Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for marriage and family therapist in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Both state and third-party exams requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Marriage and Family Therapist in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must have received a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy or related field from a regionallyt accredited institution.
- The graduate semester hours must meet or exceed the national academic and training content standards adopted by the Board or the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). 2) Must demonstrate professional competencies by passing written examinations and/or oral interviews as prescribed by the Board. 3) Must have 3,000 clock hours of supervised full-time experience, in marriage and family therapy acceptable to the board. 4) Must have a Criminal Background Check.
- Application packet: free from Web site, Application
- 2
Must have received a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy or related field from a regionallyt accredited institution.
- The graduate semester hours must meet or exceed the national academic and training content standards adopted by the Board or the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). 2) Must demonstrate professional competencies by passing written examinations and/or oral interviews as prescribed by the Board. 3) Must have 3,000 clock hours of supervised full-time experience, in marriage and family therapy acceptable to the board. 4) Must have a Criminal Background Check.
- Application packet: free from Web site, Application fee: $100.00, License fee: $250.00, Renewal fee: $250.00 (every two years).
- 3
Education: Degree required.
- 4
Experience: No experience required.
- 5
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 6
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 7
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 8
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) provides marriage and family therapy services to individuals, couples and families, singularly or in groups for monetary remuneration
- and holds a current, valid license to practice marriage and family therapy services.
- 9
Requirements: 1) Must have received a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy or related field from a regionallyt accredited institution.
- 10
The graduate semester hours must meet or exceed the national academic and training content standards adopted by the Board or the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
- 11
3) Must have 3,000 clock hours of supervised full-time experience, in marriage and family therapy acceptable to the board.
- 12
4) Must have a Criminal Background Check.
- 13
Application packet: free from Web site, Application fee: $100.00, License fee: $250.00, Renewal fee: $250.00 (every two years).
Exam and processing details
- written examinations and/or oral interviews as prescribed by the Board
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$47,090 median (26% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#46 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required written examinations and/or oral interviews as prescribed by the Board.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Must have received a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy or related field from a regionallyt accredited institution. The gradu...; Must have received a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy or related field from a regionallyt accredited institution. The gradu...).
- 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $47,090, Marriage and Family Therapists in Arkansas earn 26% below the national median of $63,780. Arkansas ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$47,090Hourly estimate
$22.6426% below national median
Difference: -$16,690
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMarriage and Family Therapist Salary Ranking
#46 of 50 statesfor Marriage and Family Therapist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | $135,870 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $89,030 |
| #3 | Utah | $81,170 |
| #4 | Virginia | $80,670 |
| #5 | Oregon | $79,890 |
Nearby States Comparison
Marriage and Family Therapist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $47,090 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $64,900 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $45,660 | Degree required | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| Mississippi | $51,260 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $63,780 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-13 months |
| Texas | $45,690 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $56,450 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy
101 East Capitol, Suite 202, Little Rock, AR, 72201
Phone: 5016835800
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Marriage and Family Therapists in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Marriage and Family Therapists.
What education do you need to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Marriage and Family Therapists in Arkansas is $47,090. Salaries range from $41,120 (10th percentile) to $71,020 (90th percentile).
How does the Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Marriage and Family Therapists in Arkansas earn 26% below the national median of $63,780, with a state median of $47,090.
How many Marriage and Family Therapists work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 120 Marriage and Family Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Marriage and Family Therapists in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy. Review agency details at https://www.abec.statesolutions.us/.
How often do you renew a Marriage and Family Therapist license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.