In the evolving field of mental health, professional growth doesn’t stop after licensure. Continuing education in counseling is essential for maintaining credentials, deepening expertise, and staying up to date with best practices. Whether it’s learning about trauma-informed care, cultural competency, or telehealth ethics, CE empowers counselors to offer more effective and ethically sound services.
Most licensing boards require counselors to complete a specific number of CE hours annually or biennially as part of license renewal. But beyond compliance, continuing education also fosters professional confidence, specialization, and improved client outcomes.
1. What Is Continuing Education in Counseling?
Continuing education (CE) refers to post-licensure professional training designed to help counselors:
- Meet state licensure renewal requirements
- Learn new therapeutic techniques
- Stay updated on legal and ethical guidelines
- Specialize in areas such as trauma, addiction, or couples counseling
- Build skills in supervision, leadership, or teletherapy
CE courses can be completed in various formats and must typically be approved by relevant accrediting bodies or state licensing boards.
2. CE Requirements for Counselors
CE requirements vary by licensure type and state, but typical standards include:
- 20 to 40 hours every 1–2 years
- Mandatory topics such as ethics, cultural competence, and suicide prevention
- State-approved providers only
- Proof of completion (certificate or transcript) for license renewal
Examples:
- LPCs may need 40 hours every two years
- LMFTs may be required to complete 30 hours including 6 in law and ethics
- Social workers may need CE on diversity or clinical supervision
Always check with your state licensing board for specific CE requirements and accepted providers.
3. Types of Continuing Education Formats
Counselors can fulfill CE requirements through a wide range of delivery methods:
• Online Courses and Webinars
Self-paced or live virtual classes with flexible scheduling. Popular for working professionals.
• Workshops and Seminars
In-person or online intensives often focused on specific techniques like EMDR, DBT, or trauma work.
• Professional Conferences
Offer multiple CE sessions in one event, including keynote lectures, panels, and networking.
• Graduate Courses and Postgraduate Certifications
University-level training that can count toward CE hours and specialization.
• Supervision and Peer Consultation (where approved)
Certain boards may count structured supervision or consultation hours as CE credit.
4. Topics Commonly Covered in CE for Counselors
- Ethics and boundary setting
- Cultural competence and diversity
- Trauma-informed care
- Teletherapy and digital confidentiality
- Child and adolescent counseling
- Addiction and recovery treatment
- Couples and family therapy techniques
- Crisis intervention and suicide prevention
- Diagnosis and treatment planning (DSM-5/ICD-10 updates)
- Clinical supervision and leadership
5. Benefits of Continuing Education in Counseling
- License Renewal: Stay legally compliant and avoid licensure lapse.
- Skill Expansion: Learn advanced tools for client care and niche populations.
- Professional Credibility: Stay competitive in the job market and attract referrals.
- Specialization Opportunities: Earn credentials in areas like play therapy, EMDR, or trauma recovery.
- Networking and Collaboration: Connect with peers, supervisors, and educators.
6. Where to Find CE Opportunities
Many CE programs are offered by:
- Accredited universities and counseling programs
- Professional associations (e.g., ACA, NBCC, NASW, AAMFT)
- State licensing boards and approved CE providers
- Private training organizations or continuing education platforms
Recommended CE providers include:
- CE4Less
- PESI
- Simple Practice Learning
- Zur Institute
- Therapy Notes CEU Resources
- APA Continuing Education (for psychologists)
Ensure the provider is approved by your state board or a recognized accreditor like NBCC, APA, or ASWB.
Continuing education in counseling is more than a requirement—it’s a reflection of a therapist’s commitment to excellence. As client needs evolve and therapeutic standards shift, ongoing training ensures you remain informed, skilled, and ethically grounded. Whether you’re seeking license renewal, clinical specialization, or leadership development, CE supports your journey as a lifelong learner and compassionate practitioner.