The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

MFTs Providing Therapy Across State Lines Through License Portability in the United States: An interview with Roger Smith


Listen Later

MFTs Providing Therapy Across State Lines Through License Portability in the United States: An interview with Roger Smith

Curt and Katie chat with Roger Smith, Chief Advocacy Officer and General Counsel for American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, about the challenges and progress in licensure portability for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs). He explains why AAMFT opted for an endorsement model over interstate compacts, the success of the Access MFTs initiative, and what’s next for portability efforts in 2025.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we talk with Roger Smith about LMFT License Portability

As more and more therapy is happening online, therapists have an opportunity to work with clients from all over the world. In the United States, there have been efforts by social workers, mental health counselors, and psychologists to create inter-state compacts to help regulate these therapists (and provide opportunities to deliver care legally in other states). Marriage and Family Therapists have been left behind and are now seeking a different path (reciprocity or portability) due to the unique characteristics of the LMFT profession. We reached out to Roger Smith of AAMFT to help us understand why this decision was made as well as what it means for MFTs.

Why AAMFT Chose the Endorsement Model Over Compacts

·      Interstate compacts were considered but ultimately deemed too costly and unsustainable.

·      Large states like California and New York have not adopted ANY healthcare compacts, limiting effectiveness.

·      Endorsement model: Allows MFTs to practice in other states if they hold an unencumbered license—without having to meet initial requirements again.

Success of the "Access MFTs" Model

·      In 2024, 7 out of 10 targeted states passed the Access MFTs model law.

·      States that adopted the model include Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Tennessee, and Virginia.

·      Efforts continue in Kentucky and North Carolina for 2025.

Future of MFT Portability & Barriers
  • California is not pursuing portability legislation but is working with CAMFT on national exam advocacy.
  • Exam requirements can be a barrier to full portability.
  • Expansion plans focus on pro-telehealth states and underserved regions.
  • Member Interest & Cost Considerations for MFTs seeking to practice across state lines
    • A 2022 AAMFT survey showed strong member interest in portability, especially among younger therapists.
    • Costs are a factor—both the Access MFTs model and interstate compacts involve financial considerations for therapists.
    • National Licensure for therapists: Why It’s Not an Option
      • Licensure is a state-level issue, and federal intervention is unlikely.
      • A national exam or license would face constitutional challenges and resistance from state regulatory boards.

      • Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

        Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined


        Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

        Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

        Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

        ...more
        View all episodesView all episodes
        Download on the App Store

        The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie VernoyBy Curt Widhalm, LMFT and Katie Vernoy, LMFT

        • 4.4
        • 4.4
        • 4.4
        • 4.4
        • 4.4

        4.4

        226 ratings


        More shows like The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

        View all
        The Trauma Therapist by Guy Crawford Macpherson

        The Trauma Therapist

        527 Listeners

        Therapy Chat by Laura Reagan, LCSW-C

        Therapy Chat

        666 Listeners

        Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson by Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson

        Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

        2,401 Listeners

        Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes

        Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

        601 Listeners

        Therapist Uncensored Podcast by Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP & Ann Kelley PhD

        Therapist Uncensored Podcast

        1,373 Listeners

        The Couples Therapist Couch by Shane Birkel

        The Couples Therapist Couch

        255 Listeners

        Attachment Theory in Action by The Knowledge Center

        Attachment Theory in Action

        153 Listeners

        Light Up The Couch by Clearly Clinical

        Light Up The Couch

        321 Listeners

        The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast by Tammy Sollenberger

        The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast

        264 Listeners

        Notice That by Jen Savage, Melissa Benintendi, and Bridger Falkenstien

        Notice That

        300 Listeners

        The Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy by theleadingedgeineft

        The Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy

        192 Listeners

        Dear Therapists with Lori Gottlieb and Guy Winch by iHeartPodcasts

        Dear Therapists with Lori Gottlieb and Guy Winch

        2,330 Listeners

        Trauma Rewired by Jennifer Wallace & Elisabeth Kristof

        Trauma Rewired

        289 Listeners

        Edge of the Couch by Jordan Pickell and Alison McCleary

        Edge of the Couch

        34 Listeners

        Evidence-Based: A New Harbinger Psychology Podcast by New Harbinger Publications

        Evidence-Based: A New Harbinger Psychology Podcast

        46 Listeners