LMFT vs LPC: Explaining The Difference for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

The shortage of mental health professionals has been an ongoing problem for decades, but the need for such specialists is felt even more so today. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), 122 million Americans live in areas with mental health provider shortages, and the country needs more than 6,000 practitioners to meet the current demand.

If you are considering joining the mental health profession but want a shorter pathway to start practicing, becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) are viable options. These roles typically require only a master’s degree instead of a doctorate to qualify for licensure, so you can start your mental health career earlier and save more on your educational expenses.

To help you decide which license better matches your goals, I prepared an overview of LMFT and LPC careers, the training and education required, and insight into the profession. Use this guide to compare the similarities and differences between the two roles and begin to plan your journey toward becoming a mental health practitioner.

Key Things You SHould Know About LMFT vs LPC Career Differences

As of May 2023, the median annual salary for Marriage and Family Therapists is $58,510. Meanwhile, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, which include LPCs, can make $53,710.
LMFTs typically complete fewer supervised hours than LPCs, making the licensing process slightly shorter in some states.
LPCs have broader training in individual therapy, clinical mental health, and evidence-based practices. LMFTs focus on family systems, couples therapy, and relational psychology.

What does an LMFT and LPC do for 2025?
Do LMFTs and LPCs require different types of training?
How long does it take to become an LMFT vs an LPC?
What courses are typically in an LMFT and LPC degree program?
What are the required skills for an LMFT and LPC?
What is the average salary of an LMFT vs. an LPC?
What is the job outlook for LMFTs and LPCs?
What are the opportunities for further specialization and career advancement?
What mentorship and networking opportunities can boost my LMFT or LPC career?
Can an accelerated degree program fast-track my LMFT or LPC career?
How does accreditation influence LMFT and LPC career outcomes?
How does online education influence specialized career growth?
How can ongoing professional development enhance career outcomes?
Could a dual degree pathway enhance my mental health career?
How does reciprocity work for LMFT and LPC licenses?
What are the biggest challenges in an LMFT and LPC career?
Should I become an LMFT or an LPC?
Other Things You Need to Know About Differences in LMFT and LPC Careers

What does an LMFT and LPC do for 2025?

Licensed marriage and family therapists and licensed professional counselors are both mental health professionals who provide therapy and counseling to individuals, couples, families, and groups. While there is an overlap in their work, there are also some key distinctions:

LMFTs

Focus: Primarily trained to work with individuals, couples, and families, emphasizing the systemic interactions and dynamics within relationships. They view individuals within the context of their family and other important relationships.
Specialization: They often specialize in areas such as couples counseling, family therapy, child and adolescent therapy, and premarital counseling.
Approach: Typically use a systems-oriented approach, exploring how family dynamics, communication patterns, and relationship issues contribute to individual and relational problems.

LPCs

Focus: Trained to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups, addressing a wide range of mental health, emotional, and behavioral issues.
Specialization: May specialize in areas such as individual counseling, career counseling, substance abuse counseling, and mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma).
Approach: May utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based practices.

Similarities

Licensing: Both LMFTs and LPCs must be licensed by their state's licensing board. To qualify for licensure, candidates must complete master's counseling degrees online accredited programs or traditional in-person master’s degrees in counseling or a related field, have supervised clinical experience, and pass licensing exams.
Scope of Practice: Both can diagnose and treat mental health disorders, provide therapy, and develop treatment plans.
Ethical Guidelines: Both adhere to ethical codes of conduct, ensuring client confidentiality and professional standards.
Settings: Both can work in private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, and other settings.

In summary, LPCs generally have a broader scope of practice, working with individuals on a wider range of mental health issues. LMFTs specialize in relationships and family dynamics, which, while highly needed, is a more focused area. This could be why there are more licensed professional counselors today than marriage and family therapists.

According to the most current data from O*NET OnLine, there are 76,000 Marriage and Family Therapists and 449,800 Mental Health Counselors employed in the United States as of 2023.

Do LMFTs and LPCs require different types of training?

The journey of how to become a marriage and family therapist and a professional counselor requires different types of training, including variations in education, coursework, and supervised clinical hours. While both careers require a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, their training emphasizes different therapy approaches and client populations.

Key Differences in Education

In-person or online marriage and family therapy graduate programs emphasize family systems theory and relational counseling and are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
LPC programs focus more on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in individuals and are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Make sure to look for this accreditation when checking traditional or affordable online master's in counseling programs.
Some programs offer dual-track degrees, allowing students to meet requirements for both LMFT and LPC licenses.

Key Differences in Clinical Training

LMFTs complete fewer supervised internship hours (300 to 500 hours) during their degree but must specialize in marriage and family therapy cases.
LPCs require more supervised internship hours (typically 600 hours) and broader mental health training.
LMFTS need 2,000 to 4,000 hours post-graduate supervised hours while LPCs must complete 3,000 to 4,000 hours.
LMFTs must be supervised by a licensed marriage and family therapist, whereas LPCs can have varied supervisors, such as an LPC, a psychologist, or a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

Key Differences in Licensing Exams

The LMFT licensing exam is called the Marriage and Family Therapy National Exam (MFT exam) and is administered by the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). It focuses on family therapy, systems theory, and relational treatment.
LPCs must take either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE) administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The emphasis of these exams is on individual mental health, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
Some states require additional jurisprudence or ethics exams for both LMFTs and LPCs.

Whichever path you choose, I recommend enrolling in an LMFT or LPC degree program that adequately prepares you for the licensing exam and offers excellent support for completing your clinical training.

How long does it take to become an LMFT vs an LPC?

The time required to become an LMFT versus an LPC varies based on degree length, clinical training, and state licensing requirements. Generally, both careers take around six to eight years to complete, but there are some key differences.

LMFTs typically complete fewer supervised hours than LPCs, making the licensing process slightly shorter in some states.
LPCs may take longer because some states require two different exams, which are the NCE or NCMHCE and a state-specific ethics exam.
Some LMFT and LPC programs offer accelerated or part-time options, affecting how quickly students finish.

How to Become an LMFT or LPC Faster

Choose an accelerated traditional or online masters degree in family counseling or an accelerated LPC program. Some accelerated master’s programs can be completed in 18 to 24 months.
Complete supervised hours full-time instead of part-time to finish in two years instead of four.
Pass the licensing exam as soon as eligible rather than delaying the process.

What courses are typically in an LMFT and LPC degree program?

LMFT and LPC degree programs share some core courses but also have distinct focuses. Here is a general overview:

Core Courses (Common to both LMFT and LPC)

Counseling Theories: Exploring various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and humanistic.
Ethics and Professional Practice: Covering ethical guidelines, legal responsibilities, and professional standards.
Multicultural Counseling: Addressing cultural diversity, sensitivity, and awareness in therapy.
Human Growth and Development: Studying human development across the lifespan, including physical, cognitive, and social-emotional aspects.
Research Methods: Learning about research design, data analysis, and evidence-based practice.
Assessment and Diagnosis: Developing skills in assessing client needs, identifying mental health disorders, and using diagnostic tools.
Crisis Intervention: Training in providing support and guidance to clients in crisis situations.

LMFT-Specific Courses

Family Systems Theory: Understanding how individuals, couples, and families interact within their systems.
Family Therapy Models: Studying various approaches to family therapy, such as structural, Bowenian, and strategic.
Couples Therapy: Focusing on skills in working with couples to improve communication and resolve conflicts.
Child and Adolescent Therapy: Addressing the unique needs of children and adolescents within a family context.

LPC-Specific Courses

Individual Counseling: Developing expertise in working with individuals on a range of mental health and personal issues.
Career Counseling: Providing guidance to clients on career development and planning.
Group Counseling: Facilitating therapeutic groups and understanding group dynamics.
Substance Abuse Counseling: Addressing issues related to addiction and recovery.

As previously mentioned, both LMFT and LPC programs also require supervised clinical experience, where students provide therapy to clients under the supervision of licensed professionals.

Some programs may offer specialized tracks or electives, such as trauma-informed care, addiction counseling, or specific therapeutic modalities. Additionally, course names and specific content may vary between programs.

I recommend researching specific program curricula to ensure they align with your interests and career goals. Certain majors related to counseling may also meet the requirements for becoming an LMFT and LPC as long as the curriculum offers the right courses. Based on an analysis of real counselor resumes, Zippia reports that psychology is the most popular major among these professionals. The chart below provides more details.

What are the required skills for an LMFT and LPC?

Both licensed marriage and family therapists and licensed professional counselors need a strong set of skills to help their clients effectively. Here is a breakdown of some key skills:

Core Counseling Skills

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. This is crucial for building rapport and trust with clients.
Active Listening: Paying close attention to what clients are saying, both verbally and nonverbally, and reflecting back their thoughts and feelings. Research shows that supportive counseling skills like active listening and empathy are critical ingredients of all psychotherapies.
Communication Skills: Effectively conveying information, asking clarifying questions, and adapting communication style to different clients.
Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport, establishing healthy boundaries, and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics.
Problem-Solving Skills: Helping clients identify problems, explore solutions, and develop coping strategies.
Critical Thinking: Analyzing client situations, considering different perspectives, and making sound clinical judgments.

Specific Skills for LMFTs

Systems Thinking: Understanding how individuals, couples, and families interact within their systems and how those systems influence their well-being.
Family Dynamics: Knowledge of family development, family roles, and common family issues.
Couples Counseling: Skills in working with couples to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and enhance their relationship.

Specific Skills for LPCs

Individual Counseling: Expertise in working with individuals on a range of mental health and personal issues.
Assessment and Diagnosis: Skills in assessing client needs, identifying mental health disorders, and developing treatment plans.
Crisis Intervention: Ability to provide support and guidance to clients in crisis situations.

Additional Important Skills

Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of clients.
Ethical and Legal Awareness: Adhering to professional ethics and legal guidelines in all aspects of practice.
Self-Care: Maintaining emotional well-being and preventing burnout through self-care practices.
Organizational Skills: Managing client records, scheduling, and billing effectively.

Both LMFTs and LPCs need a combination of strong interpersonal skills, clinical knowledge, and ethical awareness to serve their clients effectively. While there are some differences in the specific skills emphasized for each license, both professions require a deep commitment to helping others and a strong foundation in counseling principles and practices.

Thus, aside from looking for the cheapest online LPC programs or LMFT degrees, I find it is also beneficial to search for an academic program that not only prepares aspiring mental health practitioners for the technical aspects of the profession but also teaches and trains students in soft skills useful for their practice. This can help you become better equipped for the job and give you an advantage when seeking employment, especially at the beginning of your career. According to data from Zippia, mastering crisis intervention, specializing in substance abuse services, and being open, flexible, and non-denominational when providing patient care are some of the top skills listed by counselors on their resumes.

What is the average salary of an LMFT vs. an LPC?

As of May 2023, the average annual salaries for mental health professionals are:

Marriage and Family Therapists: $68,730
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: $60,080

These figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that LMFTs earn a higher median salary compared to LPCs. However, actual earnings can vary based on factors such as specialization, experience, and geographic location.

For instance, LMFTs in New Jersey earn an average annual salary of $92,120, while those in Alaska make $74,420.

Additionally, therapists specializing in areas like addiction, trauma, or child therapy can increase their earning potential. Certain industries may also offer higher salaries. For example, mental health counselors who work in child care services can earn an average annual salary of $76,790, while those employed by junior colleges can make $72,930.

Therapists in private practice or those with specialized expertise may also earn higher salaries.

The chart below uses the most recent data from BLS and provides a comparison of the earnings of LMFTs, LPCs, and other mental health providers.

What is the job outlook for LMFTs and LPCs?

The job outlook for licensed marriage and family therapists and licensed professional counselors is excellent, with faster-than-average growth projected for both professions.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for marriage and family therapists will grow 16% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Similarly, the job outlook for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (which includes LPCs) is projected to grow 19% from 2023 to 2033.

Factors Driving Growth

Increased demand for mental health services: There is a growing awareness of mental health issues and a greater willingness to seek help, leading to increased demand for therapists and counselors.
Expanding access to care: Efforts to expand access to mental health services, such as through the Affordable Care Act, are also contributing to job growth.
Aging population: As the population ages, there's an increasing need for mental health professionals to address issues related to aging, such as depression, anxiety, and dementia.

With strong growth projected for both professions, individuals with LMFT and LPC credentials can expect to find ample job opportunities in a variety of settings.

What are the opportunities for further specialization and career advancement?

Professionals aiming to enhance their practice can benefit from targeted certification programs and advanced coursework that build on foundational LMFT or LPC training. Pursuing specialized credentials in areas such as trauma therapy, substance abuse counseling, or child and adolescent mental health can open doors to niche positions and leadership roles. Additionally, interdisciplinary study—such as applied behavior analysis through a BCBA degree online program—offers a strategic pathway to broaden clinical expertise and diversify service offerings. Continuous professional development through workshops, seminars, and peer networking solidifies expertise and contributes to long-term career advancement in the competitive mental health field.

What mentorship and networking opportunities can boost my LMFT or LPC career?

Engaging with targeted mentorship programs and professional networks can accelerate career advancement and refine clinical practice. Many national and regional mental health associations offer mentorship initiatives that pair emerging practitioners with seasoned experts, providing personalized guidance on navigating regulatory requirements and evolving treatment modalities. Active participation in professional conferences, specialized workshops, and online forums fosters collaboration, enhances clinical skills, and opens pathways to leadership roles. Additionally, leveraging these networks can lead to referrals and strategic partnerships that support long-term career growth. Professionals should also evaluate industry platforms that outline the requirements to become a counselor as part of their career development roadmap.

Can an accelerated degree program fast-track my LMFT or LPC career?

Accelerated degree programs offer a condensed pathway by integrating intensive coursework and clinical training, potentially reducing the time to practice without compromising academic quality. These programs are designed for candidates who seek to enter the mental health field promptly while still meeting rigorous licensure requirements. Evaluating an accelerated curriculum can inform decisions regarding tuition costs, program structure, and the pace of learning. Additionally, exploring resources such as the fastest degree in psychology may provide further insight into innovative educational models that align with career ambitions in LMFT and LPC fields.

How does accreditation influence LMFT and LPC career outcomes?

Accreditation is a key indicator of program quality and long-term career success. Accredited programs meet rigorous academic and clinical standards, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet current regulatory and ethical guidelines. Evaluating a program’s accreditation status can help prospective professionals identify education options that align with evolving industry standards. Furthermore, specialized training opportunities—such as those offered by top ABA programs—provide targeted skills that complement core therapy competencies and enhance professional credibility.

How does online education influence specialized career growth?

Online education offers expanded access to specialized curricula that address emerging industry needs. Accredited online programs integrate advanced research and practical case studies, enabling practitioners to refine their clinical skills and tailor treatment approaches for niche populations. For instance, dedicated courses in child and adolescent mental health help clinicians stay current with evolving best practices without compromising work schedules. Programs such as an online masters in child psychology exemplify how virtual learning environments can deliver comprehensive training, foster continuous professional development, and support career sustainability in the dynamic fields of LMFT and LPC.

How can ongoing professional development enhance career outcomes?

Continuous professional development is pivotal in advancing clinical expertise and adapting to evolving mental health practices. Engaging in targeted certifications, specialized workshops, and emerging research allows professionals to refine therapeutic techniques and stay updated with regulatory, ethical, and technological changes. This commitment not only strengthens clinical effectiveness but also enhances marketability within competitive practice environments. Evaluating cost-effective educational options, such as cheap forensic psychology masters programs online, can further optimize career advancement while ensuring high-quality, relevant training.

Could a dual degree pathway enhance my mental health career?

Integrated education models that combine counseling theory and advanced clinical research are emerging as viable alternatives to traditional single-focus degree paths. For instance, exploring joint masters and PsyD programs can provide interdisciplinary training designed to broaden diagnostic, therapeutic, and research capabilities. This dual approach offers a competitive edge by expanding treatment modalities, enhancing license flexibility, and opening additional avenues for specialization.

How does reciprocity work for LMFT and LPC licenses?

LPC and LMFT license reciprocity allows counselors to transfer their license from one state to another, streamlining the licensing process so they can practice in multiple states without completing an extensive application and examination process each time. However, true reciprocity, where states mutually accept licenses, is rare. More commonly, counselors utilize license endorsement, which involves a review of their credentials by the new state's licensing board.

Here is how reciprocity and endorsement typically work:

Reciprocity: A formal agreement between states to mutually accept a specific type of license. Usually, only proof of meeting the state's requirements, a license in good standing, and a reciprocity application are needed. North Carolina, for example, offers an LCMHC License by Reciprocity for South Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee licensees.
Endorsement: This process is more involved, requiring individual review by the new state’s licensing board to assess education, experience, and record. Some states might require additional education, supervised hours, or supplemental qualifications.

An emerging solution to the challenges in license reciprocity is the Counseling Compact, a legislative agreement among participating states that allows counselors to practice across state lines, either in person or via telehealth. This mutual recognition model enables member states to acknowledge each other's licenses, facilitating greater license portability. As of this writing, 37 states have enacted legislation to join the compact, while five more have filed legislation to become members.

What are the biggest challenges in an LMFT and LPC career?

Both licensed marriage and family therapists and licensed professional counselors face a range of challenges in their careers, from emotional burnout to financial limitations. Below are some of the biggest challenges for each profession.

1. Emotional Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

LMFTs and LPCs deal with emotionally intense cases, such as trauma, abuse, addiction, and severe mental health disorders. Over time, this can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary trauma.
LMFTS manage complex family and couple conflicts. This can be particularly emotionally draining, especially when clients refuse to change or improve relationships.
LPCs work with clients struggling with chronic mental illness or suicidal ideation. This can be mentally exhausting and require significant emotional resilience.
Some ways to overcome these challenges are by maintaining a healthy work-life balance, seeking professional supervision and peer support, and setting emotional boundaries with clients.

2. High Caseloads and Workload Management

Both LMFTs and LPCs often face high caseloads due to therapist shortages and growing demand for mental health services. This can lead to overwhelming workloads, long hours, and difficulty keeping up with documentation.
LMFTs managing family dynamics in therapy usually need extra time for assessment, planning, and communication with multiple family members.
LPCs can deal with individual therapy cases that may require long-term treatment, leading to high client retention and difficulty taking on new clients.
Some ways to overcome these challenges are using efficient scheduling and documentation tools, setting realistic caseload limits, and prioritizing self-care and time off.

3. Licensing and Continuing Education Requirements

LMFTs and LPCs must complete supervised clinical hours, licensing exams, and continuing education to maintain their credentials. The requirements vary by state, making it difficult for professionals who want to relocate.
Many states have different licensure reciprocity rules, making it hard for LMFTs to transfer their licenses.
Some states require different LPC exams (e.g., NCMHCE vs. NCE), causing confusion for counselors moving across state lines.
Some ways to overcome these challenges are staying up to date with state licensing board requirements, keeping track of CEU (Continuing Education Units) deadlines, and joining professional organizations for guidance and support.

4. Financial Challenges and Insurance Reimbursement

Many LMFTs and LPCs struggle with financial stability, especially those working in private practice or community mental health settings.
Family and couple therapy sessions are often longer, but insurance companies may not reimburse LMFTs at higher rates.
Many insurance providers prioritize psychologists and psychiatrists, making it harder for LPCs to receive competitive reimbursement.
Some ways to overcome these challenges are considering hybrid models (private pay + insurance), negotiating better rates with insurance providers, and diversifying income streams with workshops, coaching, or teletherapy.

5. Ethical and Legal Responsibilities

Therapists must navigate complex ethical dilemmas related to confidentiality, mandated reporting, and client safety.
Handling high-conflict divorce cases where one party refuses therapy or manipulates the process can be tricky for some LMFTs.
Managing clients with suicidal ideation or severe mental illness often requires LPCs to make ethical decisions about hospitalization and consider the duty to warn.

Some ways to overcome these challenges are following state and federal mental health laws, seeking consultation when facing ethical dilemmas, and keeping detailed client records for legal protection.

Both LMFTs and LPCs play a crucial role in mental health care, but their careers come with unique challenges. Despite these obstacles, many of these mental health practitioners are able to achieve long-term success by having emotional resilience, finding financial stability, and staying up to date with licensing requirements.

Should I become an LMFT or an LPC?

Deciding between becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist or a licensed professional counselor depends on your career goals, preferred client focus, and the types of therapy you want to provide. Below is a breakdown of key factors to help you choose.

Scope of Practice

Choose LMFT if you are passionate about family dynamics, couples counseling, or relationship therapy.
Choose LPC if you want flexibility to work with individuals, groups, and diverse mental health concerns.

Education and Training

Choose LMFT if you want a curriculum that focuses on family systems, couples therapy, and relational psychology.
Choose LPC if you want broader training in individual therapy, clinical mental health, and evidence-based practices like CBT.

Supervised Clinical Hours

Choose LMFT if you want a slightly shorter supervised clinical training process.
Choose LPC if you are willing to complete more supervised hours to gain a broader clinical skill set.

Job Outlook and Career Flexibility

The expertise of LMFTs is sought after due to the strong demand for relationship counseling, divorce mediation, and family therapy. However, they may have less access to jobs in hospitals or severe mental illness treatment settings compared to LPCs.
LPCs tend to have more flexibility in working with individuals, trauma survivors, substance abuse cases, and group therapy. However, some states require additional certifications for specialization in addiction counseling, trauma therapy, and other areas.
Choose LMFT if you are okay with slightly lower license portability but want to work in private practice and have slightly higher earnings potential.
Choose LPC if you want higher overall job growth and broader employment opportunities and if you may move states and need easier licensure portability.

Aside from the factors above, you can also consider employment projections for your chosen line of practice or specialization. Using the most current data from O*NET OnLine, the chart below shows the projected annual job openings for certain mental health roles from 2023 to 2033.

Key Findings

Both LMFTs and LPCs must be licensed by their state's licensing board.
According to the most current data from O*NET OnLine, there are 76,000 Marriage and Family Therapists and 449,800 Mental Health Counselors employed in the United States as of 2023.
Becoming a marriage and family therapist or a professional counselor requires different types of training, including variations in education, coursework, and supervised clinical hours.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for marriage and family therapists will grow 16% from 2023 to 2033, while for LPCs, the growth is expected to be 19% in the same period.
Some states allow therapists to hold dual licensure as both an LMFT and an LPC, provided they meet the education, clinical hours, and exam requirements for both credentials.

Other Things You Need to Know About Differences in LMFT and LPC Careers

Can I switch from an LMFT to an LPC later in my career?

Switching from LMFT to LPC later in your career is possible, though it involves navigating specific licensing requirements which vary by state. Generally, you need to meet the educational and supervised experience requirements for LPC licensure, which might involve additional coursework or supervised hours even with your LMFT experience.

Some states may offer pathways for LMFTs to obtain LPC licensure with fewer additional requirements, but this is not universal. You need to contact your state's licensing board directly to determine the specific steps and if any of your prior LMFT work can be applied towards LPC requirements. Essentially, while your clinical experience is valuable, you most likely have to fulfill the specific criteria for the LPC license in your state.

Do some states offer dual licensing for LMFTs and LPCs?

Yes, some states allow therapists to hold dual licensure as both an LMFT and an LPC, provided they meet the education, clinical hours, and exam requirements for both credentials. Since LMFTs and LPCs have overlapping coursework and training, many states permit LMFTs to apply for LPC licensure with minimal additional requirements, such as completing extra coursework in individual counseling, psychopathology, or career counseling.

However, some states treat the two licenses separately, requiring applicants to complete full LPC supervision hours and pass the NCE or NCMHCE exam even if they are already licensed as an LMFT. Dual licensure can increase career flexibility, allowing professionals to work with both families/couples and individuals, access more job opportunities, and improve insurance reimbursement rates.

To determine eligibility, check with your state’s licensing board for specific dual licensure policies.

Can an LMFT or LPC work remotely?

Both LMFTs and LPCs can work remotely, but they must follow state licensure laws and telehealth regulations. Many states allow licensed therapists to provide online therapy within the state where they hold a license. However, treating out-of-state clients requires either a license in the client’s state or approval under interstate compacts.

For LPCs, the Counseling Compact makes it easier to provide teletherapy across state lines in participating states. For LMFTs, there is no nationwide compact yet, so license portability varies by state.

Remote therapy is popular in private practice, online therapy platforms, and telehealth services. Therapists must also ensure HIPAA compliance by using secure video platforms and encrypted communication.

With the increasing demand for mental health services, teletherapy offers flexibility, expanded client reach, and work-life balance, making it a great option for LMFTs and LPCs. Make sure to check state laws before offering remote services.

Can an LMFT or LPC increase their salary through certifications?

Yes, LMFTs and LPCs can increase their earning potential through certifications. Specialized certifications demonstrate expertise, making clinicians more marketable and allowing them to command higher fees. For example, certifications in areas like trauma-informed care, addiction counseling, or specific therapeutic modalities signal advanced training. These credentials can attract clients seeking specialized treatment, expanding a clinician's client base and potentially leading to higher reimbursement rates from insurance providers.

Furthermore, certifications can open doors to supervisory or leadership roles, which often come with increased salaries. While certifications involve investment in time and money, the potential return in increased earning power and career advancement makes them a worthwhile consideration.