LMHC and LMFT stand for Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Both indicate that a person has obtained a Masters degree (MS or MS) in a behavioral science discipline at a nationally accredited university. LMFTs have a specific additional requirement that a portion of their coursework be in the area of marriage and family therapy diagnosis and treatment. Both LMHCs and LMFTs are required to have also completed 3000 hours of supervised experience in counseling with individuals, couples, and families. At least 1000 (LMFT) or 1200 (LMHC) hours of the supervised experience must be direct counseling with clients. Further, both LMHCs and LMFTs must then pass exams by their respective regulatory boards to be eligible for licensure in Washington State. Marriage and family therapy is recognized as a core mental health profession along with psychiatry, psychology, social work, and psychiatric nursing. Most LMHCs and LMFTs approach counseling with a brief, so