As new research and novel treatment methodologies advance, mental health professionals must keep up with changes in the field. This often requires continuing education (CE) credits, which are often required for maintaining licensure. It’s important to know your CE requirements, where to find courses that meet them, and how to best track your progress throughout the year. This guide will help you stay on top of your CE credits and prevent you from scrambling at the last minute to find enough courses to fulfill your requirements.

There are several ways to satisfy your CE requirements, depending on the type of licensure you hold. For example, psychologists may be able to take CE courses that count for psychiatry or counseling, while counselors can often earn their CE credits by attending workshops and conferences. Some therapists choose to complete online or hybrid courses to maximize convenience while meeting their CE requirement needs.

To get started, check out the CE requirements for your licensure type on your state’s licensing board website. Some states have a searchable database, while others require you to visit the specific page for your licensure category. Once you’ve found the information, make a list of the types of courses you need to take to reach your CE credit goals. You can also check out professional organizations for suggestions on where to find training in your area of specialty.

If you’re a psychologist, consider using the American Psychological Association’s CE platform to find options that meet your requirements. You can even search by topic, credit number, and course type to find exactly what you need. The APA offers a variety of options for psychologists, including both live and online classes. You can also connect with state-level psychiatric organizations for CE recommendations.

Counselors can often earn their mental health ce by presenting at a conference, writing articles for peer-reviewed journals or first-time books, and completing approved CE courses. For example, the American Counseling Association allows members to obtain over half of their CE credits each year for free by participating in conference events and presenting at their local chapters. Some therapists also use social media to connect with other therapists and find upcoming training in their areas of specialization.

Another great way to get your CE credits is by using an app that tracks your progress and provides alerts when you’re close to your credit goal. These apps can be a huge help for those who struggle to keep track of their CE credits on their own.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to meet your CE credit requirements, you can try CE4Less. Their courses are nationally accredited and designed by mental health professionals, for mental health professionals. They’re affordable and focused on the clinical developments that matter to you, like improving client outcomes. Plus, they have a dedicated team of customer service representatives who can answer any questions you might have about your CE requirements or completing your courses.