What it takes to become a licensed marriage and family therapist
To become an LMFT in Colorado, you need a qualifying graduate degree in marriage and family therapy, at least 2,000 hours of supervised practice over two years, 100 hours of supervision, and passing scores on the national MFT exam and the Colorado jurisprudence exam. You’ll register as a Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate (MFTC) first. Colorado LPC Supervision, part of My Denver Therapy, has helped hundreds of therapist candidates become licensed in Colorado. Every requirement below links to the statute or board rule it comes from.
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What are the requirements for an LMFT license in Colorado?
| Requirement | What Colorado requires |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 21 |
| Degree | Master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy, or a board-determined equivalent, including a practicum or internship |
| Candidate registration | Pass the jurisprudence exam and register as an MFTC |
| Minimum time | 24 months post-master’s or 12 months post-doctoral |
| Practice hours (post-master’s) | At least 2,000, including at least 1,500 face-to-face direct client contact hours |
| Couples and families | At least 1,000 of those direct client contact hours |
| Total supervision | 50 hours for every 1,000 practice hours, which is 100 hours at the 2,000-hour minimum |
| Individual supervision | At least 25 of every 50 hours |
| Group supervision | The remaining hours, with no more than 10 people at a time |
| Format | In person or telesupervision |
| Exams | AMFTRB national exam in marriage and family therapy and the Colorado jurisprudence exam |
Sources: C.R.S. 12-245-504 and 4 CCR 736-1.14.
What are the steps to become an LMFT in Colorado?
- Finish a qualifying degree. Graduates of programs that aren’t accredited have to establish equivalency.
- Pass the jurisprudence exam and register as an MFTC through DORA’s Marriage and Family Therapy applications page.
- Choose a qualified supervisor and agree on how you’ll track your hours.
- Build your practice and supervision hours over at least 24 months.
- Pass the AMFTRB national exam.
- Apply for your license and include a Post-Degree Experience and Supervision Form.
How many supervision hours does an MFTC need?
MFTCs need 100 supervision hours at the 2,000-hour practice minimum. At least 50 must be individual, and the rest are group supervision with no more than 10 people at a time. The rule accepts no other supervision modes, so triadic supervision doesn’t count toward your LMFT hours. The rule also asks that your supervision hours be reasonably distributed over each 1,000 hours of practice, and that your clinical hours be reasonably uniformly distributed over at least 24 months. Plan for steady supervision from the start.
How do the couple and family hours work?
At least 1,000 of your 1,500 direct client contact hours must be with couples and families. If your agency caseload leans toward individual clients, raise it with your supervisor early so you have time to adjust. Our MFTC supervision page covers how we can help with those hours.
Who can supervise an MFTC in Colorado?
The board accepts a marriage and family therapist or another licensed mental health professional with education, clinical experience and supervisory experience in marriage and family therapy. AAMFT Approved Supervisors are also named as qualifying. If your supervisor isn’t an MFT, DORA has a separate Non-MFT Supervisor Information Form for your application. Courtneyrose Chung and Allie Evans both hold the LMFT and are AAMFT-approved supervisors at My Denver Therapy, one of the largest therapy practices in Colorado.
How much does LMFT supervision cost in Colorado?
At Colorado LPC Supervision, 100 supervision hours cost between $10,000 and $15,000, depending on your group and individual mix. Our rates are $50 per group supervision hour and $150 per individual supervision hour.
| Plan | Individual hours | Group hours | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most group hours allowed | 50 | 50 | $10,000 |
| Mixed | 75 | 25 | $12,500 |
| All individual | 100 | 0 | $15,000 |
One online supervision group a month logs 24 group supervision hours a year.
Common questions about Colorado LMFT licensure
Do hours count before I register as an MFTC?
DORA says post-degree hours will only count toward licensure if the applicant is registered as a candidate. Register before you start counting hours.
Can MFT supervision be online in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado’s statute and board rule both allow supervision in person or by telesupervision.
Can a Licensed Addiction Counselor supervise my MFT hours?
Yes, if the LAC holds a valid license and has met the education requirements for an LMFT or the equivalent. That provision took effect on August 7, 2024.
Can teaching count toward my hours?
Teaching marriage and family therapy can count for up to 300 hours of post-master’s practice, as long as a qualifying supervisor supervised that teaching.
Do my exam results or hours expire?
Exam results and experience generally need to fall within five years of your application. Jurisprudence results are valid for one year from the date of your Results Report.
Ready to start your LMFT supervision hours?
Tell us you’re an MFTC and whether you want group, individual supervision or both. One of our supervisors will reach out directly.
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This page explains Colorado’s rules. DORA decides every application, so check the current rules on the Colorado Marriage and Family Therapy page before relying on them.