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Marriage & Family Therapist License in Massachusetts

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Marriage & Family Therapist license in MA. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$250

Processing Time

4-8 Weeks

Exam Required

MFT National Exam

Difficulty Level

Medium

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Marriage & Family Therapist license in Massachusetts.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Marriage & Family Therapist training program in Massachusetts.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your MA application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the MFT National Exam.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Massachusetts licensing board and pay the $250 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 4-8 weeks in MA. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

If you are looking to start your career as a Marriage & Family Therapist in Massachusetts, the licensing process begins with education. MA mandates specific coursework before you can sit for the MFT National Exam. Upon passing the exam, you can proceed to file your application with the appropriate Massachusetts regulatory board.

Requirements

The Massachusetts licensing board sets clear requirements for aspiring Marriage & Family Therapist professionals. These include age verification (minimum 18), completion of state-approved education, and passing the MFT National Exam. MA also requires a thorough background investigation and may request additional documentation depending on your specific circumstances.

Fees & Costs

The initial application fee for a Marriage & Family Therapist license in Massachusetts is approximately $250. This fee covers the processing of your application and initial license issuance. MA also charges an examination fee which is typically paid directly to the testing provider. Late application submissions in Massachusetts may incur additional penalties of up to $63.

License Fee Calculator — Marriage & Family Therapist in Massachusetts

Base License Fee$250
Estimated Total$250

Renewal Process

Massachusetts requires Marriage & Family Therapist license holders to renew their credentials every 2 years. The renewal fee is $150 in MA. Continuing education requirements must be met before the renewal application is submitted. Massachusetts offers both online and mail-in renewal options for licensed professionals.

License Expiry Calculator — Marriage & Family Therapist in MA

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Massachusetts requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

Massachusetts takes professional licensing seriously, and the Marriage & Family Therapist field is no exception. The state board in MA regularly updates its requirements to align with industry standards and protect public safety. As a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Massachusetts, you will be expected to maintain high ethical standards and stay current with developments in your field. The MA 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 Massachusetts Marriage & Family Therapist License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) NoneAK does not recognize MA Marriage & Family Therapist license. Full re-application required.
Alabama (AL) NoneAL does not recognize MA Marriage & Family Therapist license. Full re-application required.
Arizona (AZ) PartialAZ requires additional exam or paperwork for MA license holders.
Arkansas (AR) PartialAR requires additional exam or paperwork for MA license holders.
Colorado (CO) FullCO accepts MA Marriage & Family Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.
Delaware (DE) FullDE accepts MA Marriage & Family Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.
California (CA) PartialCA requires additional exam or paperwork for MA license holders.
Florida (FL) NoneFL does not recognize MA Marriage & Family Therapist license. Full re-application required.

Where to File Locally in Massachusetts

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Boston

1000 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118

(617) 701-8600

Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Worcester

455 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608

(508) 799-1000

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Springfield

36 Court St, Springfield, MA 01103

(413) 787-6100

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Cambridge

795 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

(617) 349-4300

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Lowell

375 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852

(978) 970-4000

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Official Massachusetts Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Massachusetts state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

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.