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Illinois Marriage & Family Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Independent marriage and family therapy license under 225 ILCS 55.

Licensing authority: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation · Application information

Acceptance of examination
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Applicant status
Applicant is not actively licensed and has already passed the AMFTRB national examination; submit official scores directly from the testing entity. Passing before application does not remove the current examination from this route.
Application
Written or electronic Department application, required fee, address and email of record, SSN or ITIN, required personal-history disclosures and supporting documentation; complete the application within three years.
Clarification
The Division or Board may request further information or a clarification interview concerning conflicting, incomplete or insufficient supporting documentation.
Clinical experience
At least 1,000 supervised face-to-face client-contact hours after the first qualifying degree, including at least 350 hours with only one client and 350 hours of conjoint therapy under 1283.20.
Clinical supervision
200 clinical-supervision hours under 1283.25, at least 100 after the first qualifying degree, at least 100 from a qualifying marriage and family therapy supervisor, and 100 individual-supervision hours; up to 100 graduate-training supervision hours may count. The rule permits qualifying doctoral practicum/internship supervision credit.
Documentation
Verify education and experience on Department forms. Self-employed applicants submit three affidavits from peers, clients or colleagues. Submit each required supervisor report. If already licensed, supply jurisdictional certifications of licensure and disciplinary and examination history; disclose all examination attempts.
Education
Education under 225 ILCS 55/40(b)(1) and 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1283.30: qualifying masters or doctoral degree; an equivalent-coursework pathway requires at least 48 semester hours and all ten specified core areas, including a 300-hour practicum with 100 conjoint hours. Accreditation by COAMFTE or CACREP is recognized by the rule. Deficits must be remedied and foreign-equivalency documentation may be requested.
Examination result
Passing score is the testing entitys passing score under 1283.40(b); an official result must be sent directly to the Department.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old under 225 ILCS 55/40(a)(1).
Pending practice
225 ILCS 55/43 permits temporary supervised practice pending issuance when the applicant authorizes status disclosure and the Department acknowledges receipt; authorization terminates on the statutory adverse determination or issuance of the permanent license.
Professional experience
After the first qualifying degree, at least 3,000 hours of professional work experience accumulated over at least two and no more than five years under 1283.15.
Licensure from associate status
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Applicant status
Hold an Illinois associate licensed marriage and family therapist license; previously verified education is documented by that license. Complete post-degree experience and supervision and pass the AMFTRB national examination. If passed in another jurisdiction, arrange direct transmission from the testing service.
Application
Written or electronic Department application, required fee, address and email of record, SSN or ITIN, required personal-history disclosures and supporting documentation; complete the application within three years.
Clarification
The Division or Board may request further information or a clarification interview concerning conflicting, incomplete or insufficient supporting documentation.
Clinical experience
At least 1,000 supervised face-to-face client-contact hours after the first qualifying degree, including at least 350 hours with only one client and 350 hours of conjoint therapy under 1283.20.
Clinical supervision
200 clinical-supervision hours under 1283.25, at least 100 after the first qualifying degree, at least 100 from a qualifying marriage and family therapy supervisor, and 100 individual-supervision hours; up to 100 graduate-training supervision hours may count. The rule permits qualifying doctoral practicum/internship supervision credit.
Documentation
Verify education and experience on Department forms. Self-employed applicants submit three affidavits from peers, clients or colleagues. Submit each required supervisor report. If already licensed, supply jurisdictional certifications of licensure and disciplinary and examination history; disclose all examination attempts.
Education
Education under 225 ILCS 55/40(b)(1) and 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1283.30: qualifying masters or doctoral degree; an equivalent-coursework pathway requires at least 48 semester hours and all ten specified core areas, including a 300-hour practicum with 100 conjoint hours. Accreditation by COAMFTE or CACREP is recognized by the rule. Deficits must be remedied and foreign-equivalency documentation may be requested.
Examination result
Passing score is the testing entitys passing score under 1283.40(b); an official result must be sent directly to the Department.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old under 225 ILCS 55/40(a)(1).
Pending practice
225 ILCS 55/43 permits temporary supervised practice pending issuance when the applicant authorizes status disclosure and the Department acknowledges receipt; authorization terminates on the statutory adverse determination or issuance of the permanent license.
Professional experience
After the first qualifying degree, at least 3,000 hours of professional work experience accumulated over at least two and no more than five years under 1283.15.
Licensure using AAMFT clinical membership
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Applicant status
Applicant uses certification of clinical membership in AAMFT under 1283.50(c) instead of the usual education, work-experience, supervision and clinical-experience documents.
Application
Written or electronic Department application, required fee, address and email of record, SSN or ITIN, required personal-history disclosures and supporting documentation; complete the application within three years.
Clarification
The Division or Board may request further information or a clarification interview concerning conflicting, incomplete or insufficient supporting documentation.
Examination result
Passing score is the testing entitys passing score under 1283.40(b); an official result must be sent directly to the Department.
Examination timing
May seek examination authorization or use a previously obtained AMFTRB passing score; the official score report remains required.
Membership
The rule states: "In lieu of compliance with subsections (a)(1), (2), (3) and (4), the Division shall accept certification of clinical membership from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy." This is a documentation substitute, not an examination waiver.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old under 225 ILCS 55/40(a)(1).
Pending practice
225 ILCS 55/43 permits temporary supervised practice pending issuance when the applicant authorizes status disclosure and the Department acknowledges receipt; authorization terminates on the statutory adverse determination or issuance of the permanent license.
Endorsement with qualification documentation
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Applicant status
Hold a license or registration under the laws of another state, United States territory or foreign country; provide certified original and current licensure, disciplinary history, examinations taken and scores received under 1283.60(a)(6).
Application
Written or electronic Department application, required fee, address and email of record, SSN or ITIN, required personal-history disclosures and supporting documentation; complete the application within three years.
Catastrophic event
Under 225 ILCS 55/71(b), the Secretary may temporarily authorize an applicant with an active unencumbered license in good standing elsewhere who applies because of a natural disaster or catastrophic event; this permission ends on issuance or denial, and is not an issued Illinois license.
Clarification
The Division or Board may request further information or a clarification interview concerning conflicting, incomplete or insufficient supporting documentation.
Clinical experience
At least 1,000 supervised face-to-face client-contact hours after the first qualifying degree, including at least 350 hours with only one client and 350 hours of conjoint therapy under 1283.20.
Clinical supervision
200 clinical-supervision hours under 1283.25, at least 100 after the first qualifying degree, at least 100 from a qualifying marriage and family therapy supervisor, and 100 individual-supervision hours; up to 100 graduate-training supervision hours may count. The rule permits qualifying doctoral practicum/internship supervision credit.
Documentation
Verify education, professional work experience, clinical experience and clinical supervision under 1283.60(a)(1)-(4); no statutory documentation exemption is asserted.
Education
Education under 225 ILCS 55/40(b)(1) and 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1283.30: qualifying masters or doctoral degree; an equivalent-coursework pathway requires at least 48 semester hours and all ten specified core areas, including a 300-hour practicum with 100 conjoint hours. Accreditation by COAMFTE or CACREP is recognized by the rule. Deficits must be remedied and foreign-equivalency documentation may be requested.
Equivalency
225 ILCS 55/65 authorizes endorsement on substantially equivalent original-jurisdiction licensing requirements or substantially equivalent individual qualifications. Its permission to issue without the required examination does not itself exercise an examination waiver; 1283.60(a)(5) and the Department qualifications require proof of AMFTRB completion.
Examination
1283.60(a)(5) requires "Certification of successful completion of the examination set forth in Section 1283.40;". The Department states that an applicant without a successful AMFTRB result must complete the examination regardless of licensure method. A previously passed current examination remains a leaf.
Pending applicant practice
225 ILCS 55/15(f)(5) permits a regulated applicant qualified under section 40 to practice pending action for at most six months after application, terminating earlier upon withdrawal, notice of intent to deny, or denial.
Professional experience
After the first qualifying degree, at least 3,000 hours of professional work experience accumulated over at least two and no more than five years under 1283.15.
Temporary visits
225 ILCS 55/71(a) separately permits up to ten calendar days per year for an independently licensed therapist in good standing elsewhere, subject to its office and publicity restrictions; this is temporary authorization, not an Illinois credential.
Endorsement with statutory experience documentation exemption
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Applicant status
Hold a license or registration under the laws of another state, United States territory or foreign country; provide certified original and current licensure, disciplinary history, examinations taken and scores received under 1283.60(a)(6).
Application
Written or electronic Department application, required fee, address and email of record, SSN or ITIN, required personal-history disclosures and supporting documentation; complete the application within three years.
Catastrophic event
Under 225 ILCS 55/71(b), the Secretary may temporarily authorize an applicant with an active unencumbered license in good standing elsewhere who applies because of a natural disaster or catastrophic event; this permission ends on issuance or denial, and is not an issued Illinois license.
Clarification
The Division or Board may request further information or a clarification interview concerning conflicting, incomplete or insufficient supporting documentation.
Conflicting rule
The older 1283.60(c) states: "An individual applying for licensure as a licensed marriage and family therapist who has been licensed at the independent level in another United States jurisdiction for five consecutive years without discipline is not required to submit proof of completion of the education, professional experience, and supervision required in this Part." The controlling statute uses 30 months during the preceding five years; that statute governs this exemption.
Documentary exemption
225 ILCS 55/65 exempts proof of education, professional experience and supervision for an applicant licensed without discipline at the independent level in another United States jurisdiction for at least 30 months during the five consecutive years preceding application. Submit certified licensure verification; all other requirements and fees remain.
Equivalency
225 ILCS 55/65 authorizes endorsement on substantially equivalent original-jurisdiction licensing requirements or substantially equivalent individual qualifications. Its permission to issue without the required examination does not itself exercise an examination waiver; 1283.60(a)(5) and the Department qualifications require proof of AMFTRB completion.
Examination
1283.60(a)(5) requires "Certification of successful completion of the examination set forth in Section 1283.40;". The Department states that an applicant without a successful AMFTRB result must complete the examination regardless of licensure method. A previously passed current examination remains a leaf.
Implementation documentation
The Department December 2024 qualifications say: "Applicants licensed at the independent level in another state for 30 months with no discipline may provide Certification of Licensure from each state in lieu of providing proof of education and proof of experience. Proof of examination will still be required."
Pending applicant practice
225 ILCS 55/15(f)(5) permits a regulated applicant qualified under section 40 to practice pending action for at most six months after application, terminating earlier upon withdrawal, notice of intent to deny, or denial.
Temporary visits
225 ILCS 55/71(a) separately permits up to ten calendar days per year for an independently licensed therapist in good standing elsewhere, subject to its office and publicity restrictions; this is temporary authorization, not an Illinois credential.
Endorsement using AAMFT clinical membership
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Applicant status
Hold a license or registration under the laws of another state, United States territory or foreign country; provide certified original and current licensure, disciplinary history, examinations taken and scores received under 1283.60(a)(6).
Application
Written or electronic Department application, required fee, address and email of record, SSN or ITIN, required personal-history disclosures and supporting documentation; complete the application within three years.
Catastrophic event
Under 225 ILCS 55/71(b), the Secretary may temporarily authorize an applicant with an active unencumbered license in good standing elsewhere who applies because of a natural disaster or catastrophic event; this permission ends on issuance or denial, and is not an issued Illinois license.
Clarification
The Division or Board may request further information or a clarification interview concerning conflicting, incomplete or insufficient supporting documentation.
Documentary substitute
1283.60(b) accepts certification of AAMFT clinical membership instead of the education, work-experience, supervision and clinical-experience documents in (a)(1)-(4); examination certification remains required.
Equivalency
225 ILCS 55/65 authorizes endorsement on substantially equivalent original-jurisdiction licensing requirements or substantially equivalent individual qualifications. Its permission to issue without the required examination does not itself exercise an examination waiver; 1283.60(a)(5) and the Department qualifications require proof of AMFTRB completion.
Examination
1283.60(a)(5) requires "Certification of successful completion of the examination set forth in Section 1283.40;". The Department states that an applicant without a successful AMFTRB result must complete the examination regardless of licensure method. A previously passed current examination remains a leaf.
Pending applicant practice
225 ILCS 55/15(f)(5) permits a regulated applicant qualified under section 40 to practice pending action for at most six months after application, terminating earlier upon withdrawal, notice of intent to deny, or denial.
Temporary visits
225 ILCS 55/71(a) separately permits up to ten calendar days per year for an independently licensed therapist in good standing elsewhere, subject to its office and publicity restrictions; this is temporary authorization, not an Illinois credential.
Licensure by examination
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Applicant status
Applicant is not actively licensed and has not passed the AMFTRB national examination; requests Department authorization to register and sit. The rule specifies filing at least 90 days before an examination date.
Application
Written or electronic Department application, required fee, address and email of record, SSN or ITIN, required personal-history disclosures and supporting documentation; complete the application within three years.
Clarification
The Division or Board may request further information or a clarification interview concerning conflicting, incomplete or insufficient supporting documentation.
Clinical experience
At least 1,000 supervised face-to-face client-contact hours after the first qualifying degree, including at least 350 hours with only one client and 350 hours of conjoint therapy under 1283.20.
Clinical supervision
200 clinical-supervision hours under 1283.25, at least 100 after the first qualifying degree, at least 100 from a qualifying marriage and family therapy supervisor, and 100 individual-supervision hours; up to 100 graduate-training supervision hours may count. The rule permits qualifying doctoral practicum/internship supervision credit.
Documentation
Verify education and experience on Department forms. Self-employed applicants submit three affidavits from peers, clients or colleagues. Submit each required supervisor report. If already licensed, supply jurisdictional certifications of licensure and disciplinary and examination history; disclose all examination attempts.
Education
Education under 225 ILCS 55/40(b)(1) and 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1283.30: qualifying masters or doctoral degree; an equivalent-coursework pathway requires at least 48 semester hours and all ten specified core areas, including a 300-hour practicum with 100 conjoint hours. Accreditation by COAMFTE or CACREP is recognized by the rule. Deficits must be remedied and foreign-equivalency documentation may be requested.
Examination result
Passing score is the testing entitys passing score under 1283.40(b); an official result must be sent directly to the Department.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old under 225 ILCS 55/40(a)(1).
Pending practice
225 ILCS 55/43 permits temporary supervised practice pending issuance when the applicant authorizes status disclosure and the Department acknowledges receipt; authorization terminates on the statutory adverse determination or issuance of the permanent license.
Professional experience
After the first qualifying degree, at least 3,000 hours of professional work experience accumulated over at least two and no more than five years under 1283.15.
Expedited military endorsement
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Applicant status
Hold a license or registration under the laws of another state, United States territory or foreign country; provide certified original and current licensure, disciplinary history, examinations taken and scores received under 1283.60(a)(6).
Application
Written or electronic Department application, required fee, address and email of record, SSN or ITIN, required personal-history disclosures and supporting documentation; complete the application within three years.
Background
Comply with 2105-135 and 2105-165 and supply fingerprints if required by the profession; pay the applicable fee.
Clarification
The Division or Board may request further information or a clarification interview concerning conflicting, incomplete or insufficient supporting documentation.
Clinical experience
At least 1,000 supervised face-to-face client-contact hours after the first qualifying degree, including at least 350 hours with only one client and 350 hours of conjoint therapy under 1283.20.
Clinical supervision
200 clinical-supervision hours under 1283.25, at least 100 after the first qualifying degree, at least 100 from a qualifying marriage and family therapy supervisor, and 100 individual-supervision hours; up to 100 graduate-training supervision hours may count. The rule permits qualifying doctoral practicum/internship supervision credit.
Documentation substitutes
The statutory 30-month independent-licensure exemption or the 1283.60(b) AAMFT clinical-membership documentary substitute may apply; neither removes AMFTRB completion.
Education
Education under 225 ILCS 55/40(b)(1) and 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1283.30: qualifying masters or doctoral degree; an equivalent-coursework pathway requires at least 48 semester hours and all ten specified core areas, including a 300-hour practicum with 100 conjoint hours. Accreditation by COAMFTE or CACREP is recognized by the rule. Deficits must be remedied and foreign-equivalency documentation may be requested.
Equivalency
225 ILCS 55/65 authorizes endorsement on substantially equivalent original-jurisdiction licensing requirements or substantially equivalent individual qualifications. Its permission to issue without the required examination does not itself exercise an examination waiver; 1283.60(a)(5) and the Department qualifications require proof of AMFTRB completion.
Examination
1283.60(a)(5) requires "Certification of successful completion of the examination set forth in Section 1283.40;". The Department states that an applicant without a successful AMFTRB result must complete the examination regardless of licensure method. A previously passed current examination remains a leaf.
Military eligibility
Under 20 ILCS 5/5-715, be an active service member, a qualifying service member whose active duty ended within the previous two years, or a spouse (including civil-union or registered-domestic-partnership spouse). Supply proof and an existing professional license in good standing.
Processing
Completed eligible applications receive expedited review within 30 days; relevant military experience and qualifying training may receive credit as allowed by 5-715(d).
Professional experience
After the first qualifying degree, at least 3,000 hours of professional work experience accumulated over at least two and no more than five years under 1283.15.
Relocation
Assigned to an Illinois duty station, established Illinois residence, or will reside in Illinois within six months of application; no present Illinois residence is required to apply.
Underlying licensure
Must meet the applicable endorsement, reciprocity or portability requirements. This route uses ordinary LMFT endorsement; the military portability license is recorded separately.
Expedited military reactivation
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Existing license
The other-jurisdiction license on which initial issuance depended must remain valid and in good standing; provide verification.
Military eligibility
Holder of an ordinary Illinois license issued through 5-715 who moved away and placed it inactive through the military liaison, and now returns to Illinois.
Processing
Complete eligible reactivation within 30 days after receipt of a completed application. This expedited reactivation does not apply to the separate 5-717 military portability license.
Restoration requirements
Comply with 1283.90, applicable fees and CE. If inactive for five years or less no examination is required; after more than five years AMFTRB passage while inactive is one alternative to authorized active practice or a qualifying military affidavit. The current examination remains a leaf for that conditional alternative.
Regular renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Contact information
Maintain the Department address and email of record; failure to receive a reminder does not excuse failure to renew.
Continuing education
30 qualifying continuing-education hours during the preceding 24 months, including applicable 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130 Subpart E requirements. The first Illinois renewal is exempt from CE. The CE-waiver grounds and request procedure in 1283.110(g) remain available.
Course assessments
A distance-learning CE course includes an examination under 1283.110(b)(5); this is a course-completion condition, not a separately identified licensing examination.
Renewal period
Licenses expire February 28 of odd-numbered years; renew in the preceding month and pay the required fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration or reactivation after more than five years
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Active practice evidence
If relying on active practice, submit a licensing-authority statement confirming authorization throughout the practice period.
Continuing education
Provide proof of continuing-education compliance during the two years before restoration and pay the required fees.
Evaluation program
225 ILCS 55/45(c) permits the Board, for an applicant without satisfactory active practice elsewhere, to determine fitness through an evaluation program and potentially require evaluated clinical experience and a practical examination. No real separately identified practical examination is specified; this remains an applicant condition.
Examination or substitute
1283.90(b) requires either sworn evidence of authorized active practice elsewhere, an affidavit of military service under 225 ILCS 55/45(c), or proof of passing AMFTRB while the license was lapsed or inactive. AMFTRB is a current identified examination in the route; active practice or military service may excuse an applicant from taking it.
License status
Illinois LMFT license expired or inactive for more than five years; apply on Department forms for Board review.
Military evidence
If relying on military service, submit the statutory affidavit and satisfy the service and timing requirements of 55/45(c); qualifying applicants can receive relief from lapsed renewal fees.
Review
The Board recommends and the Division Director approves restoration or provides a written denial; discrepancies may require further information or an interview.
Restoration or reactivation after five years or less
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Provide proof of continuing-education compliance during the two years before restoration.
Fees
Pay the applicable restoration or renewal fees under 1283.95. 225 ILCS 55/45(c) permits the stated lapsed-fee relief for qualifying military service and an application within two years of honorable termination.
Fitness
Supply satisfactory proof of fitness and any requested clarification information. The current implementing restoration rule for this period specifies fees and CE, without a licensing examination.
License status
Existing Illinois LMFT license expired or inactive for five years or less.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination

Provider
Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB); administered for AMFTRB by Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) at Prometric computer-based testing centers
Format
Computer-based examination of objective multiple-choice questions, each with four alternative answers of which only one is correct; given during a one-week testing window every month; scores on the six domains and the total examination are reported after the window closes
Exam questions
180 multiple-choice items
Time limit
4 hours total testing time
Passing score
Criterion-referenced passing score set on an anchor examination by a modified Angoff method and adjusted across forms by equating; the reported score equals the total number of correct responses
Exam fee
US $370.00 examination fee (includes testing center fees)
Examination outline
  • Domain 01 — The Practice of Systemic Therapy — Tasks related to incorporating systemic theory and perspectives into practice activities, and establishing and maintaining ongoing therapeutic relationships with the client system inclusive of diverse cultural contexts. (16%; 29 items) (16%)
    • 01.01 Conceptualize therapy consistent with the philosophical perspectives of systemic theory.
    • 01.02 Maintain consistency between systemic theory and clinical practice.
    • 01.03 Integrate individual treatment approaches with systemic treatment approaches.
    • 01.04 Integrate multiple dimensions of diversity and social justice theories with systemic treatment approaches.
    • 01.05 Use a systemic perspective to co-create a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental space.
    • 01.06 Use a systemic perspective to co-create a therapeutic relationship with the client system.
    • 01.07 Use a systemic perspective to understand the complexities inherent in therapeutic interactions (e.g., family homeostasis, self of the therapist).
  • Domain 02 — Assessing, Hypothesizing, and Diagnosing — Tasks related to assessing and conceptualizing the various dimensions of the client system inclusive of diverse cultural contexts, including forming and reformulating systemic hypotheses and diagnosing the client system to guide therapeutic activities and interventions, including use of artificial intelligence (AI) as appropriate. (16%; 29 items) (16%)
    • 02.01 Assess the client system’s verbal and non-verbal communication styles to develop hypotheses about relationship patterns, perceptions, and responses to the reciprocal influence of relational patterns and the presenting issues.
    • 02.02 Assess the mental status of clients.
    • 02.03 Assess historic and current self-injurious behavior, suicidal ideation and intent, and/or homicidal ideation and intent.
    • 02.04 Identify and assess behavioral dynamics, processes, and interactional patterns (e.g., boundaries, roles, rules, alliances, coalitions, and hierarchies) within the client system to determine systemic functioning.
    • 02.05 Formulate and continually assess hypotheses regarding the client system that consider and incorporate diverse contexts.
    • 02.06 Assess appropriateness of potential treatment and therapeutic delivery modalities for the client system.
    • 02.07 Assess environmental factors (e.g., discrimination, gang violence, migration) affecting the client system.
    • 02.08 Assess the client system’s levels of economic, social, emotional, physical, spiritual, and cognitive functioning.
    • 02.09 Assess historic and current effects of substance use disorders on the functioning of the client system.
    • 02.10 Assess historic and current effects of violence or trauma, including vicarious trauma, on the client system.
    • 02.11 Assess historic and current effects of childhood experiences and traumas on the client system.
    • 02.12 Assess historic and current effects of impact of process use disorders (e.g., gambling, internet use, technology use, shopping) on functioning of the client system.
    • 02.13 Assess historic and current effects of sexual functioning on the client system.
    • 02.14 Assess how the developmental and family life cycle stages of the client system impact problem formation, maintenance, and resolution.
    • 02.15 Assess strengths, resources, coping skills, and resilience within and available to the client system.
    • 02.16 Select, administer, review, and/or interpret results of standardized instruments within the therapist’s training, competence, and scope of practice.
    • 02.17 Assess and diagnose clients in accordance with current DSM and ICD diagnostic criteria while maintaining a systems perspective.
    • 02.18 Formulate treatment hypotheses that integrate systemic perspectives, assessment inventories, and diagnostic impressions.
    • 02.19 Assess effects of occupational issues on the client system (e.g., military personnel, workers in geographically dispersed locations, first responders).
    • 02.20 Collaborate with the client system to determine need for evaluation by other professional and community systems.
    • 02.21 Collaborate with professional and community systems as appropriate in making diagnoses and establishing treatment priorities.
    • 02.22 Collaborate with the client system to refer as appropriate based on diagnoses and treatment priorities.
  • Domain 03 — Designing and Conducting Treatment — Tasks related to developing and implementing a course of culturally responsive treatment with the client system, including identifying possible therapeutic models, implementing associated interventions, and treatment planning, including use of artificial intelligence (AI) as appropriate. (17%; 30 items) (17%)
    • 03.01 Evaluate and maintain a quality therapeutic alliance with the client system.
    • 03.02 Establish therapeutic contracts.
    • 03.03 Utilize assessment information to develop a treatment plan that reflects a contextual understanding of the presenting issue.
    • 03.04 Determine relevant short-term goals, long-term goals and objectives for treatment, as well as criteria for successful completion of treatment.
    • 03.05 Identify the client system’s previous and current attempts to resolve the presenting issues.
    • 03.06 Identify members of client and collateral systems involved in resolving issues.
    • 03.07 Develop and monitor ongoing safety plan to address identified safety risks for the client in all therapeutic delivery contexts.
    • 03.08 Engage in therapeutic interventions based on theory and current research and a shared contextual understanding of the client system and presenting issues.
    • 03.09 Clarify with the client system the rationale for selecting therapeutic interventions as appropriate.
    • 03.10 Collaborate with the client system to determine sequence of treatment and identify which members will be involved.
    • 03.11 Develop and monitor recovery-oriented systemic care for treatment of substance use disorders.
    • 03.12 Use genograms and/or family mapping as therapeutic interventions as indicated.
    • 03.13 Facilitate client system change through restructuring and reorganization.
    • 03.14 Collaborate with the client system to identify and explore competing priorities of client issues to be addressed in treatment.
    • 03.15 Assist the client system in developing decision-making, coping, and effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills in their relational contexts.
    • 03.16 Attend to the homeostatic process and its impact on the client system’s ability to attain therapeutic goals.
    • 03.17 Assist the client system in developing alternative perspectives of the presenting issues to facilitate solutions.
    • 03.18 Influence client behavior and perceptions through use of metaphor, rewriting narratives, mindfulness, etc.
    • 03.19 Integrate cultural, spiritual, social, intellectual, and biological characteristics and strengths of the client system when devising effective treatment strategies.
    • 03.20 Recognize and support client autonomy when devising effective treatment strategies.
    • 03.21 Maintain awareness of common side effects of medications, monitor client system for these within the boundaries of professional competence, and coordinate care with any relevant prescribers.
    • 03.22 Adapt therapeutic stance and interventions to accommodate the process and structure of all therapeutic delivery modalities.
  • Domain 04 — Evaluating Ongoing Process and Terminating Treatment — Tasks related to continuously evaluating the therapeutic process, incorporating feedback into the course of treatment, and planning for termination, inclusive of different cultural contexts and use of artificial intelligence (AI) as appropriate. (16%; 29 items) (16%)
    • 04.01 Use theory and current research in the ongoing evaluation of process, outcomes, and termination.
    • 04.02 Evaluate the progress of therapy in collaboration with client and collateral systems as indicated.
    • 04.03 Modify treatment plan in collaboration with client and collateral systems as indicated.
    • 04.04 Continually evaluate client system appropriateness for all therapeutic delivery modalities.
    • 04.05 Develop a termination plan in collaboration with the client and collateral systems to maintain therapeutic gains after treatment has ended.
    • 04.06 Terminate therapeutic relationship in a professional and culturally responsive manner.
  • Domain 05 — Managing Crisis Situations — Tasks related to assessing and managing emergency situations, inclusive of different cultural contexts, and intervening when clinically indicated and/or legally mandated. (16%; 29 items) (16%)
    • 05.01 Assess impairment in the client system during crisis situations to determine if and what immediate interventions may be needed.
    • 05.02 Assess for presence of suicidal ideation and determine the level of intervention.
    • 05.03 Assess for risk of violence toward the client from others to determine the need for intervention.
    • 05.04 Assess the client’s potential for self-injurious behavior to determine level of intervention.
    • 05.05 Assess the client’s potential for violence or harm toward others, including the therapist, to determine level of intervention.
    • 05.06 Assess risk of violence toward therapist from sources outside of the client system and develop a safety plan.
    • 05.07 Assess impact of community-level crisis on client system and develop interventions as they pertain to that crisis.
    • 05.08 Assess the impact of client system’s trauma history and other relevant contextual factors on current crisis.
    • 05.09 Collaborate with other relevant stakeholders in managing client system’s crisis.
    • 05.10 Respond to emerging crisis as appropriate to the therapeutic delivery modality and use relevant crisis resources.
  • Domain 06 — Maintaining Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards — Tasks related to ongoing adherence to legal and ethical codes and treatment agreements, maintaining culturally responsive competency, upholding professional standards, and utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical practice. (19%; 34 items) (19%)
    • 06.01 Demonstrate professional responsibility and competence regarding legal issues and regulations across therapeutic delivery modalities, including use of artificial intelligence (AI).
    • 06.02 Compare agency and employment policies with relevant ethics code, statutes, case law, and regulations and privilege the higher standard.
    • 06.03 Integrate current ethical codes of licensing boards, relevant professional organizations, and associations into appropriate professional practice.
    • 06.04 Adhere to relevant business laws related to clinical practice (e.g., Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, False Claims Act, etc.)
    • 06.05 Practice within therapist’s scope of competence.
    • 06.06 Maintain awareness of and effectively manage how the therapist’s personal issues, life experiences, values and morals, and previous trauma impact the therapeutic process.
    • 06.07 Maintain awareness of and effectively manage how the supervisors’ personal issues, life experiences, values and morals, and previous trauma influence the supervisory process
    • 06.08 Adhere to treatment agreements with client systems and respect the rights of clients.
    • 06.09 Provide the client system with written professional disclosures regarding fees, credentials, reporting complaints, confidentiality, privileged communication, and providing technologically assisted services, including use of artificial intelligence (AI), etc.
    • 06.10 Confirm the client system’s identities, locations, and safety levels at the beginning of each teletherapy session.
    • 06.11 Monitor and mitigate risk for potential exploitation of the client system by the therapist.
    • 06.12 Consult with colleagues and other professionals as necessary regarding ethical and legal issues, and document these consultations.
    • 06.13 Respect the roles and responsibilities of other professionals involved in the client system’s treatment process as they relate to ethical and legal issues.
    • 06.14 Maintain accurate and timely records including long-term safe and confidential storage and plan record transfer and/or disposal within timeframes specified by current statutes.
    • 06.15 Adhere to ethical and regulatory guidelines for engaging in the supervisor-supervisee relationship across modalities.
Examination sources