State of Nevada The Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors Seal of Nevada

The Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors was created for the protection of the public.  The Board is empowered under NRS 641A to set minimum standards for licensing marriage and family therapists, and to over see ethical conduct of licensed therapists and registered interns in the State of Nevada.
 

Nevada Revised Statures 641A.230 allows the Board to examine candidates on their knowledge of marriage and family therapy literature. The written portion of the examination must be passed before one may be registered as an intern. An oral examination is required after the exam is passed, and before licensure.

The enclosed materials include information and materials relating to the licensing process, and application forms for both licensure and internship. Make copies of forms. They will be needed for additional supervisors and/or changes in supervisor.
 
After the exam is successfully completed, the applicant must complete application materials before being interviewed or beginning the internship.
Computerized exams are given in January, May, and September. Deadline for application to take any given exam is 3 months prior to the exam date.
Please note that it is the responsibility of the applicant to submit all forms by the stated deadlines. Board members or staff is not responsible for soliciting these materials. This is the responsibility of the applicant. Exceptions cannot be made.
 
In addition to the application form, we enclose copies of
 
(a) Required Graduate Degree Training
 
(b) Nevada Revised Statutes 641A
 
(c) Code of Professional Ethics for Nevada Marriage and Family Therapists, which is a part of the regulation for therapists.
 

Please be sure to sign your application.
LICENSING PROCEDURE

1.

 Request application.  Include non-refundable $75 fee.

2.

 Send application to Board which will review application ONLY after the following are received:
 

 
  1. Completed application forms
  2. Official transcripts for undergraduate and graduate degrees
  3. Three references sent directly to the Board
  4. Summary of Experience for Licensing signed by internship supervisors; photocopy of license.

3.

 If requirements have been met, you will be seated for the next available exam.  Examinations are given in January, May, and September.  [Please note that application deadline for any given exam is 3 months prior to the exam date.]
 
4. 4. Exam scores are received in approximately 5 weeks. Passing score is 70%. After exam is passed, an interview with the Board will be scheduled to review all education and experience requirements specified by statute. When all requirements are met, a license will be issued.
 
5. A failed exam may be retaken at the next scheduled examination date; however, the exam may be retaken only once during the year following the first exam.  If the exam is failed a third time, the Board may request further education or training.
 
   
INTERNSHIP PROCEDURE
1. Follow Steps 1-5 above (with the exception of 2.d.).
 
2. Submit Internship Proposal(s) with signature(s) of supervisor(s).  The Primary Supervisor must be an AAMFT Approved Supervisor or a Supervisor in Training, and must be individually approved by the Board.  At least two supervisors are required, secondary supervisors may be submitted at any time. (Secondary need not be AAMFT Approved Supervisors)
 
3. Internship Proposal must indicate the location of anticipated work and must contain the signature of a licensed mental health professional who will be working at the same site (not necessarily your supervisor).
 
4. When the written exam is passed, after the applicant is interviewed by the Board and both the applicant and the primary supervisor are approved, the applicant may begin internship as a Registered Intern.  No therapy/counseling may begin before the applicant is registered.  Reporting of internship progress is required by March 15 and September 15 of each year.  See forms.  Missing a reporting period may terminate an internship.
 
5. When internship has been completed, applicant and supervisor submit final documentation to the Board.  Completion is documented by using "Form #3 Final Internship Report form Primary Supervisor". The applicant's file will then be reviewed at the next regular Board meeting and when approved, a license will be issued.
 
 

GENERAL PROVISIONS
NAC 641A.035 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
 
1. “Board” means the board of examiners for marriage and family therapists.
 
2. “Candidate” means a person seeking registration as an intern.
 
3. “Clinical practice” means the use of personal interaction, the theory of systems and other methods to solve problems of individual clients or regarding their marital or family relationships, or both.
 
4. “Intern” means a person who holds a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, or an equivalent degree from an accredited university, whose registration by the board has been approved.
 
5. “Internship” means an approved program of supervised and documented experience in clinical practice.
 
6. “License” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 641A.040.
 
7. “Supervisor” means a marriage and family therapist who supervises an intern.
 
8. “Therapist” means a person who is licensed by the board as a marriage and family therapist.
 

(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 12 14 87; A 1 12 96)
 
NAC 641A.045 Meetings of the board.
 
1. The board will hold meetings at least twice yearly.
 
2. The members of the board must be given 5 days’ notice of any special meeting.
 

(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 12‑14‑87)
 
NAC 641A.055 Written communications to the board. Every written communication to the board must include the name and address of the sender.
(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 12 14 87)
 
NAC 641A.061 Severability. If any provision of this chapter or any application thereof to any person, thing or circumstance is held invalid, the board intends that the invalidity not affect the remaining provisions or applications to the extent that they can be given effect.
(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 12 14 87)—(Substituted in revision for NAC 641A.115)
 
   
   
LICENSING

641A.065 Application for license or registration: Filing; action by Board.)
1. Any person desiring licensure by the Board must submit or have submitted to the Board:
 
  1. An application completed on the forms provided by the Board.
  2. Official transcripts from each institution of higher education he attended which are sent directly to the Board from the institution;
  3. A total of three letters of personal or professional reference, or both, written by persons not related to the applicant which are addressed and sent directly to the Board;
  4. A current copy of the applicant’s drivers licence. and
  5. A written summary by the applicant of his experiences and qualifications for licensing, including documentation of his internship and recommendations from supervisors or any person approved by the Board.
2. To have the Board act upon an application for a license at a scheduled meeting, the applicant must have filed a completed application with the Board at least 10 working day before that meeting.  For good cause, the Board may allow an applicant to present material at its meeting in addition to the materials which were previously submitted to the Board.
 
3. By submitting an application, an applicant grants the Board full authority to make any investigation or personal contact necessary to verify the authenticity of the matters and information stated within the application.  If the Board so requests, the applicant must supply such verification.
 
4. The Board may appoint a subcommittee to examine an application and conduct interviews before the Board's meeting and to make recommendations for its action.
 
5. The Board may require the personal appearance of the applicant.
 
6. The same application which is filed for registration as an intern must be refiled with the Board upon completion of the internship along with the completion of any portions of the application which are required for licensure.
 

(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 12 14 87; A 1 12 96; R173 03, 8 20 2004)

641A.075 Qualifications of applicant: Degrees from accredited institutions.

  For purposes of qualifying for licensure, each applicant's undergraduate and graduate degrees must be from an institution, which has been accredited by a  recognized regional accrediting organization.
 

(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 12 14 87; A 1 12 96; R173 03, 8 20 2004)
641A.085 Required areas of study.
1. To qualify to take the written examination for licensure, an applicant’s graduate education in marriage and family therapy must include the following areas of study:
 
Area of Study Minimum Number of Courses Minimum Number of Semester Hours of Credit Minimum Number of Quarter Hours of Credit
Human Development
   (Including Human Sexuality)		 2-4 6-12 8-16
Marital & Family Systems 2-4 6-12 8-16
Marital & Family Therapy 3-5 9-20 12-20
Ethics & Professional Studies 1 3 4
Supervised Clinical Practice 3 9 12
Diagnosis & Assessment 1 3 4
Research 1 3 4
Abuse of Alcohol or Controlled Substance 1 3 4
       
2. The courses in supervised clinical practice required pursuant to subsection 1 must include three courses taken during three semesters or four quarters over a minimum of 1 year.
 
2. The applicant must have completed at least 45 semester hours of graduate credit in courses relating to the areas of study described in subsection 1 before taking the written examination for licensure.
 
3. The Board may consider graduate degrees which are comparable to degrees in marriage and family therapy, psychology or social work, and which meet the requirements for course content listed in subsection 1 regardless of the terminology used in the degree granted by the educational institution.
 

(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 12 14 87; A 9 16 88; 1 12 96; R173 03, 8 20 2004)
 

NAC 641A.095 Written examination; time and place of administration; reexamination; lapse of application.
 
1. An applicant is not eligible to take the written examination until: 
  1. The board has received his completed application and all supporting documents; and
  2. All other requirements for licensure have been satisfied.
2. The Board will conduct written examinations in Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada, at least annually.
 
3. A failed examination may be retaken at the next scheduled offering of the examination, except that the examination may be taken only one additional time within the 12 months following the date of the original examination. Thereafter, only one examination in any calendar year may be taken. If an applicant fails the exam for a third time, the Board may require additional courses of study or may impose other conditions before allowing the applicant to retake the examination.
 
4. The application of an applicant who does not:
  1. Take an examination within 1 year after being notified of his eligibility; or
  2. Retake an examination within 1 year after failing the examination,
    shall be deemed lapsed. An applicant seeking to pursue licensure whose application has lapsed must fulfill all requirements at the time the new application is submitted and provide documentation concerning the lapsed application.
(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 12 14 87; A 11 27 89; 1 12 96)
 
 NAC 641A.105 Fees. The board will charge and collect the following fees, respectively:
 

For application for a license........................................................................ $75
For examination of an applicant for a license................................................ 200
For issuance of a license............................................................................. 50
For annual renewal of a license..................... ..............................................150
For reinstatement of a license revoked for nonpayment of the fee for renewal... 100
For an inactive license ............................................................................... 150
 
(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 12 14 87; A 11 27 89)
 
NAC 641A.111 Interim permit.
 
1. The board will, after verifying that an applicant for licensure meets the requirements of NRS 641A.220 and holds an equivalent license in good standing from another jurisdiction, issue an interim permit authorizing the applicant to practice as a therapist, under the supervision of a person approved by the board, until the results of the examination required by NRS 641A.230 are received.
 
2. If the applicant does not pass the examination, the interim permit expires upon notification by the board. The interim permit is not renewable.
 

(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 1‑12‑96)
 

NAC 641A.116 Reinstatement of lapsed license. If a licensee allows his license to lapse, he must apply to the board for reinstatement. The board may place additional requirements on the application for reinstatement, including the requirement of an interview.
 

(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 11 4 88; A 1 12 96)—(Substituted in revision for NAC 641A.217)
 
INTERNS
 
641A.146 Experience required for license; written reports from supervisor
 
1. 1. Except as otherwise provided in NAC 641A.111, before an applicant is eligible for licensure as a therapist, he must complete at least 3,000 hours of experience in an approved internship. The internship to provide the experience must be:
 
 
  1. Approved by the Board before the applicant begins the internship; and
  2. Completed within 6 years after the Board approves the internship.
2. An extension of that period may be granted at the Board’s discretion. An extension is valid only for the period specified by the Board.
3. An intern shall, on or before September 15 and March 15 of each year, submit to the Board a written report from his supervisor evaluating his internship. The Board may terminate the registration of any intern who fails to file such a written report.
 
4. To satisfy the requirements of subsection 1, an intern must complete:
 
  1. At least 1,500 hours, completed at a rate not to exceed 20 hours per week, of direct contact with clients in the practice of marriage and family therapy;
  2. At least 300 hours of marriage and family therapy that is supervised by the primary supervisor or secondary supervisor of the intern, including:
    1. At least 160 hours supervised by the primary supervisor of the intern; and
    2. At least 40 hours supervised by the secondary supervisor of the intern; and
  3. At least 1,200 hours of work related to the practice of marriage and family therapy, including:
    1. In addition to the requirements of paragraph (a), direct contact with clients in the practice of marriage and family therapy that is:
      1. Supervised by the primary supervisor of the intern; and
      2. Completed at a rate not to exceed 20 hours per week;
    2. In addition to the requirements of paragraph (a), not more than 500 hours which consist of direct contact with clients in the practice of marriage and family therapy that is:
      1. Performed in conjunction with a graduate program of study;
      2. Supervised by the primary supervisor or secondary supervisor of the intern; and
      3. Completed at a rate not to exceed 20 hours per week;
    3. In addition to the requirements of paragraph (b), not more than 300 hours of marriage and family therapy that are supervised by the primary supervisor or secondary supervisor of the intern;
    4. Not more than 300 hours of leading group counseling sessions;
    5. Not more than 200 hours of teaching, including, but not limited to, leading sessions for parent or family education, leading workshops or participating in other teaching activities, which are:
      1. Approved by the primary supervisor of the intern; and
      2. Documented;
    6. Not more than 150 hours of individual counseling or therapy which the intern personally receives from a licensed mental health professional who is not the supervisor of the intern; and
    7. Not more than 50 hours of training approved by the primary supervisor of the intern, including, but not limited to:
      1. Graduate course work at a university; or
      2. Attendance at a workshop related to the practice of marriage and family therapy.
5. 5. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, credit must not be given for experience gained by a person before the person registered as an intern pursuant to the provisions of NAC 641A.156. Credit may be given for hours received as part of a graduate program of study.
 

(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 12 14 87; A 1 12 96; R173 03, 8 20 2004)
 

NAC 641A.156 Registration: Requirements; issuance of certificate.
 
1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a candidate for registration as an intern must:
 

  1. Satisfy the requirements of NAC 641A.065 and 641A.075;

  2. Submit to the Board a proposed plan for internship, including the name of the proposed supervisors;

  3. Complete a personal interview and, if requested by the board, pass an oral examination conducted by the board; and

  4. Pass the examination required by NRS 641A.230
2. The board will issue a certificate of registration as an intern in the State of Nevada to each qualified candidate who receives a passing score on the examination.
 
3. A person who began an internship before April 1, 1995, may elect to sit for the written examination required pursuant to NRS 641A.230 either before or upon completion of his internship.
 
(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 1‑12‑96; A by R173‑03, 8‑20‑2004)
 

NAC 641A.176 Authority of board to grant, deny, suspend or revoke registration; applicability of professional ethics; authority of board to approve or deny supervisor.
 
1. The board may, for good cause shown, grant, deny, suspend or revoke the registration of internship of any person.
 
2. An intern is subject to the same standards of professional ethics as a therapist.
 
3. The board may, for good cause shown, approve, deny or revoke the proposed supervisor of any intern.
 

Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 1 12 96)
 

NAC 641A.178 Supervision of interns: Primary and secondary supervisors; limitation on number of interns that may be placed under supervisor; time required for supervision.
 
1. Each intern must have at least two supervisors approved by the Board. During the course of the supervision of the intern:
 
  1. The primary supervisor shall meet with the intern for at least 100 hours to discuss and evaluate the performance of the intern; and
  2. The secondary supervisor shall meet with the intern for a minimum of 20 hours.
2. Unless otherwise authorized by the Board, no more than:
 
  1. Six interns may be placed under the supervision of any primary supervisor at one time; and
  2. Ten interns may be placed under the supervision of any secondary supervisor at one time.
3. The time required for supervision includes the time devoted to:
 
  1. Meetings between the supervisor and the intern where videotapes or audiotapes are reviewed;
  2. Therapy sessions in which the supervisor participates;
  3. Therapy sessions in which the supervisor observes the session from a remote location whereby the supervisor is neither seen nor heard; or
  4. The presentation of a case by the intern and a discussion by the supervisor of the proper management and treatment of the case.
4. The time required for supervision does not include the time devoted to attendance at seminars, workshops or classes.
 

(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 12 14 87; A 1 12 96; R173 03, 8 20 2004)
 

NAC 641A.182 Supervisors: Qualifications.
 
1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, a supervisor of an intern must be a therapist and offer evidence to the Board of his training or experience, or both, which qualifies him to supervise.
 
2. In extenuating circumstances the Board may approve as a secondary supervisor a person who is a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker who has received training in supervision.
 
3. Each supervisor must:
 
  1. Have been licensed for at least 3 years.
  2. Not be related to the intern by closer than the fourth degree of consanguinity.
  3. Have never professionally provided mental health care to the intern.
  4. Agree to be available to consult with the Board concerning the professional record, competence in clinical practice, emotional and mental stability or professional and ethical conduct of the intern.
4. 4. Each primary supervisor must be designated by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy as a supervisor or supervisor candidate.
 

(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 1 12 96; A by R173 03, 8 20 2004)
 

NAC 641A.186 Limitations on performing therapy.
 
An intern may perform marriage and family therapy only under the supervision of a therapist and in accordance with his approved plan for internship.
 

(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 1 12 96)
 

NAC 641A.196 Restrictions on private practice and advertising.
 
1. An intern may engage in private practice only at facilities which have a licensed therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker on the site.
 
2. An intern shall inform each of his clients that he is not a licensed therapist.
 
3. An intern shall include a statement describing his status as an intern on all forms of advertising, including, but not limited to, business cards, directory listings and brochures.
 

(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 1‑12‑96)
 

NAC 641A.252 Code of Ethics: Adoption by reference; effect of violation.

1. The Board hereby adopts by reference the Code of Ethics of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy as it existed on July 1, 2003, as a standard for professional conduct in the State of Nevada excluding those provisions which apply exclusively to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. A violation of the provisions of the Code constitutes cause for disciplinary action.
 
2. 2. The Code of Ethics of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy is available from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy by mail at 112 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3061, by telephone at (703) 838-9808 or on the internet at <http://www.aamft.org/about/ethics.htm>. The first copy is provided at no cost.
 

(Added to NAC by Bd. of Exam’rs for Marriage & Fam. Therapists, eff. 1 12 96; A by R173 03, 8 20 2004)
   
MFT LICENSE APPLICATION (pdf)
  
CPC APPLICATION (pdf)
  
NEW BACKGROUND CHECK PROCEDURE (pdf)
 Download with your application and follow the instructions in the links
given in this letter.
  
VERIFICATION OF LICENSE FORM (pdf)
  
SUPERVISED EXPERIENCE VERIFICATION FORM (pdf)
  
 


 

  
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Last Updated: 10/04/12 11:28:50 AM