Marriage and Family Therapist / Massachusetts
2026 data Massachusetts board official source

Massachusetts Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Specializes in treating relationship and family issues.

What the Massachusetts data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

Becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in Massachusetts means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 3,135 training hours, a passing score on MFT National Examination, and 2 years of supervised work experience, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Massachusetts regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

The initial price tag is $218, and renewal costs $186 every 2 years. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 36 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

For marriage and family therapists, the reciprocity picture is: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
3,135 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$218
Renewal Fee
$186
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
36 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

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Compare all states for Marriage and Family Therapist All Massachusetts licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Massachusetts licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts requires 3135 education/training hours, passing an exam (MFT National Examination), and an initial fee of $218. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts licenses marriage and family therapists who complete its requirements (3135 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Massachusetts licensing board.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Massachusetts from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for marriage and family therapists: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Massachusetts licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Massachusetts require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
Massachusetts does require a background check before issuing a marriage and family therapist license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist in Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts ties continued marriage and family therapist licensure to 36 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $186 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.