MFT Licensing in Texas

Ellen Heflin will be working toward licensure in Texas. The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council is responsible for establishing qualifications, issuing licenses, and overseeing the professional practice of Marriage and Family Therapists in Texas.

Quick Overview of Licensing Guidelines (as of Feb 2026)

Requirements for LMFT - Associate Application

  • Official score report from Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) national licensing exam
  • Jurisprudence examination completion certificate (prior to submitting application for licensure - no earlier than 6 months prior) 
  • Practicum documentation Form completed by university faculty or administrator (shown below)
  • Supervisory agreement form (shown below)
  • Documentation of any post-graduate supervised experience gained
  • Government issued photo ID
  • National Practitioner Data Bank self-query report 
  • Finger printing 
  • Official transcripts - master’s or doctorate degree in marriage and family therapy from a program accredited by COAMFTE
  • Online application completed with previously listed data included in submission

Important Information 

  • Applications are only via accepted online portal - no paper forms accepted
  • Must apply for Texas' approval before registering with AMFTRB to sit for the exam 
  • May only practice while under the Council-approved supervision provided by a Texas LMFT-Supervisor (LMFT-S)
  • Texas only offers LMFT and LMFT Associate license types. There is no student license type. 
  • LMFT Associate License expires 60 months from date of issuance (5 years)

Scope of Practice Guidelines for LMFT in Texas (more detailed information in TBHEC Licensing Guidelines linked above 801.42)

  • (801.42.1) Marriage and Couples Therapy using systems methods and processes
  • (801.42.2) Sex Therapy using systems methods and processes 
  • (801.42.3) Family Therapy using systems methods and processes
  • (801.42.4) Child Therapy using systems methods and processes 
  • (801.42.5) Play Therapy using systems methods and processes
  • (801.42.6) Individual Therapy using systems methods and processes
  • (801.42.7) Divorce Therapy using systems methods and processes
  • (801.42.8) Mediation using systems methods and processes
  • (801.42.9) Group Therapy using systems methods and processes
  • (801.42.10) Chemical Dependency Therapy using systems methods and processes
  • (801.42.11) Rehabilitation Dependency Therapy systems methods and processes
  • (801.42.12) Referral Services using systems methods and processes
  • (801.42.13) Diagnostic Assessment using the DSM and IDC
  • (801.42.14) Psychotherapy using systems methods and processes
  • (801.42.15) Hypnotherapy using systems methods and processes
  • (801.42.16) Biofeedback using systems methods and processes
  • (801.42.17) Assessment and Appraisal using systems methods and processes
  • (801.42.18) Consultation using systems methods and processes
  • (801.42.19) Activities under the Texas Family Code, Chapter 153, Subchapter K, concerning Parenting Plan, Parenting Coordinator, and Parenting Facilitator
  • (801.42.20) Parent Education and Parent Training 
  • (801.42.21) Life Coaching
  • (801.42.22) Any other related services provided by a licensee