Oregon Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements -

1) Key Oregon Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates

In Oregon, the licensure and credentialing process for counselors and therapists is governed by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT).

To practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), candidates must meet a series of educational, experience, and examination requirements. Below is a breakdown of the credentialing process, licensure renewal details, and associated fees for counselors and therapists in Oregon.

1. Credentials for Counselors and Therapists in Oregon

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC):
- Education: A master’s degree or higher in counseling or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
- Supervised Experience: 2,400 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience, including at least 2,000 hours of direct client contact.
- Examination: Pass either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
- Ethics Exam: Pass the Oregon Jurisprudence Exam.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT):
- Education: A master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
- Supervised Experience: 2,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience in marriage and family therapy.
- Examination: Pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam.
- Ethics Exam: Pass the Oregon Jurisprudence Exam.

2. Licensure Renewal Requirements and Costs

In Oregon, licensure renewal is required every two years. During each renewal cycle, LPCs and LMFTs must complete a specific number of continuing education (CE) hours.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Renewal:
- CE Requirement: 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including 6 hours in ethics.
- Renewal Deadline: Licenses are renewed on the anniversary of your original licensure date.
- Cost: $190 for the biennial renewal fee.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Renewal:
- CE Requirement: 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including 6 hours in ethics.
- Renewal Deadline: Licenses are renewed on the anniversary of your original licensure date.
- Cost: $190 for the biennial renewal fee.

3. Application and License Fees

Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with licensure for both LPCs and LMFTs:

Application Fee (LPC and LMFT): $175 (non-refundable)
Initial License Fee: $125
Examination Fees:
- National Counselor Examination (NCE): $275 (paid to the National Board for Certified Counselors)
- National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE): $275 (paid to the NBCC)
- AMFTRB Exam (for LMFT): $355
Oregon Jurisprudence Exam: Included in application fee (administered by the Oregon Board).

Failure to renew your license on time may result in late fees or even temporary suspension. If renewal is delayed beyond the grace period, reapplication may be required, which can add further costs.

Sources:

Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists. “Licensing Process for LPCs and LMFTs.” Retrieved from: https://www.oregon.gov/oblpct
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). “NCE and NCMHCE Examination Fees.” Retrieved from: https://www.nbcc.org
Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards. “Exam Information and Fees.” Retrieved from: https://www.amftrb.org

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

2) Oregon Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements

In Oregon, continuing education (CE) is a critical requirement for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) to maintain licensure. The Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT) sets specific guidelines for the amount and type of CE credits needed during each licensure renewal period to ensure that practitioners remain informed of the latest developments in mental health, ethical standards, and best practices.

CE Requirements for LPCs and LMFTs in Oregon:

Total CE Hours: Licensed Professional Counselors and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years. These hours must be completed before the license renewal deadline, which is based on the anniversary of the individual’s initial licensure date.
Ethics Requirement: Out of the 40 required hours, 6 hours must be specifically in ethics. These courses must cover topics related to ethical practices, legal responsibilities, and professional standards in the field of counseling or marriage and family therapy.
Cultural Competence Requirement: The state of Oregon also emphasizes the importance of cultural competence in counseling. At least 4 hours of the total CE must focus on the provision of culturally competent mental health services. This may include training in diversity, equity, and inclusion, serving diverse populations, and enhancing cultural sensitivity in therapeutic practice.

Approved CE Providers and Formats:

CE credits must be obtained from approved providers such as professional associations (e.g., the American Counseling Association or the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy), accredited educational institutions, and recognized continuing education sponsors.
CE hours can be completed through a variety of methods, including:
- In-person workshops or seminars
- Online courses or webinars
- Self-study programs (if they meet the criteria set by the board)
- Teaching or presenting professional workshops can also earn CE credits.

Documentation and Reporting:

LPCs and LMFTs must keep documentation of all completed CE activities, including certificates of completion or transcripts. While documentation is not submitted automatically with license renewal, the OBLPCT conducts periodic audits of licensees. If selected for an audit, you must provide proof of CE credits earned during the renewal period.
It is essential to maintain these records for a minimum of four years in case of an audit.

Additional Requirements:

Supervision CE: If you are an LPC or LMFT who provides supervision to other therapists or counselors, you may be required to complete additional CE hours related to the practice of supervision.
First-Time Renewal: For licensees renewing their license for the first time, the required number of CE hours may be pro-rated based on the number of months the license has been active.

Failing to meet CE requirements by the time of renewal can result in late fees, potential suspension, or the need to reapply for licensure, so it is essential to plan ahead and track progress toward fulfilling these obligations.

Resources for CE:

Oregon Counseling Association (ORCA): Offers workshops and events that can count toward CE requirements.
American Counseling Association (ACA): Provides online courses, webinars, and other resources.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT): A good source of CE credits for LMFTs, including ethics and cultural competence courses.

By staying on top of these CE requirements, counselors and therapists in Oregon can ensure they remain compliant with state regulations while continually improving their skills and knowledge to better serve their clients.

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

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

Q: What is the difference between an LPC and an LMFT in Oregon?

A: An LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in Oregon is trained to provide mental health counseling to individuals, groups, and families dealing with a wide range of psychological, emotional, and behavioral issues. LPCs typically hold a master’s or higher degree in counseling or a closely related field and must complete 2,400 hours of supervised clinical experience post-graduation. They are also required to pass a national examination such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

An LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), on the other hand, specializes in diagnosing and treating mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage, family systems, and relationships. LMFTs must have a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field, and they complete at least 2,000 hours of supervised experience with a focus on couples and families. LMFTs must pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam to obtain licensure in Oregon.

Q: How often do I need to renew my counseling or therapy license in Oregon, and what are the CE requirements?

A: In Oregon, both Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) must renew their licenses every two years. The renewal date is based on the anniversary of your initial licensure.

To remain in good standing, both LPCs and LMFTs must complete 40 hours of continuing education (CE) during each two-year renewal period. Out of these 40 hours, 6 hours must be in ethics to ensure that counselors and therapists remain updated on ethical standards and practices. Failure to meet these requirements or renew your license on time may result in late fees or potential suspension of your ability to practice.

Q: What fees are involved in applying for and maintaining an LPC or LMFT license in Oregon?

A: The cost of obtaining and maintaining an LPC or LMFT license in Oregon involves several fees. Here is a breakdown:

Application Fee: $175 (non-refundable).
Initial License Fee: $125 upon approval of the application.
National Examination Fees:
- For LPCs: $275 for either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
- For LMFTs: $355 for the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam.
Renewal Fee: $190 every two years for both LPCs and LMFTs.

Late fees may apply if you miss your renewal deadline. If your license lapses, you may be required to reapply and pay additional fees.

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

4) Conclusion

Maintaining licensure as a counselor or therapist in Oregon requires staying informed about the specific credentialing and renewal requirements set by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT).

Whether you’re pursuing a career as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), understanding the educational requirements, supervised experience, and examination details is crucial for obtaining and maintaining your license. Keeping track of renewal deadlines and continuing education requirements ensures that you remain in good standing and able to provide the highest quality care to your clients.

Renewing your license every two years and completing the required 40 hours of continuing education, including ethics training, not only keeps you compliant with state regulations but also helps you stay updated on the latest practices and ethical standards in mental health care. These requirements serve as an essential component of professional development, ensuring that counselors and therapists remain equipped to handle the evolving needs of their clients.

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.

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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