Rhode Island Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements -

In Rhode Island, the licensure and credentialing requirements for counselors and therapists are overseen by the Rhode Island Department of Health. The state offers several types of licensure for mental health professionals, including Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT).

Each license requires the completion of specific educational, clinical experience, and examination standards to qualify for licensure.

1. Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) Requirements

To become an LMHC in Rhode Island, individuals must:

Hold a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a closely related field from a program accredited by CACREP or an equivalent body.
Complete 60 graduate-level credit hours that include coursework in core areas such as human development, counseling theory, ethics, and diagnosis.
Complete at least 2,000 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience over a minimum of two years.
Pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

2. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Requirements

For LMFT licensure, the following criteria must be met:

Possess a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field, from a program accredited by COAMFTE or a comparable accrediting body.
Complete at least 60 graduate-level credit hours.
Fulfill 2,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience, with at least 1,000 of these hours being direct client contact in marriage and family therapy.
Pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam.

Licensure Renewal Details and Continuing Education Requirements

Renewal Period: Counselors and therapists in Rhode Island are required to renew their licenses every two years.
Continuing Education: Licensees must complete 40 hours of continuing education (CE) during each renewal cycle. Of these, three hours must focus on ethics. Continuing education ensures that practitioners stay up-to-date with current practices and maintain high professional standards.
Renewal Process: License renewal can be completed online through the Rhode Island Department of Health’s website. Licensees must submit proof of CE completion and pay the renewal fee.

Fees

Initial Application Fee:
- LMHC: $70 application fee
- LMFT: $70 application fee
Licensure Renewal Fees:
- LMHC: $170 biennial renewal fee
- LMFT: $170 biennial renewal fee
Examination Fees:
- NCMHCE (for LMHC): $275
- AMFTRB (for LMFT): $365

These requirements and fees may vary slightly, so it is always a good idea to check the Rhode Island Department of Health website for the most up-to-date information.

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

2) Rhode Island Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements

In Rhode Island, counselors and therapists, including Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), are required to complete continuing education (CE) as part of their licensure renewal process.

These CE requirements ensure that practitioners remain knowledgeable about the latest advancements in their fields and continue to deliver high-quality services to their clients. Below are the specific continuing education requirements for both LMHCs and LMFTs.

General CE Requirements:

Number of Hours: Counselors and therapists must complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education during each two-year licensure cycle.
Ethics Requirement: Of the 40 CE hours, at least 3 hours must be focused on professional ethics. This ensures that licensed practitioners remain aware of ethical standards and best practices in their field.
Accredited CE Providers: Continuing education activities must be provided by approved organizations or individuals. These may include:
- State or national professional associations related to counseling or marriage and family therapy (e.g., American Counseling Association, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy).
- Accredited colleges or universities.
- State licensing boards in other states.

Types of Acceptable Continuing Education Activities:

Rhode Island allows counselors and therapists to fulfill their CE requirements through a variety of learning formats. These may include:

Workshops, seminars, and conferences: In-person or online educational events that provide professional development in relevant areas, such as clinical techniques, diagnosis, or client communication.
Graduate coursework: Advanced education courses taken at accredited institutions can count toward CE hours.
Online or distance learning programs: Courses offered via the internet that meet the standards set by the Rhode Island Department of Health are eligible. However, licensees should ensure that the provider is approved by an appropriate body.
Presenting or teaching: Counselors and therapists may earn CE credits by presenting workshops, seminars, or teaching at an accredited institution. These activities must directly relate to the licensee’s professional practice.

Reporting and Documentation:

Licensees are required to maintain records of their completed CE activities and provide proof of completion during the renewal process. This typically includes:

Certificates of completion from CE providers, including the name of the course, provider, date, and number of hours.
Transcripts for academic coursework that qualifies for CE credit.

Counselors and therapists must keep documentation of their CE activities for at least four years after the license renewal period, as the Rhode Island Department of Health may audit practitioners to verify compliance with CE requirements.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

Failure to complete the required continuing education hours or submit accurate documentation may result in penalties, including potential disciplinary action, fines, or even suspension of the license. If a practitioner is unable to meet the CE requirements for valid reasons (e.g., illness), they may petition the licensing board for an extension or exemption, but this must be approved in advance.

CE Waivers:

In certain cases, such as illness, disability, or other extenuating circumstances, counselors and therapists may apply for a waiver or extension of CE requirements. Waivers are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Rhode Island Department of Health, and supporting documentation may be required.

Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet Rhode Island 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.