The process of maintaining a therapy license requires continuous dedication that extends well beyond initial licensure. This ongoing commitment includes professional development—and ethics continuing education units (CEs) are a key part of that.
The renewal process of licenses for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Psychologists typically requires ethics CEs. The requirements for these ethics CEs differ depending on the therapist’s state and license type.
This blog post provides an informational overview of ethics CEU requirements for therapy license renewals with state examples. However, it’s important to stress the need to check your state licensing board for the most up-to-date information.
Why are Ethics CEs a Cornerstone of Therapy Practice?
Ethics establish the fundamental foundation for both therapeutic relationships and all aspects of mental health practice. The main objective of ethical guidelines exists to protect the well-being of clients. Therapists who maintain their knowledge of ethical issues possess the necessary skills to defend their clients from dangerous situations, exploitation, and breaches of trust.
Courses such as Law and Ethics CEs reinforce core principles through repeated examinations of confidentiality, informed consent, professional boundaries, dual relationships and competence.
They present real-life scenarios and case studies to teach therapists effective critical thinking skills, equipping them to solve complex ethical dilemmas that lack obvious solutions.
General Requirements for Ethics Continuing Education
The number of hours and required subjects may differ between states. However, most require therapists to complete ethics CEs for license renewal. Ethics continuing education courses regularly incorporate or require topics such as:
- Confidentiality and its limits (including mandated reporting)
- Professional boundaries and dual relationships
- Informed consent processes
- Cultural competence and diversity in ethical practice
- Ethical issues in telehealth and technology
- Laws and rules governing practice within a specific state
- HIPAA and privacy regulations
Some states require a separate requirement for suicide risk assessment and intervention which includes ethical aspects, while others have it as part of their general ethics CEU requirements.
Most states require between 3–6 ethics CE hours per renewal period, though this can vary. The duration between license renewals varies from 1–3 years.
State-Specific Requirements
The requirements have various differences, including mandatory courses, accepted provider lists, and learning formats. The following section demonstrates the diverse nature of ethics CEU requirements through a few state examples (correct as of 2025 — always confirm with your licensing board).
California
The CE requirement for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and LEPs in California consists of 36 hours over two years, with six hours focused on Law and Ethics. The July 1, 2023, renewal marked the beginning of the requirement for new professionals to complete their 36 hours of continuing education.
The state requires both telehealth and suicide risk assessment training amounting to three hours and six hours respectively. First-time renewals also need to complete three hours of a California law and ethics course during each one-year period.
Florida
Florida requires MFTs, LCSWs, and LMHCs to finish 30 total CE hours within each two-year period. A total of three hours in Ethics & Boundaries along with two hours in Medical Errors must be completed by therapists within their 30-hour CE requirement. The laws and rules requirement together with domestic violence training must be completed every third biennium.
Texas
LPCs must obtain 24 CE hours during two years while devoting at least six hours to ethics training including the jurisprudence exam as one ethics hour and three hours to cultural diversity or competency training.
The CE requirement for LMFTs consists of 30 hours every two years, including six ethics hours and three cultural diversity hours. The Texas jurisprudence exam serves as a valid ethics hour for license renewal.
The social work profession requires 30 continuing education hours during every two-year period with a minimum of six hours dedicated to ethics.
New York
LMHCs and LMFTs require 36 hours of CE every three years. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) approves both providers and courses for professional development, although ethics remains a standard component. Several professional resources show that 36 hours must contain at least three ethics hours and three cultural competency hours. Self-study training extends up to twelve hours.
Illinois
The requirement for LPCs and LCPCs includes 30 hours per two years with three hours dedicated to counseling practice ethics. There are also requirements for sexual harassment prevention training (one hour), implicit bias awareness training (one hour), Alzheimer’s training (one hour for every other renewal cycle) and cultural competency training (one hour). After their second renewal period, LPCs must fulfill a mandatory nine-hour clinical supervision training.
LSWs and LCSWs need 30 CE hours per two years with three hours dedicated to ethics and three hours dedicated to cultural competence.
The CE requirement for MFTs in two years amounts to 30 hours with an ethics component included.
Ohio
LPCs, LPCCs, MFTs and LISWs need 30 CE hours every two years with three hours focused on ethics. The supervision CE requirement stands at three hours for those who hold supervisory designations.
Pennsylvania
LSWs, LCSWs, MFTs and LPCs require 30 CE hours, spread over two years. To fulfill their CE requirements, professionals need to complete a minimum of three hours in professional ethics, complete two hours of Act 31 child abuse recognition and reporting, and one hour of suicide prevention training.
How to Find Approved Ethics Continuing Education Courses
Finding courses that meet your board’s requirements is a critical step. Here are reliable places to look:
- State Licensing Board Website: Your most reliable source. Check CE, renewal, or licensure sections for up-to-date ethics CEU requirements. You will find information on the required hours, necessary topics, and provider approval standards.
- Reputable CEU Providers: Organizations (such as Zur Institute) offer ethics continuing education. Verify any potential provider of CEs as approved by your state licensing board or one of its national accrediting bodies.
Ethics CEs are essential for maintaining your license and ensuring ethical, effective care. Check out Zur Institute for a variety of ethics continuing education courses.
