How to Apply
Getting licensed as a Marriage & Family Therapist in California starts with meeting the educational prerequisites set by the CA licensing authority. Once you have completed your training, you will need to register for and pass the MFT National Exam. After passing, submit your application along with all required documents to the California state board.
Requirements
To qualify for Marriage & Family Therapist licensure in California, candidates must satisfy several prerequisites. CA mandates completion of an approved training program, successful passage of the MFT National Exam, and a clean criminal background check. Additional requirements may include proof of residency and professional references as determined by the California regulatory authority.
Fees & Costs
The cost of becoming a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California starts at $250 for the application fee. CA requires this fee to be paid at the time of application submission. Factor in additional expenses such as exam fees, background check costs, and any required continuing education. Late renewal penalties in California can add up to $75 to your costs.
License Fee Calculator — Marriage & Family Therapist in California
Renewal Process
California requires Marriage & Family Therapist license holders to renew their credentials every 2 years. The renewal fee is $150 in CA. Continuing education requirements must be met before the renewal application is submitted. California offers both online and mail-in renewal options for licensed professionals.
License Expiry Calculator — Marriage & Family Therapist in CA
Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. California requires renewal every 2 years.
Additional Information
California takes professional licensing seriously, and the Marriage & Family Therapist field is no exception. The state board in CA regularly updates its requirements to align with industry standards and protect public safety. As a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in California, you will be expected to maintain high ethical standards and stay current with developments in your field. The CA licensing board provides resources and support to help professionals meet their obligations.
Document Checklist — Marriage & Family Therapist
0 of 5 documents ready
Frequently Asked Questions
License Reciprocity: Can I Use My California Marriage & Family Therapist License in Other States?
Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.
| Destination State | Reciprocity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska (AK) | Full | AK accepts CA Marriage & Family Therapist license via reciprocity agreement. |
| Alabama (AL) | Full | AL accepts CA Marriage & Family Therapist license via reciprocity agreement. |
| Arizona (AZ) | None | AZ does not recognize CA Marriage & Family Therapist license. Full re-application required. |
| Arkansas (AR) | None | AR does not recognize CA Marriage & Family Therapist license. Full re-application required. |
| Colorado (CO) | Partial | CO requires additional exam or paperwork for CA license holders. |
| Delaware (DE) | Partial | DE requires additional exam or paperwork for CA license holders. |
| Florida (FL) | None | FL does not recognize CA Marriage & Family Therapist license. Full re-application required. |
| Iowa (IA) | Full | IA accepts CA Marriage & Family Therapist license via reciprocity agreement. |
Where to File Locally in California
Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.
Sacramento
1625 N Market Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 574-7170
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Los Angeles
320 W 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 897-3722
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
San Francisco
455 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 557-3261
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
San Diego
1350 Front St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 525-4235
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
San Jose
100 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 277-4102
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Official California Resources
Always verify requirements directly with the California state board. Regulations may change.
California Licensing Board
https://www.dca.ca.gov
Contact Phone
(800) 952-5210
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US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.