Provider Types
What Is an LMFT? Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Meaning
LMFT stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. An LMFT is a master's-level mental health professional trained to treat individuals, couples, and families, with a focus on relationships.
Last updated October 2026.
What Does an LMFT Do?
LMFTs diagnose and treat mental health conditions, with a special focus on relationships. An LMFT looks at how patterns between people, in a marriage, a family, or a household, shape each person's struggles.
LMFTs see individuals, couples, children, teens, and whole families. Common reasons people see an LMFT include couples conflict, infidelity, divorce, blended families, parenting stress, and a child's behavior at home or school.
LMFTs do not prescribe medication. Looking for couples therapy in Las Vegas? Read our couples therapy guide.
How Someone Becomes an LMFT
- Earn a master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field, with supervised clinical practice built in.
- Work as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Intern under supervision. In Nevada: at least 3,000 hours over at least two years, including 1,500 hours of direct client contact.
- Pass the national marriage and family therapy exam.
- Apply for the full license through the state board.
LMFT vs LCSW: What's the Difference?
Both licenses diagnose mental health conditions and provide therapy.
LMFT: training centers on relationships and family systems. Couples and family work sit at the core.
LCSW: training centers on the person within family, community, and social systems, plus case management and advocacy.
For couples and family therapy, many people start with an LMFT. For individual therapy, either license works well.
See All Provider TypesWhat Is an MFT Intern?
An MFT intern holds a graduate degree and a Nevada intern license, and sees clients under the supervision of a licensed provider while earning hours toward the full LMFT license. Many Las Vegas practices include MFT interns, often with shorter waitlists and lower rates.
Finding an LMFT in Las Vegas and Nevada
LMFTs practice across the Las Vegas Valley, in private offices and community clinics, and by telehealth across Nevada. For telehealth, you need to be in Nevada during each session.
Check any Nevada LMFT or MFT intern license with the Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors.
LMFT FAQ
What does LMFT stand for?
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Do LMFTs only work with couples?
No. LMFTs see individuals, couples, children, teens, and families.
Can an LMFT diagnose mental health conditions?
Yes. LMFTs diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
Can an LMFT prescribe medication?
No. An LMFT works alongside a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner when medication is part of care.
What's the difference between an LMFT and an MFT intern?
An MFT intern has finished graduate school and sees clients under supervision while earning hours toward the full LMFT license.
Vetted Nevada Therapists Arrive January 2027
Our directory of vetted therapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists opens January 2027. We check every license before a provider appears. Get an email when we launch.
Keep Me PostedTherapy Las Vegas is a free mental health resource guide, not a clinic. Licensing rules change. Check the board's website for current requirements. In an emergency, call 911, or call or text 988.