Concerning measures to increase access to licensure as a marriage and family therapist.
Summary
HB 26-1228 expands the pathways to become a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in Colorado. Under current law, an applicant generally must earn a qualifying master’s or doctoral degree that includes a practicum or internship in marriage and family therapy, then complete at least 1,500 supervised clinical hours. The bill adds a new route for applicants whose degree program did not include a practicum or internship: beginning March 1, 2027, those applicants may still register as LMFT candidates and pursue licensure if they meet the board’s other requirements and complete additional supervised experience.
For these applicants, the bill requires 700 more supervised clinical hours than the standard pathway, on top of the existing post-degree practice requirement. The supervised hours must involve face-to-face direct client contact under clinical supervision, which may be provided in person or through telesupervision. The measure is aimed at increasing access to licensure by recognizing more educational backgrounds while preserving a higher experiential threshold for those who did not complete an internship or practicum during their degree program.
Impact
The bill amends Colorado Revised Statutes section 12-245-504, which governs qualifications for licensure and registration as a marriage and family therapist. It broadens eligibility for LMFT candidacy and licensure by allowing degree holders without a practicum or internship to qualify, provided they complete the additional supervised clinical hours required by the bill. This change affects applicants, the state licensing board, and educational programs by creating an alternate licensure track and potentially increasing the pool of licensed therapists in Colorado.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill, as reflected by its purpose of increasing access to licensure and its final status as signed by the governor. No committee transcript or recorded votes were provided, so there is no evidence in the record of significant opposition or divided debate. The bill appears to have been treated as a professional licensing access measure rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
The main policy issue is how to balance expanded access to the profession with maintaining training standards. Supporters would likely favor the bill because it opens a licensure pathway for applicants whose graduate programs lacked a practicum or internship, which may help address workforce shortages and reduce barriers to entry. Any concern would likely center on whether applicants without that formal training should be held to a higher supervised-hour requirement and whether the board can adequately ensure competency through the added 700 hours and supervision requirements.