California CE Requirements 2025: Complete Guide for Licensed Therapists

Continuing education isn't just a formality; it's how therapists grow in their profession and provide quality care for clients. In California, licensed therapists follow the California CE requirements as prescribed by the Board of Behavioral Science to keep their licenses active and in compliance.

If you are an LMFT, LCSW, or LPCC, you need to stay updated on these requirements. This 2025 guide will help you understand what is required, where to find approved courses, and how to maintain compliance without getting stressed.

Why Continuing Education Matters

A therapist's job is never static; it constantly evolves. New techniques, new ethical challenges, and social issues keep molding the field. Continuing education ensures you're up to date with these changes.

CE helps you:

• Build confidence in your professional skills.
• Learn new therapeutic techniques.
• Maintain ethical and legal standards.
• Keep up the same excellent level of care for your clients.

The Board of Behavioral Sciences views continuing education as a commitment to professional integrity, not just a renewal requirement.

How Many CE Hours Are Required in 2025?

For licensure renewal, all active licensees in California, which include LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs, need 36 hours of continuing education every two years.

If this is your first license renewal, you will only need 18 hours of CE. After that, each renewal cycle requires the full 36 hours.

These can include a combination of ethics, clinical skills, and other approved professional topics that support your work as a therapist.

When to Complete Your CE Hours

The 36 hours of CE must be completed prior to your license expiration date. At the time of renewal, you will attest that your CE hours are complete and current.

It's a good idea not to wait until the last few weeks to finish your CE courses. Many professionals find it easier to spread courses throughout their renewal period, doing a few hours every few months instead of rushing at the end.

Approved CE Providers

The BBS has specific rules about which CE providers are approved. Not all courses or websites are accepted, so it's important to double-check before enrolling.

You can take CE courses from providers approved by:

• The Board of Behavioral Sciences
• APA (American Psychological Association)
• NASW - National Association of Social Workers
• NBCC = National Board for Certified Counsellors
• CE4Less provides affordable online continuing education courses approved for California therapists.

Other state-certified professional mental health organizations

Should you ever need to verify a provider, please visit the BBS Continuing Education page for information.

Required Courses for License Renewal

Beyond your 36 hours, there are certain courses that are required for all therapists to take once, or in each renewal cycle. These courses make sure the professionals are up to date on legal, ethical, and safety matters.

Here's a quick summary of what you'll need in 2025:

1. Law and Ethics – 6 Hours (Every Renewal)

Covers California laws, ethics, confidentiality, and professional conduct. This course must be completed in every renewal period.

2. Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention – 6 Hours (One-Time)

A one-time course required by law on risk assessment, prevention strategies, and best practices in ensuring client safety.

3. Telehealth Counseling – 3 Hours (One-Time)

Because tele-therapy has become common, the course covers your understanding of online privacy, legal issues, and standards of care with clients for virtual sessions.

4. Spousal or Partner Abuse Assessment – 7 Hours (One-Time or During Graduate Training)

This course is a requirement for LMFTs and LCSWs. If you didn't take this course in your degree program, you will need to complete it as CE.

5. Aging and Long-Term Care - 10 Hours (One-Time)

This is a course designed for LMFTs and LCSWs only. It focuses on working with older adults and understanding long-term care issues.

These requirements are outlined on both CE4Less and the BBS website, so ensure that your courses are up to current standards.

What Counts Toward CE Credit

Therapists have flexibility in how they earn CE hours. You can complete all 36 hours online, in-person, or a combination of both. Here are the most common options:

• Online self-study courses (through providers such as CE4Less).
• Live webinars or workshops hosted by approved organizations.
• Academic courses that deal with psychology, counseling, or ethics.
• Teaching CE courses or publishing professional articles may also be considered for partial credit.

With the BBS, all of your hours can be completed online, making continuing education convenient for the busy professional.

What if You Miss the Deadline?

Missing your CE deadline can create license renewal problems. If you haven’t completed all of your CE hours by the expiration date:

• You may not be able to renew your license on time.
• If audited, the BBS could issue a citation or fine.
• You would still have to attend all missed hours before reinstatement of the license.

The best way to avoid this is to plan early. Keep a personal CE log, and store your certificates for at least four years in case you are audited.

Special Provisions for Military Service Members

The Board of Behavioral Sciences supports SkillBridge participants and active-duty military members transitioning to civilian careers.

If you're in the military, you may be eligible for:

• Expedited licensure processing
• Fee waiver or extension in exceptional cases

Please contact the BBS directly for specifics via their website. It is a part of their charter to ensure all qualified service members have access to professional opportunities.

Conclusion

When you satisfy your CE requirements in California, you are not merely maintaining your license, but also demonstrating your commitment to the ethical, compassionate, and evidence-informed practices. To sum up, Continuing Education is your chance to be current, confident, and compliant. Whether you're renewing your LMFT, LCSW, or LPCC license, meeting the California CE requirements helps to keep your career thriving. 

You don't want renewal dates to catch up to you; plan for your CE hours in advance, identify approved providers, and keep learning every year. Stay compliant, stay informed, and stay inspired with the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Visit the official Rouse Academy website today to review your CE checklist and explore approved providers.