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

Stay compliant with Washington 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/LMHC)

Licensed Mental Health Counselors in Washington

Requirement Details
Total CE Hours 36 hours
Renewal Cycle Every 2 years
Ethics 6 hours required
Suicide Assessment 6 hours (every 6 years)
Health Equity 2 hours (every 4 years, starting Jan 2024)
Licensing Board Washington State Department of Health

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is accepted by the Washington State Department of Health based on NBCC approval.
  • Suicide training covers assessment, treatment, and management.

Social Workers (LICSW/LASW)

Licensed Social Workers in Washington

License Level Hours Cycle
LICSW/LASW 36 hrs Every 2 years
LSWAA/LSWAIC 16 hrs Annual
Requirement Details
Ethics 6 hours required
Suicide Assessment 6 hours required
Health Equity 2 hours (every 4 years)
Distance Learning Up to 26 hours
Licensing Board Washington State Department of Health

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is accepted based on ASWB approval.
  • At least 26 hours must be from approved, industry-recognized providers like ASWB or NASW Washington.
  • Maintain records including certificates of completion for at least four years.

Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in Washington

License Level Hours Cycle
LMFT 36 hrs Every 2 years
LMFTA 18 hrs Every 2 years
Requirement Details
Ethics 6 hours required
Suicide Assessment 6 hours required
Health Equity 2 hours (every 4 years)
Distance Learning Up to 26 hours
Licensing Board WA Department of Health - Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is accepted by the Washington State Department of Health - Board of Marriage and Family Therapy based on NBCC approval.
  • Health equity training includes strategies to reduce implicit bias and apply health equity concepts into practice.

Psychologists

Licensed Psychologists in Washington

Requirement Details
Total CE Hours 60 hours
Renewal Cycle Every 3 years
Ethics 4 hours required
Health Equity 2 hours (per WAC 246-12-830)
Suicide Intervention 6 hours (every 6 years, per WAC 246-924-255)
Online Learning All 60 hours may be completed online
Licensing Board Washington State Examining Board of Psychology

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is accepted by the Washington State Examining Board of Psychology under WAC 246-924-240 as a recognized behavioral science organization.
  • Washington psychologists can complete all 60 required CE activities online through our program.

Addiction Counselors (SUDP/CDP)

Substance Use Disorder Professionals in Washington

Requirement Details
Total CE Hours 40 hours (28 CE + 12 PDA)
Renewal Cycle Every 2 years
Ethics 4 hours required
Suicide Assessment 3 hours (every 6 years)
Addiction-Specific 14 hours required
Licensing Board Washington State Department of Health

Important Notes:

  • Therapy Trainings CE is accepted by the Washington State Department of Health based on NAADAC approval.
  • 14 hours must cover addiction-specific topics including understanding addiction and pharmacological actions of alcohol and drugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health equity training requirement in Washington?

Starting January 2024, most mental health professionals must complete 2 hours of health equity training every 4 years. This training includes strategies to reduce implicit bias and apply health equity concepts into practice.

How often is suicide assessment training required?

The 6-hour suicide assessment, treatment, and management training is required every 6 years for most professions. Addiction counselors need 3 hours every 6 years.

What's the difference between CE and PDA hours for addiction counselors?

Washington addiction counselors need 28 hours of traditional CE plus 12 hours of Professional Development Activities (PDA) for a total of 40 hours every 2 years.

Can psychologists complete all their CE online in Washington?

Yes, Washington psychologists can complete all 60 required CE hours online through approved programs like Therapy Trainings.

What are the requirements for associate-level licenses?

LMFTAs need 18 hours every 2 years. LSWAA/LSWAIC associates need 16 hours annually.

Official Sources

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Last updated: January 2026