Application Fee
See agencyVerified by LA Board of Healthcare
Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing in Louisiana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for marriage and family therapist in Louisiana, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Marriage and Family Therapist in Louisiana
Estimated timeline: 1-13 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
Must have a master's (at least 60 hours) or doctoral degree from a Marriage and Family Therapy Program or certificate from a post-graduate training institute accredited by COAMFTE or substantially equivalent to COAMFTE standards.
- 7
Must pass the National Marriage and Family Therapy Exam.
- 8
Must document qualified post-graduate work experience in marriage and family therapy and that includes at least 3,000 hours of clinical services to individuals, couples, families, or groups.
- 9
At least 2,000 hours must qualify as direct work experience.
- 10
Up to 500 hours of direct work experience received during the completion of a graduate program that is systemically oriented as determined by the advisory committee may be counted toward the required 2000 hours.
- 11
The remaining 1,000 hours may be indirect work experience or other professional activities that may include but are not limited to qualified supervision, workshops, public relations, administrative tasks, consulting with referral sources, etc.
Exam and processing details
- National Marriage and Family Therapy Exam
Continuing education and program notes
- certificate from a post-graduate training institute accredited by COAMFTE or substantially equivalent to COAMFTE standards
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • State of Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$63,780 median (0% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#20 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Louisiana eligibility requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Marriage and Family Therapy Exam.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.; Must have a master's (at least 60 hours) or doctoral degree from a Marriage and Family Therapy Program or certificate from a post-gradu...).
- 6. Submit the application to Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals~State of Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Louisiana
With a median salary of $63,780, Marriage and Family Therapists in Louisiana earn 0% above the national median of $63,780. Louisiana ranks #20 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-13 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,176Median annual salary
$63,780Hourly estimate
$30.660% above national median
Difference: +$0
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMarriage and Family Therapist Salary Ranking
#20 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $63,780 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-13 months |
| Arkansas | $47,090 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $51,260 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $45,690 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 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. |
| 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
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • State of Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors
8631 Summa Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA, 70809
Phone: 2257652515
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in Louisiana?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-13 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Marriage and Family Therapists in Louisiana?
Louisiana lists Third-party exam 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 Louisiana?
The board typically expects Degree required for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure in Louisiana.
What is the typical Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Louisiana?
The median annual salary for Marriage and Family Therapists in Louisiana is $63,780.
How does the Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Louisiana compare to the national average?
Marriage and Family Therapists in Louisiana earn 0% above the national median of $63,780, with a state median of $63,780.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
The licensing agency is Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals / State of Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors. Review agency details at https://www.lpcboard.org/.
How often do you renew a Marriage and Family Therapist license in Louisiana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.