Michigan Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Navigating the process of counselor and therapist licensure renewal in Michigan can be challenging, especially with the ever-evolving requirements and deadlines. Whether you’re a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Limited Licensed Counselor (LLC), it’s essential to stay updated on the specific renewal dates and continuing education (CE) requirements to ensure your license remains valid. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in costly delays or even jeopardize your ability to practice.

In Michigan, counselors and therapists are required to renew their licenses every three years. During each renewal period, professionals must complete a set number of Continuing Education (CE) hours covering general counseling topics and state-specific requirements, such as ethics and legal standards. Understanding these requirements is vital not only for meeting the legal obligations but also for ensuring that you continue to grow professionally and stay informed on the latest best practices within the field.

This blog post will provide a comprehensive overview of the licensure renewal process for counselors and therapists in Michigan, focusing on key dates, CE requirements, and tips for staying compliant. Whether you’re approaching your first renewal or are a seasoned practitioner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible.

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1) Key Michigan Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates

In Michigan, counselors and therapists must meet specific educational, training, and exam requirements to earn and maintain licensure. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) governs these professionals’ credentialing and licensure process.

Below is a breakdown of the credentialing, licensure renewal details, and fees associated with various licenses.

Credentials and Licensure Requirements

Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC):
- Education: Must hold a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Supervised Practice: Must accumulate 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience over at least two years.
- Examination: Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or an equivalent exam recognized by the state.
- Temporary License: LLPC holders can practice under supervision while completing the required post-graduate hours.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC):
- Education: Same as for the LLPC.
- Experience: Completion of 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised counseling experience.
- Examination: Passage of the NCE or another LARA-approved exam.
- Full Licensure: After meeting all education, experience, and exam requirements, counselors can apply for LPC status.

Licensure Renewal Details

Licensure Renewal Period: Both LLPCs and LPCs must renew their licenses every three years on the date of the licensee’s original license issuance.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
- Total CE Hours: Counselors must complete 30 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle.
- Ethics Training: At least five of those hours must be dedicated to ethics.
- Pain and Symptom Management: Two hours are required on this topic.
License Expiration: If a license is not renewed by its expiration date, the counselor must cease practicing immediately. Late renewal may result in additional fees and disciplinary actions.

Licensure Costs and Fees

Initial LLPC License Fee: $115
Initial LPC License Fee: $115
Renewal Fee for LLPC: $115
Renewal Fee for LPC: $135
Late Renewal Penalty: $20 in addition to the renewal fee if submitted after the expiration date.

Exam Fees:

National Counselor Examination (NCE): The exam typically costs $275, paid directly to the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

Summary of Costs:

LLPC Initial License: $115
LPC Initial License: $115
LLPC/LPC Renewal: $115 and $135 respectively
Late Renewal Fee: Additional $20
NCE Exam Fee: $275

By keeping track of your renewal date and ensuring all continuing education requirements are met, you can maintain compliance with state regulations and continue practicing without interruption.

Sources:

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

2) Michigan Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements

In Michigan, Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Limited Licensed Professional Counselors (LLPCs) must meet specific Continuing Education (CE) requirements during each three-year licensure renewal cycle to maintain their licenses. These requirements ensure that counselors stay current with industry standards, ethical practices, and relevant clinical skills.

General Continuing Education (CE) Requirements for Counselors

Total CE Hours: Counselors are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education during each three-year renewal period. This applies to both LPCs and LLPCs.
Ethics Requirement: Of the 30 required CE hours, at least five must be in ethics. These ethics hours are critical in helping counselors stay informed about professional standards, client rights, confidentiality, and state laws related to ethical counseling practice.
Pain and Symptom Management: Counselors are required to complete two hours in pain and symptom management as part of the 30 CE hours. This includes training in understanding pain, approaches to managing pain, and the emotional or psychological effects of chronic pain on clients.
Approved CE Providers: Continuing education must be completed through providers approved by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) or organizations recognized by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), the American Counseling Association (ACA), or other relevant accrediting bodies. Make sure to verify that your CE provider is accepted by the Michigan Board to avoid complications during renewal.
No Carryover of CE Credits: Michigan does not allow any carryover of unused CE credits from one renewal cycle to the next. Therefore, counselors must complete the full 30-hour requirement within the specified three-year period.
Audit: Counselors may be selected for a random audit by LARA to verify their completion of CE requirements. In this case, licensees must provide documentation, including certificates of completion or transcripts from approved CE providers.

Specific Areas of CE Focus

In addition to the general CE requirements, Michigan places emphasis on specific training areas that directly impact client care and public safety:

Ethics and Legal Updates: Counselors must stay informed about the latest developments in counseling ethics and Michigan state laws, especially those that pertain to client confidentiality, reporting, and professional boundaries.
Clinical Skills and Therapy Techniques: CE courses often focus on developing advanced clinical skills, new therapeutic techniques, and evidence-based practices to better serve clients.
Diversity and Inclusion: Courses that cover multicultural counseling and diversity are also widely available and encouraged, helping counselors better serve clients from various backgrounds and with different mental health needs.

Reporting and Documentation

It is important to note that Michigan does not require licensees to submit proof of CE completion unless specifically audited. However, counselors must keep detailed records, including CE certificates, for at least four years after the renewal period in case they are selected for an audit.

Online and In-Person CE Options

CE hours can be earned through a variety of formats, including:

In-person workshops or seminars
Online courses
Webinars and virtual conferences

LARA and the NBCC allow for flexibility in how counselors earn their CE credits, provided the courses are from approved providers.

Summary of Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:

30 total CE hours every three years
5 hours must be in ethics
2 hours in pain and symptom management
Courses must be from approved providers

By understanding and fulfilling these requirements, Michigan counselors can ensure that they are up to date with the latest developments in the counseling field while meeting the state’s licensing standards.

Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet Michigan’s Counselor and Therapist CE requirements and track your completed CEUs, 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 – Michigan Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal and CEUs

Q: What happens if I fail to meet the Continuing Education (CE) requirements before my license renewal date?

A: If you do not meet the 30 hours of required Continuing Education (CE) before your license renewal date, your license could be at risk of expiring, and you will be unable to legally practice as a counselor in Michigan. Additionally, you may face penalties or fines if you continue to practice with an expired license.

If selected for an audit by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and unable to provide proof of completed CE hours, you could be subject to disciplinary action. To avoid any gaps in your ability to practice, it’s crucial to complete all CE requirements within the three-year renewal cycle and keep detailed records for at least four years.

Q: Can I complete all my required CE hours online, or do I need to attend in-person training?

A: Yes, Michigan allows counselors and therapists to complete their Continuing Education (CE) hours through online courses, webinars, or virtual conferences, as long as the provider is approved by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) or recognized by organizations like the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) or the American Counseling Association (ACA).

You have the flexibility to complete your CE requirements online or in-person, depending on your preference, as long as the courses cover the mandatory ethics and pain management topics.

Q: How soon should I begin earning CE hours after receiving my license, and can I carry over any extra CE credits to the next renewal period?

A: You should begin earning CE hours as soon as possible after receiving your license to ensure that you meet the requirements by the end of your three-year renewal cycle.

Michigan does not allow carryover of extra CE credits to the next renewal cycle, so you must complete the full 30 CE hours (including the 5 hours in ethics and 2 hours in pain management) within each three-year period. It’s a good idea to plan your CE activities throughout the renewal cycle to avoid rushing as the renewal date approaches.

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

4) Conclusion

Maintaining your counseling or therapist licensure in Michigan requires a clear understanding of the state’s renewal deadlines and Continuing Education (CE) requirements. With a three-year renewal cycle and the need for 30 CE hours, including ethics and pain management, it’s essential to plan ahead and stay organized.

Ensuring that you meet these standards not only keeps you in compliance with state regulations but also enhances your professional development, allowing you to better serve your clients with up-to-date knowledge and skills.

By taking advantage of the flexibility offered for CE courses, whether online or in-person, you can tailor your education to fit your schedule and specific areas of interest. Remember that Michigan places importance on ethics, clinical practices, and pain management, so make these key focuses in your learning efforts. Keeping proper documentation and staying proactive about completing CE hours will also help you avoid any issues during the licensure renewal process or in the event of an audit.

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.

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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