Why Licensing and Accreditation Matter When Choosing an MFT Program

If you’re planning to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), the master’s program you choose isn’t just about earning a degree or learning the industry; it’s about setting yourself up for licensure and a successful career post-graduation. Not all programs are created equal, and choosing one that meets both state and national licensing standards is essential if you want to practice legally and confidently as an LMFT.

At Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU), the Master of Science degree in Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is specifically designed to meet these requirements, giving you the peace of mind that your education will lead to licensure and open doors to your future career. Here’s why that matters and what sets OLLU’s program apart.

 

Why LMFT Licensing Requirements Are So Important

In every state, marriage and family therapists are required to hold a license to practice. Licensing ensures that therapists meet professional and ethical standards, protecting both clients and practitioners.

In Texas, for example, the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists outlines specific academic and supervised experience requirements you must complete before applying for licensure. These include coursework in key areas such as family systems, ethics, and clinical practice, as well as a set number of supervised clinical hours. For more details, you can read more on Texas’s requirements here.

If you complete a program that does not align with state requirements, you could end up needing to take additional courses, delaying your path to licensure, and potentially spending more time and money than necessary to practice. Choosing a program like OLLU’s, which is structured to meet these requirements, helps you avoid those headaches.

 

National Standards and Accreditation

In addition to meeting state licensing requirements, choosing a program accredited by a nationally recognized body demonstrates that your education meets the highest professional standards.

OLLU’s MFT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). COAMFTE accreditation is only offered at a very small number of universities, with OLLU being one. This accreditation ensures the program covers a rigorous set of essential competencies and uniquely allows graduates to practice as an LMFT in the federal government.

Further, this is especially important if you plan to practice in another state after graduation— OLLU provides a cross-state licensure guide so students can see how their degree aligns with requirements nationwide. That kind of transparency and support is rare in MFT programs and has been a defining feature of the Marriage and Family Therapy concentration at OLLU since its inception.

Why Accreditation and Licensing Readiness Set OLLU Apart

Some graduate programs in marriage and family therapy don’t explicitly align with state licensing standards or lack COAMFTE accreditation, which can create obstacles down the line. OLLU’s MS-MFT program eliminates that risk by offering:

• A curriculum built around Texas and national LMFT requirements.
• COAMFTE accreditation, recognized nationwide.
• A clear pathway to licensure with no guesswork.
• Faculty who are licensed, experienced practitioners themselves.

This means that when you graduate from OLLU, you leave with not just a degree, but the confidence that you’re ready to take your licensing exam and enter the field as a qualified professional.

 

Your Career Depends on It

The LMFT is a highly respected credential, and demand for family therapists continues to grow as more people seek help navigating complex relationships and mental health challenges. But you can’t call yourself an LMFT or work as one without meeting state licensing standards.

Your choice of program is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your journey. By choosing OLLU’s MFT program, you’re making sure your education aligns with both your goals and the legal and ethical requirements of the profession.

 

Why Choose OLLU?

At Our Lady of the Lake University, we don’t just prepare you academically; we prepare you professionally. With COAMFTE accreditation, alignment with Texas licensure requirements, and resources to help you navigate licensure in other states, OLLU ensures you’re fully equipped to succeed as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a career helping families and individuals heal and thrive, OLLU’s MFT program is here to guide you there.