Georgia Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Navigating the licensure renewal process for counselors and therapists in Georgia can be a complex task, but staying on top of it is crucial for maintaining your professional standing. Georgia’s professional counselors and therapists must renew their licenses regularly to ensure they remain in compliance with state laws and standards.

Each renewal cycle comes with specific deadlines and educational requirements, so it’s important to be well informed to avoid lapses in licensure. This blog post will provide a comprehensive overview of the licensure renewal process, renewal dates, and the continuing education (CE) requirements for counselors and therapists practicing in Georgia.

For licensed professional counselors (LPCs) and marriage and family therapists (MFTs), Georgia requires license renewal every two years. The exact renewal deadlines are set by the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists. Missing these deadlines can result in penalties, including fines or suspension of licensure. Knowing the key dates for renewal can save you from unnecessary stress and ensure that your practice remains uninterrupted.

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1) Key Georgia Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates

In Georgia, individuals who want to practice as counselors or therapists must meet specific educational, supervised experience, and examination requirements.

The Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers governs the licensure process for these professionals. Below are the key credentialing and licensure requirements for counselors and therapists, focusing on Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs).

1. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Requirements

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

Educational Requirements: A master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution, with at least 60 semester hours of graduate coursework.
Supervised Experience:
- After completing the master’s program, candidates must complete a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised post-master’s counseling experience over a minimum of two years.
- Of the 3,000 hours, at least 1,000 must be direct client contact hours, and 35 hours must be supervised by an LPC.
Examination: Candidates must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE).

2. Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Requirements

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) must meet the following criteria:

Educational Requirements: A master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, counseling, or a closely related field from an accredited program with a minimum of 60 semester hours.
Supervised Experience:
- Candidates need at least 2,000 hours of post-master’s clinical experience over a period of two years, which includes 1,500 hours of direct client contact and 500 hours of clinical supervision.
Examination: Candidates must pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) national MFT examination.

3. Licensure Renewal Requirements

Counselors and therapists in Georgia are required to renew their licenses every two years, with renewals due on September 30 of even-numbered years (e.g., 2024, 2026). Below are the specifics of the renewal process:

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
- LPCs and MFTs must complete 35 hours of continuing education (CE) during each renewal period.
- Of these, 5 hours must focus on professional ethics, and 15 hours can be completed online. The remaining 20 hours must be in-person.
Renewal Fees:
- The renewal fee for LPCs and MFTs is $100.
- If the license is not renewed on time, there is a late fee of $150, and failure to renew within a specified grace period can result in license suspension.

4. Application and Licensing Fees

Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with licensure in Georgia:

Application Fee:
- LPC: $100
- MFT: $100
Examination Fees:
- NCE (for LPCs): $275 (paid to the National Board for Certified Counselors)
- AMFTRB Exam (for MFTs): $365
Initial License Fee:
- LPC: $100
- MFT: $100
License Renewal Fee:
- LPC: $100
- MFT: $100
License Reinstatement Fee (for expired licenses): $200

Sources

Georgia Secretary of State: Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers
National Board for Certified Counselors (NCE exam): NBCC Exam Information
Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB exam): AMFTRB MFT Exam

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2) Georgia Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements

In Georgia, Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are required to meet specific continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain their licenses. These requirements are designed to ensure that professionals stay updated on current practices, ethical standards, and new developments in their respective fields. Below are the details on CE requirements for both LPCs and MFTs.

1. Continuing Education Hours Requirement

Both LPCs and MFTs in Georgia are required to complete 35 hours of continuing education during each two-year licensure renewal cycle. The renewal period ends on September 30th of even-numbered years (e.g., 2024, 2026). Failure to complete the required hours can result in disciplinary action or the inability to renew the license.

2. Categories of Continuing Education

The 35 hours of required CE must be broken down into specific categories to ensure a well-rounded professional development program:

Ethics Requirement:
- A minimum of 5 hours of the 35 required hours must focus on ethics. These hours are mandatory to ensure that counselors and therapists maintain high ethical standards in their practice. Topics often include client confidentiality, dual relationships, professional boundaries, and the ethical use of technology in counseling.
In-Person Training:
- At least 20 hours must be obtained through face-to-face or in-person instruction. This includes attending workshops, conferences, and live seminars. The in-person format allows for direct interaction with trainers and peers, which helps professionals engage in deeper learning experiences.
Online or Self-Study Courses:
- A maximum of 15 hours of CE may be completed through online courses, webinars, or self-study programs. These programs must be approved by recognized professional organizations to ensure they meet educational standards.

3. Approved Providers for CE Credits

Continuing education hours must be earned through programs that are provided by board-approved organizations. The Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists recognizes several organizations that offer approved CE opportunities. These include:

National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
- Agents of Change Continuing Education is NBCC-approved.
American Counseling Association (ACA)
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
State and national professional organizations relevant to counseling or therapy

Programs from these organizations typically cover a wide range of relevant topics, including mental health assessment, trauma counseling, marriage and family therapy techniques, and cultural competency in counseling.

4. Documentation and Reporting

Licensees are responsible for maintaining documentation of completed CE hours in case of an audit by the Georgia Composite Board. The following types of documents should be retained:

Certificates of Completion: These should include the provider’s name, the participant’s name, the date(s) of the program, the number of hours earned, and the subject area of the CE program.
Transcripts: If continuing education is obtained through formal academic courses, an official transcript from the educational institution should be kept.

Licensees are not required to submit documentation with their renewal application, but they should be prepared to provide evidence if selected for a CE audit. Failure to provide proper documentation may lead to penalties, including potential suspension of the license.

5. Special Circumstances

In some cases, the Georgia Composite Board may grant exceptions or modifications to CE requirements under specific circumstances. These can include:

Hardship Waivers: If a licensee is unable to meet CE requirements due to illness, disability, or other significant personal challenges, they may request a waiver or extension. These requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Non-Practicing Status: Licensees who are not currently practicing but want to maintain their license can apply for inactive status, which pauses the CE requirements until they resume practice.

Staying compliant with Georgia’s CE requirements is essential for maintaining licensure as an LPC or MFT. By keeping up-to-date with the latest counseling practices, ethical standards, and professional development, counselors and therapists ensure they are providing the highest quality of care to their clients.

By planning and organizing your CE activities within the two-year renewal cycle, you can avoid last-minute rushes and ensure that you remain in good standing with the licensing board.

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3) FAQs – Georgia Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal and CEUs

Q: What happens if I don’t complete the required 35 continuing education hours before the licensure renewal deadline?

A: Failing to complete the required 35 CE hours by the renewal deadline of September 30th in even-numbered years can lead to penalties, including the inability to renew your license on time. If your license is not renewed, you may face a late renewal fee of $150, and failure to renew within a grace period could result in license suspension.

You will not be able to practice legally until your CE hours are completed and your license is renewed. It’s important to track your CE progress and make sure you meet the requirements well before the deadline.

Q: How can I make sure my continuing education (CE) hours are accepted by the Georgia Composite Board?

A: To ensure your CE hours are accepted, you should complete courses or training programs from approved providers recognized by the Georgia Composite Board. Approved organizations include the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), the American Counseling Association (ACA), and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), among others.

Always retain your certificates of completion or other documentation, as you may be required to provide proof of CE during a board audit.

Q: Can I complete all 35 CE hours online, or are there limits on online or self-study courses?

A: No, you cannot complete all 35 CE hours online. Georgia’s CE requirements for LPCs and MFTs mandate that a maximum of 15 hours can be earned through online courses or self-study.

The remaining 20 hours must be obtained through in-person training, such as workshops, live seminars, or conferences. Additionally, 5 of the 35 hours must focus on ethics, which can be completed either online or in-person.

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

4) Conclusion

Staying on top of licensure renewal and continuing education requirements is essential for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) in Georgia. By understanding the renewal timelines, meeting the specific continuing education requirements, and keeping track of your progress throughout the two-year cycle, you can ensure a smooth process and avoid penalties.

Whether it’s maintaining ethical standards, improving your skills, or expanding your professional knowledge, fulfilling these CE requirements is not only necessary for licensure but also beneficial for your professional development.

The state of Georgia has clear guidelines regarding how CE hours should be distributed between online and in-person learning, with a strong emphasis on ethics and hands-on experience. By working with approved providers and engaging in a combination of online and in-person opportunities, you’ll be well-prepared to meet these requirements while enhancing your ability to serve clients effectively. Regularly reviewing your CE progress and being proactive about fulfilling the hours will prevent any last-minute rushes during the renewal period.

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► 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