1) Key Pennsylvania Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates
In Pennsylvania, the credentialing and licensure requirements for counselors and therapists are regulated by the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors. Below is a breakdown of the different credentials, licensure requirements, and related fees for counselors and therapists, excluding social work licenses.
Credentials for Counselors and Therapists in Pennsylvania
1. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
To become an LPC in Pennsylvania, candidates must meet the following requirements:
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Education: A master’s degree or doctoral degree in counseling or a closely related field from a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or equivalent.
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Supervised Experience: 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised clinical experience, with a minimum of two years of professional practice under the supervision of a qualified supervisor.
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Examination: Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or an equivalent board-approved exam.
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Application Fee: $45 (initial application)
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Renewal Fee: $95 (biennial)
2. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
To become an LMFT in Pennsylvania, candidates must meet the following:
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Education: A master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from an accredited program.
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Supervised Experience: 3,000 hours of supervised experience in marriage and family therapy, completed within two years.
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Examination: Pass the Examination in Marital and Family Therapy administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
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Application Fee: $45 (initial application)
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Renewal Fee: $95 (biennial)
3. Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS)
For those pursuing an LBS license, the requirements are:
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Education: A master’s degree in a related field such as psychology, counseling, or special education.
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Experience: Experience working with individuals with behavioral challenges, including those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.
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Training: Completion of specific training in applied behavior analysis (ABA) or other evidence-based treatments.
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Examination: There is no standard national exam for LBS licensure in Pennsylvania, but applicants must demonstrate competency through their training and supervised experience.
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Application Fee: $45 (initial application)
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Renewal Fee: $75 (biennial)
Licensure Renewal Details and Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
All licensed counselors and therapists in Pennsylvania are required to renew their licenses every two years (biennially) through the State Board. The exact renewal date can vary depending on when your license was initially issued, but most renewals are due by February 28 of every odd-numbered year. The renewal process includes:
- Continuing Education (CE): Licensees must complete 30 hours of CE during each renewal cycle. Of these, at least 3 hours must cover ethics, and another 2 hours must focus on child abuse recognition and reporting. Some professions may have specific CE requirements related to their areas of practice.
- Renewal Fees: LPC and LMFT renewals cost $95, while LBS renewals cost $75. Renewal applications must be submitted online via the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS).
Licensure Fees Overview
| License Type | Initial Application Fee | Biennial Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Professional Counselor | $45 | $95 |
| Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | $45 | $95 |
| Licensed Behavior Specialist | $45 | $75 |
Other Fees
- Reactivation Fee (Lapsed License): $65 for reactivating a lapsed license.
- Duplicate License Fee: $5 for a duplicate or replacement license.
Sources:
Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ NBCC-approved CE courses for one low annual fee to meet Pennsylvania’s requirements for Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education credits.
2) Pennsylvania’s Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements
In Pennsylvania, continuing education (CE) is a critical requirement for licensed counselors and therapists, ensuring they remain current with best practices, ethical standards, and new developments in their fields. Below is an in-depth overview of the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), and Licensed Behavior Specialists (LBS).
General CE Requirements
For all licensed counselors and therapists in Pennsylvania, the general CE requirements are as follows:
- Total Hours Required: 30 hours of continuing education must be completed during each two-year (biennial) renewal cycle.
- Mandatory Ethics Training: At least 3 of the 30 CE hours must be focused on professional ethics. These courses typically cover issues such as client confidentiality, dual relationships, and boundaries, helping professionals navigate ethical dilemmas in their practice.
- Child Abuse Reporting and Recognition Training: Licensees must also complete a minimum of 2 hours in child abuse recognition and reporting training. This is a mandatory requirement set forth by Pennsylvania law for all healthcare and mental health professionals who work with children or families.
Approved CE Providers
The CE hours must be earned from programs or organizations that are approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors. Commonly accepted CE providers include:
- National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) – Agents of Change Continuing Education is approved by NBCC
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- State-approved educational institutions and professional associations
Courses offered through universities, online training platforms, and professional conferences may qualify as long as the provider is recognized by the licensing board.
CE Requirements for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
For LPCs, the 30 CE hours must cover areas relevant to counseling practice, such as:
- Clinical assessment and diagnosis
- Psychotherapy techniques
- Counseling theory
- Evidence-based practices for treatment
While there is flexibility in the choice of topics, licensees are encouraged to select courses that are directly related to their area of specialization or professional interest.
CE Requirements for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)
LMFTs in Pennsylvania must also complete 30 hours of CE per biennial cycle. In addition to the ethics and child abuse training requirements, LMFTs should focus on education that advances their clinical skills in areas such as:
- Family systems theory
- Couples counseling and therapy
- Family interventions
- Relationship dynamics and communication
The goal is to ensure that LMFTs remain equipped to handle the complexities of marriage and family therapy and stay updated on new interventions and approaches.
CE Requirements for Licensed Behavior Specialists (LBS)
For LBS license holders, the continuing education requirements also amount to 30 hours every two years, with specific emphasis on behavior analysis and related fields. Courses may include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Behavioral interventions for autism spectrum disorders
- Positive behavior support techniques
- Treatment planning for individuals with behavioral disorders
As with LPCs and LMFTs, LBS license holders must complete the mandatory ethics and child abuse training as part of their CE hours.
Carryover of CE Credits
Pennsylvania does not allow unused CE credits to be carried over from one renewal cycle to the next. All 30 required hours must be completed within the two-year licensure period.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to complete the required CE hours within the licensure period can result in penalties, including fines or disciplinary action. Additionally, licenses may not be renewed until all CE requirements are fulfilled. Counselors and therapists are advised to maintain proper documentation of their CE activities in case they are audited by the state licensing board.
How to Submit CE Credits
When renewing their licenses, licensees must attest to completing the required CE hours. Although licensees do not need to submit certificates of completion with the renewal application, they must retain these records for at least four years in case of an audit by the board.
Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet Pennsylvania’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 – Pennsylvania Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal and CEUs
Q: What happens if I don’t complete my continuing education (CE) requirements before my licensure renewal date in Pennsylvania?
A: If you fail to complete the required 30 hours of continuing education (CE) before your licensure renewal date, your license may not be renewed, and you could face penalties or disciplinary action from the Pennsylvania State Board. Practicing with an expired license is illegal and could result in fines or a suspension of your ability to provide counseling or therapy services.
To avoid this, ensure all CE hours are completed within the two-year renewal cycle, and keep thorough documentation of your CE activities in case of an audit by the board.
Q: Can I complete all of my CE requirements online for Pennsylvania counselor and therapist licensure renewal?
A: Yes, licensed counselors and therapists in Pennsylvania can complete their CE requirements online as long as the courses are provided by state-approved or nationally recognized organizations such as the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), or other approved entities.
It’s important to confirm that the courses you choose meet the Pennsylvania State Board’s standards, including the mandatory ethics and child abuse recognition training requirements.
Q: How often do I need to renew my license, and what is the cost of renewal for LPC, LMFT, and LBS licenses in Pennsylvania?
A: All Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), and Licensed Behavior Specialists (LBSs) in Pennsylvania must renew their licenses every two years (biennially). The renewal fee is $95 for LPC and LMFT licenses, and $75 for LBS licenses.
Renewal applications are submitted online via the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). It’s crucial to meet all CE requirements and pay the renewal fee by the deadline to avoid license expiration or penalties.
Resources for CE: Agents of Change Continuing Education offers over 150 NBCC-approved courses that meet Pennsylvania’s Counselor and Therapist CE requirements.