Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TX Board of Healthcare
Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing in Texas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for marriage and family therapist in Texas, 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 Texas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
Marriage and family therapists (LMFT) render professional therapy services to individuals, families, or married couples, singly or in groups, and involves the professional application of family systems, theories and techniques in the delivery of therapy services to those persons.
Exam and processing details
- Both state and third-party exams required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$45,690 median (28% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#47 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Texas 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: Both state and third-party exams required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.; Marriage and family therapists (LMFT) render professional therapy services to individuals, families, or married couples, singly or in gro...).
- 6. Submit the application to Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Texas
With a median salary of $45,690, Marriage and Family Therapists in Texas earn 28% below the national median of $63,780. Texas ranks #47 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,420Median annual salary
$45,690Hourly estimate
$21.9728% below national median
Difference: -$18,090
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMarriage and Family Therapist Salary Ranking
#47 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Arkansas | $47,090 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $63,780 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-13 months |
| New Mexico | $67,990 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 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. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 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
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
1801 Congress Ave, Ste 7.300, Austin, TX, 78701
Phone: 5123057700
Related Careers in Texas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $82,170 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $203,450 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $66,430 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $103,460 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in Texas?
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 Texas?
Texas 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 Texas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure in Texas.
What is the typical Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Texas?
The median annual salary for Marriage and Family Therapists in Texas is $45,690. Salaries range from $36,830 (10th percentile) to $79,220 (90th percentile).
How does the Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Texas compare to the national average?
Marriage and Family Therapists in Texas earn 28% below the national median of $63,780, with a state median of $45,690.
How many Marriage and Family Therapists work in Texas?
Texas employs approximately 1,160 Marriage and Family Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Texas 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 Texas?
The licensing agency is Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. Review agency details at http://www.bhec.texas.gov/.
How often do you renew a Marriage and Family Therapist license in Texas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.