1) Key Tennessee Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates

2) Tennessee Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements

In Tennessee, licensed counselors and therapists, including Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Professional Counselors with Mental Health Service Provider designation (LPC-MHSP), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapists (LCPTs), are required to complete continuing education (CE) to maintain licensure.

CE requirements ensure that professionals stay current with evolving practices, ethical standards, and innovations in mental health care. Below is a breakdown of the CE requirements for each license.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Professional Counselor-MHSP (LPC-MHSP)

• CE Hours Required: 20 hours of CE every two years (biennial renewal cycle).
• Mandatory Content:
  • Ethics: At least 3 of the 20 CE hours must be in professional ethics. This can include topics such as ethical standards in counseling, confidentiality, and professional boundaries.
  • Clinical Supervision (for LPC-MHSP): LPCs with the MHSP designation must complete additional CE hours if they provide clinical supervision. These hours must be specific to the supervision of mental health services.
• Approved CE Providers: CE hours must be obtained from board-approved providers, which may include national organizations like the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), the American Counseling Association (ACA), and state associations. University coursework related to counseling or therapy may also count toward CE requirements if relevant.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

• CE Hours Required: 20 hours of CE every two years.
• Mandatory Content:
  • Ethics: At least 3 of the 20 CE hours must be in ethics. These ethics hours are designed to keep LMFTs informed about legal and ethical responsibilities, including topics such as confidentiality, dual relationships, and informed consent.
  • Supervision: For LMFTs providing clinical supervision, additional CE hours related to supervisory practices may be required.
• Approved CE Providers: CE hours for LMFTs must be obtained from approved providers such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) or other national or state organizations recognized by the Tennessee licensure board.

Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapist (LCPT)

• CE Hours Required: 20 hours of CE every two years.
• Mandatory Content:
  • Ethics: A minimum of 3 hours must focus on professional ethics, particularly regarding pastoral counseling and the integration of mental health care and spiritual guidance.
• Approved CE Providers: LCPTs must complete CE through board-approved providers, which may include religious or theological organizations that offer clinical pastoral education (CPE), as well as mental health organizations recognized by the state board.

CE Topics and Formats

While a portion of the CE hours must be in ethics, the remaining hours can cover a broad range of topics relevant to counseling, therapy, and clinical supervision. Common CE areas include:

• Trauma-informed care and crisis intervention.
• Evidence-based therapeutic techniques (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or family systems therapy).
• Cultural competence and diversity in mental health.
• Tennessee laws related to mental health practice.
• Professional development in specific populations (e.g., children, families, veterans).

CE can be earned through various formats, including:

• Workshops, conferences, and seminars (in-person or virtual).
• Online courses offered by accredited providers.
• Presenting at workshops or writing peer-reviewed journal articles (with board approval).
• University coursework related to mental health or counseling.

Documentation and Audits

Counselors and therapists are responsible for keeping records of their completed CE, including certificates of attendance, for at least four years. When renewing their license, practitioners must submit an affidavit confirming that they have completed the required CE hours. The Tennessee licensure board may conduct random audits, so maintaining thorough documentation is crucial. If audited, practitioners must provide proof of CE completion.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to meet CE requirements can lead to penalties, including:

• Denial of licensure renewal.
• Fines and/or disciplinary action by the Tennessee licensure board.
• Suspension of the license until CE requirements are fulfilled.

Licensed professionals who do not complete their CE by the renewal deadline may be subject to a late renewal fee, and in some cases, additional penalties if they continue practicing without a valid license.

Approved CE Providers

Some of the most recognized CE providers include:

• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
• American Counseling Association (ACA) 
• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
• Tennessee Counseling Association (TCA)

By staying up-to-date on CE requirements and deadlines, counselors and therapists can ensure they remain in good standing with the state of Tennessee, continue providing high-quality care, and contribute to the advancement of their profession.

Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet Tennessee’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 – Tennessee Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal and CEs

Q: What happens if I don’t complete my continuing education (CE) requirements before my license renewal date?

A: If you fail to complete your required continuing education (CE) hours before your licensure renewal deadline, you may face significant consequences. The Tennessee Board may deny the renewal of your license, and you will not be able to legally practice until the CE hours are completed and your license is renewed.

Additionally, practicing without a valid license could result in fines, penalties, or disciplinary action. It is important to track your CE hours and ensure they are completed well before the renewal deadline to avoid any lapses in licensure. If you submit a late renewal, a late fee of $100 may also be imposed.

Q: How can I verify that my continuing education (CE) courses are board-approved?

A: To ensure that your CE courses meet the Tennessee Board’s requirements, you should take courses from approved CE providers. Some commonly accepted providers include the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), the American Counseling Association (ACA), and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

You can also check with the Tennessee Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapists to confirm whether a specific provider or course is approved. Many state and national professional organizations offer CE opportunities that are pre-approved for licensure renewal in Tennessee.

Q: Can I carry over extra continuing education (CE) hours to the next renewal period?

A: No, Tennessee does not allow counselors or therapists to carry over excess CE hours from one renewal period to the next. Each renewal cycle requires the completion of 20 new CE hours (including 3 hours in ethics). If you earn more than 20 hours during one renewal cycle, the additional hours cannot be applied toward future renewal periods. Therefore, it is essential to plan your CE activities carefully to meet the requirements within each specific two-year cycle.

Resources for CE: Agents of Change Continuing Education offers over 150 NBCC-approved courses that meet Tennessee’s 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