advaughn@hotmail.com (Alvin Vaughn) wrote in message news:<4752a8fd.0308201057.713b1614@posting.google.com>... A friend of mine wants to set up a marriage and family counseling practice in California and wants to know what the requirements are. She has a BA in Psychology with an emphasis in counseling and development. Do you have to be licensed to legally operate in California? If so, what are the requirements? Also, is there a state agency that regulates these practitioners? Thanks, Al

Yes, she needs at least a Master's Degree and the agency is CAMFT and
you can find it through AAMFT: American Association of Marriage and
Family Therapy. In some states the requirements are less stringent
than California. I believe that you also need at least 3500 hours
before you can practice on your own. That's about 2 years if you do
it full time. The master's program is typically two years as well.
Tell her not to do it if she's in it for the money. If you have
plenty of time and an income and are really wanting to help others,
it's a great thing to do.