CEU in MFT: The Qualifications For Practice

When it comes to CEU in MFT, professionals need to be aware of the state and local requirements. Continuing education for therapists involved in marriage and family therapy is different depending on where you live and work. The state is free to come up with their own requirements for licensing. While this can be frustrating for those professionals who want to move their practice to another state, it makes sense when you think about it. Different states serve different populations and that means different problems. The key is to know what the requirements are for your district and stay on top of your education.

Before getting to CEU, MFT professionals must first follow the general track of education that will allow them to practice in the field. Depending on how far you want to go in your career, that track could be a long one. Entry level positions in the field usually require at least a master’s degree in therapy or related subjects. To move forward, you will likely need either a doctorate, some form of clinical training program, or a combination of both. Keep in mind that a certain undergraduate degree does not necessarily disqualify you from moving on into the marriage and family therapy ranks. For instance, many therapists have come from diverse educational backgrounds like nursing, education, and even religious studies.

Continuing education in the field is not only important to the individual involved in the profession, but to the United States as a whole, where marriage and family therapy is seen as one of the core group of mental health professions. Keeping the family unit strong has long been a priority for people in leadership roles in America. For MFT professionals, it means staying up to date on laws, research, and techniques that have evolved and improved since their days at the university. In most states, therapists must renew their license on a biannual basis. As part of the requirements for renewing the license, the therapist must take a certain amount of classroom training. The amount of time required differs from state to state.

If you’re looking for opportunities to complete your CEU, MFT websites can usually provide you with a good starting base. Many provide learning materials and seminars that can count toward your classroom hours. Every year, more and more therapists are able to fulfill their requirements without ever stepping foot in an actual classroom.