Kansas Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Kansas Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Navigating the process of renewing a counseling or therapy license in Kansas can seem daunting, especially when trying to stay on top of deadlines and continuing education (CE) requirements.

For counselors and therapists practicing in Kansas, understanding the specific renewal timelines and educational mandates is crucial to maintaining an active, valid license. This post aims to break down the key dates and continuing education obligations for licensed counselors and therapists in Kansas, ensuring a smoother path to staying compliant with state regulations.

In Kansas, licensed professional counselors (LPCs) and licensed clinical professional counselors (LCPCs) are required to renew their licenses on a biennial basis. These renewal cycles are tied to the counselor’s birth month, so the deadline for submission depends on individual circumstances. However, timely renewal is essential to avoid penalties, including the risk of having your license lapse, which could lead to interruptions in your professional practice.

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1) Key Kansas Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates

In Kansas, the credentialing and licensure requirements for counselors and therapists are managed by the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB).

A diverse Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Kansas working with a small group of people outside. The background should clearly convey the state through architecture or nature displayed, with high-quality faces.

There are two main types of counseling licenses in the state: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). Below is an outline of the credentialing process, licensure renewal details, and associated costs.

Credentialing Requirements for LPC and LCPC in Kansas

  1. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    • Education: Must have a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a closely related field from an accredited institution. The program must include at least 60 graduate credit hours.
    • Supervised Experience: A minimum of 350 hours of supervised practicum experience is required.
    • Examination: Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
    • Application Fee: $100 (non-refundable).
  2. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

    • Education: An LPC credential is required, along with a graduate-level degree. The degree must include coursework specific to clinical practice.
    • Supervised Experience: A minimum of 4,000 hours of post-master’s supervised clinical experience (over at least two years) is required.
    • Examination: Must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
    • Application Fee: $150 (non-refundable).

Licensure Renewal Details and Costs

Both LPC and LCPC licenses in Kansas must be renewed every two years. The renewal is tied to the counselor’s birthdate, and the state sends out renewal notices 45 days prior to the expiration date.

  1. LPC License Renewal

    • Fee: $150
    • Continuing Education (CE): 30 hours of continuing education are required, which must include at least 6 hours in professional ethics.
  2. LCPC License Renewal

    • Fee: $180
    • Continuing Education (CE): 30 hours of continuing education are required, with 6 hours focused on professional ethics. Additionally, LCPCs are encouraged to earn CE hours in clinical supervision if they supervise other professionals.

Additional Fees

  • Late Renewal Fee: $100 (in addition to the regular renewal fee)
  • License Reinstatement Fee: $200 if the license has lapsed.
  • Duplicate License: $25 for a duplicate license if the original is lost or damaged.
  • License Verification: $25 fee for the verification of licensure for transfer to another state.

Sources:

  • Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB), Kansas. “Licensed Professional Counselor Requirements.”
    https://ksbsrb.ks.gov

  • National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). “Kansas LPC & LCPC Requirements.”
    https://www.nbcc.org

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

2) Kansas Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements

In Kansas, licensed professional counselors (LPCs) and licensed clinical professional counselors (LCPCs) are required to fulfill specific continuing education (CE) requirements as part of their licensure renewal process.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) engaging with the community in a Kansas outdoor setting

These CE requirements are designed to ensure that counselors and therapists stay current with the latest knowledge, skills, and ethical standards in the field. Below is a detailed breakdown of the CE requirements for both LPCs and LCPCs.

General Continuing Education Requirements

  1. Total CE Hours:

    • Both LPCs and LCPCs must complete 30 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period.
  2. Ethics Requirement:

    • Of the 30 CE hours, 6 hours must be focused on topics related to professional ethics. This requirement is mandatory for both LPCs and LCPCs and helps ensure that professionals remain aware of ethical guidelines and best practices in the counseling field.
  3. Approval of CE Activities:

    • CE activities must be provided by a board-approved entity, such as accredited universities, recognized professional organizations, or workshops/seminars relevant to counseling. Licensees can also obtain CE credit for publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals or presenting at professional conferences.
  4. Record-Keeping:

    • Counselors and therapists are responsible for maintaining documentation of their CE activities, which may include certificates of completion, attendance records, or transcripts. These records should be kept for at least 4 years in case the BSRB requests an audit. If selected for an audit, licensees must provide proof of CE hours.

Additional Requirements for LCPCs

  1. Clinical Supervision CE (Recommended):

    • While not mandatory, LCPCs who supervise other counseling professionals are encouraged to earn CE credits in clinical supervision. This helps ensure that supervisors are up-to-date on best practices for guiding supervisees in clinical settings.
  2. Content Focus:

    • LCPCs are encouraged to focus their CE hours on advanced clinical topics such as diagnosis, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, and evidence-based practices. These areas of focus ensure that licensed clinical professionals maintain high levels of competency in providing therapeutic services.

Acceptable CE Activities

Kansas allows for a variety of ways to earn continuing education credits, providing flexibility for counselors to tailor their learning to their specific professional needs:

  • Workshops and Conferences: Attending professional workshops, conferences, or seminars is a common way to fulfill CE requirements.
  • Online Courses: Many counselors opt to complete CE hours through approved online platforms that offer courses in ethics, clinical skills, and other relevant topics like Agents of Change Continuing Education.
  • Graduate Coursework: Counselors can also earn CE credits by completing graduate-level coursework in counseling or a related field. One graduate semester credit hour typically equals 15 CE hours.
  • Publishing and Presenting: Writing articles for peer-reviewed journals or presenting original work at professional conferences can also count toward CE requirements.
  • Teaching: Teaching a counseling-related course at an accredited institution or leading professional workshops can count towards the CE requirement.

Carryover of Excess CE Hours

Counselors and therapists in Kansas are allowed to carry over excess CE hours into the next renewal period, but only up to 6 hours. This means if a professional earns more than the required 30 hours during one renewal cycle, they may apply up to 6 of those hours to their next cycle.

Continuing Education Extensions or Exemptions

In certain cases, Kansas allows counselors and therapists to request extensions or exemptions from CE requirements due to circumstances such as medical issues, family emergencies, or military service. These requests must be made in writing to the BSRB before the license renewal deadline.

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3. FAQs – Kansas Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal and CEs

Q: What happens if I don’t complete the required continuing education (CE) hours before my license renewal deadline?

A: If you do not complete the required CE hours before your renewal deadline, you will not be able to renew your counseling or therapy license on time. The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) may impose a late fee of $100 in addition to the regular renewal fee.

If you continue to practice without renewing your license, you could face penalties, including disciplinary actions or fines. If your license lapses, you will need to apply for reinstatement, which comes with additional costs and requirements, such as providing proof of CE hours or retaking an exam.

Q: Can I carry over extra continuing education (CE) hours to the next renewal period?

A: Yes, in Kansas, counselors and therapists are allowed to carry over up to 6 hours of excess continuing education (CE) credits into the next renewal period. If you complete more than the required 30 hours during your current two-year renewal cycle, you can apply up to 6 of those extra hours toward your next license renewal.

However, the 6 hours that are carried over must still meet the board’s criteria for acceptable CE activities, including the ethics requirement if applicable.

Q: Are online courses acceptable for meeting Kansas’s continuing education (CE) requirements for counselors and therapists?

A: Yes, online courses are acceptable for meeting Kansas’s CE requirements, as long as they are provided by a BSRB-approved entity or a recognized professional organization. Online courses offer flexibility for busy professionals to fulfill their CE hours at their own pace.

However, it is important to ensure that the online course meets Kansas’s specific content requirements, such as including at least 6 hours of professional ethics training. Always retain proof of completion, such as certificates or transcripts, in case of an audit by the board.

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

4) Conclusion

Staying on top of licensure renewal requirements and continuing education (CE) obligations is essential for maintaining an active counseling or therapy practice in Kansas. Whether you are an LPC or LCPC, understanding the state’s guidelines for CE, including the mandatory ethics hours, ensures that you continue to provide high-quality services while staying compliant with professional standards. Fulfilling these requirements not only keeps your license valid but also enhances your knowledge and skills, ultimately benefiting both your practice and the clients you serve.

By planning ahead and tracking your renewal deadlines and CE progress, you can avoid the pitfalls of late fees, audits, or even license lapses. Kansas offers flexibility in how CE hours can be earned, from attending in-person workshops to taking online courses, allowing you to tailor your education to fit your needs and schedule. Additionally, the option to carry over extra CE hours offers a valuable buffer for future renewal periods, further reducing the stress of meeting these requirements.

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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