Oklahoma Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements -

Navigating the licensure renewal process is crucial for counselors and therapists in Oklahoma, as it ensures the ongoing quality and competency of mental health professionals throughout the state.

Whether you’re a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT), staying informed about renewal dates and continuing education (CE) requirements is essential to maintaining your license in good standing. These regulations are set by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health, which enforces specific guidelines to ensure that practitioners remain up to date with the latest industry standards and best practices.

The renewal process for counselors and therapists in Oklahoma includes a combination of submitting renewal applications and completing required CE credits before deadlines. Missing renewal dates or failing to complete the necessary continuing education requirements can lead to license suspension or additional fees, which could potentially disrupt your practice.

This blog post will guide you through the key renewal timelines and educational expectations, providing you with the essential details to stay compliant with state regulations.

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1) Key Oklahoma Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates

In Oklahoma, the licensure process for counselors and therapists is governed by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health (BBHL). The main credentials and licenses available for professionals in this field include Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and Licensed Marital and Family Therapists (LMFT).

Each license has distinct requirements for education, supervised experience, and exams. Below is an outline of the credentialing and licensure process, renewal details, and associated fees for LPCs and LMFTs.

1. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Requirements:

To become an LPC in Oklahoma, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Education: A master’s degree or higher in counseling or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. The program must consist of at least 60 graduate semester hours in counseling-related coursework.
Supervised Experience: Candidates must complete 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience under a qualified LPC supervisor, including 1,000 direct client contact hours.
Examination: Candidates must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination (OLERE).
Application Fee: $175 (Non-refundable)

2. Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT) Requirements:

To become an LMFT in Oklahoma, applicants must meet the following:

Education: A master’s degree or higher in marital and family therapy or a related mental health field from a regionally accredited institution. The program must include at least 60 semester hours of coursework related to family systems.
Supervised Experience: A minimum of 1,000 hours of direct client contact under an approved supervisor and 200 hours of supervision.
Examination: Must pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam and the Oklahoma LMFT Jurisprudence Examination.
Application Fee: $200 (Non-refundable)

Licensure Renewal Requirements and Fees

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Renewal:

Renewal Frequency: LPC licenses must be renewed every two years.
Continuing Education: 20 hours of continuing education (CE) must be completed within each two-year renewal cycle. At least three of these hours must focus on ethics.
Renewal Fee: $80
Late Renewal Penalty: An additional fee of $25 is charged for renewals submitted after the deadline.

Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT) Renewal:

Renewal Frequency: LMFT licenses are also renewed every two years.
Continuing Education: LMFTs must complete 20 hours of CE every two years, including at least three hours in ethics.
Renewal Fee: $100
Late Renewal Penalty: A $25 fee is applied for late renewals.

Fees for Specific Licenses

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Application Fee: $175
Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT) Application Fee: $200
LPC Renewal Fee: $80 (biennial)
LMFT Renewal Fee: $100 (biennial)
Supervision Registration Fee: $100
Jurisprudence Exam Fee: $50 (for LMFT and LPC candidates)

Sources:

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

2) Oklahoma Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements

Counselors and therapists in Oklahoma, including Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Marital and Family Therapists (LMFTs), are required to complete continuing education (CE) to maintain licensure and stay up to date with advancements in their field.

The Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health (BBHL) sets specific guidelines for CE hours, content areas, and reporting, which ensure that professionals continuously enhance their knowledge and skills.

Continuing Education Requirements for LPCs:

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Oklahoma must meet the following CE requirements during each two-year renewal cycle:

Total CE Hours: LPCs are required to complete 20 hours of CE every two years.
Ethics Requirement: Of the 20 required hours, at least 3 hours must focus on ethics, which may cover topics such as professional conduct, client confidentiality, and legal responsibilities.
Approved CE Topics: CE courses must focus on topics related to the practice of counseling, including therapeutic techniques, mental health disorders, diagnosis and treatment, cultural competency, and trauma-informed care.
Approved CE Providers: The BBHL approves a variety of organizations to offer CE courses, including:
- The American Counseling Association (ACA)
- National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
- Accredited universities and colleges offering counseling-related courses

Continuing Education Requirements for LMFTs:

Licensed Marital and Family Therapists (LMFTs) in Oklahoma must also complete continuing education as part of their license renewal:

Total CE Hours: LMFTs must complete 20 hours of CE within each two-year renewal period.
Ethics Requirement: Similar to LPCs, LMFTs must complete at least 3 hours of CE in ethics. The ethics coursework may address boundaries, dual relationships, and professional standards specific to family therapy.
Approved CE Topics: CE topics for LMFTs must pertain to marriage and family therapy practices, including relational dynamics, family systems theory, treatment modalities, and interventions for couples and families.
Approved CE Providers: Like LPCs, LMFTs can obtain CE from various approved providers, such as:
- The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
- NBCC-approved providers
- Accredited institutions offering relevant coursework in family therapy

CE Documentation and Reporting:

Record Keeping: Both LPCs and LMFTs must retain certificates of completion for CE courses and maintain their own records for at least two years following the renewal period. This documentation is essential in case of a random audit by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health.
CE Audits: The BBHL may conduct random audits of licensed professionals to ensure compliance with CE requirements. If selected for an audit, counselors or therapists must provide documentation of their completed CE activities.
Online CE: Oklahoma allows counselors and therapists to complete CE hours through online courses, as long as they are from approved providers and meet the board’s standards.

Additional CE Information:

Carryover Hours: In Oklahoma, LPCs and LMFTs cannot carry over unused CE hours from one renewal cycle to the next. All 20 hours must be completed within the two-year period leading up to the renewal.
CE Approval Process: If a CE course or provider is not automatically recognized by the BBHL, counselors and therapists can apply for approval by submitting detailed information about the course content, instructor qualifications, and relevance to the counseling or family therapy field.

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

Q: What happens if I fail to complete my continuing education (CE) hours before my license renewal deadline?

A: If you fail to complete the required 20 hours of continuing education (CE) before your license renewal deadline, you will not be able to renew your license until the hours are completed. Late renewals incur a penalty fee of $25 in addition to the standard renewal fee.

Continuing to practice with an expired license can result in disciplinary action by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health. If you are audited and found to be non-compliant, you may face further penalties, including fines or suspension of your license. To avoid complications, it’s recommended to complete CE requirements well ahead of the renewal deadline.

Q: Can I complete my continuing education (CE) hours online, and how do I know if the course is approved?

A: Yes, Oklahoma allows counselors and therapists to complete their required CE hours online, as long as the courses are from approved providers. Approved providers include organizations like the American Counseling Association (ACA), the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

Before enrolling in an online course, make sure it aligns with the approved provider list or seek approval from the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health. You can typically verify a course’s eligibility by checking the BBHL’s list of approved CE providers or contacting them directly for clarification.

Q: How do I submit proof of my continuing education (CE) hours, and what happens if I’m audited?

A: You do not need to submit proof of your CE hours during the standard renewal process. However, you are required to keep documentation of all completed CE courses for at least two years following the renewal period.

In case you are selected for a random audit by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health, you will need to provide certificates of completion and other relevant documentation for each CE activity. If you cannot provide proof of your CE hours during an audit, you may face penalties, including fines, additional educational requirements, or suspension of your license. Keeping organized records of your CE activities is crucial to ensure compliance.

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

4) Conclusion

► 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

Oklahoma Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements