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

Missouri Marriage and Family Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Specializes in treating relationship and family issues.

What the Missouri data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

To practice as a marriage and family therapist in Missouri, the state licensing board requires 2,838 documented education or training hours, a passing score on MFT National Examination, and 2 years of supervised work experience. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Missouri's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

Budget $151 to get started, plus $134 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 36 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in Missouri

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
2,838 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$151
Renewal Fee
$134
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 Missouri licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Missouri licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in Missouri? ▼
Missouri requires 2838 education/training hours, passing an exam (MFT National Examination), and an initial fee of $151. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Missouri? ▼
Missouri licenses marriage and family therapists who complete its requirements (2838 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Missouri licensing board.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Missouri from another state? ▼
For marriage and family therapists, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Missouri licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Missouri require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
Missouri 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 Missouri? ▼
To stay licensed as a marriage and family therapist in Missouri, plan on 36 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $134.

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.