Washington Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Navigating the process of renewing a counseling or therapy license in Washington State can seem daunting, especially when juggling the requirements for continuing education (CE) and keeping track of renewal dates.

As a counselor or therapist, ensuring that your licensure stays up to date is essential for maintaining professional practice and staying compliant with state regulations. In Washington, different licensure categories, such as Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), each have unique requirements that professionals must meet.

Renewal periods typically occur annually in Washington, with specific deadlines based on the professional’s initial licensure date. Alongside timely renewal, the state mandates that licensed counselors and therapists complete a set number of CE hours to ensure practitioners stay current with the latest industry standards, techniques, and ethical practices. These continuing education hours include specific requirements, such as ethics training, to support the development of well-rounded, competent practitioners who are equipped to provide the best care for their clients.

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1) Key Washington Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates

In Washington State, counselors and therapists are regulated by the Department of Health (DOH). Professionals must meet specific credentialing and licensure requirements to practice legally.

The two primary types of licensure for counselors and therapists in Washington are Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Below are the details regarding credentialing, licensure renewal, and associated fees.

Credentialing and Licensure Requirements

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
To become an LMHC in Washington, professionals must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a master’s or doctoral degree in mental health counseling or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
- Complete at least 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised experience, with at least 1,200 hours in direct counseling with clients.
- Pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
- Submit a completed application with the required documentation and fees to the Department of Health.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
The requirements to become an LMFT include:
- Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from an accredited program.
- Complete at least 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience, including a minimum of 1,000 direct client contact hours.
- Pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) national examination.
- Submit a completed application with supporting documentation and fees to the Department of Health.

Licensure Renewal Details

Licensure renewal in Washington is required annually for LMHCs and LMFTs. Professionals must renew their licenses by their birthday each year to avoid penalties and maintain their credentials. In addition to timely renewal, counselors and therapists must meet specific continuing education (CE) requirements.

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
Washington requires LMHCs and LMFTs to complete 36 hours of continuing education every two years. This includes 6 hours of ethics training and 4 hours of suicide assessment, treatment, and management training.

Costs and Fees for Licenses

Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with applying for and renewing licensure as an LMHC or LMFT in Washington:

Application Fee:
- LMHC: $75
- LMFT: $75
License Issuance Fee (if approved):
- LMHC: $92
- LMFT: $92
Annual Renewal Fee:
- LMHC: $116
- LMFT: $116
Late Renewal Fee:
- LMHC: $58
- LMFT: $58
Expired License Reissuance Fee:
- LMHC: $50
- LMFT: $50
Continuing Education Compliance Audit:
Practitioners are subject to periodic CE audits, and failure to provide documentation may result in additional penalties, including fines.

By staying informed about these requirements and meeting deadlines, licensed counselors and therapists can avoid lapses in licensure and maintain their ability to practice in Washington State.

Sources:

Washington State Department of Health, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) Requirements: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/mental-health-counselor
Washington State Department of Health, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Requirements: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/marriage-and-family-therapist
Washington State Department of Health, Fees for Health Professions: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/mental-health-counselor/mental-health-counselor-fees

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

2) Washington Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements

In Washington State, counselors and therapists such as Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) are required to complete continuing education (CE) to maintain licensure.

These requirements ensure that professionals stay up-to-date with current best practices, enhance their skills, and uphold ethical standards in their work. Below are the detailed continuing education requirements for both LMHCs and LMFTs.

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

Washington requires that LMHCs and LMFTs complete 36 hours of continuing education every two years. This CE must include specific areas that are essential for maintaining competence and ethical practice in counseling and therapy.

General CE Hours:
- Out of the required 36 hours, most hours can be completed in any subject relevant to the professional’s scope of practice. This allows for flexibility in choosing courses that address specific areas of interest, professional development, or emerging trends in therapy and counseling.
Ethics Training:
- 6 of the 36 required hours must be in ethics. This training must cover topics such as professional ethics, state laws, and ethical decision-making in practice. Ethical competence is essential for ensuring that therapists and counselors work with integrity and within legal guidelines.
Suicide Assessment, Treatment, and Management:
- 4 of the 36 required hours must be in suicide assessment, treatment, and management. Washington State has placed a strong emphasis on suicide prevention training, recognizing its importance in mental health care. This training equips counselors and therapists with the skills to assess and manage clients who may be at risk of suicide, providing critical interventions.

Approved Continuing Education Providers

To ensure the quality of continuing education, Washington only accepts CE hours from providers or organizations that are approved by recognized authorities. Some of the common approved CE providers include:

American Counseling Association (ACA)
American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
- Agents of Change Continuing Education is approved by NBCC.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Accredited colleges and universities

Recordkeeping and Reporting

Licensees are responsible for maintaining records of their continuing education hours. Although counselors and therapists do not need to submit CE documentation during their annual license renewal, the Washington Department of Health conducts periodic random CE audits. If selected for an audit, the licensee must provide certificates or other proof of completed continuing education within 30 days.

Records of CE completion, including certificates of attendance or completion, should be kept for at least 4 years. These records must include the provider’s name, the course title, the number of hours earned, and the date of completion.

Extensions and Waivers

In certain circumstances, the Department of Health may grant an extension or waiver of continuing education requirements. Common reasons for this include illness, military service, or other personal hardships. To request an extension or waiver, the licensee must submit a written request to the Department of Health with appropriate documentation supporting their claim.

Failure to meet the CE requirements can result in disciplinary actions, including fines or suspension of licensure. Licensees are encouraged to ensure compliance well before their renewal date to avoid any disruptions in practice.

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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 – Washington Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal and CEs

Q: What are the specific continuing education (CE) requirements for Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) in Washington?

A: Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) in Washington are required to complete 36 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. Of these 36 hours:

6 hours must be in ethics training, covering professional and legal standards, ethical decision-making, and related topics.
4 hours must be dedicated to suicide assessment, treatment, and management. This is mandated by Washington State to ensure that mental health professionals are equipped to handle at-risk clients. The remaining hours can be in topics relevant to the professional’s field of practice, allowing for flexibility and specialization in ongoing education. All CE must be obtained from approved providers, such as the American Counseling Association (ACA), the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and accredited institutions.

Q: When do I need to renew my counseling or therapy license in Washington, and what are the associated fees?

A: Washington requires counselors and therapists to renew their licenses annually, based on their birthday. For both LMHCs and LMFTs, the renewal fee is $116 per year.

If you fail to renew by the deadline, a late fee of $58 will be assessed. If your license expires, you will need to pay an additional reissuance fee of $50 to reactivate it. It’s essential to keep track of your renewal date to avoid interruptions in your ability to practice.

Q: What happens if I am selected for a continuing education (CE) audit, and how should I prepare for it?

A: Washington’s Department of Health conducts random CE audits to ensure compliance with the continuing education requirements. If you are selected for an audit, you will need to provide documentation of your completed CE hours within 30 days.

Acceptable documentation includes certificates of completion or transcripts showing the course name, provider, date, and number of hours earned. It’s recommended that you keep all CE records for at least four years to ensure compliance if audited. Failure to provide the necessary proof of CE completion can result in penalties, including potential suspension of your license.

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

4) Conclusion

Staying compliant with licensure renewal and continuing education (CE) requirements is essential for counselors and therapists practicing in Washington State. Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) must not only meet annual renewal deadlines but also complete the required CE hours to ensure they remain up-to-date with ethical standards and the latest developments in mental health care.

By maintaining awareness of these requirements and keeping track of key deadlines, licensed professionals can avoid costly penalties, lapses in licensure, and disruptions to their practice. Keeping detailed records of completed CE hours and staying proactive about fulfilling continuing education needs will help ensure a smooth renewal process, even in the event of a random audit by the Department of Health. Additionally, seeking out CE opportunities that align with professional goals can help counselors and therapists stay competitive and well-informed in an ever-evolving field.

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.

We’ve helped thousands of Counselors and Therapists with their Continuing Education and want you to be next!

► 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