NPI number for marriage and family therapists

LMFTs became Medicare-billable providers in 2024, and most commercial panels and telehealth platforms already credentialed them. All of it starts with the individual NPI.

Short answer: marriage and family therapists need an NPI when a payer, platform or employer puts them on a claim. The NPI is free, takes minutes, and lasts for life. SimpleNPI files it for you for free, usually within 10 minutes, or you can apply yourself at NPPES. Check the free lookup first in case you already have one.

Who asks marriage and family therapists for an NPI

Medicare (PECOS): Since January 2024 marriage and family therapists can enroll in Medicare; PECOS enrollment starts with the NPI.
Commercial panels and platforms: Headway, Alma, Rula, Grow Therapy and payer credentialing all key on the NPI.
Medicaid and the VA: State Medicaid and VA Community Care credential by NPI.
Group practices: The practice bills under its Type 2 NPI and lists your Type 1 as the rendering provider.

When you can skip it

A strictly private-pay practice with no superbills. Most LMFTs get one at licensure so it is ready.

Taxonomy code for a marriage and family therapist

The taxonomy code tells CMS and every payer your profession. For most marriage and family therapists it is 106H00000X, Marriage & Family Therapist. SimpleNPI enters it for you from your license type.

Your license on the application

Enter your LMFT license number and state exactly as the board lists it. Associate (AMFT, LMFT-A) numbers work the same way.

Before you are licensed

Associate MFTs can get an NPI with the same Marriage & Family Therapist taxonomy; there is no separate associate code. Students use 390200000X.

Two free ways to get it

Option 1 · Free · Easiest

SimpleNPI files it for you

One short form: name, license, contact, address, identity and an e-signed authorization. About 3 minutes, no CMS account to create.
A person checks your license and address, then files the application with CMS under your signed authorization.
Your NPI arrives by email and text, with all the documentation, usually within 10 minutes. Filed after midnight Eastern? It issues around 6 am Eastern.

Usually within 10 minutes after the form is complete.

Start the free application

Option 2 · Free

Apply yourself at NPPES

Create an Identity & Access account at nppes.cms.hhs.gov.
Choose Apply for an NPI for myself, Individual (Type 1).
Enter identity, addresses, taxonomy code and license number, then certify and submit.

Usually a few business days; often minutes when the Social Security match passes.

Go to NPPES

What you need (either path)

Legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card, date of birth, Social Security number, sex, and birth state or country
Email and mobile phone
Mailing address and practice address (home is fine)
Marriage and Family Therapist license number (LMFT, AMFT, LMFT-A, MFT) and the state that issued it

Questions marriage and family therapists ask

What is the taxonomy code for an LMFT?

106H00000X, Marriage & Family Therapist. It has no sub-specializations in the NUCC code set.

Can LMFTs bill Medicare?

Yes, since January 2024. Get the NPI first, then enroll in Medicare through PECOS.

Can an associate MFT get an NPI?

Yes. CMS issues the NPI to the person; the license is listed if you have one and updated when the full license arrives.

Written by Ammon Hardin, LMT, who grew a massage practice to ten locations, built a veteran therapy network, and credentialed a large number of providers along the way. Updated Tue Oct 27, 2026. Free to read, free to use; SimpleNPI files NPI applications for free.