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Pennsylvania MFT Licensing Resources

State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors

The State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors protects the public from unprofessional, improper, unauthorized and unqualified practice of social work, licensed marriage and family therapy and licensed professional counseling. 

Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS)

If your job requires a professional or occupational license (such as an MFT) to work in Pennsylvania, you can apply for or renew it in the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS).

01. Degree

Graduated from an accredited program with at least a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or a related subject with equivalent coursework. 

02. Licensing Exam

A candidate must pass the National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards.

03. Post-Graduate Supervised Clinical Experience 

All individuals must complete 2 hours of supervision per 40 hours worked. 

  • Master's degree: 3,000 hours.

  • Doctoral degree: 2,400 hours, 1,200 hours of which must be obtained after the granting of the doctoral degree.

Must be supervised under a board-approved supervisor. 
No more than 1,500 hours may be supervised by group supervision.

04. Fees 

Initial Licensing Fee: $100.00

Licensure Renewal Fee: 
$95.00 Biennial renewal of license

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