Continuing Education (CE) Requirements in Kentucky for Mental Health Professionals

Stay compliant with Kentucky CE requirements. Find your profession below for specific hour requirements, ethics mandates, and renewal deadlines.

This page is part of our 50-state CE requirements library. View CE requirements for all states.

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Therapy Trainings is approved by: NBCC ACEP ASWB ACE NAADAC

Professional Counselors (LPCC/LPCA)

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors in Kentucky

Requirement Details
Total CE Hours 10 hours minimum
Renewal Cycle Annual (expires October 31)
Domestic Violence (Initial) 3 hours within first 3 years of licensure
Suicide Training 6 hours within first year, then every 6 years
Kentucky Counseling Law 3 hours every 3 years
Licensing Board Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is accepted by the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors based on NBCC approval.
  • All mandatory trainings (domestic violence, suicide, KY law) are approved by the Kentucky LPC Board.

Social Workers (LCSW/CSW/LSW)

Licensed Clinical and Certified Social Workers in Kentucky

Requirement Details
Total CE Hours (LCSW/CSW) 30 hours
Total CE Hours (LSW) 15 hours
Renewal Cycle Every 3 years
Ethics (KY Code of Conduct) 3 hours every 3-year cycle
Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma 1.5 hours every 6 years (LCSW/LSW only)
Suicide Training 6 hours every 6 years
Domestic Violence (Initial) 3 hours in 3-year cycle following initial licensure
Supervision (for supervisors) 3 hours in-person (live presenter)
Live/Online Balance Minimum 15 hours live or self-study/online
Licensing Board Kentucky Board of Social Work

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is accepted by the Kentucky Board of Social Work based on ASWB approval and individual state board sponsorship.
  • Clinical supervision course must be taken in person before a live presenter.

Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in Kentucky

Requirement Details
Total CE Hours 15 hours
Renewal Cycle Every 1 year
Ethics 3 hours in MFT ethics
Domestic Violence (Initial) 3 hours within first 3 years of licensure
MFT Supervision Course 6 hours (includes KY law)
Supervision (for supervisors) 2 hours every subsequent year
Suicide Training 6 hours on first renewal, then every 3rd renewal
Licensing Board Kentucky Board of Licensure for Marriage and Family Therapists

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE should be accepted based on Florida MFT Board approval, but individual course approval via the board may be required.
  • Kentucky recognizes trainings from providers approved by other state MFT boards.

Psychologists

Licensed Psychologists in Kentucky

Requirement Details
Total CE Hours 39 hours
Renewal Cycle Every 3 years
Domestic Violence (Initial) 3 hours within 3 years of initial licensure
Suicide Training 6 hours within first year, then every 6 years
Supervision (for supervisors) 3 credits every 3 years
Online/Home Study Limit Maximum 12 hours per renewal period
Licensing Board Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is accepted by the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology through our NASW approval.
  • No more than 12 hours can be completed through home study or internet-based courses.

Addiction Counselors (LCADC/CADC)

Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselors in Kentucky

Requirement Details
Total CE Hours 60 hours
Renewal Cycle Every 3 years
Ethics At least 3 CEUs
Suicide Training 6 CEUs every 6 years
Supervisory Practices 3 CEUs (for Board Approved Supervisors)
Live/Face-to-Face Requirement At least 50% of hours (30 hours)
Licensing Board Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is accepted by the Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors based on NAADAC approval.
  • At least 50% (30 hours) must be earned through live, face-to-face presentations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kentucky require suicide training?

Yes. All Kentucky mental health professionals must complete 6 hours in suicide assessment, treatment, and management. Timing varies: Counselors and Psychologists need it within the first year of licensure and every 6 years; MFTs on the first renewal and every third renewal; Social Workers and Addiction Counselors every 6 years.

What is the domestic violence training requirement?

Kentucky requires 3 hours of domestic violence training within the first 3 years of initial licensure for Counselors, Social Workers, MFTs, and Psychologists. This is a one-time initial requirement.

Does Kentucky limit online continuing education?

Yes, for some professions. Psychologists are limited to 12 hours of home study/internet-based courses per renewal. Addiction Counselors must complete at least 50% of hours through live, face-to-face presentations. Social Workers must complete a minimum of 15 hours live or through home/self-study.

Why do renewal cycles differ by profession?

Kentucky uses different renewal cycles: Counselors renew annually (October 31), MFTs renew every year, while Social Workers, Psychologists, and Addiction Counselors renew every 3 years. Plan your CE completion accordingly.

Is Therapy Trainings approved for Kentucky MFTs?

Kentucky regulations recognize trainings from providers approved by other state MFT boards. Our Florida MFT Board approval should be recognized, but you may need to apply for individual course approval via the Kentucky Board.

Official Sources

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Last updated: January 2026