Therapists and counselors play a crucial role in fostering healthier, more compassionate communities. Whether they’re helping individuals navigate major life transitions, supporting families through conflict, or teaching victims to cope with trauma, their work has a ripple effect. At every level of society, their work is vital and underestimated.In California, there are two major pathways for those called to this meaningful profession: becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) or a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Both licenses prepare graduates to guide people through personal challenges and emotional growth, but they have varying focuses and professional scopes.
Understanding the distinctions between these two credentials is a crucial step for anyone considering a career in counseling or therapy. In this blog, we’ll unpack what sets the MFT and LPCC apart, from education and licensure requirements to the types of clients you can serve and the professional opportunities available.
What is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)?
Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) help people strengthen one of the most important aspects of life: connection. These licensed mental health professionals specialize in understanding how relationships shape individual and family well-being. Their work often focuses on helping couples, families, and individuals identify and change patterns that create conflict or emotional distress.
MFTs are trained in psychotherapy and use evidence-based approaches to diagnose and treat mental health conditions within the context of family systems. Rather than viewing problems in isolation, they consider the interconnected roles, communication styles, and histories that influence each person’s experience.
In practice, an MFT might:
- Help partners navigate marital challenges
- Support parents and children through periods of transition
- Guide families affected by issues such as addiction, anxiety, or low self-esteem.
The ultimate goal is to help clients cultivate healthier relationships with others, and with themselves, to help resolve the mental health ailments that they might be experiencing.
Marriage and family therapy is grounded in the belief that growth and healing occur within a community. By addressing both individual struggles and relational dynamics, MFTs help clients build resilience, repair trust, and create stronger foundations for lasting emotional wellness.
What is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor? (LPCC)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) are mental health professionals trained to help individuals and families navigate mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges. Like marriage and family therapists, LPCCs provide psychotherapy and clinical counseling services, but their focus often extends to the individual experience within broader social and environmental contexts.
LPCCs address a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Griefs
- Substance use
Their work focuses on helping clients develop coping skills, increase self-awareness, and establish healthier thought and behavioral patterns. Due to this, LPCCs often play a crucial role in promoting long-term mental wellness and emotional resilience.
These counselors may work in a variety of settings, including private practice, healthcare systems, schools, rehabilitation centers, and community mental health organizations. Some choose to specialize in areas such as addiction counseling, trauma recovery, or child and adolescent development, tailoring their practice to meet the unique needs of specific populations.
At its core, the LPCC profession is rooted in the belief that everyone has the capacity for growth and healing. Through evidence-based therapy and collaboration, LPCCs empower clients to understand their experiences and move toward lives of greater balance and purpose.
How Are MFT and LPCC Certifications and Programs Similar?
Although MFTs and LPCCs have distinct paths, their educational and professional foundations share many similarities. Both programs:
- Are administered by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)
- Require a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field
- Include 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Require passing a licensure exam
- Involve working directly with individual clients to develop practical counseling skills
How are MFT and LPCC Certifications and Programs Different?
While MFTs and LPCCs share many core requirements, the programs diverge in a few key areas:
- Supervised hours: The structure of traineeships differs between MFT and LPCC programs
- Exams: Each license requires a different set of exams to demonstrate readiness for practice
- Coursework: Program curricula vary depending on concentration, with MFTs focusing on family systems and LPCCs emphasizing individual, behavioral, and career counseling
How to Become an MFT in California
If you are pursuing a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California, here’s a step-by-step pathway:
- Earn a master’s degree in counseling with a concentration in marriage and family therapy
- Complete 3,000 supervised hours of clinical experience:
- 250 hours are typically completed within the program
- The remaining 2,750 hours are completed post-graduation (usually within two years)
- Pass the licensure exam administered by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences
How to Become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California
For those interested in the LPCC path, the steps include:
- Earn a master’s degree in counseling
- Complete 280 hours of practicum while in the program and an additional 3,000 hours after graduation, for a total of 3,280 traineeship hours
- Take a “Career Counseling” course
- Pass the following two exams: LPCC Law and Ethics Exam and the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE)
LPCC programs provide a broad foundation in individual counseling while allowing for specialization in areas such as trauma, addiction, and adolescent mental health.
FAQ About Pursuing a Counseling Career
How Long Does it Take to Become a Counselor in California?
Becoming a licensed counselor in California typically takes 5–7 years after completing your bachelor’s degree:
- Master’s degree: 2–3 years in counseling, psychology, or a related field
- Supervised clinical experience: 3,000 hours (roughly 2 years post-graduation)
- Licensure exam: Timing depends on completion of required hours and program type
Can LMFTs Diagnose? What About LPCCs?
Both MFTs and LPCCs are licensed mental health professionals, but their scope of practice differs slightly:
- LMFTs (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists):
- Can diagnose and treat mental health disorders within the context of family and relational systems
- Focus on relationship dynamics, communication patterns, and family wellness
- LPCCs (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors):
- Can diagnose and treat some mental, emotional, and behavioral issues, but not all. Emphasize individual counseling, but also work with families and groups as needed
- The only limitation for LPCCs in California is that they cannot provide certain types of assessments
Both licenses require adherence to California Board of Behavioral Sciences standards and ethical guidelines.
Certified Counselor vs Licensed Counselor: What’s the Difference?
- Certified counselors: May have completed coursework or certification programs, but cannot practice independently
- Licensed counselors (MFT or LPCC): Fully credentialed to practice independently, diagnose, and provide psychotherapy
Licensure ensures that a counselor has met rigorous education, supervised experience, and exam requirements.
What is the Pay for Counselors in California?
Counselor salaries vary by specialization, location, and experience:
- The national average salary for an LMFT is $62,590 per year, while the national average salary is $53,136 per year for LPCs.
- Demand is growing, particularly in urban areas like Los Angeles, making counseling a strong career choice
Can I Transfer My License to Different States?
True license reciprocity means that you only need to prove your licensure in order to practice in another state, but most states don’t have true reciprocity agreements in place. However, as of 2025, California offers reciprocity for qualified LPCs to practice in other Compact Member states without excessive review or requirements.
Pursue a Career as a Counselor: Mount Saint Mary’s University
Mount Saint Mary’s University prepares students to become compassionate, culturally competent counselors who can make a meaningful impact in communities. Our Counseling Psychology programs offer specialized paths to fit your career goals:
- General Counseling Psychology (GCP) – A two-year, 36-unit program focused on counseling, leadership, and advocacy skills for diverse populations.
- Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) – A 60-unit program that prepares students for MFT licensure in California, with flexible day and evening courses.
- MFT with ¡Enlaces! Certificate – Bilingual courses within the MFT program to train students to serve Spanish-speaking communities.
Small class sizes, collaborative learning, and expert faculty provide mentorship and real-world preparation. Students gain practical experience through practicum and community engagement, developing the skills needed to serve individuals, families, schools, and nonprofit organizations.
At MSMU, your passion for helping others becomes a foundation for professional growth and lasting impact.
Access our free guide to careers with a psychology degree to learn more.
