Marriage and Family Therapist / Rhode Island
2026 data Rhode Island board official source

Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

To practice as a marriage and family therapist in Rhode Island, the state licensing board requires 3,243 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 Rhode Island's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

The initial price tag is $242, and renewal costs $205 every 2 years. 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 Rhode Island

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
3,243 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$242
Renewal Fee
$205
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 Rhode Island licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Rhode Island licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in Rhode Island? ▼
In Rhode Island, the license path calls for 3243 education/training hours, a passing score on MFT National Examination, and a $242 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Rhode Island? ▼
Certification as a marriage and family therapist in Rhode Island means clearing the state's checklist: 3243 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Rhode Island licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Rhode Island from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for marriage and family therapists nationally works like this: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Rhode Island. Verify the specifics with the Rhode Island licensing board.
Does Rhode Island require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for marriage and family therapist licensing in Rhode Island. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist in Rhode Island? ▼
To stay licensed as a marriage and family therapist in Rhode Island, plan on 36 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $205.

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.