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Nebraska Marriage & Family Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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Certified Marriage and Family Therapist

Title-protected marriage and family therapy certification associated with a Nebraska mental health practice license.

Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, with the Board of Mental Health Practice · Application information

Reinstatement after expiration or historical lapse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reinstatement application, meet current renewal requirements, provide lawful-presence and identifying documentation, and pay applicable fees.
Associated Certificates
No separate CE hours for each associated certificate when also holding LMHP or LIMHP.
Continuing Education
32 acceptable mental health CE hours during the preceding 24 months, including four ethics hours.
Disciplinary Boundary
Suspension, revocation, limitation and surrender restoration are recorded separately because individual orders can impose further requirements.
Prior Status
Previously held this Nebraska credential; it expired or was placed on lapsed status before December 1, 2008.
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential waivers may apply under 172 NAC 10-004.03. The reinstatement application permits documented circumstances-beyond-control waiver requests.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reinstatement application, meet current renewal requirements, provide lawful-presence and identifying documentation, and pay applicable fees.
Associated Certificates
No separate CE hours for each associated certificate when also holding LMHP or LIMHP.
Continuing Education
32 acceptable mental health CE hours during the preceding 24 months, including four ethics hours.
Disciplinary Boundary
Suspension, revocation, limitation and surrender restoration are recorded separately because individual orders can impose further requirements.
Prior Status
Previously held this Nebraska credential; it was placed on inactive status.
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential waivers may apply under 172 NAC 10-004.03. The reinstatement application permits documented circumstances-beyond-control waiver requests.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity based on an independent unrestricted out of state MFT license
Nebraska Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Age
At least 19 years old and of good character under § 38-129.
Application
Complete the application and submit required documentation and fees, or evidence of fee-waiver eligibility.
Application And Fees
Complete the application and pay applicable fees.
Background Check
The LIMHP-only background-check requirement is not stated for this credential by the linked application.
Disclosures
Supply conviction, credential, denial, and disciplinary records required by 172 NAC 10-003.01(E)–(I).
Existing License
Valid independent unrestricted MFT license in another state or territory, in good standing.
Lawful Presence
Provide citizenship or lawful-presence documentation required by § 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(B).
Older Equivalence Rule
172 NAC 94-006(B) states: (B) If applying for a certificate, documentation of meeting substantially equivalent standards to those set out in 172 NAC 94-003.05. This lower-ranked implementing demand is preserved as a condition; the MFT-specific statute controls the requirement tree.
Older Five Year Application
The linked Board application states: 5-Year Reciprocity: If you hold a license in another state in the same or similar license type that you are applying for in Nebraska (not as a provisional or in-training to achieve the license), and practice under this license for at least 5 years following issuance of the license, review the following information: The MFT-specific statutory route controls.
Profession
Marriage and family therapy educational or credential pathway.
Statutory Priority
The MFT-specific route under § 38-2130 requires jurisprudence; it does not enumerate the national examination or a five-year practice minimum for this route.
Initial certification by examination
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Age
At least 19 years old and of good character under § 38-129.
Application
Complete the application and submit required documentation and fees, or evidence of fee-waiver eligibility.
Associated License
172 NAC 94-003.05 permits certification when licensed or qualified for LMHP or LIMHP. The application states certification is added to the practice license.
Disclosures
Supply conviction, credential, denial, and disciplinary records required by 172 NAC 10-003.01(E)–(I).
Education
Board-approved master’s or doctoral MFT degree, or related graduate degree and coursework equivalent to an MFT master’s degree.
Implementing Experience Statement
172 NAC 94-009.04(A) states: (A) At least 3,000 hours of supervised experience during the five years preceding application for certification. The 3,000 hours must include a minimum of 1,500 hours of direct client contact. During the course of completing the client-contact hours, there must be at least 100 hours of supervisor-supervisee contact hours with a qualified supervisor and supervision must be provided at least 1 hour per week or 2 hours every 2 weeks; and
Lawful Presence
Provide citizenship or lawful-presence documentation required by § 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(B).
Official Scores
Scores must be sent directly by the examination entity or another licensing board. A currently offered examination passed before application remains a requirement.
Profession
Marriage and family therapy educational or credential pathway.
Supervised Experience
3,000 post-degree supervised MFT hours, including 1,500 direct-client hours in the preceding five years; at least 100 supervisor-supervisee hours and one supervision hour weekly or two every two weeks.
Supervisor
A qualified supervisor meeting § 38-2133(2) and 172 NAC 94-008.01(B), including applicable approved-supervisor designation or practice, supervision-course and supervision-of-supervision requirements.
Biennial renewal of active credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associated Certificates
No separate CE hours for each associated certificate when also holding LMHP or LIMHP.
Continuing Education
32 acceptable mental health CE hours during the preceding 24 months, including four ethics hours.
Renewal
Complete application, documentation, and fees before September 1 of each even-numbered year.
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential waivers may apply under 172 NAC 10-004.03. The reinstatement application permits documented circumstances-beyond-control waiver requests.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner

Independent mental health practice license, surveyed for marriage and family therapy applicants, including diagnosis and treatment of major mental illness.

Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, with the Board of Mental Health Practice · Application information

Reciprocity by substantially equivalent requirements outside the independent MFT license clause
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Age
At least 19 years old and of good character under § 38-129.
Application
Complete the application and submit required documentation and fees, or evidence of fee-waiver eligibility.
Credential Level
LMHP requirements are in 172 NAC 94-003.03; LIMHP requirements are in 003.04, with its independent-practice supervision and fingerprint background check.
Disclosures
Supply conviction, credential, denial, and disciplinary records required by 172 NAC 10-003.01(E)–(I).
Equivalence
Meet Nebraska practice-act requirements or substantially equivalent requirements as determined by the Department and Board; submit education and supervised-experience evidence for the level requested.
Existing Credential
Out-of-state credential in the appropriate discipline that does not qualify under the independent unrestricted MFT-license clause of § 38-2125(3).
Lawful Presence
Provide citizenship or lawful-presence documentation required by § 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(B).
Official Scores
Scores must be sent directly by the examination entity or another licensing board. A currently offered examination passed before application remains a requirement.
Profession
Marriage and family therapy educational or credential pathway.
Reinstatement after expiration or historical lapse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reinstatement application, meet current renewal requirements, provide lawful-presence and identifying documentation, and pay applicable fees.
Associated Certificates
No separate CE hours for each associated certificate when also holding LMHP or LIMHP.
Continuing Education
32 acceptable mental health CE hours during the preceding 24 months, including four ethics hours.
Disciplinary Boundary
Suspension, revocation, limitation and surrender restoration are recorded separately because individual orders can impose further requirements.
Major Mental Disorders
At least six CE hours relating to diagnosis and treatment of major mental disorders.
Prior Status
Previously held this Nebraska credential; it expired or was placed on lapsed status before December 1, 2008.
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential waivers may apply under 172 NAC 10-004.03. The reinstatement application permits documented circumstances-beyond-control waiver requests.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Five year active practice reciprocity outside the independent MFT license clause
Nebraska Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Age
At least 19 years old and of good character under § 38-129.
Application
Complete the application and submit required documentation and fees, or evidence of fee-waiver eligibility.
Credential Level
The application distinguishes independent licenses permitting major-illness diagnosis from other mental health licenses; LIMHP also requires fingerprints.
Disclosures
Supply conviction, credential, denial, and disciplinary records required by 172 NAC 10-003.01(E)–(I).
Documentation Exception
172 NAC 94-006(C) excuses initial-requirement documentation under 006(A) and (B) for this route.
Existing Credential
A similar out-of-state credential in the appropriate discipline, outside § 38-2125(3)’s independent unrestricted MFT-license route.
Lawful Presence
Provide citizenship or lawful-presence documentation required by § 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(B).
Passing Score
At least 75% on jurisprudence.
Practice
At least five years of active practice after initial licensure or certification in another jurisdiction.
Profession
Marriage and family therapy educational or credential pathway.
Verification
Direct-source verification of the credential.
Reactivation from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reinstatement application, meet current renewal requirements, provide lawful-presence and identifying documentation, and pay applicable fees.
Associated Certificates
No separate CE hours for each associated certificate when also holding LMHP or LIMHP.
Continuing Education
32 acceptable mental health CE hours during the preceding 24 months, including four ethics hours.
Disciplinary Boundary
Suspension, revocation, limitation and surrender restoration are recorded separately because individual orders can impose further requirements.
Major Mental Disorders
At least six CE hours relating to diagnosis and treatment of major mental disorders.
Prior Status
Previously held this Nebraska credential; it was placed on inactive status.
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential waivers may apply under 172 NAC 10-004.03. The reinstatement application permits documented circumstances-beyond-control waiver requests.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity based on an independent unrestricted out of state MFT license
Nebraska Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Age
At least 19 years old and of good character under § 38-129.
Application
Complete the application and submit required documentation and fees, or evidence of fee-waiver eligibility.
Application And Fees
Complete the application and pay applicable fees.
Background Check
The application requires a fingerprint-based background check when applying for LIMHP.
Disclosures
Supply conviction, credential, denial, and disciplinary records required by 172 NAC 10-003.01(E)–(I).
Existing License
Valid independent unrestricted MFT license in another state or territory, in good standing.
Lawful Presence
Provide citizenship or lawful-presence documentation required by § 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(B).
Older Equivalence Rule
172 NAC 94-006(B) states: (B) If applying for a certificate, documentation of meeting substantially equivalent standards to those set out in 172 NAC 94-003.05. This lower-ranked implementing demand is preserved as a condition; the MFT-specific statute controls the requirement tree.
Older Five Year Application
The linked Board application states: 5-Year Reciprocity: If you hold a license in another state in the same or similar license type that you are applying for in Nebraska (not as a provisional or in-training to achieve the license), and practice under this license for at least 5 years following issuance of the license, review the following information: The MFT-specific statutory route controls.
Profession
Marriage and family therapy educational or credential pathway.
Statutory Priority
The MFT-specific route under § 38-2125 requires jurisprudence; it does not enumerate the national examination or a five-year practice minimum for this route.
Initial independent licensure from an accredited program
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Age
At least 19 years old and of good character under § 38-129.
Application
Complete the application and submit required documentation and fees, or evidence of fee-waiver eligibility.
Background Check
Fingerprint-based criminal background check required by the application for LIMHP applicants, effective July 21, 2022.
Disclosures
Supply conviction, credential, denial, and disciplinary records required by 172 NAC 10-003.01(E)–(I).
Education
MFT master’s or doctoral program accredited by COAMFTE at graduation or within four years afterward.
Experience
3,000 supervised hours, half involving clients diagnosed with major mental illness or disorder.
Lawful Presence
Provide citizenship or lawful-presence documentation required by § 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(B).
Official Scores
Scores must be sent directly by the examination entity or another licensing board. A currently offered examination passed before application remains a requirement.
Prior License
Hold LMHP, or provisional LMHP with a passing Board-approved examination under § 38-2122(3).
Profession
Marriage and family therapy educational or credential pathway.
Supervisor
Licensed physician, psychologist or LIMHP; major-disorder supervision meets 172 NAC 94-009.03, including its diagnostic review and face-to-face ratio.
Initial independent licensure from a Board equivalent program
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Age
At least 19 years old and of good character under § 38-129.
Application
Complete the application and submit required documentation and fees, or evidence of fee-waiver eligibility.
Background Check
Fingerprint-based criminal background check required by the application for LIMHP applicants, effective July 21, 2022.
Disclosures
Supply conviction, credential, denial, and disciplinary records required by 172 NAC 10-003.01(E)–(I).
Education
Master’s or doctoral program the Board finds equivalent in didactic content and supervised clinical experience to an accredited program.
Experience
3,000 supervised hours, half involving clients diagnosed with major mental illness or disorder.
Lawful Presence
Provide citizenship or lawful-presence documentation required by § 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(B).
Official Scores
Scores must be sent directly by the examination entity or another licensing board. A currently offered examination passed before application remains a requirement.
Prior License
Hold LMHP, or provisional LMHP with a passing Board-approved examination under § 38-2122(3).
Profession
Marriage and family therapy educational or credential pathway.
Supervisor
Licensed physician, psychologist or LIMHP; major-disorder supervision meets 172 NAC 94-009.03, including its diagnostic review and face-to-face ratio.
Initial independent licensure through ten years of supervised experience
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Age
At least 19 years old and of good character under § 38-129.
Application
Complete the application and submit required documentation and fees, or evidence of fee-waiver eligibility.
Background Check
Fingerprint-based criminal background check required by the application for LIMHP applicants, effective July 21, 2022.
Disclosures
Supply conviction, credential, denial, and disciplinary records required by 172 NAC 10-003.01(E)–(I).
Education
An educational program not meeting § 38-2124(1)(a)(i).
Experience
7,000 supervised hours over at least ten years, half involving clients diagnosed with major mental illness or disorder.
Lawful Presence
Provide citizenship or lawful-presence documentation required by § 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(B).
Official Scores
Scores must be sent directly by the examination entity or another licensing board. A currently offered examination passed before application remains a requirement.
Prior License
Hold LMHP, or provisional LMHP with a passing Board-approved examination under § 38-2122(3).
Profession
Marriage and family therapy educational or credential pathway.
Supervisor
Licensed physician, psychologist or LIMHP; major-disorder supervision meets 172 NAC 94-009.03, including its diagnostic review and face-to-face ratio.
Biennial renewal of active credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associated Certificates
No separate CE hours for each associated certificate when also holding LMHP or LIMHP.
Continuing Education
32 acceptable mental health CE hours during the preceding 24 months, including four ethics hours.
Major Mental Disorders
At least six CE hours relating to diagnosis and treatment of major mental disorders.
Renewal
Complete application, documentation, and fees before September 1 of each even-numbered year.
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential waivers may apply under 172 NAC 10-004.03. The reinstatement application permits documented circumstances-beyond-control waiver requests.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Mental Health Practitioner

Mental health practice license, surveyed for applicants with marriage and family therapy education; major mental illness requires statutory consultation.

Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, with the Board of Mental Health Practice · Application information

Reciprocity by substantially equivalent requirements outside the independent MFT license clause
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Age
At least 19 years old and of good character under § 38-129.
Application
Complete the application and submit required documentation and fees, or evidence of fee-waiver eligibility.
Credential Level
LMHP requirements are in 172 NAC 94-003.03; LIMHP requirements are in 003.04, with its independent-practice supervision and fingerprint background check.
Disclosures
Supply conviction, credential, denial, and disciplinary records required by 172 NAC 10-003.01(E)–(I).
Equivalence
Meet Nebraska practice-act requirements or substantially equivalent requirements as determined by the Department and Board; submit education and supervised-experience evidence for the level requested.
Existing Credential
Out-of-state credential in the appropriate discipline that does not qualify under the independent unrestricted MFT-license clause of § 38-2125(3).
Lawful Presence
Provide citizenship or lawful-presence documentation required by § 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(B).
Official Scores
Scores must be sent directly by the examination entity or another licensing board. A currently offered examination passed before application remains a requirement.
Profession
Marriage and family therapy educational or credential pathway.
Reinstatement after expiration or historical lapse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reinstatement application, meet current renewal requirements, provide lawful-presence and identifying documentation, and pay applicable fees.
Associated Certificates
No separate CE hours for each associated certificate when also holding LMHP or LIMHP.
Continuing Education
32 acceptable mental health CE hours during the preceding 24 months, including four ethics hours.
Disciplinary Boundary
Suspension, revocation, limitation and surrender restoration are recorded separately because individual orders can impose further requirements.
Prior Status
Previously held this Nebraska credential; it expired or was placed on lapsed status before December 1, 2008.
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential waivers may apply under 172 NAC 10-004.03. The reinstatement application permits documented circumstances-beyond-control waiver requests.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Five year active practice reciprocity outside the independent MFT license clause
Nebraska Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Age
At least 19 years old and of good character under § 38-129.
Application
Complete the application and submit required documentation and fees, or evidence of fee-waiver eligibility.
Credential Level
The application distinguishes independent licenses permitting major-illness diagnosis from other mental health licenses; LIMHP also requires fingerprints.
Disclosures
Supply conviction, credential, denial, and disciplinary records required by 172 NAC 10-003.01(E)–(I).
Documentation Exception
172 NAC 94-006(C) excuses initial-requirement documentation under 006(A) and (B) for this route.
Existing Credential
A similar out-of-state credential in the appropriate discipline, outside § 38-2125(3)’s independent unrestricted MFT-license route.
Lawful Presence
Provide citizenship or lawful-presence documentation required by § 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(B).
Passing Score
At least 75% on jurisprudence.
Practice
At least five years of active practice after initial licensure or certification in another jurisdiction.
Profession
Marriage and family therapy educational or credential pathway.
Verification
Direct-source verification of the credential.
Reactivation from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit reinstatement application, meet current renewal requirements, provide lawful-presence and identifying documentation, and pay applicable fees.
Associated Certificates
No separate CE hours for each associated certificate when also holding LMHP or LIMHP.
Continuing Education
32 acceptable mental health CE hours during the preceding 24 months, including four ethics hours.
Disciplinary Boundary
Suspension, revocation, limitation and surrender restoration are recorded separately because individual orders can impose further requirements.
Prior Status
Previously held this Nebraska credential; it was placed on inactive status.
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential waivers may apply under 172 NAC 10-004.03. The reinstatement application permits documented circumstances-beyond-control waiver requests.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity based on an independent unrestricted out of state MFT license
Nebraska Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination (practice unavailable)
Age
At least 19 years old and of good character under § 38-129.
Application
Complete the application and submit required documentation and fees, or evidence of fee-waiver eligibility.
Application And Fees
Complete the application and pay applicable fees.
Background Check
The LIMHP-only background-check requirement is not stated for this credential by the linked application.
Disclosures
Supply conviction, credential, denial, and disciplinary records required by 172 NAC 10-003.01(E)–(I).
Existing License
Valid independent unrestricted MFT license in another state or territory, in good standing.
Lawful Presence
Provide citizenship or lawful-presence documentation required by § 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(B).
Older Equivalence Rule
172 NAC 94-006(B) states: (B) If applying for a certificate, documentation of meeting substantially equivalent standards to those set out in 172 NAC 94-003.05. This lower-ranked implementing demand is preserved as a condition; the MFT-specific statute controls the requirement tree.
Older Five Year Application
The linked Board application states: 5-Year Reciprocity: If you hold a license in another state in the same or similar license type that you are applying for in Nebraska (not as a provisional or in-training to achieve the license), and practice under this license for at least 5 years following issuance of the license, review the following information: The MFT-specific statutory route controls.
Profession
Marriage and family therapy educational or credential pathway.
Statutory Priority
The MFT-specific route under § 38-2125 requires jurisprudence; it does not enumerate the national examination or a five-year practice minimum for this route.
Initial mental health practice licensure with MFT education
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Age
At least 19 years old and of good character under § 38-129.
Application
Complete the application and submit required documentation and fees, or evidence of fee-waiver eligibility.
Disclosures
Supply conviction, credential, denial, and disciplinary records required by 172 NAC 10-003.01(E)–(I).
Education
Approved therapeutic mental health master’s, doctoral or equivalent degree, with practicum/internship. Practicums completed after September 1, 1995 require 300 direct-client clock hours. Equivalent nonaccredited programs meet 172 NAC 94-007.02, including 60 graduate semester hours and required coursework.
Experience
3,000 post-degree supervised hours, including 1,500 direct-client hours; one hour weekly of evaluative face-to-face supervision. Nebraska hours must be earned under a provisional license.
Lawful Presence
Provide citizenship or lawful-presence documentation required by § 38-129 and 172 NAC 10-003.01(B).
Official Scores
Scores must be sent directly by the examination entity or another licensing board. A currently offered examination passed before application remains a requirement.
Profession
Marriage and family therapy educational or credential pathway.
Scope
Major mental illness diagnosis and treatment require consultation as specified in the practice act.
Supervisor
Qualified physician, psychologist, LMHP or LIMHP under 172 NAC 94-008.01(D).
Biennial renewal of active credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Associated Certificates
No separate CE hours for each associated certificate when also holding LMHP or LIMHP.
Continuing Education
32 acceptable mental health CE hours during the preceding 24 months, including four ethics hours.
Renewal
Complete application, documentation, and fees before September 1 of each even-numbered year.
Waivers
Military-service and first-credential waivers may apply under 172 NAC 10-004.03. The reinstatement application permits documented circumstances-beyond-control waiver requests.

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

Nebraska Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination

Format
Online multiple-choice examination
Exam questions
50 multiple-choice questions
Passing score
75% or above
Examination outline
  • 172 NAC 94 — Independent Mental Health Practitioners, Mental Health Practitioners, Marriage and Family Therapists, Professional Counselors, and Social Workers
  • Mental Health Practice Act
  • Uniform Credentialing Act — general credentialing provisions
Examination sources