Iowa Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements -

Navigating the licensure renewal process as a counselor or therapist in Iowa is essential for maintaining your professional standing and continuing to serve your clients effectively.

Whether you’re a mental health counselor (LMHC), marriage and family therapist (LMFT), or other licensed mental health professionals in the state, staying updated on licensure renewal dates and continuing education (CE) requirements is a critical aspect of your career. Iowa has specific regulations that dictate when your license needs to be renewed and what is required to fulfill the state’s CE requirements, ensuring you remain in good standing with the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science.

Renewal deadlines can vary depending on your specific license type and initial date of issuance, but typically, Iowa licenses are valid for a two-year period. Understanding these timelines can help you avoid lapses in licensure that may disrupt your practice.

Along with keeping track of renewal dates, meeting Iowa’s CE requirements is also crucial. The state requires licensed counselors and therapists to complete a set number of CE hours, which must include specific topics, such as ethics, to ensure you’re continually enhancing your skills and knowledge base.

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In Iowa, counselors and therapists must meet specific educational, clinical, and examination requirements to obtain and maintain licensure. The Iowa Board of Behavioral Science oversees the credentialing process for various counseling and therapy professionals, including Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT).

Below is a breakdown of the key credentialing, licensure renewal details, and associated fees.

Credentials for Counselors and Therapists in Iowa

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- Education: A master’s degree or higher in mental health counseling or a closely related field from an accredited program.
- Supervised Clinical Experience: 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised clinical experience, with at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact.
- Examination: Passing score on the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Education: A master’s degree or higher in marriage and family therapy or a related field from an accredited program.
- Supervised Clinical Experience: 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised clinical experience, with at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact focused on marriage and family therapy.
- Examination: Passing score on the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) national exam.

Licensure Renewal Requirements

Counselors and therapists in Iowa must renew their licenses every two years, with specific deadlines based on the individual’s licensure date. The Iowa Board of Behavioral Science mandates that counselors and therapists complete continuing education (CE) credits to maintain their licenses.

Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC):
- 40 hours of continuing education (CE) per renewal cycle, including 6 hours in ethics.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT):
- 40 hours of continuing education (CE), including 6 hours in ethics.

Failure to meet CE requirements may result in fines or the inability to renew the license until compliance is achieved.

Renewal Costs and Fees

The cost to renew licensure and the associated fees are outlined below:

Initial Licensure Application Fees:
- LMHC Application Fee: $120
- LMFT Application Fee: $120
Licensure Renewal Fees:
- LMHC Renewal Fee: $120 (every two years)
- LMFT Renewal Fee: $120 (every two years)
Late Renewal Penalty: $60 (if not renewed by the due date)
Duplicate License: $20 (if a replacement license is required)

It’s important to note that these fees may be subject to change, so regularly checking the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science’s website is recommended for the most up-to-date information.

Sources:

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

2) Iowa Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements

In Iowa, counselors and therapists are required to complete continuing education (CE) credits as part of their licensure renewal process. The purpose of these CE requirements is to ensure that licensed professionals remain up-to-date with the latest developments in their field and continue to provide high-quality care to their clients.

The Iowa Board of Behavioral Science establishes these requirements for Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs).

General Continuing Education Requirements

Total CE Hours Required:
- Both LMHCs and LMFTs are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, coinciding with the licensure renewal cycle.
Ethics Requirement:
- Of the 40 total hours, 6 hours must focus on ethics. This is a mandatory requirement for both LMHCs and LMFTs to ensure that licensed professionals maintain a strong understanding of ethical standards in their practice.
Content Areas:
- Continuing education courses should focus on areas relevant to mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or related fields.
- Topics may include clinical techniques, new therapeutic methods, mental health laws and regulations, human development, diagnosis and treatment, cultural competency, and more.
Telehealth Training:
- Counselors and therapists who provide services via telehealth are strongly encouraged to include training in telehealth practices, though this is not a separate requirement.
Supervision-Specific CE (if applicable):
- Licensed professionals who provide clinical supervision must ensure that at least 3 hours of their CE relate to supervision practices if they supervise other clinicians or trainees.

Approved CE Providers and Methods

Accepted Providers:
- CE courses must be offered or approved by recognized organizations such as the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), or other national or state professional organizations. University courses in relevant areas can also count toward CE credits.
- Agents of Change Continuing Education is NBCC-approved.
Distance Learning:
- Up to 20 hours of the required CE can be completed via online or distance learning courses. These courses must meet the standards set by the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science and be approved by relevant professional organizations.
In-Person Courses:
- In-person workshops, seminars, conferences, and university courses can all count toward CE hours. It is important to ensure that these are conducted by approved providers.

Record Keeping and Audit

Proof of Completion:
- Licensed counselors and therapists are responsible for maintaining records of their completed CE activities. This includes certificates of completion, transcripts, or other verification from the CE provider.
- These records must be kept for four years after the licensure renewal date in case of an audit by the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science.
Audit Process:
- The Iowa Board conducts random audits of CE compliance. If selected for an audit, counselors and therapists must provide documentation that proves they met the CE requirements during the licensure period.
- Failure to comply with the audit may result in disciplinary action, including fines or suspension of licensure.

Special CE Requirements for Renewal Exceptions

Inactive License Status:
- If a counselor or therapist opts to place their license in inactive status, they are not required to meet CE requirements during the inactive period.
- However, if they wish to reactivate their license, they must meet the CE requirements for the period during which the license was inactive.
Exemptions:
- The Iowa Board of Behavioral Science may grant exemptions or extensions for CE requirements in cases of illness, military service, or other significant hardship.
- However, exemptions are granted on a case-by-case basis and must be formally requested.

Renewal Deadlines and Consequences for Non-Compliance

Counselors and therapists must complete their CE requirements before the licensure renewal deadline. If a licensee fails to complete the required CE hours, they may not renew their license until the hours are fulfilled, and they could face a late penalty. Practicing with an expired license can lead to additional fines and disciplinary measures.

Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet Iowa’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.