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CEUs for counselors

Here’s how to find the continuing education options that are right for you.

October 2, 2024 • Updated on November 24, 2025

6 min read

As a counselor, it’s your job to support your clients with whatever mental health challenges they’re facing. That drive to help people is probably what led you to pursue this rewarding-but-challenging career in the first place. One important way to continue offering the best possible care to your client base is to stay current with your continuing education units (CEUs). 

Along with allowing you to keep your license active over time, continuing education, or CE, is a great opportunity for professional development. They can help you grow as a counselor by sharpening your skills and scope, so you can deepen your work or expand your expertise.

As vital as continuing education is to your clinical career, it can be difficult (and honestly, expensive) to navigate the world of counseling CE. Read on to learn more about how much continuing education you need and how to find the CE option that’s right for you.

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How much continuing education do I need? What types of CE are required?

There’s no one universal requirement for the amount and type of continuing education a counselor needs to complete. CE requirements for license renewal are ultimately determined by your state board.

Keep in mind that your state board may have restrictions that limit the amount of continuing education hours you can apply through distance learning (i.e. independent home study or online courses). That said, CE isn’t just online courses. You can earn them in other formats, such as webinars and sessions at conferences.

Common continuing education targets

There’s no shortage of opportunities to get continuing education units as a counselor. Most professional counselor state licensure boards accept the same approved CE providers as the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The NBCC recognizes thousands of continuing education providers like Violet, Psychotherapy.net, and the American Counseling Association.

It’s important to be aware of your license requirements so you can pursue the amount and type of hours required by your state. From there, it can be helpful to choose CE that helps broaden and deepen your scope as a therapist.

CE can help you deepen your understanding of something you’re already trained in or adopt new skills that help you reach a different group of clients. For example, you could get certified in particular treatment modalities, like cognitive behavioral therapy or EMDR. You may also choose to brush up on non-clinical skills, such as mental health documentation.

It’s also common to pursue additional training in working with specific populations, such as the LGTBQIA+ or BIPOC communities (both certifications offered through Headway’s partnership with Violet). It may also be useful to get certified in working with underserved groups, such as youth or teenagers.

Where to find free counselor CEUs

There’s no way around it: CE can be expensive. And it may feel stressful to spend time on CE when you could be using that time to see more clients or grow your business. Luckily, Headway offers free credits toward CEUs for its providers.

Headway has partnered with PESI and Violet to offer Headway providers exclusive access to a diverse library of free CE courses — curated to support you. New and existing Headway providers can earn up to 90 CE hours through PESI’s range of specialized courses — each designed to support and expand your practice. Through Violet, you can access 50+ hours of accredited courses to fulfill CE/CME requirements and ensure culturally responsive care when working with BIPOC, LGBQ, and TGNC communities.

In addition, providers can take Headway courses now accredited through Violet directly within Headway Academy. Keep an eye out for accredited courses that display a small "CEUs" button. The American Counseling Association also offers one free CE credit per month, often open to non-members.


Not a Headway provider yet? How to access free courses for all mental health providers 

Expand your skill set and earn free credits toward your licensure. Headway has teamed up with PESI to offer free CE courses for all mental health providers. 

Click the button below to explore the free courses available. For even more free education, join the Headway provider network to access 150+ hours of CEs on Headway Academy.

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CEU requirements by state

If you’re seeking out CEU to maintain your counseling license, it’s important to consult your specific state guidelines as well as requirements for your license type. See the below list of U.S. states and their individual requirements here:

Note: These state-by-state links have been updated as of October 20, 2025.

Tips for tracking and reporting CEUs for licensure requirements

Each time you complete a CEU, make sure that achievement goes into your records. Some states may require proof of CE completion when you apply for license renewal. Even in those that don’t, good records will protect you in case of a surprise audit or an issue with your application.

Of course, you’ll want to log the number of hours you spent in each course to ensure you’ve met the quota required for your state and license. But you should also keep notes about the content and format of the course (virtual vs. in-person, for example) as well as any proof of attendance (such as a completion certificate) that you receive. 

Some providers track CEUs manually, such as in a spreadsheet or by keeping physical records. Platforms like CE Broker are also available for clinicians who want extra help finding, tracking, and reporting CEUs. If you take advantage of the free resources in Headway Academy, you can also refer back to your personal dashboard to view courses you’ve started or completed.

No matter where you practice, navigating the world of CE can be difficult, especially on top of your workload. Try to reframe your pursuit of CE just as you might encourage someone in a session: While there may be challenging aspects, taking time to improve your practice will ultimately allow you to better serve your clients. 

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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute clinical, legal, financial, or professional advice. All decisions should be made at the discretion of the individual or organization, in consultation with qualified clinical, legal, or other appropriate professionals.

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Life as a provider