breadth and depth. The LMHC is more of a generalist certification (yielding a broader marketability) while the LMFT is a specialist certification (with more in-depth training in family systems theory and therapy).

The LMFT credential requires the following:

• Specific coursework in marriage and family systems -- although the MAC Program was not specifically designed to meet the requirements of LMFT, much of the coursework is systems oriented and can be applied toward national (AAMFT) and/or state certification (LMFT). The amount of coursework that is applicable to MFT can be increased by a careful choice of electives. In addition to coursework, the entire MAC faculty are highly systems-oriented.

• 36 months or 3,000 hours of post-graduate experience under approved supervision -- see the MAC website discussion of clinical supervision

• The passing of a state-approved examination -- see the MAC website discussion of llicensure exams

National credentialling as a Marriage and Family Therapist comes through the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Certification as a "Clinical Member" requires the only 2,000 hours of post-graduate experience, but this must be under an AAMFT Approved Supervisor or a Supervisor-in-Training. There is no examination for becoming a Clinical Member.  If you choose your supervisor carefully, the 2,000 hours can be applied toward both national and state credentials.

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