Counselors and therapists in Maine, including Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), are required to complete Continuing Education (CE) as part of their licensure renewal process.

These CE requirements ensure that licensed professionals remain updated with current practices, maintain ethical standards, and continue to provide high-quality care to their clients. Below is a detailed breakdown of the CE requirements for each type of licensure.

1. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPC) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)

• CE Hours Requirement: Both LCPCs and LPCs must complete 55 contact hours of continuing education during each 2-year renewal cycle.
• Ethics Requirement: Of the 55 contact hours, at least 4 hours must be focused on professional ethics. This includes topics such as confidentiality, client-counselor relationships, and other ethical issues pertinent to counseling practice.
• Approved CE Activities:
  • Participation in workshops, seminars, or courses related to counseling and mental health practice.
  • Graduate-level coursework in counseling or closely related fields.
  • Attendance at conferences that offer training in counseling or mental health topics.
  • Online or distance learning programs that are accredited or recognized by approved organizations, including national or regional counseling associations (e.g., ACA, AMHCA).
  • Presenting or teaching in a professional counseling setting can also count toward CE hours.
• Documentation: Licensees must maintain documentation of completed CE activities, such as certificates of completion, for at least 4 years. They may be required to submit proof if audited by the Maine Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure.

2. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)

• CE Hours Requirement: LMFTs must also complete 55 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years, similar to LCPCs and LPCs.
• Ethics Requirement: At least 4 hours of continuing education must cover professional ethics. These hours typically focus on ethical issues relevant to marriage and family therapy, including ethical considerations in family systems, confidentiality in family therapy, and dual relationships.
• Approved CE Activities:
  • Participation in conferences, seminars, and workshops specific to marriage and family therapy.
  • Completing graduate-level coursework in marriage and family therapy or closely related fields.
  • Online or in-person training approved by organizations such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
  • Conducting presentations or workshops related to family therapy may also count toward the CE hours.
• Documentation: Similar to counselors, LMFTs are responsible for maintaining records of their CE activities and must be able to present these documents if audited by the board.

Approved CE Providers and Topics

The Maine Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure recognizes a variety of CE providers and topics. The following are typical examples of approved providers and topics:

• Approved Providers:
  • National or state-level professional associations such as the American Counseling Association (ACA), American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
  • Accredited educational institutions and universities.
  • Organizations accredited to provide CE by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Agents of Change Continuing Education is NBCC-approved.
• Approved Topics:
  • Counseling techniques and interventions.
  • Clinical supervision and consultation practices.
  • Crisis intervention and trauma-informed care.
  • Cultural competency in counseling.
  • Diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders.
  • Evidence-based practices in therapy.
  • Ethics in counseling and marriage and family therapy.
  • Family systems theory and application (for LMFTs).

Special Considerations for CE

• Distance Learning: CE courses can be completed through online or distance learning programs as long as the provider is approved by the board or recognized national organizations.
• Teaching and Presenting: Professionals who teach, present workshops, or publish in professional journals related to counseling or therapy may receive credit toward their CE requirements.
• Waivers or Extensions: In exceptional circumstances, such as illness or military service, the board may grant waivers or extensions for completing CE requirements. However, these are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and a formal request must be submitted.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to meet the required 55 contact hours of CE or the specific ethics requirements may result in penalties, including license suspension or revocation. Counselors and therapists who do not complete their CE hours by the renewal deadline may be subject to additional fees or disciplinary actions, depending on the circumstances.

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