Enter your current totals. Leave fields at 0 if you haven't started yet.
hrs
hrs
hrs
0 hrs
Direct Client Hours + Non-Direct Hours
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need for LMFT licensure in California?
California requires 3,000 total supervised experience hours for LMFT licensure. Of those, at least 1,750 must be direct client contact hours, including a minimum of 500 hours working with couples, families, and children (CFC). Non-clinical hours are capped at 1,250. Always verify current requirements at bbs.ca.gov.
How long does it take to complete LMFT hours in California?
Most AMFTs complete their hours in 2 to 4 years post-degree, depending on their weekly caseload. With a 40-hour weekly cap and typical direct-hour rates of 15–20 per week, a realistic timeline is roughly 3 years. Pre-degree trainees can count up to 1,300 hours (750 direct) before graduating, which shortens the post-degree timeline.
What are CFC hours and how many do I need for LMFT?
CFC stands for Couples, Families, and Children. These are direct client contact hours specifically involving relational or family therapy. California requires a minimum of 500 CFC hours out of the 1,750 direct hours needed for LMFT licensure. CFC hours are a subset of your total direct hours, not in addition to them.
Can I count pre-degree hours toward LMFT licensure in California?
Yes. California allows MFT trainees to count up to 1,300 total hours earned before graduating, of which no more than 750 can be direct client contact hours. These pre-degree hours count toward the 3,000-hour total. LMFT is unique among California licenses in allowing pre-degree hours—LPCC and LCSW do not.
What is the weekly hour cap for AMFTs in California?
AMFTs (Associate Marriage and Family Therapists) can count a maximum of 40 hours of supervised experience per week and up to 6 hours of supervision per week toward licensure. Hours logged beyond these caps do not count toward the 3,000-hour requirement.
How much supervision is required for LMFT in California?
California requires a minimum of 104 weeks of supervision for LMFT licensure, with at least 52 of those weeks including individual or triadic supervision. Group supervision alone does not satisfy the individual supervision requirement. Supervision must be provided by a BBS-licensed supervisor.
What is the difference between trainee and associate hours for LMFT?
Trainee hours are earned before completing your qualifying degree (pre-degree), capped at 1,300 total and 750 direct. Associate hours are earned after graduation as a registered AMFT (post-degree). You need at least 1,700 post-degree hours. Both trainee and associate hours count toward the 3,000 total required for LMFT licensure.
What types of non-clinical hours count toward LMFT?
Non-clinical (non-direct) hours include activities like case conferences, report writing, client-centered advocacy, and workshop or training attendance related to your clinical work. California caps non-clinical hours at 1,250 of the 3,000 total. Direct client contact hours must make up the remaining balance.