Arkansas Leads the Way in 2025 with MFT Licensure Portability Victory
AAMFT is proud to announce that Arkansas is the first state in 2025 to pass and sign an Access MFTs licensure portability bill into law! On the heels of bipartisan support, HB 1187 passed both chambers of the Arkansas legislature and was officially signed into law by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
This groundbreaking legislation allows Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) from other states to apply for Arkansas licensure by simply presenting an existing license in good standing—removing unnecessary barriers for qualified professionals looking to serve in the state.
We extend our sincere gratitude to AAMFT members Dr. Kelly Roberts and Dr. Becky Whetstone, who played a pivotal role in this victory by traveling to the Arkansas State Capitol and offering compelling testimony in support of HB 1187. Their advocacy exemplifies the power of professional leadership and grassroots action in shaping meaningful policy change.
This win is more than a legislative milestone—it’s a major step forward for access to mental health care. By streamlining the licensure process, Arkansas is helping to build a more flexible and responsive mental health workforce capable of meeting urgent client needs in underserved communities.
Stay up to date on this and future victories by visiting the Access MFTs website.
