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Continuing Education

Delaware Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Agents of Change
Agents of Change Published October 1, 2024
⏱️ 10 min read

Navigating the licensure renewal process for counselors and therapists in Delaware can be a complex but crucial part of maintaining a successful practice. Ensuring that your license is up to date not only keeps you compliant with state regulations but also demonstrates your commitment to providing the highest standard of care for your clients.

Understanding key deadlines and requirements for continuing education (CE) is vital to avoiding unnecessary delays or penalties, especially with varying guidelines depending on your specific field of practice. In this post, we will cover the important details that every licensed counselor and therapist in Delaware needs to know about renewal dates and CE requirements.

Delaware requires counselors and therapists to renew their licenses every two years. Each professional must be aware of their specific renewal date, as missing the deadline can lead to license suspension and a disruption in their ability to practice.

To make the process smoother, it is important to not only know when your renewal period is but also to prepare in advance by fulfilling any necessary continuing education requirements before the deadline approaches. Understanding these timelines is essential to maintaining a valid and active license.

Did you know? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ NBCC-approved CE courses for one low annual fee to meet your state’s requirements for Continuing Education credits.

 

We’ve helped thousands of Counselors and Therapists with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your 5 FREE CEs!

1) Key Delaware Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates

In Delaware, counselors and therapists must meet specific educational, experience, and examination requirements to become licensed. There are several types of licenses available depending on the level of training and specialization.

a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health in Delaware working with the community outdoors, set against a backdrop that reflects Delaware's unique architecture and natural beauty

Below is an overview of the licensure requirements for counselors and therapists, including credentialing, renewal details, and associated costs.

Credentialing Requirements

  1. Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH):

    • Education: A master’s degree or doctoral degree in clinical mental health counseling or a closely related field from an accredited program.
    • Supervised Experience: A minimum of 3,200 hours of post-master’s supervised experience in mental health counseling over at least two years.
    • Examination: Must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

  2. Licensed Associate Counselor of Mental Health (LACMH):

    • Education: A master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling or a closely related field.
    • Supervised Experience: This license is intended for counselors who are working under supervision while completing the required 3,200 hours of post-master’s experience for full LPCMH licensure.
    • Examination: Must pass the NCE or the NCMHCE to progress toward full licensure as an LPCMH.

  3. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT):

    • Education: A master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
    • Supervised Experience: A minimum of 3,200 hours of supervised post-degree experience in marriage and family therapy over at least two years.
    • Examination: Must pass the Examination in Marital and Family Therapy offered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).

Licensure Renewal Details and Costs

Licenses for both LPCMH and LMFT must be renewed every two years in Delaware. Renewal involves the submission of renewal applications, proof of completion of continuing education (CE) requirements, and payment of fees.

  1. LPCMH Licensure Renewal:

    • Renewal Period: Every two years. The specific deadline for renewal varies depending on when your license was initially issued
    • Continuing Education (CE): 40 hours of CE, including three hours in ethics.
    • Cost: $172 renewal fee.

  2. LACMH Licensure Renewal:

    • Renewal Period: Every two years. The specific deadline for renewal varies depending on when your license was initially issued
    • Continuing Education: None required for this license as it is a temporary, supervised license.
    • Cost: $172 renewal fee.

  3. LMFT Licensure Renewal:

    • Renewal Period: Every two years. The specific deadline for renewal varies depending on when your license was initially issued
    • Continuing Education (CE): 40 hours of CE, including three hours in ethics.
    • Cost: $172 renewal fee.

Fees for Specific Licenses

  • Initial Application Fees:

    • LPCMH: $264
    • LACMH: $264
    • LMFT: $264

  • License Renewal Fees:

    • LPCMH: $172
    • LACMH: $172
    • LMFT: $172

  • Late Renewal Penalty:

    • A late fee may apply if you do not renew by the due date, which is typically an additional $20 per month after expiration.

Sources:

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

2) Delaware Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements

In Delaware, counselors and therapists must fulfill specific Continuing Education (CE) requirements to maintain their licensure and stay current with developments in their field. These requirements help ensure that professionals continue to improve their skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care.

a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health in Delaware working with the community outdoors, set against a backdrop that reflects Delaware's unique architecture and natural beauty

The exact CE requirements vary based on the type of license, but there are common elements such as the number of hours needed and the inclusion of ethics training. Below is an in-depth look at the CE requirements for counselors and therapists in Delaware.

Continuing Education Requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH)

  1. Total CE Hours: Licensed Professional Counselors of Mental Health (LPCMH) are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years as part of their license renewal process.
  2. Ethics Requirement: Out of the 40 total CE hours, at least three hours must be in the area of ethics. This ensures that counselors are staying updated on ethical standards and practices in the field.
  3. Approved CE Providers: CE courses must be taken from approved providers. These can include national organizations like the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), American Counseling Association (ACA), or other state and nationally recognized entities that offer CE credits. Agents of Change Continuing Education is NBCC-approved.
  4. Accepted CE Formats: Delaware accepts various formats of continuing education, including in-person seminars, webinars, online courses, and workshops, as long as they are provided by approved organizations. This allows counselors flexibility in meeting their CE requirements.

Continuing Education Requirements for Licensed Associate Counselor of Mental Health (LACMH)

Since the Licensed Associate Counselor of Mental Health (LACMH) license is a temporary, supervised credential, there are no continuing education requirements for renewing this particular license. However, those who eventually transition to an LPCMH license will need to meet the CE requirements for that credential.

Continuing Education Requirements for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

  1. Total CE Hours: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) in Delaware must also complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their licenses.
  2. Ethics Requirement: Like LPCMHs, LMFTs must complete at least three hours of CE in ethics. This is crucial for ensuring that therapists maintain professional integrity and adhere to the ethical standards in their practice.
  3. Approved CE Providers: The CE courses for LMFTs must be from approved providers such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) or other recognized national and state organizations.
  4. Accepted CE Formats: LMFTs can choose from a variety of formats to fulfill their CE requirements, including in-person training, webinars, and online courses, as long as they meet the criteria set by the state.

Additional Guidelines and Considerations

  • Carryover of CE Credits: Delaware does not allow carryover of CE credits from one licensure period to the next. All 40 hours must be completed within the current two-year renewal period.
  • Documentation: Licensees must keep detailed records of the CE activities they complete, including certificates of completion. While this documentation does not need to be submitted with the renewal application, it must be kept on file for at least five years in case of an audit by the Delaware Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals.
  • Inactive Status: If a counselor or therapist places their license on inactive status, they are not required to meet CE requirements during the inactive period. However, they will need to complete the CE hours required for the period before reactivating their license.

Exemptions and Extensions

  • In some cases, licensees may request an exemption or extension for completing CE requirements, typically due to serious illness or hardship. These requests must be submitted in writing to the Delaware Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals, and approval is granted on a case-by-case basis.

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

Q: How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for licensed counselors and therapists in Delaware?

A: Licensed Professional Counselors of Mental Health (LPCMH) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) in Delaware are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years as part of the licensure renewal process.

Of these 40 hours, at least three hours must focus on ethics to ensure practitioners remain up to date on ethical standards in their practice. Licensed Associate Counselors of Mental Health (LACMH) are not required to complete CE hours for their temporary license but must meet these requirements when transitioning to an LPCMH license.

Q: What happens if I fail to complete my continuing education hours by the license renewal deadline?

A: If you fail to complete the required continuing education hours by your license renewal deadline, you risk having your license expire or go inactive. In such a case, you will not be legally allowed to practice as a counselor or therapist until the issue is resolved. Delaware may also impose late renewal penalties, typically an additional $20 per month after the renewal date has passed.

Additionally, if your license becomes inactive, you may be required to submit proof of completed CE credits and pay associated fees to reactivate your license. It is highly recommended to keep track of your renewal dates and complete your CE hours well in advance.

Q: Can I complete my continuing education hours online, or do they need to be in person?

A: Yes, Delaware allows counselors and therapists to complete their continuing education (CE) hours through various formats, including online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops. The key requirement is that the courses must be provided by approved organizations, such as the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), the American Counseling Association (ACA), or the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

This flexibility enables licensed professionals to meet their CE requirements in a way that best fits their schedules and learning preferences, as long as the provider and course content are approved.

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

4) Conclusion

Staying informed about the licensure renewal process and continuing education (CE) requirements is essential for maintaining a professional counseling or therapy license in Delaware. Counselors and therapists must be diligent in completing the necessary CE hours, including ethics training, to remain compliant with state regulations and uphold their ability to practice. By understanding the specific requirements for each type of license, such as the LPCMH, LACMH, and LMFT, you can avoid the pitfalls of missing renewal deadlines or facing penalties.

Delaware’s flexible approach to continuing education, allowing both in-person and online courses, provides professionals with the opportunity to tailor their learning to their schedule and preferences. However, it is critical to ensure that all CE credits come from approved providers and that they are properly documented. Keeping thorough records and planning ahead will help streamline the renewal process and ensure that you stay on top of your professional development.

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.

#counselor #NBCC #therapist #NBCC #continuinged #continuingeducation #ce #freeCE

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

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Agents of Change

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