Behavioral Health 
Mental health CEUs
Continuing Education (CEUs) for mental health professionals
Mental health Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are a form of professional development that helps individuals maintain and improve their knowledge and skills within their field. In the mental health field, CEUs are designed to provide professionals with ongoing education and training opportunities that help them stay up-to-date on the latest research, theories, and best practices in the field. CEUs are typically earned by participating in various training programs, courses, workshops, and other learning experiences.
Why are mental health CEUs important for professionals?
The importance of mental health CEUs for professionals cannot be overstated. As the field of mental health continues to evolve, it is critical professionals stay informed and knowledgeable about the latest research, treatment methods, and best practices. Mental health CEUs provide an opportunity for clinicians to expand their knowledge and skills, which can lead to improved patient outcomes and a more fulfilling career.
There are several benefits for professionals in earning mental health CEUs including:
- Enhancing professional development: CEUs provide opportunities for mental health professionals to advance their knowledge and skills in their field, which can lead to career advancement and increased job satisfaction.
- Improving patient care: Continuing education helps mental health professionals stay up-to-date on the latest research, treatment methods, and best practices, which can improve patient outcomes.
- Meeting licensure and certification requirements: Many states require mental health professionals to earn a certain number of CEUs each year to maintain their licensure or certification.
- Building professional networks: CEUs provide opportunities for mental health professionals to connect with others in their field and build relationships that can lead to future collaborations and partnerships.
- Staying current on industry trends: CEUs provide an opportunity for mental health professionals to stay current on the latest trends and developments in their industry, which can help them stay competitive in the job market.
Types of mental health CEUs
Continuing education for mental health professionals is designed to provide ongoing education and training opportunities for individuals working in the field. These courses can be taken online, in-person, or through a combination of both, and they typically focus on topics such as new treatment methods, patient care, and the latest research and trends in the field.
Online courses
Online courses are a popular choice for mental health professionals who want to earn mental health CEUs but have limited time or resources. These courses can be taken at any time and from anywhere, making them a convenient option for busy professionals. Additionally, many online courses are designed to be self-paced, allowing individuals to complete them at their own speed.
Teletherapy is another type of online course that has become increasingly popular in recent years. These courses are designed to provide mental health professionals with training on how to provide therapy services remotely, which has become more common due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Webinars and seminars
Webinars and seminars are another popular option for professionals who want to earn mental health CEUs. These courses are typically delivered in real-time and allow individuals to interact with the instructor and other participants. They are often shorter in length than other types of courses and are designed to be completed in a single sitting.
Conferences and workshops
Conferences and workshops are larger-scale events that provide mental health professionals with an opportunity to learn from experts in their field, network with other professionals, and earn mental health CEUs. These events are typically held over the course of several days and may include a variety of presentations, workshops, and panel discussions.
In-person training
In-person training is another option for mental health professionals who prefer a more traditional classroom experience. These courses may meet more like university classes with an hour or two a week or may meet for a day and then resume meeting for another day a month or two later. These may involve work to be done in your practice or supervision calls. In-person training is often required for specialty certifications, though more and more are allowing these classes to be attended remotely.
Requirements for mental health CEUs
Mental health CEUs are often required by state licensing boards to ensure that professionals are continuously learning and developing their skills. The specific requirements for mental health CEUs vary by state and by profession, but they typically include a minimum number of hours of continuing education each year or every few years. For example, in California, licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCCs),and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) are required to complete 36 hours of CEUs every two years.
Which mental health professionals need CEU’s?
Mental health CEUs are typically required for professionals who are licensed or certified in the mental health field. This includes therapists, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other mental health professionals who are required to be licensed in order to practice. Additionally, mental health CEUs may be required for professionals who work in related fields, such as healthcare or education, and who work with individuals who have mental health needs.
Overview of state and national CEU requirements
State licensing boards typically set the requirements for mental health CEUs, but there are also national organizations that offer mental health CEUs and may have their National professional organizations also have their own requirements for CEUs. For example, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) requires its members to complete a minimum of 20 CEUs every two years, and at least three of these CEUs must be in ethics. The American Psychological Association (APA) requires its members to complete 60 CEUs every three years and includes many resources on their site. The best way to ensure you are meeting your needed mental health CEU requirement is to check with your state board and your national organization if you are a member of one. The American Counseling Association maintains a list of links to state boards for the benefits of the counseling community.
Benefits of mental health CEUs
- Advancement of knowledge and professional development
Mental health CEUs provide opportunities for mental health professionals to expand their knowledge, skills, and competencies in their field of work. They can learn about new research findings, treatments, and techniques that can enhance their clinical practice. Whenever clinicians increase their knowledge, clients benefit.
- Meeting licensure and certification requirements
CEUs are often required by licensing boards and certification organizations to maintain professional licensure and certification. Mental health professionals need to meet these requirements to continue practicing and delivering quality care. Failure to meet these requirements can result in licensure suspension.
- Improved quality of care for patients
Regular and continued training helps mental health professionals deliver better care to their patients by enhancing their skills and knowledge. As mental health professionals stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments in their field, they are better equipped to provide the most effective care possible.
- Professional networking and collaboration
Mental health CEUs can provide mental health professionals with opportunities to network and collaborate with other professionals in their field. This can lead to new professional relationships, increased referrals, and collaborative research opportunities.
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Choosing the right mental health CEU provider
Mental health professionals should choose CEU providers that are accredited and approved by their licensing board or certification organization. This ensures that the CEUs they receive will count towards their professional development requirements. Not all courses offered meet requirements for certain licenses. For example, a course may be accredited for nurses, but not for counselors and vice versa. Even some courses that are accredited for licensed psychologists do not meet credentialing criteria for professional counselors even if it seems applicable. Always double check that your board approves the course.
Professionals should consider the cost of CEUs when choosing a provider. They should compare prices and evaluate the value of the courses offered to ensure they are getting the best deal. Always evaluate the quality and content of CEUs before enrolling in a course. Look for providers that offer courses that are relevant, engaging, and taught by qualified instructors.
Mental health professionals should choose a CEU provider that offers courses that are relevant to their practice and are easily accessible. They should consider the provider’s online course delivery platform and course availability to ensure they can complete the CEUs they need. While in person training can be beneficial for many, it is not always possible to take time away from your practice to travel to the locations that trainings are in. Be aware of remote training options and don’t be afraid to reach out to the provider and ask about options!
Maintaining CEUs for mental health professionals
Continuing education units (CEUs) are essential for mental health professionals to maintain their licensure and certification. In order to maintain their credentials, mental health professionals need to earn a certain number of CEUs every reporting period, typically ranging from one to three years.
CEU recording and tracking
To ensure that they are meeting their CEU requirements, mental health professionals need to keep track of the CEUs they earn. They should record the name and date of the CEU provider and keep a copy of the certificate of completion. Many states and organizations require mental health professionals to submit proof of their CEUs, so keeping accurate records is crucial.
Mental health professionals need to submit their CEUs to the appropriate regulatory or certifying body. This typically involves filling out a form and submitting the documentation of the CEUs earned. Mental health professionals should verify that their CEUs have been accepted and processed to ensure that they are meeting their requirements.
What happens if I don’t meet CEU requirements?
Failure to meet CEU requirements can have serious consequences. Mental health professionals may face penalties such as fines, loss of licensure, or loss of certification. It is important for mental health professionals to be aware of the CEU requirements in their state or organization and to take their CEU obligations seriously.
CEUs are essential for keeping mental health professionals up-to-date with the latest research, techniques, and trends in the field. Maintaining CEUs also improves the quality of care that mental health professionals provide to their clients. Without CEU’s, professionals could miss out on new information that could significantly benefit those they work with.
CEUs provide mental health professionals with the opportunity to learn new skills, expand their knowledge base, and stay current with the latest research and trends in the field. By pursuing CEUs, mental health professionals can improve the quality of care they provide to their clients, stay competitive in the job market, and maintain their professional licensure.
Mental health professionals should pursue CEUs as a way to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field. Pursuing CEUs demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development and a dedication to providing the highest quality of care to clients. With the ever-evolving field of mental health, it is crucial for professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest research, techniques, and trends through the pursuit of CEUs.
Companies that provide CEUs
- Mental Health CE with Aspira CE
- CEUs Online for Social Workers, Psychologists, Counselors & MFTs | Ce4less
- Continuing Education
- CE-Credit.com: Continuing Education for Social Workers, Counselors, Psychologists, Therapists
- NBCC | National Board for Certified Counselors & Affiliates
- Addiction CEUs
- FREE CEU's — Therapists Who Rock!
Resources
Another thing that therapists of any kind should try is TheraPlatform. TheraPlatform is an all-in-one EHR/EMR, practice management and teletherapy tool designed to help mental health professionals provide remote counseling services to their clients. The platform also integrates with various third-party software applications, such as Google Calendar and Stripe, to provide a comprehensive and seamless experience for therapists and their clients. They also offer a 30-day free trial with no credit card required. Cancel anytime.
More resources
- Types of therapy
- Therapy resources and worksheets
- Therapy private practice courses
- Ultimate teletherapy ebook
- The Ultimate Insurance Billing Guide for Therapists
- The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Private Therapy Practice