Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (marriage and family therapist) · North Carolina · regulated by North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board (NCMFTLB) · high confidence
| Pre-license credential | LMFTA (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate) |
|---|---|
| Supervised experience | at least 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience; ≤500 as a student, ≥1,000 after the degree |
| Direct client contact | all 1,500 are clinical (face-to-face therapy) hours; ≥500 relational hours |
| Supervision | minimum of 200 hours of ongoing supervision (25 post-degree if 200 earned in program) |
| Time limit | LMFTA license valid 3 years, not renewable; one 1-year extension for special circumstances |
| Exams | National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination (AMFTRB), passed before LMFTA |
Supervision
- How much: minimum of 200 hours of ongoing supervision (25 post-degree if 200 earned in program)
- How often: LMFTAs: at least one hour monthly until licensed
- Group supervision: individual and group counted per AAMFT Approved Supervision standards; no NC-specific cap found
- Who may supervise: AAMFT Approved Supervisor (or Supervisor Candidate / meets AAMFT standards)
When hours count and what to keep
- Before your degree: up to 500 program hours count if supervised by an AAMFT Approved Supervisor/Candidate
- Paperwork: Supervision agreement with AAMFT supervisor; Board Supervision Report forms (in application packet)
Can you be supervised remotely in North Carolina?
Mostly, with some limits. What shapes this: video status not stated.
- Video supervision: Rule defines ongoing supervision as 'face-to-face conversation' with an AAMFT Approved Supervisor (or equivalent per AAMFT Standards Handbook, incorporated by reference); neither the rule nor Board FAQ says whether video counts. The AAMFT Handbook (not read this pass) may govern.
- Supervisor credential: AAMFT Approved Supervisor (or Supervisor Candidate / person meeting AAMFT standards) — a national, not NC-specific, credential
- Supervisee cap: None set by the state
- Board approval first: LMFTA application must include a supervision agreement with a qualifying supervisor; Board guidance says a supervision contract with an AAMFT-approved supervisor 'in North Carolina'.
- If you live outside North Carolina: Board FAQ (addressing NC licensees): an NC licensee may practise in NC 'no matter where you are physically located'; associate-specific application not stated
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.
Where the rules are unclear
North Carolina’s own documents disagree or are silent on these points. Ask the board if they affect you:
- Does synchronous video count as 'face-to-face conversation' under 21 NCAC 31 .0502(a)?
- Must the AAMFT supervisor hold an NC license or be located in NC?
In the board’s own words
“at least 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience ... not more than 500 hours of which were obtained while the candidate was a student” — N.C. Gen. Stat. §90-270.54(a)(1)b✓ matched in the source
“a minimum of 200 hours of ongoing supervision ... concurrent with the completion of the 1,500 hours” — 21 NCAC 31 .0502(d)✓ matched in the source
“must remain under on-going supervision for at least one hour monthly until licensed” — 21 NCAC 31 .0502(d)✓ matched in the source
“a license issued under this section shall be valid for three years from the date of issuance” — N.C. Gen. Stat. §90-270.54A(b)✓ matched in the source
“Ongoing supervision as contained in G.S. 90-270.51(a)(1)(b) means face-to-face conversation with someone who holds the designation as an AAMFT Approved Supervisor” — 21 NCAC 31 .0502, .0801, .0802✓ matched in the source
“A supervision agreement with a supervisor who meets the requirements of Rule .0502 for ongoing supervision.” — 21 NCAC 31 .0502, .0801, .0802✓ matched in the source
“The LMFTA Supervisor does not have to be in the office where you work; however, they must be readily available.” — NCMFTLB Licensure FAQs✓ matched in the source
“If an LMFTA chooses to practice solo, they must also have the approval of their supervisor who is responsible for their practice.” — NCMFTLB Licensure FAQs✓ matched in the source
“As long as you are licensed in NC, in good standing, you can practice in NC no matter where you are physically located.” — NCMFTLB Licensure FAQs✓ matched in the source
“Complete a supervision contract with an AAMFT-approved supervisor in North Carolina to oversee your work as an associate licensee.” — NCMFTLB Applicant Guidelines and Licensure Process (March 2026)✓ matched in the source
Other licenses in North Carolina
- LCMHC (professional counselor)
- LCSW (clinical social worker)
- Psychologist
- All North Carolina licenses · every state
Sources
- N.C. Gen. Stat. §90-270.54(a)(1)b (Art. 18C PDF, p. 5)
- 21 NCAC 31 .0502 Ongoing Supervision (Ch. 31 rules PDF)
- NCMFTLB Applicant Guidelines and Licensure Process (March 2026), pp. 2-3
- NCMFTLB FAQs
Checked against North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board (NCMFTLB)’s rules, statutes and publications on September 25, 2026. The board decides; if your situation is unusual, confirm with them.