MS SB2159

Allows applicants for marriage and family therapy licenses to earn degrees from institutions accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), in addition to the existing Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) requirement.

Reduces clinical supervision hour requirements for marriage and family therapy associate licenses by removing the previous minimum of 300 client contact hours and replacing it with a requirement that the clinical practicum meet COAMFTE or CACREP accreditation standards.

Adds new requirements for full marriage and family therapy licenses including completion of 100 hours of clinical supervision before receipt of the qualifying degree and completion of a clinical practicum meeting COAMFTE or CACREP accreditation requirements.

Maintains existing requirements for passing the national Examination in Marital and Family Therapy and clearing criminal history and sex offender checks.

Takes effect July 1, 2024.