Washington counseling license requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

We've listed some of the most common questions and answers for Washington counseling continuing education.

How many CE Credits does Washington require for counselors?

Professionals licensed by the Washington Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers Advisory Committee:
- MHC, LMFT: 36 hours every 2 years.
- MHCA, LMFTA: 18 hours per year.
- Licenses expire on the licensee's birthdate.
Professionals with credentials from the Washington Substance Use Disorder Certification Advisory Board:
- SUDP (CP): 40 hours every 2 years.

Can I take my continuing education through Continued Counseling?

Licensed Professional Counselors/Marriage & Family Therapists/Addiction Counselors: Yes. The Washington Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers Advisory Committee and the Washington Substance Use Disorder Certification Advisory Committee accept courses by NBCC and NAADAC approved providers. Continued has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7484. Continued is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, #283836. Find courses offered for NBCC credit or courses approved by NAADAC.

Licensees are responsible for completing courses that align with the content requirements for their specific license.

Other Information

Mental Health Counselors and Licensed Marriage and Family Counselors:

There is no limit to the number of continuing education hours that may be obtained online.
6 hours in law and ethics must be obtained each renewal. Continued offers courses that may meet the ethics course requirement.
6 hours every 6 years in suicide assessment, treatment, and management
- Explore our suicide assessment course
2 hours every 4 years must be obtained in health equity. Continued offers courses that may meet the health equity course requirement.

Associates (MHCA, MFTA):

There is no limit to the amount of continuing education hours that may be obtained online.
6 hours in professional ethics and law must be obtained each renewal. Continued offers courses that may meet the ethics course requirement.

Addiction Counselors:

SUDP (CP):
- There is no limit to the number of continuing education hours that can be completed online.
- 4 hours of ethics each renewal period. Continued offers courses that may meet the ethics course requirement.
- 3 hours of suicide prevention once every six years. Continued offers a suicide prevention course that has been approved by the Washington Department of Health.
- 14 hours in SUDP specific topics each renewal period. Continued offers courses that may meet the SUDP course requirement.
- 2 hours of health equity once every four years. Continued offers courses that may meet the health equity course requirement.
- 10 hours additional training. These hours must relate to the various phases of the Substance Use Disorder Professional’s professional career.

Refer to your regulatory agency for the most current information about your continuing education requirements.

Approval Organizations

American Psychological Association

Continued is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Continued maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors

Continued is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, #283836. Continued is responsible for all aspects of the programming.

National Board for Certified Counselors Approved Continuing Education Provider

Continued has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7484. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Continued is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.