GAMFT History
Learn more about our legislative milestones over the years and the history of our field in Georgia.
Legislative Milestones
Our profession’s strength and recognition are a direct result of our collective advocacy efforts. Here’s to looking back at our biggest historical achievements.
2024:
Successfully advocated for the passage of SB 373, which provides for the issuance of expedited licenses by endorsement for marriage and family therapists, enhancing licensure portability and expanding professional opportunities for LMFTs in Georgia
2020-2021
Our lobbying efforts led to the inclusion of LMFT services in Medicaid billing under EPSDT’s Psychology Services, expanding our reach and making our services more accessible to those children under the age of 16.
2023
GAMFT took another significant step by clarifying and updating LMFT licensing standards in alignment with national standards with HB 76. This move reaffirmed our commitment to maintaining the highest levels of professional excellence.
2014
Georgia confirmed the statute for our practice with the passage of SB 128. GAMFT’s advocacy efforts successfully added “diagnose” to our practice scope, recognizing our expertise and enhancing our ability to serve our clients.
2022
GAMFT took another significant step by clarifying and updating LMFT licensing standards in alignment with national standards. This move reaffirmed our commitment to maintaining the highest levels of professional excellence.
1995
Georgia updated LMFT training requirements through the passage of SB 188, reflecting our commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards.
2021
Georgia granted LMFTs the authority to sign a 1013/2013, a vital step in mental health crisis management, through HB 590. This achievement was the result of our collective action, demonstrating our dedication to improving mental health services in the state.
1984
GAMFT achieved a significant milestone by advocating for the passage of SB 93. This legislation established Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) as subject to state-specific codes and regulations, solidifying our commitment to upholding the highest professional standards.
Curious to Learn Even More?
Check out this engaging lecture on the history of MFT in Georgia with Carl Johnson, LMFT and GAMFT founding member—brought to you by the University of Georgia College of Education.