Advocacy Work |
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Advocacy Priority for the 2026 Legislative Session:
Licensure Portability
In partnership with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), MAMFT’s primary advocacy focus for the 2026 legislative session is licensure portability for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs). Licensure portability would remove unnecessary barriers for qualified, licensed MFTs who are seeking to practice in Minnesota, particularly those who are already licensed and practicing in other states.
What We Are Trying to AccomplishOur goal is to ensure that licensed Marriage and Family Therapists can more easily move to Minnesota or serve Minnesotans without having to navigate redundant, time‑consuming, and costly licensure processes. By modernizing Minnesota’s licensure framework, we can better support the mental health workforce and meet the growing demand for care across the state. |
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Why MAMFT Is Supporting Licensure Portability
MAMFT supports licensure portability because it directly aligns with our mission to strengthen the MFT profession and expand access to high‑quality mental health care. Reducing barriers for qualified MFTs allows experienced clinicians to practice where they are most needed without unnecessary delays.
Licensure portability also helps ensure that Greater Minnesota and border communities have increased access to care. These areas often experience provider shortages, and portability allows licensed therapists to respond more quickly to community needs. Additionally, increasing the number of available providers improves access to care for marginalized and underserved populations who are disproportionately impacted by workforce shortages.
Where Licensure Portability Is Already HappeningMinnesota would not be acting alone in adopting a licensure portability model. Across the country, many states have already recognized the value of portability for the mental health workforce. Currently, 14 states have enacted a licensure portability model for MFTs, four additional states are considered portability‑friendly, and eight more states are actively working toward implementing portability legislation. A current map and detailed information about these efforts can be found through AAMFT’s portability resources. | Why Portability Instead of a CompactLicensure portability offers a more inclusive and efficient solution than an interstate compact. Approximately 50% of all MFTs in the United States practice in states that are not compact‑friendly, including California and New York. Without participation from these large states, a compact would be extremely costly and limited in its impact. Compacts can also be complex and time‑intensive to implement, often taking years to become operational. In contrast, licensure portability can be enacted more quickly at the state level, allowing Minnesota to see benefits sooner while still maintaining high professional standards. |
Our Partnerships: We Get Things Done in Community
MAMFT’s advocacy efforts are strengthened through collaboration with trusted partners and coalitions.
We work closely with Poul Haas, our legal advocacy team, to navigate legislative processes and advance policy solutions. MAMFT is also an active member of the Minnesota Legislative Health Network (MHLN), a coalition of mental health organizations working together on policy initiatives across the state. Through this partnership, we amplify our collective impact and coordinate advocacy efforts.
At the national level, MAMFT partners with AAMFT on licensure portability and other professional issues affecting MFTs nationwide. Additional collaboration with Minnesota Healers for Change helps connect advocacy efforts to broader movements for equity and systemic change.
| Other Ongoing Efforts & Prior WinsIn addition to licensure portability, MAMFT continues to work on several other important policy initiatives. These include efforts to expand and protect the definition and scope of Marriage and Family Therapy, ensuring that MFTs can practice to the full extent of their training and expertise. MAMFT also advocates for fair reimbursement, including rate increases and pay parity for MFTs. Recent legislative successes, including a bill passed during the 2025 session, demonstrate the impact of sustained advocacy. As the field evolves, MAMFT is also monitoring and engaging in conversations about the definition of Marriage and Family Therapy in Minnesota, as well as how artificial intelligence may affect therapy practice and providers. MAMFT’s current work builds on a strong foundation of past advocacy successes. Through previous legislative efforts, Marriage and Family Therapists are formally recognized as mental health professionals in Minnesota. Advocacy has also made it possible for MFTs to accept Medicare, significantly expanding access to care for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Additional advocacy achievements and milestones can be found throughout our website and reflect the ongoing commitment of MAMFT members to advancing the profession and improving access to mental health care. |
Want More Info?
Watch our advocacy training recording to learn how the process works
Download our Pay Parity Flyer to share with legislators and other people interested in supporting MFTs
2024 DHS Rate Study (The Rates Proposed INCLUDE Pay Parity for MFTs!!)
View our statement/opposition to SF2589 (AKA "Trump Derangement Syndrome" bill)
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| Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy2136 Ford Parkway #8068 Email: info@mamft.net |
