Washington Counselors/Therapists CE Requirements, Accreditations & Approvals

Washington Counselors / Therapists

NetCE has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6361. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. NetCE is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.

As a Jointly Accredited Organization, NetCE is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit.

Designated courses have been approved by NetCE, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits, NAADAC Provider #97847. NetCE is responsible for all aspects of their programming. Please refer to individual course details for approval information.

The Washington State Department of Health Office of the Professions for Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers Advisory Committee, and Substance Use Disorder Professional Advisory Committee accept courses from any provider who is APA, NBCC, ASWB and/or NAADAC approved.

Continuing Education Requirement

The Washington State Department of Health Office of the Professions: Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers Advisory Committee, and Substance Use Disorder Professional Advisory Committee accept NetCE courses.

MHCs and MFTs are required 36 hours every two years, all of which may be completed by distance learning.*

A minimum of 6 of the 36 hours must be in professional ethics and law every two years. In addition, a 6-hour course on suicide assessment, treatment and management must be completed every six years.

Beginning January 1, 2024, all licensed counselors as defined under WAC 246-809-010 are required at least 2 hours of health equity training every four years, including strategies to reduce implicit bias and assess the provider's ability to apply health equity concepts into practice. These hours are included in the total required for renewal.

CCs and CAs are required 36 hours every two years, 20 of which may be completed by distance learning.*

A minimum of 6 of the 36 hours must be in professional ethics and law every two years. In addition, a 3-hour course on suicide assessment, screening and referral must be completed every six years.

Beginning January 1, 2024, certified counselors and advisers are required at least 2 hours of health equity training every four years, including strategies to reduce implicit bias and assess the provider's ability to apply health equity concepts into practice. These hours are included in the total required for renewal.

SUDPs (formerly CDPs) are required 12 hours of continuing education every two years, all of which may be completed by distance learning.*

A minimum of 4 of the 12 hours must be in professional ethics and law every two years. In addition, a 3-hour course on suicide assessment, screening and referral must be completed every six years.

Beginning January 1, 2024, all substance use disorder professionals are required at least 2 hours of health equity training every four years, including strategies to reduce implicit bias and assess the provider's ability to apply health equity concepts into practice. These hours are included in the total required for renewal.

* NetCE courses are considered distance learning continuing education.

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For More Information

Please contact the Washington State Department of Health Office of the Professions: Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers Advisory Committee, or Substance Use Disorder Professional Advisory Committee at (360) 236-4700, and refer to https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update for additional information regarding your continuing education.