1) Key California Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC):
- Education: Requires a master’s degree with at least 60 semester units, covering 13 core content areas and including practicum experience.
- Supervised Experience: 3,000 hours over a minimum of two years.
- Examinations: Law and Ethics exam, followed by the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
- Renewal and Continuing Education: LPCCs must renew every two years and complete 36 hours of Continuing Education (CE), which includes 6 hours each in law and ethics and suicide risk assessment. Licenses must be renewed every two years, and the renewal deadline is the last day of the month in which your license was originally issued. For instance, if your license was issued on May 15, your renewal will be due by May 31 two years later.
- Fees: Initial licensure application fee is $200; renewal fee is $195
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT):
- Education: Master’s degree with at least 60 semester units in marriage and family therapy or a related field.
- Supervised Experience: 3,000 hours over a minimum of two years.
- Examinations: Law and Ethics exam and LMFT Clinical Exam.
- Renewal and CE: Similar to LPCC, LMFTs must renew every two years and complete 36 CE hours, including specific coursework for law and ethics. Licenses must be renewed every two years, and the renewal deadline is the last day of the month in which your license was originally issued. For instance, if your license was issued on May 15, your renewal will be due by May 31 two years later.
- Fees: Initial licensure application fee is $200, with a renewal fee of $130
For more information, you can visit the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ NBCC-approved CE courses for one low annual fee to meet California’s requirements for Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education credits.
2) California Counselor and Therpist Continuing Education Requirements
In California, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) must meet specific Continuing Education (CE) requirements to renew their licenses every two years. Here is a breakdown of those CE requirements:
General CE Requirements for LPCCs and LMFTs:
- Total Hours: Both LPCCs and LMFTs must complete 36 hours of continuing education every two years. However, for licensees in their first renewal period after licensure, only 18 hours are required.
- Core Areas:
- Law and Ethics: All LPCCs and LMFTs must complete at least 6 hours in Law and Ethics during each renewal cycle. This is a mandatory course that covers state regulations, ethical responsibilities, and legal requirements for practice.
- Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention: As of 2021, counselors are also required to complete at least 6 hours of training in suicide risk assessment and intervention during every renewal cycle.
- Additional Specific CE for First Renewal:
- For the first renewal after licensure, LPCCs must include 7 hours of HIV/AIDS training as part of their continuing education
- Approved Providers: CE credits must be earned through Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)-approved providers, such as accredited universities, professional organizations, or organizations specifically authorized by the BBS like NBCC. Agents of Change Continuing Education is NBCC-approved and all courses are accepted for CE credit.
- Online and In-Person CE Options: Most continuing education can be completed online, but it must be from a qualified provider. Some courses may be offered in-person or as hybrid formats.
- Documentation and Audits: Licensees are required to retain documentation of their completed CE hours for at least four years in case of an audit by the BBS.
- License Renewal Deadline: Licenses must be renewed every two years, and the renewal deadline is the last day of the month in which your license was originally issued. For instance, if your license was issued on May 15, your renewal will be due by May 31 two years later
Meeting these CE requirements is crucial for maintaining an active and compliant counseling or therapy practice in California.
Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet California’s Counselor and Therapist CE requirements and track your completed CEUs, with over 150 NBCC-approved courses that meet these requirements!
Agents of Change has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7620. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Agents of Change is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
3) FAQs – California Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal and CEUs
Q: What are the Continuing Education (CE) requirements for renewing an LPCC license in California?
A: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) in California must complete 36 hours of Continuing Education (CE) every two years. This includes mandatory training, such as 6 hours of Law and Ethics and 6 hours in suicide risk assessment and intervention.
For those renewing their license for the first time, only 18 hours of CE are required, including 7 hours of HIV/AIDS training. CE courses must be taken through Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)-approved providers, and credits can often be earned online or through in-person courses.
Q: What are the specific CE requirements for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) in California?
A: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) are required to complete 36 hours of CE during each two-year renewal cycle. This includes 6 mandatory hours in Law and Ethics. Similar to LPCCs, first-time renewals require only 18 hours, but must include specific coursework such as HIV/AIDS training.
CE credits must be from BBS-approved providers, and therapists should maintain documentation of their completed courses for four years in case of audit.
Q: Are there any online options for completing CE hours for California counselors and therapists?
A: Yes, both LPCCs and LMFTs can complete their required CE hours through online courses, provided these are offered by BBS-approved providers like Agents of Change Continuing Education.
While many courses are available online, the Board allows flexibility in how you complete your CE requirements, including a mix of online and in-person training, as long as they meet the state’s CE guidelines.
Resources for CE: Agents of Change Continuing Education offers over 150 NBCC-approved courses that meet California’s Counselor and Therapist CE requirements.