Section 1283.10  Definitions

 

"Act" means the Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing Act [225 ILCS 55].

 

"Board" means the Illinois Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing and Disciplinary Board. [225 ILCS 55/10]

 

"Department" means the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

 

"Director" means the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation with authority delegated by the Secretary.

 

"Division" means the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation-Division of Professional Regulation.

 

"Email address of record" means the designated email address recorded by the Department in the applicant's application file or the licensee's file as maintained by the Division's licensure maintenance unit. [225 ILCS 55/10]

 

"Secretary" means the Secretary of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. [225 ILCS 55/10]

 

(Source:  Repealed at 22 Ill. Reg. 16482, effective September 3, 1998; added at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)

 

Section 1283.15  Professional Work Experience

 

An applicant for a license as a licensed marriage and family therapist shall, following receipt of the first qualifying education degree, complete at least 3000 hours of professional work experience in not less than a 2 year period.

 

a)         Professional work experience is defined as providing professional services, including clinical activities as defined in Section 1283.20 as well as non-clinical activities related to the practice of the profession of marriage and family therapy.  Following receipt of the first qualifying education degree, at least 3000 hours of professional work experience is required, which includes 1000 hours as defined in Section 1283.20 and 200 hours of clinical supervision as defined in Section 1283.25.

 

b)         Professional work experience shall be obtained in not less than 2 years and no more than 5 years.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)

 

Section 1283.20  Clinical Experience

 

An applicant for a license as a marriage and family therapist shall, following receipt of the first qualifying education degree, complete at least 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact with individuals, couples and families for the purpose of evaluation and treatment of mental, emotional, behavioral and interpersonal disorders and psychopathology of couples and families. [225 ILCS 55/40] At least 350 hours of the 1000 hours of face-to-face client contact must involve working with only one client present in therapy sessions as part of the therapy being provided to couples or families, and at least 350 hours of the 1000 hours of face-to-face client contact must involve conjoint therapy, i.e., working with two or more clients present in therapy sessions who are in significant relationships with each other outside the therapy context.  The applicant shall be supervised as defined in Section 1283.25 of this Part during the whole period the applicant is accumulating clinical experience.

 

a)         Clinical experience in the practice of marriage and family therapy may be gained by providing treatment that includes, but is not limited to:

 

1)         Individual and conjoint therapy;

 

2)         Counseling;

 

3)         Psychotherapy;

 

4)         Assessment and treatment of mental, emotional, behavioral and interpersonal disorders and psychopathology;

 

5)         Behavior modification;

 

6)         Hypnotherapy;

 

7)         Sex therapy;

 

8)         Consultation;

 

9)         Client advocacy;

 

10)       Crisis intervention;

 

11)       Testing and evaluation;

 

12)       Group therapy;

 

13)       Multi-family therapy;

 

14)       Psychoeducation; and

 

15)       Therapy with children and adolescents.

 

b)         Marriage and family therapy treatment shall include, but not be limited to, providing mental health services for the evaluation and treatment of mental, emotional, behavioral and interpersonal disorders and psychopathology, including making clinical assessments, certifying diagnoses, prescribing treatment and signing off on treatment plans for persons with mental illnesses or other clinical disorders.

 

c)         The use of specific methods, techniques or modalities within the practice of marriage and family therapy is restricted to licensed marriage and family therapists appropriately trained in the use of such methods, techniques or modalities.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)

 

Section 1283.25  Clinical Supervision

 

An applicant must complete 200 hours of clinical supervision of marriage and family therapy. At least 100 of these 200 clinical supervision hours must occur following the receipt of the first qualifying degree.  Up to 100 hours of clinical supervision accumulated during graduate training may be counted toward the required 200 hours of clinical supervision.  At least 100 of the 200 hours of clinical supervision must be completed with a licensed marriage and family therapy supervisor who has met the requirements set forth in subsection (b).

 

a)         At least 100 of the 200 hours of clinical supervision shall be completed while fulfilling the clinical experience requirement of Section 1283.20 and the post-degree professional work experience requirement in Section 1283.15.  Up to 100 hours of clinical supervision accumulated during graduate training for the first qualifying degree may be counted toward the required 200 hours of clinical supervision.

 

b)         At least 100 of the 200 hours of clinical supervision, whether accumulated during or after graduate training for the first qualifying degree, shall have been received from an individual who, at the time the supervision took place:

 

1)         Was certified as an approved supervisor or supervisor in training by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy; or

 

2)         Held an active license as a licensed marriage and family therapist with five years clinical experience providing marriage and family therapy after the licensee's first qualifying degree; or

 

3)         Held an active clinical membership certification with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy for at least 5 years; or

 

4)         Had:

 

A)        An active license as a licensed clinical psychologist, a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed clinical professional counselor, or a licensed psychiatrist as defined in Section 1-121 of the Mental Health and Developmental Code;

 

B)        Five years clinical experience providing marriage and family therapy as defined in Section 1283.20;

 

C)        Provided at least 1000 hours of conjoint therapy; and

 

D)        Either two years' experience providing clinical supervision of marriage and family therapy (including the supervision of conjoint therapy) or completed a 1 semester hour graduate course in marriage and family therapy supervision, with at least 15 contact hours or the equivalent prior to or during the supervision provided the applicant.

 

c)         The other 100 hours of the clinical supervision shall have been received as part of a practicum or internship experience and/or from an individual who, at the time the supervision took place, was a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, licensed clinical professional counselor or licensed psychiatrist as defined in Section 1-121 of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code with at least five years of experience in the discipline.

 

d)         All 200 hours of clinical supervision must meet the requirements set forth in subsections (e), (f), and (g).  100 of the 200 hours must be individual supervision.

 

e)         Supervision means the direct clinical review, for the purposes of training or teaching by a supervisor, of the applicant's interaction with a client.  The purpose of supervision shall be to promote the development of the individual's clinical skills.

 

f)         "Supervision" means a face-to-face conversation with a supervisor that is live, interactive, and visual.  Video supervision sessions must be synchronous and permit verbal and visual interaction during supervision, and must comport with confidentiality regulations and laws, usually in periods of approximately one hour each.  The learning process is sustained and intense. Appointments are scheduled on a regular basis.  Supervision focuses on the raw data from a supervisee's continuing clinical practice, which is available to the supervisor through a combination of direct live observation, co-therapy, written clinical notes, audio and video recordings, and live supervision.  It is a process clearly distinguishable from personal psychotherapy and is conducted in order to serve professional goals.  Acceptable modes of supervision are as follows:

 

1)         Individual supervision shall mean a maximum of two supervisees meeting with one supervisor.

 

2)         Group supervision shall mean a maximum of six supervisees meeting with one supervisor.

 

g)         The following is not acceptable marriage and family therapy supervision: peer supervision (supervision by a person of equivalent but not superior qualifications, status and experience); supervision by current or former family members or any other person with whom the nature of the personal relationship prevents, or makes difficult, the establishment of a professional supervisory relationship; administrative supervision (administrative supervision by an institutional director or executive, for example, conducted to evaluate job performance or for case management, not the quality of therapy given to a client); a primarily didactic process wherein techniques or procedures are taught in a group setting, classroom, workshop or seminar; staff development, orientation to a field or program or role-playing of family relationships as a substitute for current clinical practice in an appropriate clinical situation.

 

h)         A doctoral practicum or internship may be applied toward the 200-hour clinical supervision requirement of Section 1283.50(a)(3).

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 8340, effective June 5, 2025)

 

Section 1283.30  Education

 

a)         An applicant for a license as a licensed marriage and family therapist shall hold one of the following:

 

1)         A master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or the Commission on Accreditation for Counseling Related Education Programs (CACREP);

 

2)         A master's or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited educational institution in marriage and family therapy or in a related field (i.e., behavioral science or mental health) with an equivalent course of study in marriage and family therapy as set forth in subsection (b); or

 

b)         An applicant must have completed a minimum of 48 semester hours or equivalent hours of graduate coursework. The applicant's graduate coursework, at a minimum, shall be substantially equivalent to the curriculum listed in this subsection (b).  Courses are evaluated according to course content rather than course title.  For the purpose of this Section, course shall be defined as an integrated, organized course of study.  No student designed courses, independent study courses or workshops may be used to satisfy the core courses.  Course descriptions and syllabi are required for courses with titles that not reflect the content described as follows:

 

1)         Clinical Interviewing Skills or Individual Therapy.  This requirement must be addressed in a minimum of one course (three semester hours or four quarter hours or equivalent). An acceptable course covers at least one of the following:

 

A)        General clinical interviewing skills such as attending, joining, rapport building, tracking, supporting, intervening, and/or structuring therapy; or

 

B)        An overview of the major clinical theories covered in major textbooks on individual psychotherapy; or

 

C)        At least one of the individual models covered in significant detail including, but are not limited to:  psychoanalysis, psychodynamic, object relations, self-psychology, behavioral, cognitive behavioral, emotionally focused individual, existential, experiential, Gestalt, humanistic, person-centered, rational-emotive, reality, or Adlerian.

 

2)         Family Therapy I, Foundations of Family Life, Family Studies, Family Sociology, or General Systems.  This requirement must be addressed in a minimum of one course (three semester hours or four quarter hours or equivalent).  Courses in this area cover an introduction to family theory and/or family therapy.  Examples of acceptable courses include, but are not limited to:  the foundations of family theory; introduction to family theory; the foundations of family therapy; introduction to family therapy; family studies; sociology of the family; general systems theory; family life cycle; theories of family development; family dynamics; families under stress; the contemporary family; social, cultural, and spiritual foundations of family life, the cross-cultural family; youth/adult/aging and the family; family subsystems; interpersonal relationships (marriage, parenting, sibling); the historical development, theoretical and empirical foundations of family therapy; or contemporary conceptual directions of the field of family therapy.

 

3)         Family Therapy II. This requirement must be addressed in a minimum of one course (three semester hours or four quarter hours or equivalent). Courses in this area must cover at least three family therapy models.  To fulfill this requirement, a course or set of courses must cover at least three family therapy models such as, but not limited to, the following models:  communications, contextual, experiential, object relations, structural, strategic, systemic, behavioral, cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, narrative, Bowenian or transgenerational.  The course content shall provide conceptualizations and methods for working conjointly with two or more clients present in therapy sessions who are in significant relationships with each other outside the therapy context.  The three models can be covered either as a survey of clinical theories such as those in major textbooks on family therapy, as separate courses, or as parts of separate courses.

 

4)         Couples Therapy.  This requirement must be addressed in a minimum of one course (three semester hours or four quarter hours or equivalent).  Courses in this area must cover at least two couples therapy models.  To fulfill this requirement, a course or set of courses must cover at least two couples therapy models such as, but are not limited to, the following models:  behavioral, cognitive behavioral, object relations, transgenerational, narrative, solution-focused, emotionally focused couples, collaborative, pragmatic/experiential, Imago, or Gottman's formulations.  These formulations shall provide conceptualizations and methods for working conjointly with couples who are in significant relationships with each other outside the therapy context.  The two models can be covered either as a survey of clinical theories such as those in major textbooks on couples therapy, as separate courses, or as parts of separate courses.

 

5)         Psychopathology and/or Diagnostic Systems. This requirement must be address in a minimum of one course (three semester hours or four quarter hours or equivalent).  Acceptable courses cover:

 

A)        The study of diagnostic systems including the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association and/or the current International Classification of Diseases (ICD) published by the World Health Organization;

 

B)        Psychopathology;

 

C)        Assessment and treatment of mental, emotional, behavioral and interpersonal disorders and psychopathology, including making clinical assessments, certifying diagnoses, prescribing treatment and signing off on treatment plans for persons with mental illnesses or other clinical disorders; or

 

D)        A course that combines subsections (b)(5)(A), (B), and (C).

 

6)         Individual Development and Family Relations.  Topics in marriage and family studies must be addressed in a minimum of one course (three semester or four quarter hours or equivalent).  Topics that may be counted towards this area of study include:  family development and family interactional patterns across the life cycle; theories of family development; marriage and/or family dynamics; sociology of the family; families under stress; the contemporary family; social, cultural, and spiritual foundations of family life; the cross-cultural family; gender studies; youth/adult/aging and the family; family subsystems; interpersonal relationships (marriage, parenting, sibling); human development; lifestyle and career development; personality theory; and human sexuality.

 

7)         Ethics/Professional Studies.  This requirement must be addressed in a minimum of one course (three semester hours or four quarter hours or equivalent).  Acceptable courses cover the study of Professional Studies and Ethics and may include unique professional and ethical situations involved with conjoint therapies.  Topics that may be counted toward this area of study include:  professional socialization and the role of the professional organization; legal responsibilities and liabilities; independent practice and interprofessional cooperation; ethics; family law; unique professional and ethical situations involved with conjoint therapies.

 

8)         Research Methods.  This requirement must be addressed in a minimum of one course (three semester hours or four quarter hours or equivalent).  Acceptable courses cover the study of research design and methods in a mental health or allied field, statistics, and research in a mental health or allied field.

 

9)         Assessments in Marriage and Family Therapy.  This requirement must be addressed in a minimum of one course (three semester hours or four quarter hours or equivalent).  Acceptable courses cover the study of:  clinical assessment of relational systems, assessment of psychodiagnostics categories, biopsychosocial bases of health and dysfunction, models and measures of systemic and family assessment, and parameters of systemic and individual assessment.

 

10)       Clinical Practicum/Internship.  This requirement must be addressed in a minimum of one course (three semester or four quarter hours or equivalent).  To meet this requirement the practicum/internship must include 300 hours, 100 of which must be conjoint therapy, all of which must include face-to-face contact with individuals, couples, families, or groups for the purpose of assessment, diagnosis and treatment.  Any deficit in face-to-face contact hours (less than 300) must be completed prior to beginning the accumulation of Clinical Experience hours.

 

c)         In evaluating coursework from another jurisdiction, the Marriage and Family Therapy Disciplinary and Licensing Board (Board) may require documentation such as, but not limited to, an evaluation by a foreign equivalency documentation service indicating that the applicant's graduate program is equivalent to a graduate program in this country.

 

d)         An individual who has taught a graduate level course in a regionally accredited educational institution in any of the areas listed in subsection (b) shall receive credit for the course. One course taught is equivalent to one course taken. Repetitive teaching of the same course may only be counted as one course. Syllabi and reading lists shall be submitted in order to obtain credit.

 

e)         Courses taken at a post-degree institution will count as equivalent for an education requirement of subsection (b) if the institution's training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or meets the following requirements:

 

1)         The institution's program is established to achieve coherent mission and training objectives and the program has as its primary objective the training of marriage and family therapists.

 

2)         The specific course submitted as equivalent to those defined in subsection (b) is taught by faculty who hold graduate degrees and are trained and credentialed in the field in which they teach.

 

3)         Courses must be offered by an established, identifiable facility or agency.

 

4)         Courses must be ongoing and additive (offered at the same place over a specific period of time and available on an ongoing basis) or offered off site by an acceptable post degree institution with an established, identifiable home-base facility or agency.

 

5)         Courses must include outlines, clear description of content, appropriate bibliography, and other indications or meet generally acceptable criteria for academic offerings.

 

f)         Credit for courses taken pursuant to subsection (e) will be given on a semester-hour equivalency basis which is 15 hours per semester credit.  Evaluation of course work is on a case-by-case basis for each applicant.  To receive credit, an applicant must submit a syllabus for each course, proof of acceptable completion of the course, and all documentation necessary to demonstrate that the post-degree institution and the specific course meet all the requirements of subsection (e).

 

g)         A thesis or dissertation completed as a requirement of the first qualifying degree will not be counted as equivalent for an education requirement of subsection (b).

 

h)         Applicants who hold non-clinical qualifying degrees, or whose practicum/internship was in areas other than marriage and family therapy, may document the practicum requirement with their first 300 post-graduate client contact hours supervised by an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Approved Supervisor, supervisor-in-training or a supervisor who meets the requirements set forth in Section 1283.25(b).

 

i)          The Division, upon the recommendation of the Board, has determined that marriage and family therapy programs accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy or the Commission on Accreditation for Counseling Related Educational Programs meet the minimum criteria set forth in this Section and are, therefore, approved.

 

j)          Individual Program Requirements

 

1)         Individuals applying for licensure as a licensed marriage and family therapist who have not graduated from a program listed in subsection (a) shall submit their transcripts and program materials to the Division for evaluation by the Board to determine if they meet the requirements of this Section.

 

2)         Individuals applying for licensure who are deficient in any of the content areas set forth in subsection (b) may complete any content area deficiencies in a graduate school course.  No student designed courses, independent study courses, or workshops may be used to satisfy the core courses set forth in Section 1283.30(b).  The applicant will be required to submit proof to the Division that the applicant has passed such a course addressing the content area deficit.  Proof shall include, but not be limited to, curriculum, practicum and program materials, clinical practicum or internship handbook and course materials.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)

 

Section 1283.40  Examination

 

a)         The examination for licensed marriage and family therapists shall be the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Board's (AMFTRB) Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

 

b)         The passing score on the examination shall be the passing score of the testing entity.

 

Section 1283.45  Application for a License as an Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

 

a)         An applicant for a license as an associate licensed marriage and family therapist shall file an application, on forms supplied by the Division, that includes the following:

 

1)         Verification, on forms provided by the Division, that the applicant has completed the education requirements defined in Section 1283.30.

 

2)         The required license fee set forth in Section 1283.95(a)(2).

 

3)         If applicable, certification on forms provided by the Division from the state or territory of the United States in which the applicant was originally licensed and the state in which the applicant is currently licensed stating:

 

A)        The time during which the applicant was licensed in that jurisdiction, including the date of the original issuance of the license;

 

B)        A description of the examination in that jurisdiction; and

 

C)        Whether the file on the applicant contains any record of disciplinary actions taken or pending.

 

b)         A license for an associate licensed marriage and family therapist shall be valid for 5 years. The license may not be renewed.

 

c)         When the accuracy of any submitted documentation or the relevance or sufficiency of the course work or experience is questioned by the Division or the Board because of lack of information, discrepancies or conflicts in information given or need for clarification, the applicant seeking licensure shall be requested to:

 

1)         Provide such information as may be necessary; and/or

 

2)         Appear for an interview before the Board to explain the relevance or sufficiency, clarify information or clean up any discrepancies or conflicts in information.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)

 

Section 1283.46  Application for Examination and Licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist by an Individual Licensed as an Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

 

a)         An individual holding a license as an associate licensed marriage and family therapist who is applying for examination and licensure as a licensed marriage and family therapist shall file an application, on forms supplied by the Division, at least 90 days prior to an examination date.  The application shall include:

 

1)         Verification, on forms provided by the Division, signed by an employer or supervisor that following the receipt of the first qualifying degree, the applicant obtained at least 3000 hours of work experience as defined in Section 1283.15.  If the applicant is self-employed, the applicant shall submit 3 affidavits from peers, clients or colleagues familiar with the applicant's work;

 

2)         Verification of at least 200 hours of clinical supervision as defined in Section 1283.25;

 

3)         Verification of at least 1000 hours of clinical experience pursuant to Section 1283.20;

 

4)         The fee set forth in Section 1283.95(a)(1);

 

5)         If applicable, certification on forms provided by the Division from the state or territory of the United States in which the applicant was originally licensed and the state in which the applicant is currently licensed stating:

 

A)        The time during which the applicant was licensed in that jurisdiction, including the date of the original issuance of the license;

 

B)        A description of the examination in that jurisdiction; and

 

C)        Whether the file on the applicant contains any record of disciplinary actions taken or pending.

 

b)         An applicant who has taken and passed the examination in another jurisdiction shall have the examination submitted to the Division directly from the testing service.

 

c)         When the accuracy of any submitted documentation or the relevance or sufficiency of the course work or experience is questioned by the Division or the Board because of lack of information, discrepancies or conflicts in information given or need for clarification, the applicant seeking licensure shall be requested to:

 

1)         Provide such information as may be necessary; and/or

 

2)         Appear for an interview before the Board to explain the relevance or sufficiency, clarify information or clear up any discrepancies or conflicts in information.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)

 

Section 1283.50  Application for Examination and Licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

 

a)         An applicant for examination shall file an application, on forms supplied by the Division, at least 90 days prior to an examination date.  The application shall include:

 

1)         Verification, on forms provided by the Division, that the applicant has completed the education requirements defined in Section 1283.30.

 

2)         Verification on forms provided by the Division, signed by an employer or supervisor, that following the receipt of the first qualifying degree, the applicant obtained at least 3000 hours of work experience as defined in Section 1283.15.  If the applicant is self-employed, the applicant shall submit three affidavits from peers, clients or colleagues familiar with the applicant's work.

 

3)         Verification of at least 200 hours of clinical supervision as defined in Section 1283.25.

 

4)         Verification of at least 1000 hours of clinical experience pursuant to Section 1283.20.

 

5)         The required fee set forth in Section 1283.95(a)(1).

 

6)         If applicable, certification on forms provided by the Division, from the state or territory of the United States in which the applicant was originally licensed and the state in which the applicant is currently licensed stating:

 

A)        The time during which the applicant was licensed in that jurisdiction, including the date of the original issuance of the license;

 

B)        A description of the examination in that jurisdiction; and

 

C)        Whether the file on the applicant contains any record of disciplinary actions taken or pending.

 

b)         An applicant for licensure who has taken and passed the examination set forth in Section 1283.40 in another jurisdiction shall file an application in accordance with subsection (a) and have the applicant's examination scores submitted to the Division directly from the testing entity.

 

c)         In lieu of compliance with subsections (a)(1), (2), (3) and (4), the Division shall accept certification of clinical membership from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

 

d)         When the accuracy of any submitted documentation or the relevance or sufficiency of the course work or experience is questioned by the Division or the Board because of lack of information, discrepancies or conflicts in information given or a need for clarification, the applicant seeking licensure shall be requested to:

 

1)         Provide such information as may be necessary; and/or

 

2)         Appear for an interview before the Board to explain such relevance or sufficiency, clarify information or clean up any discrepancies or conflicts in information.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)

 

Section 1283.60  Endorsement

 

a)         An applicant who is licensed or registered under the laws of another state or territory of the United States or of a foreign country and who wishes to be licensed in Illinois as a licensed marriage and family therapist shall file an application with the Division, on forms provided by the Division, which includes:

 

1)         Certification of meeting education requirements as set forth in Section 1283.30;

 

2)         Verification, on forms provided by the Division, signed by an employer or supervisor, that, following the receipt of the first qualifying degree, the applicant obtained at least 3000 hours of work experience as defined in Section 1283.15.  If the applicant is self-employed, the applicant shall submit three affidavits from peers, clients or colleagues familiar with the applicant's work;

 

3)         Verification of at least 200 hours of clinical supervision as defined in Section 1283.25;

 

4)         Verification of at least 1000 hours of clinical experience pursuant to Section 1283.20;

 

5)         Certification of successful completion of the examination set forth in Section 1283.40;

 

6)         Certification from the state or territory of the United States or the foreign country in which the applicant was originally licensed or registered and is currently licensed or registered, stating:

 

A)        The time during which the applicant was licensed or registered;

 

B)        Whether the file of the applicant contains any record of disciplinary actions taken or pending; and

 

C)        Examinations taken and examination scores received;

 

7)         The required fee as set forth in Section 1283.95(a)(1).

 

b)         In lieu of compliance with subsections (a)(1), (2), (3) and (4), the Division shall accept certification of clinical membership from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

 

c)         An individual applying for licensure as a licensed marriage and family therapist who has been licensed at the independent level in another United States jurisdiction for five consecutive years without discipline is not required to submit proof of completion of the education, professional experience, and supervision required in this Part.  Individuals with five consecutive years of experience must submit certified verification of licensure from the jurisdiction in which the applicant practiced and must comply with all other licensing requirements and pay all required fees.

 

d)         The Division shall either issue a license by endorsement or notify the applicant in writing of the reasons for denying the application.

 

e)         Applicants have three years from the date of application to complete the application process.  If the process has not been completed within three years, the application shall be denied, the fee forfeited and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)

 

Section 1283.70  Renewal

 

a)         Every marriage and family therapist license and marriage and family therapist continuing education provider license issued under the Act shall expire on February 28^th of odd-numbered years.  The holder of a license may renew such license during the month preceding the expiration date by paying the required fee.

 

b)         Every licensee who applies for renewal of a license as a licensed marriage and family therapist shall complete 30 hours of continuing education pursuant to Section 1283.110.

 

c)         It is the responsibility of each licensee to notify the Division of any change of address.  Failure to receive a renewal form from the Division shall not constitute an excuse for failure to pay the renewal fee or to renew one's license.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)

 

Section 1283.80  Inactive Status

 

a)         Licensed marriage and family therapists who notify the Division, on forms provided by the Division, may place their licenses on inactive status and shall be excused from paying renewal fees until they notify the Division in writing of the intention to resume active practice.

 

b)         Any licensed marriage and family therapist seeking restoration from inactive status shall do so in accordance with Section 1283.90.

 

c)         Any licensed marriage and family therapist whose license is on inactive status shall not use the title "licensed marriage and family therapist" in the State of Illinois.  Any person violating this subsection shall be considered to be practicing without a license and shall be subject to the disciplinary provisions of the Act.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)

 

Section 1283.90  Restoration

 

a)         Any licensed marriage and family therapist whose license has expired or has been placed on inactive status for five years or less may have the license restored by paying the fees required by Section 1283.95 and providing proof of meeting continuing education requirements during the two years prior to restoration.

 

b)         Any person seeking restoration of a license that has been expired or placed on inactive status for more than five years shall file an application, on forms supplied by the Division, for review by the Board, together with the fee required by Section 1283.95 and proof of meeting continuing education requirements during the two years prior to restoration.  The applicant shall also submit either:

 

1)         Sworn evidence of active practice in another jurisdiction.  Such evidence shall include a statement from an appropriate board or licensing authority in the other jurisdiction that the licensee was authorized to practice during the term of active practice; or

 

2)         An affidavit attesting to military service as provided in Section 45(c) of the Act; or

 

3)         Proof of passage of the AMFTRB examination during the period the registration was lapsed or on inactive status.

 

c)         Any person who is seeking restoration after the disciplinary action must have completed all requirements of the disciplinary order and shall submit a petition for restoration to be adjudicated through the hearing process.  As part of such petition the licensee shall submit evidence demonstrating rehabilitation to warrant the public trust as provided in Section 1283.107.

 

d)         When the accuracy of any submitted documentation or the relevance or sufficiency of the course work or experience is questioned by the Division because of a lack of information, discrepancies or conflicts in information given, or a need for clarification, the licensee seeking restoration shall be requested to:

 

1)         Provide such information as may be necessary; and/or

 

2)         Appear for an interview before the Board to explain such relevance or sufficiency, clarify information or clear up any discrepancies or conflicts in information.

 

e)         Upon the recommendation of the Board and approval by the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation (Director) with the authority delegated by the Secretary of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Secretary), an applicant shall have the license restored or be notified in writing of the reason for denying the application.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)

 

Section 1283.95  Fees

 

The following fees shall be paid to the Division and are not refundable:

 

a)         Application Fees.

 

1)         The fee for original application for a license as a licensed marriage and family therapist is $100.  In addition, applicants for an examination shall be required to pay, either to the Division or to the designated testing service, a fee covering the cost of determining an applicant's eligibility and providing the examination.  Failure to appear for the examination on the scheduled date, at the time and place specified, after the applicant's application for examination has been received and acknowledged by the Division or the designated testing service, shall result in the forfeiture of the examination fee.

 

2)         The fee for a license as an associate licensed marriage and family therapist is $100.

 

3)         The application fee for a license as a licensed marriage and family therapist certified or licensed under the laws of another jurisdiction is $200.

 

4)         The fee for application as a continuing education sponsor is $500. State agencies, State colleges, community colleges, and State universities in Illinois are exempt from paying this fee.

 

b)         Renewal Fees.

 

1)         The fee for the renewal of a licensed marriage and family therapist license shall be calculated at the rate of $60 per year.

 

2)         The fee for renewal as a continuing education sponsor is $125 per year.

 

c)         General Fees.

 

1)         The fee for the restoration of a license other than from inactive status that has been expired for five years or less is $20 plus payment of all lapsed renewal fees.

 

2)         The fee for the restoration of a license that has been expired for more than five years is $300.

 

3)         The fee for a certification of a licensee's record for any purpose is $20.

 

4)         The fee to have the scoring of an examination administered by the Division reviewed and verified is $20, plus any fee charged by the testing service.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)

 

Section 1283.97  Applicant and Licensee Address of Record, Email Address of Record, and/or Licensee Change of Name Information

 

All applicants and licensees shall:

 

a)         provide a valid address and email address to the Division, which shall serve as the address of record and email address of record, respectively, at the time of application for licensure or renewal of a license; and

 

b)         inform the Division of any change of address of record or email address of record within 14 days after such change either through the Division's website or by contacting the Department's licensure maintenance unit.

 

(Source:  Added at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)

 

Section 1283.100  Dishonorable, Unethical, Unprofessional Conduct

 

The Division may suspend or revoke a license, refuse to issue or renew a license or take other disciplinary action, based upon its finding of "dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct" within the meaning of Section 85 of the Act which is interpreted to include, but is not limited to, the following acts or practices:

 

a)         A therapist must not perform, nor pretend to be able to perform, professional services beyond the therapist's scope of practice.  A therapist must not misrepresent credentials, degrees, professional associations, or competencies either through spoken word or written materials.  A therapist must immediately retract or correct any misrepresentation.  A therapist must correct misrepresentations by third parties as soon as the therapist is informed of the error.

 

b)         A therapist must not permit an intern or trainee under the therapist's supervision to perform, or to pretend to be competent to perform, professional services beyond the trainee's or intern's level of training. Disclosure of the trainee or intern's status and the name of the supervisor is required. A waiver of liability signed by the client is required when a marriage and family therapy intern or trainee is treating the client.

 

c)         Therapists must recognize the potentially influential position they may have with respect to clients, students, employees and supervisees. Therapists must conduct themselves with sensitivity to clients' potential vulnerability.  Therapists shall avoid exploiting clients' trust and dependency.  Therapists must also make every effort to avoid dual relationships with clients during treatment and following termination of therapy.  When a dual relationship cannot be avoided, therapists must take appropriate professional precautions to ensure judgment is not impaired and no exploitation occurs.  Examples of dual relationships include but are not limited to close personal friendships, business or other relationships that are used to further a therapist's own interests, or the provision of therapy to students, employees, or supervisees.  Sexual intimacy between therapist and client, students or supervisees is prohibited.  Sexual intimacy with former clients is prohibited for at least two years after termination of treatment.

 

d)         A therapist must not engage in sexual or other harassment or exploitation of students, trainees, employees, colleagues, research subjects, actual or potential witnesses or complainants in legal or ethical proceedings.

 

e)         A therapist who is convicted of any crime related to the therapist's qualifications or professional responsibilities may be subject to disciplinary action by the Division.  Likewise, a therapist who engages in conduct which could lead to conviction of a crime related to the therapist's qualifications or professional responsibilities may be subject to disciplinary action.

 

f)         A therapist who becomes impaired and unable to function according to the standards of practice may be subject to disciplinary action if active practice continues.  Causes of impairment may include, but are not limited to, the abuse of mood-altering chemicals and physical or mental problems.

 

g)         It is the responsibility of therapists to seek supervision and/or personal therapy for any problem that is interfering with their ability to perform their professional services.

 

h)         A therapist must not subject a client to discrimination based on race, gender, religion, national origin, political affiliation, social or economic status, choice of lifestyle, or sexual or affectional orientation.

 

i)          A therapist must inform a client of any conflict of interest, values, attitudes, or biases between them that are sufficient to impair their professional relationship.  Either the client or the therapist may terminate the relationship.  However, it is the therapist's responsibility to terminate the professional relationship when it no longer serves the client's needs or interests.  It is the responsibility of the therapist to facilitate termination and to assist in referring the client to another professional. Termination shall be handled with care and sensitivity.

 

j)          A therapist has the responsibility to be informed of other professional, technical, and administrative resources available to clients.  A therapist must utilize those resources and/or refer clients when it is in the best interests of the client.

 

k)         A therapist must make a referral upon client request regardless of administrative and/or funding mandates.

 

l)          A therapist must not allow an individual or agency paying for the professional services to a client to exert undue influence over the therapist's work performance and clinical judgment.

 

m)        A therapist must offer all facts regarding services rendered to the client prior to administration of professional services.  The purpose of informed consent is to ensure client's complete access to information pertaining to professional services.  Examples include, but are not limited to, fees for services, length of treatment and utilization of consultants.  The client's signature indicating receipt of pertinent information is strongly encouraged.

 

n)         A therapist must not provide services to a client when the therapist's objectivity or effectiveness is impaired.  The therapist must make this known to the client and assist the client in obtaining a referral to another professional.

 

o)         A therapist must hold in confidence all information pertaining to a client's therapy.  It is the responsibility of the therapist to safeguard client confidences as required by law. This includes a therapist's employees and professional associates.

 

p)         A therapist must inform a client of the limitations of confidentiality. These limitations include, but are not limited, to:

 

1)         Limitations mandated by the law.

 

2)         The prevention of clear and immediate danger to one or more persons.

 

3)         When the therapist is a defendant in a civil, criminal, or disciplinary action arising from the therapy, client confidences may be disclosed in the course of that action.

 

4)         When a written waiver of confidentiality has been obtained, all information revealed must be in accordance with the terms of the waiver.  If there is more than one party involved in the therapy, the waiver must be signed by all members legally competent to execute such a waiver.

 

5)         When release of information pertaining to a minor is requested, it must be signed by a parent or guardian.

 

q)         Therapists are responsible to ensure that all records and written data are stored using security measures that prevent access to records by unauthorized persons.

 

r)          Therapists are responsible for ensuring that the content and disposition of all records are in compliance with all relevant State laws and rules.

 

s)         The Division hereby incorporates by reference the AAMFT Code of Ethics, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 112 South Alfred Street, Alexandria VA 22314-3061, January 2015, with no later amendments or editions.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)

 

Section 1283.107  Rehabilitation

 

Upon written application to the Division for restoration of a license or for any other relief following discipline, the Division shall consider, but is not limited to, the following in determining if the person is to be deemed sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust:

 

a)         The seriousness of the offense that resulted in the disciplinary action being considered;

 

b)         The length of time that elapsed since the disciplinary action was taken;

 

c)         The profession, occupation, and outside activities in which the applicant has been involved;

 

d)         Any counseling, medical treatment, or other rehabilitative treatment received by the applicant;

 

e)         Continuing education courses or other types of courses taken to correct the grounds for the disciplinary action being considered;

 

f)         The results of a professional competency examination designated by the Division and paid for by the applicant;

 

g)         Written reports and oral testimony by peer review committees or other persons relating to the skill, knowledge, honesty, integrity and contriteness of the applicant;

 

h)         Restitution to injured parties;

 

i)          Future plans of the applicant;

 

j)          Involvement of the applicant's family and friends in the applicant's rehabilitation process;

 

k)         A written report of a physical or mental examination given by a practitioner selected by the Division and paid for by the applicant;

 

l)          Any other information evidencing rehabilitation that would bear upon the applicant's request for relief or restoration of a license;

 

m)        Whether the order imposing sanctions was appealed and, if so, whether a reviewing court granted a stay or delay of imposition of the sanction;

 

n)         The date and disposition of any other petition for restoration filed since the last sanction was imposed; and

 

o)         Whether there has been compliance with any probationary terms imposed.

 

(Source:  Added at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)

 

Section 1283.110  Continuing Education

 

a)         Continuing Education Hours Requirements

 

1)         Every licensee who applies for renewal of a license as a licensed marriage and family therapist shall complete within the pre-renewal period 30 hours of continuing education (CE) relevant to the practice of marriage and family therapy.  Included with the required 30 hours, CE must be obtained as set forth in 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130 Subpart E.

 

2)         A pre-renewal period is the 24 months preceding February 28 of each odd-numbered year.

 

3)         One CE hour shall equal 50 minutes.

 

4)         A renewal applicant shall not be required to comply with CE requirements for the first renewal of an Illinois license.

 

5)         Licensed marriage and family therapists licensed in Illinois but residing and practicing in other states shall comply with the CE requirements set forth in this Section.

 

b)         Approved Continuing Education

 

1)         Continuing education hours shall be earned by verified attendance (e.g., certificate of attendance or certificate of completion) at or participation in a program or course (program) that is offered or sponsored by an approved continuing education sponsor who meets the requirements set forth in subsection (c), except for those activities provided in subsections (b)(2), (3) and (4).

 

2)         CE credit may be earned through postgraduate training programs (e.g., extern, residency or fellowship programs) or completion of marriage and family therapy related courses that are a part of the curriculum of a college, university or graduate school of marriage and family therapy. Courses that are part of the curriculum of a university, college or other educational institution shall be allotted CE credit at the rate of 15 CE hours for each semester hour or 10 hours for each quarter hour of school credit awarded.

 

3)         CE credit may be earned for verified teaching of a course or program in a college or graduate school approved in accordance with Section 1283.30 and/or as an instructor of continuing education programs given by approved sponsors. Credit will be applied at the rate of 1.5 hours for every hour of teaching or presenting the course or program material and only for the first presentation of the course or program (i.e., credit shall not be allowed for repetitious presentations).

 

4)         CE credit may be earned for authoring papers, publications or books and for preparing presentations and exhibits. The preparation of each published paper, book chapter or audio-visual presentation dealing with marriage and family therapy may be claimed as 5 hours of credit. A presentation must be before a professional audience of marriage and family therapists. Five credit hours may be claimed for only the first time the information is published or presented.

 

5)         CE hours may be earned through completion of a distance learning course (e.g., pre-recorded online course/program, live online course/program, by mail, computer, etc.) that is offered by an approved sponsor who meets the requirements set forth in subsection (c).  Each such course shall include an examination.

 

c)         Approved CE Sponsors and Programs

 

1)         Sponsor, as used in this Section, shall mean the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and any other person, firm, association, corporation or group that has been approved and authorized by the Division upon recommendation of the Board to coordinate and present continuing education courses and programs.

 

2)         An entity seeking approval as a CE sponsor shall submit an application, on forms supplied by the Division, along with the fee set forth in Section 1283.95(a)(3).  State agencies, State colleges and State universities in Illinois shall be exempt from paying this fee.  The application shall include:

 

A)        Certification:

 

i)          That all programs offered by the sponsor for CE credit shall comply with the criteria in subsection (c)(3) and all other criteria in this Section;

 

ii)         That the sponsor shall be responsible for verifying full-time continuous attendance at each program and provide a certificate of attendance as set forth in subsection (c)(9); and

 

iii)        That upon request by the Division, the sponsor shall submit evidence (e.g., certificate of attendance or course material) as is necessary to establish compliance with this Section.  Evidence shall be required when the Division has reason to believe that there is not full compliance with the statute and this Part and that this information is necessary to ensure compliance.

 

B)        A copy of a sample program with faculty, course materials and syllabi.

 

3)         All programs shall:

 

A)        Contribute to the advancement, extension and enhancement of the professional skills and scientific knowledge of the licensee in the practice of marriage and family therapy;

 

B)        Foster the enhancement of general or specialized work in the practice of marriage and family therapy;

 

C)        Be developed and presented by persons with education and/or experience in the subject matter of the program;

 

D)        Specify the course objectives, course content and teaching methods to be used; and

 

E)        Specify the number of CE hours that may be applied to fulfilling the Illinois CE requirements for renewal of a license.

 

4)         Each CE program shall provide a mechanism for evaluation of the program and instructor by the participants. The evaluation may be completed on-site immediately following the program presentation or an evaluation questionnaire may be distributed to participants to be completed and returned by mail.  The sponsor and the instructor, together, shall review the evaluation outcome and revise subsequent programs accordingly.

 

5)         An approved sponsor may subcontract with individuals and organizations to provide approved programs. All advertising, promotional materials, and certificates of attendance must identify the licensed sponsor and the sponsor's license number.  The presenter of the program may also be identified, but should be identified as a presenter. When a licensed sponsor subcontracts with a presenter, the licensed sponsor retains all responsibility for monitoring attendance, providing certificates of attendance and ensuring the program meets all of the criteria established by the Act and this Part, including the maintenance of records.

 

6)         All programs given by approved sponsors shall be open to all licensed marriage and family therapists and not be limited to members of a single organization or group.

 

7)         Continuing education credit hours used to satisfy the CE requirements of another jurisdiction may be applied to fulfill the CE requirements of the State of Illinois.

 

8)         To maintain approval as a sponsor, each sponsor shall submit to the Division by the last day of February of each odd-numbered year a renewal application, the fee set forth in Section 1283.95(b)(2) and a list of courses and programs offered within the last 24 months.  The list shall include a brief description, location, date and time of each course given.

 

9)         It shall be the responsibility of a sponsor to provide each participant in a program with a certificate of attendance or participation.  The sponsor's certificate of attendance shall contain:

 

A)        The name, address, email address, and license number of the sponsor;

 

B)        The name and address of the participant;

 

C)        A brief statement of the subject matter;

 

D)        The number of hours attended in each program;

 

E)        The date and place of the program; and

 

F)         The signature of the sponsor.

 

10)         The sponsor shall maintain attendance records for not less than five years.

 

11)         The sponsor shall be responsible for assuring that no renewal applicant shall receive CE credit for time not actually spent attending the program.

 

12)         Upon the failure of a sponsor to comply with any one of the requirements of this Section, the Division, after notice to the sponsor and hearing before and recommendation by the Board (see 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1110), shall thereafter refuse to accept for CE credit attendance at or participation in any of the sponsor's CE programs until such time as the Division receives assurances of compliance with requirements of this Section.

 

13)         Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, the Division or Board may evaluate any sponsor of any approved CE program at any time to ensure compliance with the requirements of this Section.

 

d)         Certification of Compliance with CE Requirements

 

1)         Each renewal applicant shall certify, on the renewal application, full compliance with the CE requirements set forth in subsections (a) and (b).

 

2)         The Division may require additional evidence demonstrating compliance with the CE requirements (e.g., certificate of attendance). This additional evidence shall be required in the context of the Division's random audit.  It is the responsibility of each renewal applicant to retain or otherwise produce evidence of compliance.

 

3)         When there appears to be a lack of compliance with CE requirements, an applicant shall be notified in writing and may request a hearing with the Board. At that time the Board may recommend that steps be taken to begin formal disciplinary proceedings as required by Section 10-65 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act [5 ILCS 100].

 

e)         Continuing Education Earned in Other Jurisdictions

 

1)         If a licensee has earned CE hours offered in another state or territory not given by an approved sponsor for which the licensee will be claiming credit toward full compliance in Illinois, the applicant shall submit an individual program approval request form, along with a $25 processing fee, prior to participation in the program or 90 days prior to expiration of the license.  The program shall be reviewed using criteria set forth in subsection (c)(3).

 

2)         If a licensee fails to submit an out of state CE approval form within the required time frame, late approval may be obtained by submitting the approval request form with the $25 processing fee plus a $50 per CE hour late fee not to exceed $300.

 

3)         CE completed in accordance with subsection (b)(5), is not eligible for out-of-state CE credit.  Instead, it must be provided by an approved CE provider as set forth in subsection (c).

 

f)         Restoration of Nonrenewed License.  Upon satisfactory evidence of compliance with CE requirements and the provisions of Section 1283.90, the Division shall restore the license upon payment of the required fee as provided in Section 1283.95.

 

g)         Waiver of CE Requirements

 

1)         Any renewal applicant seeking renewal of a license without having fully complied with these CE requirements may file with the Division a renewal application along with the required fee set forth in Section 1283.95, a statement setting forth the facts concerning non-compliance and request for waiver of the CE requirements based upon those facts.  A request for waiver shall be made prior to the renewal date.  If the Division, upon the written recommendation of the Board, finds good cause has been shown for granting a waiver, the Division shall waive enforcement of CE requirements for the renewal period for which the applicant has applied.

 

2)         Good cause shall be determined on an individual basis by the Board and be defined as an inability to devote sufficient hours to fulfilling the CE requirements during the applicable pre-renewal period because of:

 

A)        Full-time service in the armed forces of the United States of America during a substantial part of the pre-renewal period;

 

B)        A temporary incapacitating illness documented by a licensed physician.  A second, consecutive request for a CE waiver pursuant to this subsection (g)(2)(B) shall be prima facie proof that the renewal applicant has a physical or mental illness, including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process or loss of cognitive or motor skills that results in the licensee's inability to practice professional counseling or clinical professional counseling with reasonable judgment, skill or safety, in violation of subsection 85(a)(18) of the Act, and shall be grounds for denial of the renewal application or other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action; or

 

C)        Any other similar extenuating circumstance, as determined by the Division.

 

3)         Any renewal applicant who, prior to the expiration date of the license, submits a request for a waiver, in whole or in part, pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be deemed to be in a good standing until the final decision on the application is made by the Division.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)

 

Section 1283.120  Granting Variances

 

The Director may grant variances from this Part in individual cases when the Director finds that:

 

a)         The provision from which the variance is granted is not statutorily mandated;

 

b)         No party will be injured by the granting of the variance; and

 

c)         The rule from which the variance is granted would, in the particular case, be unreasonable or unnecessarily burdensome.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)

 

Section 1283.125  Telehealth

 

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists may provide services through the means of telehealth consistent with the requirements of the Telehealth Act [225 ILCS 150].

 

(Source:  Added at 48 Ill. Reg. 12727, effective August 9, 2024)