Missouri Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

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

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)

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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)

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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