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Rhode Island Marriage & Family Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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Marriage and Family Therapist

Full marriage and family therapy license issued on the recommendation of the Rhode Island licensing board.

Licensing authority: Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists · Application information

Transition from existing Rhode Island certification
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the completed Board application, official transcripts, supervised-practice statements, supervisor documentation, fee and verifications of licenses held elsewhere. Application is valid for one year.
Approved Supervisor
Supervisor approval follows 216-RICR-40-05-11.3.6(B), including AAMFT certification or the specified licensure, experience and supervision-course qualifications.
Character
Good character; disclose criminal convictions and licensing discipline and furnish complete details where requested.
Education
Meet § 5-63.2-10(a)(1) and 216-RICR-40-05-11.3.5: qualifying graduate education, 60 semester or 90 quarter hours, required MFT core curriculum, supervised practicum and internship.
Examination Reading
§ 5-63.2-13(b) requires the educational and experience qualifications and passing a Board-administered examination; the rule and MFT application identify that examination as the national MFT examination. Existing certification is an applicant condition.
Existing Certification
Provide satisfactory evidence of existing Rhode Island Department of Health certification as a marriage and family therapist under § 5-63.2-13(a)(3).
Military Expedition
The application offers expedited processing with proof of active-duty/reservist status, honorable-discharge veteran status, or military-spouse status; this processing option does not change this route’s qualifications.
Open Examination Alternative
216-RICR-40-05-11.3.6(A)(4) also permits another examination approved by the Board; no additional examination is identified in the official sources.
Postgraduate Experience
At least two postgraduate years and 2,000 direct-client-contact hours with emphasis in marriage and family therapy.
Supervised Casework
At least 100 post-degree supervised casework hours over two years under a Board-approved supervisor.
Transition Fee
The transition from certification to licensure does not require an additional fee payment.
Licensure by endorsement after at least one year of out of state licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
§ 5-63.2-15 permits issuance without examination in the Board’s discretion.
Documentation
Submit the MFT application, official transcripts and supervised-practice and supervisor documentation, fees, and direct verification of every license held elsewhere.
Examination Waiver
The MFT application states: “If you are applying by Endorsement and have been licensed for at least one year in another state, exam results are NOT required.” The rule permits application under § 5-63.2-15 instead of the examination requirement.
License Duration
Have been licensed in another state for at least one year.
Out Of State License
Hold a license or certification elsewhere with requirements equivalent to or exceeding Rhode Island requirements, subject to Board endorsement approval.
Statutory Wording
§ 5-63.2-15 names issuance of a marriage and family therapist license, but describes the eligible applicant as “a clinical mental health counselor”; the MFT application explicitly implements endorsement for MFT applicants. The Board determines eligibility under that wording.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement with less than one year of out of state licensure
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Board Discretion
§ 5-63.2-15 permits issuance without examination in the Board’s discretion.
Documentation
Submit the MFT application, official transcripts and supervised-practice and supervisor documentation, fees, and direct verification of every license held elsewhere.
Examination Evidence
Supply the national MFT passing result; an individually approved statutory waiver remains subject to the Board’s discretion.
License Duration
The applicant has not satisfied the application’s at-least-one-year criterion for omitting examination results.
Out Of State License
Hold a license or certification elsewhere with requirements equivalent to or exceeding Rhode Island requirements, subject to Board endorsement approval.
Statutory Wording
§ 5-63.2-15 names issuance of a marriage and family therapist license, but describes the eligible applicant as “a clinical mental health counselor”; the MFT application explicitly implements endorsement for MFT applicants. The Board determines eligibility under that wording.
Initial licensure by examination
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the completed Board application, official transcripts, supervised-practice statements, supervisor documentation, fee and verifications of licenses held elsewhere. Application is valid for one year.
Approved Supervisor
Supervisor approval follows 216-RICR-40-05-11.3.6(B), including AAMFT certification or the specified licensure, experience and supervision-course qualifications.
Character
Good character; disclose criminal convictions and licensing discipline and furnish complete details where requested.
Education
Meet § 5-63.2-10(a)(1) and 216-RICR-40-05-11.3.5: qualifying graduate education, 60 semester or 90 quarter hours, required MFT core curriculum, supervised practicum and internship.
Military Expedition
The application offers expedited processing with proof of active-duty/reservist status, honorable-discharge veteran status, or military-spouse status; this processing option does not change this route’s qualifications.
Open Examination Alternative
216-RICR-40-05-11.3.6(A)(4) also permits another examination approved by the Board; no additional examination is identified in the official sources.
Postgraduate Experience
At least two postgraduate years and 2,000 direct-client-contact hours with emphasis in marriage and family therapy.
Supervised Casework
At least 100 post-degree supervised casework hours over two years under a Board-approved supervisor.
Reinstatement from the inactive list
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Attest to completing rule 11.3.12 continuing education requirements within the immediate two years before the reactivation request.
Inactive Status
Previously transferred to the inactive list by written request; this route does not apply to a suspended or revoked license.
Notice And Fees
Notify professional regulation, submit the application and fees, and remit the renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Discretionary reinstatement after a lapse of four years or more
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Verify prescribed continuing education requirements.
Fees
Pay the current renewal fee and additional reinstatement fee.
Lapse Duration
License has lapsed for four years or more; reinstatement is at the Board’s discretion.
Practice Restriction
Do not use the licensed professional title during the lapse.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of lapsed license before four years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Verify prescribed continuing education requirements.
Fees
Pay the current renewal fee and additional reinstatement fee.
Lapse Duration
License has lapsed for less than four years.
Practice Restriction
Do not use the licensed professional title during the lapse.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military member or spouse recognition of equivalent out of state license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Criminal Record
No disqualifying criminal record as determined by the Board under § 5-88-2(2).
Equivalency
The Board must find substantially equivalent licensing requirements for recognized full licensure; military education, training and experience may satisfy requirements under § 5-88-6.
Fees
Pay applicable Rhode Island fees.
Good Standing
Hold the existing license in good standing.
Military Proof
Submit the military expedition form, proof of status and transfer orders, good-standing evidence and the required background check.
Military Status
Military member or spouse relocating to Rhode Island pursuant to military orders; a spouse must have left employment to accompany the member.
Pending Proceedings
No pending out-of-state complaint, allegation or investigation relating to unprofessional conduct or an alleged crime.
Prior License
Certified or licensed for at least one year in another state to perform the relevant professional services.
Revocation
No out-of-state revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct.
Surrender
No surrender of a license because of negligence or intentional misconduct.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Full licensure after completing military temporary license requirements
AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination
Application
Submit the completed Board application, official transcripts, supervised-practice statements, supervisor documentation, fee and verifications of licenses held elsewhere. Application is valid for one year.
Approved Supervisor
Supervisor approval follows 216-RICR-40-05-11.3.6(B), including AAMFT certification or the specified licensure, experience and supervision-course qualifications.
Character
Good character; disclose criminal convictions and licensing discipline and furnish complete details where requested.
Education
Meet § 5-63.2-10(a)(1) and 216-RICR-40-05-11.3.5: qualifying graduate education, 60 semester or 90 quarter hours, required MFT core curriculum, supervised practicum and internship.
Exam Waiver
A previously accepted national MFT result or Board-approved endorsement waiver may excuse a new sitting; the currently offered national exam remains the identified full-licensure examination.
Military Expedition
The application offers expedited processing with proof of active-duty/reservist status, honorable-discharge veteran status, or military-spouse status; this processing option does not change this route’s qualifications.
Open Examination Alternative
216-RICR-40-05-11.3.6(A)(4) also permits another examination approved by the Board; no additional examination is identified in the official sources.
Postgraduate Experience
At least two postgraduate years and 2,000 direct-client-contact hours with emphasis in marriage and family therapy.
Remaining Qualifications
Complete the Rhode Island-specific requirements not satisfied by the out-of-state credential; under § 5-88-6, the Board decides what military education, training or experience satisfies them.
Supervised Casework
At least 100 post-degree supervised casework hours over two years under a Board-approved supervisor.
Temporary License
Hold the temporary military-member/spouse practice authorization under § 5-88-1(b)(2).
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
40 relevant continuing education credits over the preceding two-year period, including at least 20 Category I credits under rule 11.3.12; Board hardship extensions and the initial-examination-license exemption apply as stated in that rule.
Renewal Application
File the executed renewal application and fee with verification of prescribed continuing education; the license renews effective July 1 of even-numbered years for 24 months.

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