Continuing Education (CE) Requirements in North Carolina for Mental Health Professionals

Stay compliant with North Carolina 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 (LCMHC)

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors in North Carolina

Requirement Details
Total CE Hours 40 contact hours
Renewal Cycle Every 2 years (July 1 - June 30)
Ethics 3 contact hours required
Supervision Training 10 hours professional knowledge/competency
Licensing Board NC Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is accepted by the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors based on NBCC approval.

Social Workers (LCSW/LCSWA)

Licensed Clinical Social Workers in North Carolina

Requirement Details
Total CE Hours (2-year) 40 contact hours
Total CE Hours (1-year) 20 contact hours
Total CE Hours (6-month) 10 contact hours
Ethics (2-year cycle) 4 hours required
Ethics (1-year cycle) 2 hours required
Ethics (6-month cycle) 1 hour required
Distance Learning Limit 20 hours max (one-half) per 2-year cycle
Licensing Board NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is accepted by the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board based on ASWB approval.
  • Distance learning is limited to 50% of total CE hours.

Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in North Carolina

Requirement Details
Total CE Hours 20 hours
Renewal Cycle Annual
Ethics 3 hours required
Supervisee Credit Up to 12 hours allowed
Licensing Board NC Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is accepted by the North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board.
  • Courses meet board criteria by dealing with MFT practice, therapeutic issues, ethics, and supervision.

Psychologists

Licensed Psychologists in North Carolina

Requirement Details
Total CE Hours 24 hours
Renewal Cycle Every 2 years
Category A Required 15 hours minimum
Category B Allowed Remaining hours (up to 9)
Ethics 3 hours required
Licensing Board North Carolina Psychology Board

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is not accepted by the North Carolina Psychology Board at this time.
  • Minimum of 15 hours must be completed under a Category A program sponsor.
  • Remaining hours may be Category A or Category B.

Addiction Counselors (CSAC/LCAS/CCS)

Certified Substance Abuse Counselors in North Carolina

Requirement Details
CSAC/CSAPC/CCJP/LCAS 60 hours every 2 years
CCS (Clinical Supervisor) 15 hours every 2 years
Ethics 3 hours required
HIV/AIDS/STD/BBP 3 hours required
Special Topics 3 hours (nicotine, veterans, older adults, evidence-based)
Online Training Fully allowed - all online, in-person, or mix
Licensing Board NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is accepted by the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board based on NAADAC approval.
  • CCS requires 15 hours clinical supervision training or 12 core function training (up to 3.75 hours from providing supervision).
  • Special topics include nicotine dependence, substance abuse in veterans and older adults, psychopathology, and evidence-based treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Therapy Trainings accepted for North Carolina Psychologists?

No, Therapy Trainings CE is not accepted by the North Carolina Psychology Board at this time. Psychologists must obtain CE from Category A approved providers.

What is the distance learning limit for North Carolina Social Workers?

Social Workers may complete up to 20 hours (one-half) of their 40-hour requirement through distance learning activities per two-year renewal cycle.

What are the special topic requirements for addiction counselors?

Addiction counselors must complete 3 hours in special topics including nicotine dependence, substance abuse in veterans, substance abuse in older adults, psychopathology, and/or evidence-based treatment.

Can addiction counselors complete all CE online?

Yes, North Carolina addiction counselors can complete all CE online, all in-person, all webinars, or mix and match however they choose.

What is the MFT supervisee credit?

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists may count up to 12 hours of continuing education as a supervisee toward their annual 20-hour requirement.

Official Sources

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Last updated: January 2026