Colorado Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements -

1) Key Colorado Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates

In Colorado, counselors and therapists must meet specific credentialing and licensure requirements to practice legally in the state. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) oversees the licensing process for mental health professionals, including Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs).

The process involves meeting educational standards, supervised clinical experience, passing relevant exams, and adhering to ethical guidelines. Below are the key requirements and details for these professions.

Credentialing and Licensure Requirements:

1. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Education: A master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
Supervised Experience: 2,000 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience (1,500 of these hours must be face-to-face counseling).
Examination: Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
Additional Requirements: Completion of the Jurisprudence Exam, which covers Colorado’s laws and rules regarding the practice of counseling.

2. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Education: A master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field from an accredited program.
Supervised Experience: 2,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience in marriage and family therapy (including 1,500 hours of direct client contact).
Examination: Pass the national exam for marriage and family therapy administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
Additional Requirements: Complete the Colorado Jurisprudence Exam, focusing on the legal and ethical regulations for LMFTs.

Licensure Renewal Details:

1. License Renewal for LPCs and LMFTs:

Renewal Cycle: Every two years (Biennial).
Continuing Education (CE): Licensees must complete 40 hours of continuing education during each renewal cycle, including 6 hours dedicated to professional ethics.
Jurisprudence Exam: Required to be retaken once per renewal period.

2. Renewal Costs:

LPC License Renewal Fee: $193 (subject to periodic changes by DORA).
LMFT License Renewal Fee: $150 (subject to updates by DORA).

Licensure Application and Renewal Fees:

LPC Application Fee: $175
LMFT Application Fee: $175
LPC Jurisprudence Exam Fee: $20
LMFT Jurisprudence Exam Fee: $20
Late Renewal Fee: If a license is renewed late but within the 60-day grace period, there is an additional late fee of $15.
Inactive Status Fee: $25, applicable if you wish to place your license on inactive status rather than renewing it.

Sources:

Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA): DORA Mental Health Professionals
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): NCE Exam Information
Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB): MFT Exam Information

Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ NBCC-approved CE courses for one low annual fee to meet Colorado’s requirements for Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education credits.

2) Colorado Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements

In Colorado, both Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) are required to complete continuing education (CE) as part of their licensure renewal process. Continuing education ensures that mental health professionals remain current in their field, enhancing their skills, knowledge, and adherence to ethical and legal standards.

Continuing Education Requirements for LPCs and LMFTs in Colorado:

1. Total Hours of Continuing Education:

40 Hours Every Two Years: Both LPCs and LMFTs must complete 40 hours of CE during each biennial renewal cycle. The renewal period begins on the first day of the month after the license is issued and runs for two years.

2. Ethics Training:

6 Hours of Professional Ethics: At least 6 of the 40 required CE hours must be focused on professional ethics. This ensures that counselors and therapists remain updated on ethical best practices in their profession.

3. Jurisprudence Exam:

Required for Each Renewal Cycle: Both LPCs and LMFTs must retake the Colorado Jurisprudence Exam as part of the CE requirement. This open-book exam focuses on state laws, rules, and ethical guidelines specific to mental health practice in Colorado. It helps ensure that professionals are aware of any changes to state regulations that impact their practice.

4. Types of Acceptable Continuing Education Activities:

Colorado allows flexibility in the types of educational activities that count toward the 40-hour requirement. Acceptable forms of CE include:

Workshops and Conferences: Participation in relevant in-person or virtual workshops, seminars, and conferences can count toward CE credits.
Graduate Coursework: Taking relevant graduate-level courses at accredited institutions can also fulfill CE requirements.
Online CE Courses: Online courses from approved providers are accepted, as long as they cover relevant professional topics like Agents of Change Continuing Education.
Presenting or Teaching: LPCs and LMFTs may earn CE credits by presenting at professional conferences or teaching graduate courses relevant to counseling or therapy.
Publications: Authoring or contributing to professional publications (articles, books, etc.) related to counseling or therapy may be eligible for CE credit.

5. Documentation and Record-Keeping:

Counselors and therapists must maintain records of their completed CE activities for four years in case of an audit by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). These records should include certificates of completion, transcripts, or other verifiable proof of attendance or participation.

6. Random Audits:

DORA conducts random audits of licensees to ensure compliance with CE requirements. During an audit, professionals are required to submit documentation verifying the completion of their 40 hours of continuing education, including the 6 hours dedicated to ethics.

7. Waivers and Extensions:

In certain circumstances, such as medical emergencies or military service, licensees may apply for a waiver or extension for CE requirements. These are considered on a case-by-case basis by DORA, and licensees must submit appropriate documentation to request the waiver.

Continuing education is not just a regulatory obligation but also a valuable opportunity for LPCs and LMFTs to stay updated on the latest therapeutic approaches, evidence-based practices, and changes in the mental health landscape. Whether it’s learning about emerging treatments, advances in neuroscience, or updates to ethical guidelines, CE ensures that practitioners provide the highest level of care to their clients.

Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet Colorado’s Counselor and Therapist CE requirements and track your completed CEs, 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 – Colorado Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal and CEs

Q: What are the key deadlines for renewing a counselor or therapist license in Colorado?

A: Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) in Colorado must renew their licenses every two years. The renewal date typically falls on the last day of the licensee’s birth month.

It’s essential to complete the renewal process before this deadline to avoid penalties or a lapse in licensure. The renewal window opens 30-60 days prior to the deadline, and the process can be completed online through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) website.

Q: How many hours of continuing education are required for LPCs and LMFTs in Colorado?

A: LPCs and LMFTs are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to maintain their licenses. Of these 40 hours, 6 hours must specifically cover professional ethics. Additionally, all licensees must retake the Colorado Jurisprudence Exam during each renewal cycle, which ensures they stay informed about the latest legal and ethical guidelines governing mental health practice in Colorado.

Q: What happens if I don’t meet the continuing education requirements or miss the renewal deadline?

A: If you fail to meet the continuing education (CE) requirements or miss the renewal deadline, your license will become inactive, and you will be unable to legally practice in Colorado. However, Colorado offers a 60-day grace period after the renewal deadline, during which you can renew your license by paying a late fee.

If the license remains inactive after the grace period, you may need to apply for reinstatement, which can involve additional fees and requirements. It’s crucial to track your CE hours and submit your renewal application on time to avoid disruptions to your practice.

Resources for CE: Agents of Change Continuing Education offers over 150 NBCC-approved courses that meet Colorado Counselor and Therapist CE requirements.

4) Conclusion

Renewing your counseling or therapy license in Colorado is a vital responsibility that ensures you remain legally compliant and professionally up-to-date. By understanding the renewal timelines, meeting continuing education (CE) requirements, and completing the necessary exams, you can avoid any interruptions to your practice. Staying informed about these processes not only helps maintain your licensure but also supports your growth and effectiveness as a mental health professional.

Continuing education plays a critical role in keeping counselors and therapists on the cutting edge of industry developments and ethical practices. By fulfilling the 40-hour CE requirement, including 6 hours dedicated to ethics, you ensure that your skills and knowledge remain relevant to the ever-evolving needs of your clients. Whether through workshops, coursework, or professional presentations, CE opportunities provide essential insights that improve the quality of care you deliver.

Resources like Agents of Change Continuing Education provide accessible and varied learning opportunities for Counselors and Therapists to meet Continuing Education requirements. Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education.

We’ve helped thousands of Counselors and Therapists with their Continuing Education and want you to be next!

► Learn more about the Agents of Change Continuing Education here: Agents of Change Continuing Education

About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing Continuing Education for Counselors, Therapists, and Social Workersfor more than 10 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created Agents of Change Continuing Education to help Counselors, Therapists, and Social Workers stay up-to-date on the latest trends, research, and techniques.

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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

Colorado Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Colorado Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

1) Key Colorado Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates