Minnesota Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements -

Renewing a counseling or therapy license in Minnesota is an essential part of maintaining your professional credentials and ensuring you stay up-to-date with industry standards.

Whether you’re a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), understanding the specific renewal deadlines and Continuing Education (CE) requirements is crucial for avoiding lapses in licensure. Navigating these requirements can sometimes feel overwhelming, but staying informed will help you stay compliant and continue practicing without interruptions.

In Minnesota, each professional license type has its own set of renewal dates and CE credit requirements that must be met within a given period. These requirements are designed to promote continuous professional development, ensuring that counselors and therapists remain equipped with the latest knowledge and best practices to support their clients effectively.

The renewal process typically involves submitting proof of completed CE credits, paying renewal fees, and adhering to ethical standards set by Minnesota’s respective licensing boards.

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In Minnesota, professionals working in counseling and therapy need to obtain specific licenses and meet credentialing requirements to legally practice. There are two primary types of counseling licenses available: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).

Additionally, individuals who wish to practice as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) must obtain a separate license through the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy.

1. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Requirements

To become an LPC in Minnesota, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Educational Requirements: A master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a related field from a regionally accredited institution is required. The program must include at least 48 semester hours of coursework.
Examination: Candidates must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or another acceptable examination approved by the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT).
Supervised Experience: LPC candidates must complete 2,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience.

2. Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) Requirements

The LPCC designation allows counselors to practice independently and diagnose mental health conditions. To qualify for this higher level of licensure, individuals must fulfill additional requirements:

Educational Requirements: A master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a closely related field with at least 60 semester hours, including specific coursework in diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical counseling.
Examination: Candidates must pass both the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) and the NCE.
Supervised Experience: 4,000 hours of post-master’s supervised professional practice are required. At least 1,800 of these hours must be in direct client contact, with supervision by a licensed mental health professional.

3. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Requirements

To practice as a licensed LMFT in Minnesota, individuals must meet the following qualifications:

Educational Requirements: A master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field with at least 48 semester hours of relevant coursework.
Examination: Candidates must pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) national examination.
Supervised Experience: 4,000 hours of post-master’s clinical experience in marriage and family therapy, with at least 1,000 hours in direct client contact, are required. Supervision must be provided by an LMFT or an approved supervisor.

Licensure Renewal and Fees

Minnesota counseling and therapy licenses are generally renewed every two years. Specific fees and continuing education (CE) requirements differ based on the type of license.

LPC License Renewal

Renewal Frequency: Every two years. The exact deadline is tied to your initial licensure date, meaning your renewal date is typically the last day of the month in which your license was originally issued.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements: LPCs must complete 40 hours of continuing education during each two-year cycle.
Renewal Fee: $250.
Late Renewal Fee: Additional $50 if renewal is late.

LPCC License Renewal

Renewal Frequency: Every two years. The exact deadline is tied to your initial licensure date, meaning your renewal date is typically the last day of the month in which your license was originally issued.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements: LPCCs must complete 40 hours of continuing education, with at least 6 hours focused on ethics or professional responsibility.
Renewal Fee: $250.
Late Renewal Fee: Additional $50 if renewal is late.

LMFT License Renewal

Renewal Frequency: Every two years. The exact deadline is tied to your initial licensure date, meaning your renewal date is typically the last day of the month in which your license was originally issued.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements: LMFTs must complete 40 hours of continuing education during each renewal cycle, including 3 hours in ethics.
Renewal Fee: $200.
Late Renewal Fee: Additional $50 if renewal is late.

Sources:

Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. https://mn.gov/boards/behavioral-health/
Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy. https://mn.gov/boards/marriage-and-family/

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2) Minnesota Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements

In Minnesota, licensed counselors and therapists are required to fulfill Continuing Education (CE) requirements to maintain their licensure and stay current with professional standards and practices. Each licensing board mandates specific CE hours that must be completed within a two-year renewal period.

These CE requirements differ slightly depending on the type of license—whether for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT).

LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) Continuing Education Requirements

Licensed Professional Counselors in Minnesota must complete 40 hours of approved continuing education during each two-year licensure renewal period. These hours are intended to enhance professional knowledge and skills and ensure counselors remain competent in their practice.

Total Hours Required: 40 hours every two years.
Ethics Requirement: A minimum of 3 hours must focus on ethics or professional responsibilities.
Acceptable CE Activities: Approved activities include attending workshops, conferences, seminars, and other formal education programs that are related to the counseling profession. CE credits can also be obtained through teaching courses, publishing academic work, and participating in supervised training sessions.
Documentation: Counselors must maintain records of their CE activities for at least four years, as the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT) may conduct random audits to ensure compliance.

LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) Continuing Education Requirements

LPCCs are required to meet a slightly more detailed set of continuing education requirements compared to LPCs, reflecting the higher level of clinical practice permitted under this license. LPCCs must complete 40 hours of CE every two years.

Total Hours Required: 40 hours every two years.
Ethics and Clinical Focus Requirement: At least 6 hours must be in professional ethics, including clinical responsibilities. These courses often cover issues related to client confidentiality, proper conduct, and boundary-setting in therapeutic relationships.
Supervision Training (If Providing Supervision): If an LPCC provides clinical supervision to LPCs or other professionals, they must complete at least 6 hours of CE in supervision training as part of their required hours.
Acceptable CE Activities: As with LPCs, LPCCs can attend workshops, seminars, and other educational events. They can also earn credits through teaching, research, or writing in the mental health field. Online courses that meet the board’s standards are also accepted.
Documentation: Like LPCs, LPCCs must keep their CE records for four years and be prepared for potential audits.

LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) Continuing Education Requirements

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) in Minnesota are required to complete continuing education that specifically pertains to marriage and family therapy practice.

Total Hours Required: 40 hours every two years.
Ethics Requirement: At least 3 hours must be dedicated to ethics education, ensuring that LMFTs remain informed about professional responsibilities, client boundaries, and legal issues related to therapy.
Supervision Training (If Providing Supervision): For LMFTs who provide clinical supervision to other therapists or interns, 6 hours of CE must focus on supervision methods and best practices.
Cultural Competence and Diversity Training: LMFTs are also encouraged to take courses related to cultural competence and working with diverse populations, though this is not a formal requirement.
Acceptable CE Activities: LMFTs can earn CE credits by attending workshops, conferences, and educational programs relevant to their practice. They can also accrue CE hours by teaching, conducting research, publishing in academic journals, or completing supervised post-graduate training. Online programs accredited by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) or other approved providers are also accepted.
Documentation: As with other licenses, LMFTs must maintain documentation of their CE credits for four years in case of an audit by the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy.

General Notes on CE Providers and Audits

CE activities for LPCs, LPCCs, and LMFTs must generally be provided by approved organizations, such as national or state counseling associations, accredited academic institutions, or organizations recognized by the appropriate licensing board. Licensees must verify the approval status of a CE program before attending.

The Minnesota boards responsible for each license type reserve the right to audit professionals at random. This means counselors and therapists must be able to provide proof of attendance, completion certificates, and other documentation that verify they met the CE requirements for the renewal period.

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