State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners

General Questions

1. Must I be a citizen of the United States to be eligible for licensure?

   No. New Jersey State law allows for all individuals, regardless of citizenship status, to obtain a professional or occupational license in New Jersey if all requirements for licensure are met. Individuals with undocumented status are eligible for licensure and a social security number is not required for licensure.
   

2. How does the Board work? 

   The Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners meets at 9:30 a.m. on the second Thursday of every month. Each meeting consists of a public session, which is open to the public and an executive session which is not.

   During the open session, the Board discusses regulatory changes, pending legislation that affects the mental health field, and public correspondence during the open public session, where members of the public can attend.  Members of the public may address the Board during the public comment period portion of the public session of the meeting. However, be advised that individual applications and complaints cannot be discussed in public session due to confidentiality issues.

   During the executive session, the Board reviews applications, proposed plans of supervision,  matters of pending disciplinary action, and other confidential matters that are closed to the public.
   

3. What is the Board's contact information? 

   State Board of Marriage and Family Examiners
   P.O. Box 45007
   Newark, NJ 07101

   The phone number to reach the Board's staff is (973) 504-6415.

   Questions should be addressed to staff by email: MFTinquries@dca.njoag.gov.
   

Complaints

1. How do I file a complaint against a licensed marriage and family therapist or a licensed associate marriage and family therapist? 

   You can file your complaint electronically. Click on this link to access the online consumer complaint form: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/Pages/Consumer-Complaints.aspx. If you prefer to do it by hard copy, you can print out the complaint form available on this site and mail to:

   State Board of Marriage and Family Examiners
   P.O. Box 45007
   Newark, NJ 07101
   

2. How long will the investigation take?

   The Board cannot predict how long an investigation will take because each case has many variables. Each matter received by the Board is investigated thoroughly and on its own merits. Some cases involve a limited number of circumstances and, upon assignment, can be completed quickly. Others are more complicated and may take longer periods of time. The Board will do its best to process your complaint as quickly as it can, while still conducting an appropriate investigation.

Applications and Licensing Process

1. Do I need a criminal history background check?

   New Jersey law requires that every person seeking licensure or certification as a healthcare professional must undergo a Criminal History Background Check.  You will be required to attest to the truthfulness of the information you provide on the application including the Criminal History Background Check ("CHBC") section. In the event that there are discrepancies between the information you attested to and the CHBC report, a letter of inquiry will be sent to you for your response.

   Failure to provide truthful information may unnecessarily delay the application process and may cause the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners to take disciplinary action for misrepresentation pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:1-21(b).
   

2. I have been fingerprinted before (e.g. Board of Education or for my employer). Do I have to be fingerprinted again?

   Only fingerprints done for the Division of Consumer Affairs may be shared among the Division's licensing Boards and Committees. You will not have to be fingerprinted again, if you have been previously fingerprinted for any other license or certificate issued by the Division.
   

3. Are there any disqualifying crimes for licensure?

   Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:1-15.9 which prohibits prohibiting boards/committees from issuing license or certificate to practice to renew, reactivate or reinstate license or certificate of those who have been convicted of sexual assault, criminal sexual contact or lewdness pursuant to N.J.S.2C:14-2, N.J.S.2C:14-3, and N.J.S.2C:14-4 that is of the first, second, third or fourth degree, endangering the welfare of a child pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:24-4, attempting to lure or entice a child pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1993, c. 291(C.2C:13-6), or equivalent offenses in another jurisdiction certain sexual criminal offenses.
   

Applications

1. Where and how do I file an application? Where do I find the application?

   All applications must be submitted online. If you cannot apply online or need special accommodations contact staff at 973-504-6514 or MFTinquiries@dca.njoag.gov

   The application for associate or licensed marriage and family therapist can be found here: https://newjersey.mylicense.com/eGov/Login.aspx.
   

2. What if I hold a license in another state?

   Out of State applicants who are seeking reciprocity who hold a corresponding license should use the standard LMFT application and check off that they hold a license to practice in another state and provide official verification of licenses held in other jurisdictions. 

3. What is the scope of practice for a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)?

   Please see N.J.S.A. 45:8B-2(b) 
   

4. What is the scope of practice for Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT)

   Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:8B-18.2, no licensed associate marriage and family therapist shall practice without direct supervision by a licensed marriage and family therapist or a supervisor acceptable to the board. The plan for supervision of the licensed associate marriage and family therapist shall be approved by the board prior to any actual performance of counseling by the licensed associate marriage and family therapist

5. What are the educational requirements to become a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT)?

   Educational Requirements (see N.J.A.C. 13:34-2.3): A minimum of a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, social work or graduate degree in a related field. Educational requirements and course content can be reviewed in the regulations: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-34-Subchapters-1-9A-Board-of-Marriage-and-Family-Therapy-Examiners.pdf.

6. What are the educational, experience, and exam requirements to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)?

   Experience Requirements (see N.J.A.C 13:34- 2.4(b)):

   Applicants for licensure must obtain a total of 4,500 hours of supervised experience, at a rate of 1,500 hours per year, as

   • A minimum of 50 hours of face-to-face supervision, at the rate of one hour per week, of which not more than 25 hours may be in group supervision;
   • A maximum of 1,150 hours of actual marriage and family therapy client contact; and
   • A maximum of 300 hours of other work-related activities such as preparation and maintenance of client records.
   • Per year:

   1,150 marriage and family client contact

       300 hours of other work related

          50 hours of supervision

   Total: 1,500 hours for 2 years = 3,000 hours of supervised MFT experience

    +       1,500 hours – general counseling hours may be earned during master's internship*

   Total:  4,500 hours of supervised experience

   *An applicant for licensure with a master's degree shall complete two of the three required calendar years of marriage and family therapy experience after the applicant has earned the master's degree, pursuant to NJAC 13:34-2.4(c).

   Examination Requirement (see N.J.A.C. 13:34- 2.1): Upon fulfilling the educational and experiential requirements, the Board will authorize the applicant to take the National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards or its successor.

   Documentation of supervision forms required in N.J.A.C. 13:34-3.3(e) are available on the Board's website at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/pages/verification.aspx.
   

Supervision Questions for a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

1. Who is considered a qualified supervisor? 

   See definition of a qualified supervisor in N.J.A.C 13:34-13.2.4(a).

2. What are the responsibilities of a qualified supervisor?

   See the requirements and responsibilities under N.J.A.C. 13:34-3.3.

3. What is a Proposed Plan of Supervision?

   A proposed plan of supervision is a written plan approved by the Board for the supervision of a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist.

   You can access the form using this link:
   https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/mft/Applications/Associate-Marriage-and-Family-Therapist-Clinical-Supervision-Plan.pdf.
   

   An approved Plan of Supervision is required by an LAMFT in order to practice and accrue supervised hours for LMFT licensure.  The LAMFT's qualified supervisor is responsible for completing the plan for supervision form with the LAMFT. The LAMFT must submit the completed Plan for Board approval which shall include a detailed job description and the location(s) where client contact and supervision will occur (see N.J.A.C. 13:34-2.2(a)(6), 3.3(k), and 3.3(l)).

   Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:8B-18.2, the written plan for supervision of the LAMFT must be approved by the Board prior to the performance of counseling by the LAMFT.

   The responsibilities of a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist are found under N.J.A.C. 13:34-3.4.
   

4. How many supervisees can a qualified supervisor have?

   Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:34-13-3.3(a), a qualified supervisor may not supervise more than the equivalent of six full-time mental health professionals at one time.

5. I have a new supervisor or place of employment. Do I need to submit a new Proposed Plan of Supervision?

   Yes, if a there is a new supervisor, the Board must receive and approve a new Plan of Supervision for each of your supervisors and for each worksite. 

6. How often do I need to meet with my supervisor, and how many hours need to be face-to-face?

   At least 50 hours of face-to-face supervision per one calendar year, at the rate of one hour per week, of which not more than half hours may be group supervision pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:34-2.4(b).

7. I've completed a practicum/internship as part of my master's course work. Can I use those hours towards my supervision?

   Yes, you may use one (1) calendar year or 1,500 hours earned while enrolled in a practicum or internship during your master's program. These hours may only be counted towards fulfilling the general counseling hours. 
   

8. When do I submit the documentation of supervision?

   Documentation of Supervised hours must be filed with the Board every 6 months pursuant to N.J.A.C.13:34-3.4(a).  The forms are listed below for each category.

   • Client Contact and Supervision Hours – every 6 months
   • Documentation of Experience for General Counseling (Experience Only) – 1,500 total hours  submitsubmitted only once
   • Documentation of Experience for Marriage and Family Therapy (Experience Only) – 3,000 total hours, submit upon completion of supervised hours.

   All forms may be accessed using this link: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/mft/Pages/applications.aspx

   Once completed it can be either uploaded to your electronic file https://newjersey.mylicense.com/eGov/Login.aspx  or emailed to Board staff at MFTinquiries@dca.njoag.gov.
   

Renewal Questions

1. What do I need to do to renew my license?

   You will receive a letter in the mail approximately 60 days prior to the June 30th deadline to renew your license. This letter will include instructions detailing how to renew your license online

2. I paid for a two-year license and received a license renewal in the mail. Why?

   All licenses for LAMFTs and LMFTs expire every even-numbered year (example: 2024, 2026, 2028) on June 30 regardless of when it was originally issued. Those issued a license in the second year of the biennial period will be charged half of the licensing fee. See N.J.A.C. 13:34-1.1 for additional fee information.

3. What is a biennial period?

   A biennial period covers two (2) years.  The Board's biennial period is from July 1 of an even-numbered year through June 30 of an even-numbered year.

4. I've changed my name (e.g., marriage, divorce, etc.) and/or I've moved to a new address. How do I update the Board with my new information?

   N.J.A.C. 13:34-1.9 requires a licensee whose name has been legally changed to notify the Board no later than 30 days following the name change. If you change your name, contact the Board by email at: MFTinquiries@dca.njoag.gov and provide an official copy of legal documentation (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, simple name change) within 30 days.

   Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:34-1.8(a), a licensee must notify the Board in writing within 30 days of any change of address. Be sure to indicate if you would like this address to be your "address of record" which will be available to the public. Post Office Box addresses may not be used as the primary mailing address which must include a street, city, state, and zip code - only as the address of record.

   Address changes can be done online: Login (mylicense.com)

   Name change email staff at: MFTinquiries@dca.njoag.gov.
   

License Reinstatement

1. How do I reinstate or reactivate my license?

   Below is the link to the reinstatement application.  The invoices for the associated fees will be sent by email to you for online payment.

   Please complete the application and send it as a PDF with copies of your Continuing Education Units (CEUs). You must also include a Proposed Plan of Supervision, if you are an LAMFT.

   Use this link to access the reinstatement/reactivation application.
   

   You will need to provide proof of continuing education, and an affidavit indicating your employment history since your license lapsed with your application for reinstatement/reactivation.  Enter "reinstatement" in the subject line

   Once completed, it can be either uploaded to your electronic file https://newjersey.mylicense.com/eGov/Login.aspx or emailed to Board staff at MFTinquiries@dca.njoag.gov.
   

2. How can I reinstate my license if it had been suspended or revoked by a consent order?

   If your license has been suspended or revoked by the Board by Consent Order below is the protocol that is followed:

   1. Notice to the Public of Intention of Reinstatement 
   2. Letter to victims inviting comment
   3. Inquiry before the Board
   4. Professional Board Prosecution Comments
      

3. Can I reinstate my license if I had been convicted of sexual assault, criminal sexual contact or lewdness?

   N.J.S.A. 45:1-15.9 prohibits health care licensing boards from issuing an initial license, certificate or registration, and from  renewing, reactivating, or reinstating the licenses, certificates, or registrations of applicants who have been convicted of sexual assault, criminal sexual contact or lewdness pursuant to N.J.S.2C:14-2, N.J.S.2C:14-3, and N.J.S.2C:14-4 that is of the first, second, third or fourth degree, endangering the welfare of a child pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:24-4, attempting to lure or entice a child pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1993, c. 291(C.2C:13-6), or equivalent offenses in another jurisdiction certain sexual criminal offenses.

4. What is the late fee for renewal?

   $100
   

5. What is the reinstatement fee?

   $150 plus the biennial fees due since the license lapsed.

Verification of License

1. I'm moving to another state. How do I get a "letter of good standing" or certification of licensure? Is there a fee for this letter?

   You will to need to submit your request to the Board in writing at Marriage_Family_LV@dca.njoag.gov and provide the Board with any forms that the other state requires be filled out. There is a $25 fee for the letter, for which you will be invoiced electronically. 

Continuing Education

1. How many Continuing Education Units (CEU's) does an LMFT need for each biennial renewal period?

   Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:34-5.2(b), a marriage and family therapist must complete a minimum of 40 Continuing Education units (CEU) every two (2) years. Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:34-5.2(c),(d), and (f), five (5) CEU's must be in ethical and legal standards related to marriage and family therapy , three (3) must be in social and cultural competency, and at least one must be in educational programs or topics concerning opioid drugs. Refer to N.J.A.C. 13:34-5.3 for information about the approved continuing education course/program providers, and subject content. 

2. I've completed more than 40 CEUs during the current biennial period. Can I carry over some CEUs into the next biennial period?

   You may carry a total of 10 CEUs into the next biennial period pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:34-5.2(e).

3. Can I complete my CEUs online?

   Yes, you may complete a total of 20 CEUs online; the remaining 20 CEUs must be completed face-to-face, or synchronous (live interactive webinars) pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:34-5.2(b).  

4. How do I know if a continuing education course has been approved by the Board?

   Refer to N.J.A.C 13:34-5.3(a)1 for the list of approved course/program providers. 

5. How many Continuing Education Units (CEUs) does an LAMFT need for each biennial renewal period?

   An LAMFT is required to complete 20 CEUs every biennial renewal period.  Refer to

   N.J.A.C.13:34-5.1 (b) All licensed associate marriage and family therapists shall complete 20 contact hours of continuing education for license renewal, consistent with the requirements of this subchapter. The licensed associate marriage and family therapist shall confirm on the renewal application that the licensee has completed the required continuing professional education programs, courses, or articles as specified in this subchapter during the biennial period preceding the application for the renewal 
   

Telehealth/ Telesupervision

1. Can a LMFT or LAMFT provider services using telehealth?

   Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:1-62 (b). Any health care provider who uses telemedicine or engages in telehealth while providing health care services to a patient, shall: (1) be validly licensed, certified, or registered, pursuant to Title 45 of the Revised Statutes, to provide such services in the State of New Jersey; (2) remain subject to regulation by the appropriate New Jersey State licensing board or other New Jersey State professional regulatory entity; (3) act in compliance with existing requirements regarding the maintenance of liability insurance; and (4) remain subject to New Jersey jurisdiction if either the patient or the provider is located in New Jersey at the time services are provided.
   

Submission of Documentation

All correspondence submitted to the Board should be typed or printed clearly, signed, and notarized as indicated and submitted to staff at: MFTinquiries@dca.njoag.gov.  Include your full name, license number if you are a licensee.

To submit applications, go to: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/mft/Pages/applications.aspx.

Fees

Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:34-1.1

* Please note that all fees are subject to change *

1. What is the application fee?
   $75
2. What is the initial licensing fee?
   • LMFT during the first year of the biennial period $250 
   • LMFT during the second year of the biennial period $125
   • LAMFT during the first year of the biennial period $180
   • LAMFT during the second year of the biennial period $90
3. What is the renewal fee?
   • LMFT $250&
   • LAMFT $180