Connecticut Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements -

In Connecticut, the credentialing and licensure requirements for counselors and therapists, specifically Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), are set by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH).

Below is an overview of the specific requirements, including credentialing, licensure renewal, and associated fees.

1. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Credentialing Requirements

To become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Connecticut, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Education: Completion of a master’s degree or higher in counseling or a related mental health field from an accredited institution. The degree must include at least 60 semester hours and cover essential topics such as human development, counseling theory, and psychopathology.
Supervised Experience: Applicants must complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised experience in professional counseling. Of those hours, 100 must be direct supervision by a licensed professional.
Examination: Candidates must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or an equivalent exam recognized by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

2. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Credentialing Requirements

To obtain an LMFT license in Connecticut, applicants need to fulfill the following requirements:

Education: Completion of a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), or a comparable program.
Supervised Experience: A total of 1,000 hours of supervised postgraduate work experience, including 500 direct client contact hours, is required.
Examination: Candidates must pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam.

3. Licensure Renewal Requirements

Both LPCs and LMFTs in Connecticut must renew their licenses every year. The renewal process includes the completion of continuing education (CE) credits and the payment of associated fees:

LPC Continuing Education: LPCs are required to complete 15 hours of continuing education annually, with at least 2 hours focusing on cultural competency or mental health conditions that may affect veterans and their families.
LMFT Continuing Education: LMFTs must also complete 15 hours of continuing education annually. Topics may vary but must include at least 1 hour related to the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Licensure Fees

Here are the fees associated with obtaining and renewing LPC and LMFT licenses in Connecticut:

Initial LPC Application Fee: $315
LPC Annual Renewal Fee: $195
Initial LMFT Application Fee: $315
LMFT Annual Renewal Fee: $320

The fees must be paid online through the Connecticut eLicense portal. It is important to renew your license before the expiration date to avoid any penalties or interruptions to your ability to practice.

Sources:

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

2) Connecticut Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements

In Connecticut, continuing education (CE) is an essential requirement for both Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) to maintain their licensure and stay current in their field.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the continuing education requirements for each profession:

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Continuing Education Requirements

Total Hours: LPCs must complete 15 hours of continuing education annually. These CE hours must be completed during the one-year period immediately preceding the renewal date.
Approved Providers: CE courses must be provided by organizations approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), including:
- National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
  - Agents of Change Continuing Education is NBCC-approved
- American Counseling Association (ACA)
- Other organizations recognized by the DPH that provide relevant educational opportunities for professional counselors
Mandatory Topics: As part of the 15-hour requirement, at least 2 hours must be dedicated to training or education in cultural competency, specifically related to mental health care for diverse populations. Additionally, LPCs must complete at least 2 hours of training related to mental health conditions that may affect veterans and their families.
Documentation: Licensed Professional Counselors are responsible for maintaining records of their completed continuing education activities for at least 3 years after the date of renewal. This documentation should include certificates of completion, course descriptions, and any other relevant information to verify the completed CE hours in case of an audit by the DPH.
Exemptions: Newly licensed LPCs are exempt from the continuing education requirements for the first year following their initial licensure.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Continuing Education Requirements

Total Hours: LMFTs must also complete 15 hours of continuing education annually. Like LPCs, these hours must be earned in the one-year period preceding the renewal date.
Approved Providers: Acceptable continuing education courses for LMFTs may be offered by:
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
- Licensed or certified individuals in marriage and family therapy
- Accredited colleges and universities, hospitals, or institutions recognized by the DPH
Mandatory Topics: Of the 15 required CE hours, at least 1 hour must focus on the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other related conditions. This ensures that LMFTs are prepared to recognize and manage cognitive impairments that may present in clients.
Documentation: Like LPCs, LMFTs are required to maintain records of completed CE activities for at least 3 years after the license renewal. Documentation must include certificates of completion, course descriptions, and the number of hours earned.
Exemptions: Newly licensed LMFTs are exempt from the CE requirements during their first renewal period (the first year following their licensure).

Key Considerations for Both LPCs and LMFTs:

Audit: The Department of Public Health may audit any licensed professional to verify compliance with CE requirements. In the event of an audit, professionals will need to provide documentation of their completed CE hours.
Non-Compliance: Failure to complete the required continuing education hours by the time of license renewal may result in fines or disciplinary actions, including the possibility of license suspension or revocation.

Resources for CE Opportunities:

Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet Connecticut’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 – Connecticut Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal and CEs

Maintaining your licensure as a counselor or therapist in Connecticut is a critical part of ensuring you can continue to serve your clients with the highest standards of care. Understanding the state’s requirements for licensure renewal and continuing education not only keeps you compliant but also helps you stay updated with the latest developments in the mental health field.

By staying informed about the renewal process and making sure you meet the necessary criteria, you can avoid unnecessary complications that could disrupt your professional practice.

Both Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) are required to complete 15 hours of continuing education annually, with specific topics mandated by the state.

Whether it’s cultural competency training or education on cognitive disorders, these requirements ensure that you are equipped to handle the diverse challenges your clients may face. Planning ahead and staying proactive about your continuing education will make the renewal process smoother and help you grow professionally.

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!