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

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

Therapy Trainings is approved by: NBCC ACEP ASWB ACE NAADAC

Professional Counselors (LPC)

Licensed Professional Counselors in Virginia

Requirement Details
Total CE Hours 20 hours
Renewal Cycle Annual (by June 30)
Ethics Minimum 2 hours
Licensing Board Virginia Board of Counseling

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is accepted by the Virginia Board of Counseling based on NBCC approval.
  • Courses must focus on counseling theory, human growth, social/cultural foundations, group dynamics, or related clinical areas.

Social Workers (LCSW/LMSW/LBSW)

Licensed Social Workers in Virginia

License Level Total Hours Ethics Category I (Formal) Category II (Individual)
LCSW 30 hrs 6 hrs Min 20 hrs Max 10 hrs
LMSW/LBSW 15 hrs 3 hrs Min 10 hrs Max 5 hrs
Requirement Details
Renewal Cycle Every 2 years
Licensing Board Virginia Board of Social Work

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is accepted by the Virginia Board of Social Work based on ASWB approval.
  • Category I includes formally organized learning activities. Category II includes individual professional activities.

Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in Virginia

Requirement Details
Total CE Hours 20 hours
Renewal Cycle Annual
Ethics 3 hours required
Clinical Supervision/Consultation Maximum 10 hours
Licensing Board Virginia Board of Counseling

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is accepted by the Virginia Board of Counseling based on NBCC approval.
  • Up to 10 hours may be earned through clinical supervision or consultation.

Psychologists

Licensed Psychologists in Virginia

Requirement Details
Total CE Hours 14 hours
Renewal Cycle Annual
Ethics/Laws/Regulations Minimum 1.5 hours
Face-to-Face/Live Interactive Minimum 6 hours
Carryover Up to 7 hours may carry forward
Licensing Board Virginia Board of Psychology

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is not accepted by the Virginia Board of Psychology at this time.
  • At least 6 hours must be earned in face-to-face or real-time interactive educational experiences.

Addiction Counselors (CSAC/CSAC-A)

Certified Substance Abuse Counselors in Virginia

Requirement Details
Total CE Hours 20 hours
Renewal Cycle Annual
Ethics 2 hours required
Licensing Board Virginia Board of Counseling

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is accepted by the Virginia Board of Counseling based on NAADAC and NBCC approval.
  • Ethics hours must emphasize standards of practice or laws governing behavioral science professions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Category I and Category II for social workers?

Category I includes formally organized learning activities like workshops and courses. Category II includes individual professional activities. LCSWs need at least 20 hours in Category I, while LMSW/LBSWs need at least 10 hours.

Are Virginia counselor and MFT licenses annual or biennial?

Virginia counselors renew annually by June 30, and MFTs also renew annually. Social workers renew every 2 years.

Can psychologists carry over excess CE hours?

Yes, Virginia psychologists who complete more than 14 hours may carry up to 7 hours forward to the next annual renewal cycle.

What are the face-to-face requirements for psychologists?

At least 6 of the 14 required hours must be earned in face-to-face or real-time interactive educational experiences.

Can MFTs count supervision toward their CE requirements?

Yes, Virginia MFTs may count up to 10 hours of clinical supervision or consultation toward their 20-hour annual requirement.

Official Sources

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Last updated: January 2026