OHIO.gov - so much to Discover! (click to go to home page)
Welcome to the Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist BoardGreat Seal for the State of Ohio
 
marriage and family therapist f.a.q.
 
Meeting Notice
  About the Board
Minutes
  Consumer FAQ
  Publications and Newsletters
  Laws & Rules PDF
  Counselor Info & Forms
  Social Worker Info & Forms
  MFT Info & Forms
  Renewal Information
  Online Renewal
  C.E. Program & Provider
  CE Program Survey
What's New
  Site Map
  Customer Service Survey
  Contact the Board
  Staff Listing
  Home
 

MFT Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I apply for MFT licensure?

Please use the applicable link below:
Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements
Independent Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements
Out-of-State Applicants

Where can I find information about the examination?

The State of Ohio uses the AMFTRB Examination. Once you are approved the board will provide an eligibility letter to take the exam and it will include information regarding scheduling and locations. Information can be found at www.amftrb.org.

The examination in 2011 is offered in: January, May, July and September. From 2012 on, the exam will be offered in January, May, August and October. Applicants who do not possess a COAMFTE-approved degree have to be reviewed by the Board for eligibility to take the examination.

Where can I obtain study materials for the national examination?

The Board does not have any study materials available to applicants. Here are some useful links for study guides and other materials to help you prepare for the examination: www.amftrb.org; www.fso.com; www.aatbs.com


What is the current legislative situation concerning the MFT license in Ohio?

Governor Strickland signed House Bill 427 into law on January 7, 2009, which makes the bill effective April 7, 2009. The bill gives MFTs the right to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders. The bill also makes changes that give the Marriage and Family Therapist Professional Standards Committee of the CSWMFT Board equal rights with the counselor and social worker committees. The Board has implemented this change see Laws and Rules page of this web site. Here is a link to the bill: Link.

Can I currently bill as an MFT/IMFT in Ohio?

MFTs can bill individuals and insurance companies that list MFTs as approved providers. The Department of Mental Health added MFTs to the authorization rules for reimbursement by the state. MFTs are eligible to work at mental health agencies reimbursed by the state.


Is there a state organization in Ohio for MFTs?

Yes; you can find information from the Ohio MFT organization at www.ohioamft.org.


I am working on my training experience toward becoming an IMFT. How do I find an approved supervisor?

As defined in 4757-29-01 (C) (1), all supervisees engaging in training supervision for licensure as IMFTs shall be under supervision of one of the following:
1. An IMFT
2. An AAMFT-approved supervisor who is a PCC-S, LISW-S, psychologist, or psychiatrist
If you are unable to find an IMFT, you will need to use all available resources to find the second option of an AAMFT-approved supervisor. You can search for one at www.aamft.org.


What if I have exhausted all possibilities of finding a supervisor that meets the requirements?

Should you encounter real difficulty finding a supervisor who meets these requirements, you can submit a hardship request to the Board for possible approval. You will need to document that you exhausted all means of finding someone who meets the requirements.


Does the MFT Committee accept online degrees?

Please refer to our laws and rules for information regarding the educational requirements to sit for the licensure exam in Ohio as an MFT. You can find a copy of our Laws & Rules and look at rule 4757-25-01.

At this time, The Committee has not made any specific decision to disallow online programs but they are generally discouraged due to the lack of interaction with fellow students/faculty. By law, it must be a regionally accredited program so contact the university that you are interested in to make sure they meet this requirement. Also, make sure that the program contains the practicum/internship requirement and that it requires you to do this in person at a designated site. It would also be advantageous if your program required you to do at least some of your coursework in person and not online.

If you feel the degree program you are researching fulfills the requirements as stated in the law, then you can decide if it is right for you.


Am I eligible for the MFT license if I don't have a degree in MFT?

The easiest answer would be that most applicants for the MFT licensure should have a degree in MFT. Having said that, there are numerous conditions in which the Board may be able to accept an alternative degree, with stipulations. Please refer to 4757-25-01 in our Laws & Rules for the educational requirements to sit for the MFT examination. If the degree is not in MFT, it will need to contain at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours. If you feel you have a degree that meets these requirements, please fill out the request for examination form and also the Educational Requirements Worksheet that anyone without a COAMFTE-approved degree program must fill out. MFT Forms