Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Healthcare
Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for marriage and family therapist in Virginia, 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 Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 4
"Marriage and family therapist" means a person trained in the appraisal and treatment of cognitive, affective, or behavioral mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage and family systems through the application of therapeutic and family systems theories and techniques.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health Professions • Virginia Board of Counseling
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$80,670 median (26% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#4 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Virginia 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.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation ("Marriage and family therapist" means a person trained in the appraisal and treatment of cognitive, affective, or behavioral mental and e...).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Health Professions~Virginia Board of Counseling and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $80,670, Marriage and Family Therapists in Virginia earn 26% above the national median of $63,780. Virginia ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$80,670Hourly estimate
$38.7826% above national median
Difference: +$16,890
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMarriage and Family Therapist Salary Ranking
#4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $80,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $65,300 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $48,180 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $60,190 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $45,660 | Degree required | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| North Carolina | $53,910 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 56 | Medium | 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. |
| North Carolina | 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
Department of Health Professions • Virginia Board of Counseling
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485
Phone: 8042674610
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $326,130 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $58,200 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $85,590 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Virginia 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 Virginia?
The board typically expects Degree required for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Marriage and Family Therapists in Virginia is $80,670. Salaries range from $42,790 (10th percentile) to $121,780 (90th percentile).
How does the Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Marriage and Family Therapists in Virginia earn 26% above the national median of $63,780, with a state median of $80,670.
How many Marriage and Family Therapists work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 910 Marriage and Family Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Virginia 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 Virginia?
The licensing agency is Department of Health Professions / Virginia Board of Counseling. Review agency details at https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Counseling/.
How often do you renew a Marriage and Family Therapist license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.