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

Texas 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.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Specializes in treating relationship and family issues.

What the Texas data shows for Marriage and Family Therapists

To practice as a marriage and family therapist in Texas, the state licensing board requires 3,027 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 Texas's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

The initial price tag is $194, and renewal costs $167 every 2 years. The license also carries an ongoing 36-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

On reciprocity, marriage and family therapists should know: MFT Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
3,027 hours
Exam Requirement
MFT National Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$194
Renewal Fee
$167
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
36 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Marriage and Family Therapist in Texas? ▼
Texas requires 3027 education/training hours, passing an exam (MFT National Examination), and an initial fee of $194. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Texas? ▼
Certification as a marriage and family therapist in Texas means clearing the state's checklist: 3027 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Texas licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Texas 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 Texas. Verify the specifics with the Texas licensing board.
Does Texas require a background check for Marriage and Family Therapist licensing? ▼
Yes, Texas requires a criminal background check as part of the marriage and family therapist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist in Texas? ▼
Texas ties continued marriage and family therapist licensure to 36 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $167 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.