Continuing Education Requirements for LMHCs in WA State
In Washington State, Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) are required to meet continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain their licensure. Here are the specific requirements, as of 2022:
Total Hours: LMHCs must complete 36 hours of continuing education every two years.
Ethics Requirement: Out of the total 36 hours, at least 6 hours must be in professional ethics. This ensures that counselors stay updated on ethical standards and guidelines in the field.
Supervision Requirements: If an LMHC provides clinical supervision to supervisees seeking licensure, they must complete additional continuing education specific to supervision. This includes 6 hours of CE in supervision every two years.
Approved Providers: Continuing education must be provided by approved sponsors, which may include universities, professional associations, or organizations recognized by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
Reporting and Documentation: LMHCs are responsible for documenting their CE activities and maintaining records for at least 4 years. They must report completion of CE credits when renewing their license.
It's important for LMHCs in Washington State to stay informed about any updates or changes to CE requirements, which may occur periodically. Checking with the Washington State Department of Health or relevant professional associations is recommended to ensure compliance with current regulations.
