Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MA Board of Healthcare
Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing in Massachusetts
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for marriage and family therapist in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
The Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards' National Marital and Family Therapy Examination is required for the LMFT.
- 6
Specific information on the exam and the current testing windows can be found at www.amftrb.org.
- 7
You must submit an application demonstrating completion of all education and pre-master's experience, along with an official transcript, in order to be approved to sit for the exam.
- 8
Post-master's experience is not required to seek approval to sit for the examination.
Exam and processing details
- National Marital and Family Therapy Examination is required for the LMFT
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and • Division of Professional Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$62,290 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#25 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Massachusetts 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 Marital and Family Therapy Examination is required for the LMFT.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; You must submit an application demonstrating completion of all education and pre-master's experience, along with an official transcript,...).
- 6. Submit the application to Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and~Division of Professional Licensure and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Massachusetts
With a median salary of $62,290, Marriage and Family Therapists in Massachusetts earn 2% below the national median of $63,780. Massachusetts ranks #25 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,805Median annual salary
$62,290Hourly estimate
$29.952% below national median
Difference: -$1,490
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMarriage and Family Therapist Salary Ranking
#25 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $62,290 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Hampshire | $57,220 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-2 months |
| Vermont | $61,060 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $65,020 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $76,930 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 1-3 years |
| Rhode Island | $63,780 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Hampshire | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Rhode Island | 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
Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and • Division of Professional Licensure
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA, 02118
Phone: 6177273080
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|---|---|---|---|
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in Massachusetts?
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 Massachusetts?
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The board typically expects Degree required for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure in Massachusetts.
What is the typical Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for Marriage and Family Therapists in Massachusetts is $62,290. Salaries range from $47,760 (10th percentile) to $90,070 (90th percentile).
How does the Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
Marriage and Family Therapists in Massachusetts earn 2% below the national median of $63,780, with a state median of $62,290.
How many Marriage and Family Therapists work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts employs approximately 530 Marriage and Family Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The licensing agency is Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and / Division of Professional Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/mh/.
How often do you renew a Marriage and Family Therapist license in Massachusetts?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.