• What is an MFT Intern?
  

• In California, marriage and family therapists are licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences, or BBS.  In order to sit for the licensing exam, the BBS requires MFT interns to accrue 3000 hours of supervised training over a time period no less than 2 years and no more than 6.  Licensure as an LMFT requires a graduate degree, the aforementioned period of supervised practice, and a two-stage examination process.  While accruing the 3000 supervision hours, a worker is registered as a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern.

• What are the advantages of choosing an MFT Intern in private practice?
• The primary advantage for many is that an MFT Intern (MFTI) will often provide services at lower rates than a licensed MFT would.  Because MFTIs are required to practice under the guidance and supervision of a licensed MFT (LMFT), a client is getting a two-for-one deal.
• MFTIs consistently consult with their experienced supervisors and colleagues to provide the best possible services to their clients.  While the supervisor/intern collaboration is an exception to standard therapeutic confidentiality, clients benefit from a team of clinicians contributing their insight and experience to a case.
• MFTIs are frequently up-to-date on the latest research and innovations in the field of psychology, having more recently completed their schooling.  In addition, many MFTIs choose to augment their education beyond their internships, with reading, workshops, and specialized certification trainings.  (That said, all LMFTs are required by the BBS to complete a certain number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in order to renew their license every two years.)
• MFT Interns are known to go above and beyond for their clients.  Clients who choose to see Marriage and Family Therapy Registered Interns are rewarded with high levels of enthusiasm and commitment from their therapists.