Staff set all LMFT-Associates’ license expiration dates to February 29, 2028. This extension was necessitated by a change to the licensing structure made by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage of Family Therapists and the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.
Pursuant to the Sunset Commission’s mandate to increase standardization across license-types the LMFT-Associate license has gone from a 72-month license with up to three renewals to a 60-month license that does not have to be renewed and does not require continuing education. In addition to standardization, LMFT-Associates benefit from this change by no longer having to pay for continuing education or renewal fees. In effect, the LMFT-Associate license fee has gone from at least $300 to no more than $159.
Agency data shows over 98% of all LMFT-Associates licensed since 2018 have completed supervised experience requirements for independent LMFT license in under 60 months. However, should an Associate fail to complete the supervised experience within the 60-month period, the individual would simply apply for a new Associate license. The hours accrued under the previous license will be transferred to the new license so only the remaining balance will need to be completed.
Licenses that were in “Delinquent” and “Inactive” status have been moved to “Active” along with the extension of the expiration date. As the license can no longer be renewed, the Delinquent and Inactive statuses no longer apply.
Posted February 16, 2023
