As a marriage and family therapist in California, it is essential to ensure that you are meeting all licensure requirements to maintain your ability to practice. These requirements are put in place by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) and are designed to ensure that licensed therapists are providing high-quality care to their clients.
Here are some steps you can take to ensure that you are meeting licensure requirements:
- Know the requirements
The first step in meeting licensure requirements is to know what they are. You can find the requirements on the BBS website, which includes information on education, exams, supervised experience, and ongoing education requirements. Make sure to review these requirements periodically, as they may change over time. - Complete the necessary education
To become licensed as a marriage and family therapist in California, you must have a master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from an accredited institution. Make sure to check that your program is accredited by a recognized accreditation body, such as the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). - Pass the exam
The BBS requires that you pass two exams to become licensed as a marriage and family therapist in California: the National MFT Exam and the California Law and Ethics Exam. You must pass both exams before you can be licensed. Make sure to prepare for these exams thoroughly, as they are challenging. - Get supervised experience
After completing your education and passing the exams, you must get supervised experience to become licensed as a marriage and family therapist in California. You must complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience, including at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact. Your supervisor must be a licensed marriage and family therapist or another licensed mental health professional approved by the BBS. - Complete ongoing education
After becoming licensed as a marriage and family therapist in California, you must complete ongoing education to maintain your license. The BBS requires 36 hours of continuing education every two years, including 6 hours in law and ethics. Make sure to keep track of your continuing education hours and to take courses from approved providers. - Renew your license
You must renew your license every two years to continue practicing as a marriage and family therapist in California. To renew your license, you must complete the required continuing education hours and pay a renewal fee. Make sure to renew your license before it expires to avoid any disruptions in your ability to practice.
In conclusion, meeting licensure requirements is an essential part of being a marriage and family therapist in California. By following these steps, you can ensure that you are meeting all requirements and providing high-quality care to your clients. Remember to periodically check the BBS website for any updates or changes to the requirements and to renew your license every two years.
