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NearbyTherapy

LMFT near me, licensed marriage and family therapists close to home

LMFT stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. LMFTs are trained to look at people in the context of their relationships, and they work with couples and families as well as with individuals. On NearbyTherapy you can find LMFTs near you, see their license details from the public federal registry and contact them directly. Searching is free for patients and no account is needed.

A couple walking side by side on a residential street at dusk, seen from behind, porch lights on

What a marriage and family therapist license means

An LMFT is a mental health professional licensed by a state to diagnose and provide psychotherapy, with training centered on relationships and family systems. The family systems view looks at how patterns between people, such as communication, roles and conflict, affect each person involved. That lens is used whether the client is a couple, a whole family or one person.

All 50 states license marriage and family therapists. The license is separate from those for counselors, social workers and psychologists, and it has its own board or licensing body in each state.

The usual path to becoming an LMFT

Requirements are set by each state, so the details differ, but the general path looks similar across the country.

  • A master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field, often from a program accredited by COAMFTE.
  • A period of supervised clinical work after graduation, commonly around two years, with a set number of hours that includes work with couples and families.
  • Passing a licensing exam. Many states use the national exam from the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards, while California uses its own exams through its Board of Behavioral Sciences.
  • Ongoing continuing education to keep the license active.

Title variations by state

While working toward full licensure, clinicians practice under supervision with a pre license title. In California this is Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, shortened to AMFT. In Texas the supervised title is LMFT Associate. Other states use names such as LMFT Associate or provisional license. A profile showing one of these titles means the clinician practices under a licensed supervisor. Ask about that arrangement if you are curious.

Details not yet confirmed by the provider. Call to ask about insurance and fees.

What LMFTs generally can and cannot do

LMFTs provide therapy for individuals, couples and families, and many also see children and teens together with their parents. They are commonly found doing marriage counseling, premarital work and family sessions, but many have individual caseloads too.

LMFTs do not prescribe medication. Psychological testing is usually done by psychologists. If medication is something you want to explore, a psychiatrist, another physician or a psychiatric nurse practitioner is the usual route, and many LMFTs coordinate with them.

How to check an LMFT license

  • Ask for the license number and state, or find them on the profile.
  • Search it on the state licensing board website. Examples include the Board of Behavioral Sciences in California, the Office of the Professions in New York, the Behavioral Health Executive Council in Texas, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in Illinois and the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners in Arizona.
  • Confirm the status is active and review any public actions.
  • Look up the NPI in the NPPES NPI Registry to confirm the name, taxonomy and practice location.

Registry listings on NearbyTherapy show the NPI and, when present, the license number and state. Claimed profiles carry a License verified badge.

What to ask an LMFT on a first call

  • Do you work mainly with couples, families, individuals or a mix?
  • If we come as a couple, do you ever meet with each person separately?
  • Which approaches do you use in relationship work?
  • Are you fully licensed, or practicing as an associate under supervision?
  • Do you offer online sessions, and in which states are you licensed?
  • What is your fee, and is couples therapy covered by my plan?

Cost and insurance for LMFT sessions

Many LMFTs take insurance and many work on a self pay basis. One point worth checking is that some plans treat couples or family sessions differently from individual therapy, so ask your plan how they cover each. Our article on how much couples counseling costs and the therapist that takes insurance guide go into more depth.

Do LMFTs only work with married couples?

No. Despite the name, LMFTs work with couples of any kind, families, parents and individuals. The title reflects the relationship focus of their training.

Is an LMFT the same as a couples counselor?

Many couples counselors are LMFTs, but other licensed professionals, such as LPCs, LCSWs and psychologists, also do couples work. Ask any provider about their specific training in it.

What does AMFT mean on a profile?

In California, AMFT means Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, a clinician who has finished their degree and is completing supervised hours toward full LMFT licensure.

Can an LMFT prescribe medication?

No. LMFTs provide therapy. Medication is prescribed by physicians, such as psychiatrists, or by psychiatric nurse practitioners.

If it is urgent

NearbyTherapy is not a crisis or emergency service. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). If someone is in danger, call 911. Our crisis page lists more resources.

Search LMFTs in your area

Enter your city or ZIP code and choose LMFT to see licensed marriage and family therapists near you. Free for patients, no account needed.

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