Pursuing licensure in more than one state has become increasingly common for therapists, driven by shifting professional norms, expanded telehealth access, and greater geographic mobility. Many mental health professionals are now maintaining credentials in multiple states to broaden their client base and create more flexible, sustainable practices.
While multi-state licensure is not necessary for every clinician, it can significantly expand the pool of potential clients and professional opportunities. In most cases, therapists do not need to live in or maintain a physical office in the state where they seek licensure. Instead, they typically apply through the pathway that aligns with their current status, whether they are prelicensed, fully licensed, or hold a national credential.
Because licensure requirements vary by state and by professional status, it is important to research your specific situation carefully. That said, there are several clear advantages to holding licenses in more than one state.
Expanding Your Client Base Through Telehealth
The rapid expansion of telehealth, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has fundamentally changed how mental health care is delivered. Many clinicians now serve clients effectively without a traditional office, and providing therapy across state lines has become increasingly common.
Multi-state licensure allows California LMFTs to work with clients in a broader geographic area, as long as they comply with each state’s legal, ethical, and licensure-specific regulations. This flexibility benefits clients who gain access to care regardless of location, while also allowing therapists greater freedom to travel or work remotely without disrupting their practice.
Increased Opportunities for Specialization
Holding licenses in multiple states can also support clinical specialization. Developing a niche can be challenging within a single city or region, especially when serving highly specific populations. Multi-state licensure increases the likelihood of connecting with clients who are seeking your particular expertise.
This can be especially meaningful for clinicians who work with underserved or marginalized populations, where specialized care may be limited or unavailable locally. Telehealth combined with license portability can help bridge those gaps.
Continuity of Care When Relocating
As people move between states more frequently, therapists face the same realities as their clients. Securing licensure in states you may relocate to can help prevent interruptions in your work and avoid long delays in resuming your practice.
States are increasingly recognizing the importance of license portability and are streamlining pathways for clinicians transferring an active, in-good-standing license. For example, California allows certain licensed clinicians from other states who have held their license for at least two years and meet eligibility criteria to apply for licensure by endorsement. While applicants must still satisfy California’s application and regulatory requirements, they may not need to repeat all supervised experience requirements.
How to Pursue Multi-State Licensure
The process for obtaining additional licenses depends on your career stage and the states involved. Understanding each state’s requirements and where demand for licensed clinicians is highest is an important first step. As interstate licensure compacts continue to expand, professional mobility is becoming more attainable.
For California LMFTs seeking guidance, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) License Portability Chart is an especially helpful resource. It is designed to clarify the often complex process of transferring a California LMFT license to other states.
The chart includes:
Contact information for each state’s licensing board
Links to applications and official resources
Summaries of state-specific laws and ethics requirements
An overview of portability criteria for California LMFTs
For exam-related questions, CAMFT also provides a California Clinical Exam Equivalency Chart, which outlines how California’s exam compares to those used in other states.
Conclusion
Pursuing licensure in more than one state is a strategic decision shaped by your clinical goals, lifestyle, and the populations you want to serve. While the process can feel complex, expanding telehealth access, clearer endorsement pathways, and growing licensure portability are making multi-state practice more realistic than ever.
With thoughtful planning and the right information, California LMFTs can leverage license portability to build practices that offer greater flexibility, continuity, and reach, allowing you to work in ways that align with both your professional values and your life.
