Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (marriage and family therapist) · Illinois · regulated by IDFPR — Illinois Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing and Disciplinary Board · high confidence
| Pre-license credential | ALMFT (Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) — optional |
|---|---|
| Supervised experience | at least 3000 hours of professional work experience in not less than a 2 year period |
| Direct client contact | 1,000 hours face-to-face client contact; ≥350 with only one client present and ≥350 conjoint |
| Supervision | 200 hours; ≥100 post-degree; ≥100 individual; ≥100 from an MFT supervisor per 1283.25(b) |
| Minimum time | not less than 2 years |
| Time limit | no more than 5 years (ALMFT license valid 5 years, non-renewable) |
| Exams | AMFTRB Examination in Marital and Family Therapy |
Supervision
- How much: 200 hours; ≥100 post-degree; ≥100 individual; ≥100 from an MFT supervisor per 1283.25(b)
- How often: Supervised during the whole period accumulating clinical experience; sessions 'scheduled on a regular basis', ~1 hour each; no numeric frequency
- Group supervision: Group = max six supervisees per supervisor; individual = max two; 100 of 200 hours must be individual
- Who may supervise: ≥100 h from AAMFT Approved Supervisor/SIT, LMFT with 5 yrs post-degree MFT experience, 5-yr AAMFT clinical member, or other clinical licensee meeting 1283.25(b)(4); other 100 h any LMFT/LCP/LCSW/LCPC/psychiatrist with 5 yrs
When hours count and what to keep
- Before your degree: Up to 100 of 200 supervision hours from graduate training may count; experience hours must follow first qualifying degree
- Paperwork: Supervisor's Report (SR-MFT) from each supervisor, plus experience details (site, hours, dates) in CORE application
Can you be supervised remotely in Illinois?
Yes. Required supervision can be done entirely by live video, with no in-person minimum.
- Video supervision: All 200 supervision hours must be face-to-face (live, interactive, visual); synchronous video with verbal and visual interaction qualifies.
- Phone only: not allowed (supervision must be visual)
- In-person minimum: none
- Supervisor credential: No board registration; 100 of 200 hours from an AAMFT Approved Supervisor/SIT, LMFT with 5 yrs post-degree MFT experience, 5-yr AAMFT clinical member, or other clinical licensee meeting 1283.25(b)(4)
- Supervisee cap: Individual = max 2 supervisees; group = max 6
The client’s location decides which state’s rules apply. This is not legal advice; confirm with the board before building a program. Compare every state on the remote-supervision map.
Recent and pending changes
P.A. 104-796 (eff. 8-7-26, sunset extension to 2032) amended §15: Department will not accept supervised experience where the supervisor is paid by, or hired by, the supervisee. Rule 1283.25 amended eff. June 5, 2025.
In the board’s own words
“complete at least 3000 hours of professional work experience in not less than a 2 year period” — 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1283.15✓ matched in the source
“An applicant must complete 200 hours of clinical supervision of marriage and family therapy. At least 100 of these 200 clinical supervision hours must occur following the receipt of the first qualifying degree.” — 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1283.25✓ matched in the source
“Professional work experience shall be obtained in not less than 2 years and no more than 5 years.” — 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1283.15(b)✓ matched in the source
“no more than 5 years” — 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1283.15(b)✓ matched in the source
“Video supervision sessions must be synchronous and permit verbal and visual interaction during supervision” — 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1283.25 (clinical supervision) and 1283.125 (telehealth)✓ matched in the source
“"Supervision" means a face-to-face conversation with a supervisor that is live, interactive, and visual.” — 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1283.25 (clinical supervision) and 1283.125 (telehealth)✓ matched in the source
“Individual supervision shall mean a maximum of two supervisees meeting with one supervisor.” — 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1283.25 (clinical supervision) and 1283.125 (telehealth)✓ matched in the source
“Group supervision shall mean a maximum of six supervisees meeting with one supervisor.” — 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1283.25 (clinical supervision) and 1283.125 (telehealth)✓ matched in the source
“The Department shall not accept supervised experience in which the supervisor receives monetary payment or other consideration from the supervisee” — 225 ILCS 55/15 (Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing Act, exemptions; supervisor payment bar)✓ matched in the source
“Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists may provide services through the means of telehealth consistent with the requirements of the Telehealth Act” — 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1283.25 (clinical supervision) and 1283.125 (telehealth)✓ matched in the source
“Video supervision sessions must be synchronous and permit verbal and visual interaction during supervision” — 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1283.25 (clinical supervision) and 1283.125 (telehealth)✓ matched in the source
“Held an active license as a licensed marriage and family therapist with five years clinical experience providing marriage and family therapy” — 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1283.25 (clinical supervision) and 1283.125 (telehealth)✓ matched in the source
1 more quotes are in the state explorer.
Other licenses in Illinois
- LCPC (professional counselor)
- LCSW (clinical social worker)
- Psychologist
- All Illinois licenses · every state
Sources
- 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1283.15 (Professional Work Experience)
- 225 ILCS 55/15 and 55/40 (Exemptions; Qualifications), as amended by P.A. 104-796
- IDFPR Qualifications for Licensure: LMFT (166), pp.1-3
Checked against IDFPR — Illinois Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing and Disciplinary Board’s rules, statutes and publications on September 25, 2026. The board decides; if your situation is unusual, confirm with them.