Missouri Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements -

Navigating the licensure renewal process for counselors and therapists in Missouri can seem daunting, but staying informed about key dates and Continuing Education (CE) requirements is essential to maintaining your professional standing. Missouri requires licensed professional counselors (LPCs) and licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) to adhere to a set schedule for renewing their credentials.

By keeping track of the renewal deadlines, you can avoid costly penalties and interruptions to your practice. This guide will help you stay on top of the crucial dates and compliance details for licensure renewal in the state.

Beyond just meeting deadlines, Missouri’s licensure renewal process emphasizes the importance of continuing education for counselors and therapists. CE credits are not just a formality; they’re designed to ensure that professionals stay current with evolving trends, techniques, and ethical guidelines in mental health care. Fulfilling these CE requirements is critical, as it guarantees that practitioners are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality care to clients in a rapidly changing landscape.

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In Missouri, the credentialing and licensure requirements for counselors and therapists are overseen by the Missouri Division of Professional Registration. The two primary licenses available in the state are for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs).

To become licensed in Missouri, candidates must meet educational, examination, and supervised experience requirements. Below is a breakdown of the credentials, licensure renewal details, and associated fees for these professions.

Credentialing and Licensure Requirements

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC):
- Education: Candidates must hold at least a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field from a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or an equivalent accrediting body.
- Supervised Experience: Candidates must complete a minimum of 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised counseling experience over at least two years, with at least 1,200 hours of direct client contact.
- Examination: Applicants must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT):
- Education: Candidates must hold at least a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or an equivalent accrediting body.
- Supervised Experience: Candidates must complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in marriage and family therapy, with at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact over a minimum of two years.
- Examination: Applicants must pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Examination.

Licensure Renewal Details

Renewal Period: Both LPC and LMFT licenses in Missouri must be renewed every two years. The renewal date is based on the licensee’s birth month and occurs in even-numbered years for individuals born in even years, and in odd-numbered years for those born in odd years.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
- LPCs must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, with at least 20 of these hours focusing on professional counseling.
- LMFTs must also complete 40 hours of CE every two years, with a focus on marriage and family therapy practice.
- Both LPCs and LMFTs must include 3 hours of ethics as part of their CE requirements.
Renewal Process: Licensees can renew their license online through the Missouri Division of Professional Registration’s website. CE hours must be reported during the renewal process.

Fees for Licensure and Renewal

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC):
- Application Fee: $150
- License Renewal Fee: $50 every two years
- Late Renewal Fee: $100 in addition to the standard renewal fee, if the license is renewed after the expiration date.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT):
- Application Fee: $100
- License Renewal Fee: $100 every two years
- Late Renewal Fee: $50, if renewed after the expiration date.

Additional Fees:

Examination Fees:
- NCE or NCMHCE (for LPCs): Approx. $275
- National MFT Exam (for LMFTs): Approx. $365
Supervision Registration Fee (if registering a new supervisor): $50

Sources:

Missouri Division of Professional Registration – LPC Requirements
Missouri Division of Professional Registration – LMFT Requirements
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) – NCE and NCMHCE Exams
Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) – MFT Exam Information

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2) Missouri Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements

Continuing education (CE) is a vital requirement for counselors and therapists in Missouri to maintain their licensure and ensure they stay current with professional standards, ethical guidelines, and advances in therapy practices.

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) must meet specific CE requirements every renewal cycle to demonstrate ongoing professional development. Below is an overview of Missouri’s continuing education requirements for these professionals.

Continuing Education Requirements for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)

CE Hours Required: LPCs in Missouri must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years. This must be done prior to the renewal of their license.
Ethics Requirement: Out of the 40 total CE hours, 3 hours must be focused on ethics related to counseling practice. These hours should address ethical concerns that counselors may face in their professional work, including confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical decision-making.
Acceptable CE Activities:
- Courses, workshops, or seminars that are directly related to professional counseling and that enhance the skills and knowledge of the counselor.
- Continuing education programs must be provided or approved by recognized organizations such as the American Counseling Association (ACA), the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), or other professional organizations that meet the criteria established by the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors.
- In addition to formal coursework, LPCs may earn a portion of their CE hours through professional development activities such as authoring articles, presenting at workshops, or engaging in research, but these activities are often capped at a certain number of hours.
Online Learning: Missouri allows LPCs to fulfill their CE requirements through online courses, provided they meet the criteria set by the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors and are offered by approved CE providers.

Continuing Education Requirements for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)

CE Hours Required: Like LPCs, LMFTs in Missouri must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license. These hours must be directly related to the practice of marriage and family therapy.
Ethics Requirement: Out of the total CE hours, 3 hours must be specifically dedicated to ethics in the practice of marriage and family therapy. This typically includes topics such as ethical conduct, confidentiality, professional relationships, and ethical dilemmas specific to family systems therapy.
Acceptable CE Activities:
- CE activities for LMFTs can include workshops, courses, or conferences that are designed to enhance clinical knowledge and skills in marriage and family therapy.
- Acceptable programs must be approved or offered by recognized bodies such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), or other approved organizations recognized by the Missouri State Committee of Marital and Family Therapists.
- Like LPCs, LMFTs may also earn credits through activities such as writing professional publications or presenting at conferences, though these options are usually subject to a cap.
Online Learning: LMFTs can complete CE requirements through online or distance learning courses as long as they are provided by approved organizations. The state encourages therapists to ensure the course providers meet Missouri’s standards for CE programs.

Additional CE Details for Both LPCs and LMFTs:

Carryover Hours: Missouri does not allow licensees to carry over CE hours from one renewal period to the next. All CE requirements must be completed within the two-year licensure period.
Documentation and Reporting: Licensees are responsible for keeping records of their completed CE activities, including certificates of completion, for at least five years. During the license renewal process, counselors and therapists must attest to having completed the required CE hours, but they may be subject to a random audit by the state board. If audited, they will need to provide documentation as proof of compliance.
Failure to Complete CE Requirements: If a counselor or therapist fails to meet the CE requirements, their license may not be renewed until the necessary hours are completed. Additionally, there may be penalties or fines associated with late renewals or lapses in licensure due to non-compliance with CE requirements.

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