Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MS Board of Healthcare
Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing in Mississippi
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for marriage and family therapist in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a person who has met pre-application requirements and is approved to practice counseling without supervision.
- 7
Pre-Application Requirements:.
- 8
Master's degree in Counseling, 60 semester-hours or 90 quarter-hours master's degree in Counseling or degree program with the word counseling in the title, OR doctoral or educational specialist degree primarily in a counseling, guidance,.
- 9
Completion of Supervised Experience Hours (4.3 Rules and Regs).
- 10
Passing Score on either the National Counselor Exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Exam (NCMHCE).
- 11
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is recognized by the Board as a person who has met the educational, examination, and experience requirements to become licensed.
Exam and processing details
- National Counselor Exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Exam (NCMHCE)
Continuing education and program notes
- continuing education requirements, pay applicable renewal fees, and submit a fingerprint background check when required to maintain an ACTIVE status license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
MS State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$51,260 median (20% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#42 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Mississippi 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 Counselor Exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Exam (NCMHCE).
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a person who has met pre-application requirements and is approved to practice counseling without...).
- 6. Submit the application to MS State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Mississippi
With a median salary of $51,260, Marriage and Family Therapists in Mississippi earn 20% below the national median of $63,780. Mississippi ranks #42 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.5%Average Weekly Wage
$999Median annual salary
$51,260Hourly estimate
$24.6420% below national median
Difference: -$12,520
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMarriage and Family Therapist Salary Ranking
#42 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $51,260 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $45,660 | Degree required | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| Alabama | $54,280 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 19 years |
| 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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 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. |
| Alabama | 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. |
| Arkansas | 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
MS State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors
239 North Lamar Street, Suite 402, Jackson, MS, 39201
Phone: 6013591010
Related Careers in Mississippi
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|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in Mississippi?
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 Mississippi?
Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
The board typically expects Degree required for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure in Mississippi.
What is the typical Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for Marriage and Family Therapists in Mississippi is $51,260. Salaries range from $49,520 (10th percentile) to $58,550 (90th percentile).
How does the Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?
Marriage and Family Therapists in Mississippi earn 20% below the national median of $63,780, with a state median of $51,260.
How many Marriage and Family Therapists work in Mississippi?
Mississippi employs approximately 180 Marriage and Family Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
The licensing agency is MS State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors. Review agency details at https://www.lpc.ms.gov/wplpc/.
How often do you renew a Marriage and Family Therapist license in Mississippi?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.