New therapists often don’t know much about continuing education requirements or options. If you’re just starting or have previously completed continuing education through in-person learning, deciding whether to switch to online continuing education can be overwhelming. Here are some basics that should help:
What it is, and why it matters
Continuing education is learning that continues after you complete your initial training and degree. It includes workshops, seminars, conferences, online courses, webinars—basically any structured learning aimed at enhancing your knowledge and skills as a therapist.
Therapy is a living, changing field shaped by new research and a deeper understanding of what works best for clients. Continuing education exists not just to maintain licensure, but also to ensure we remain effective, engaged, and up to date on the latest research.
Why online methods are growing in popularity
Online continuing education has made professional growth more accessible than ever. Flexible, high-quality courses allow clinicians to deepen expertise, explore new areas of interest, and meet licensing requirements without stepping away from busy schedules.
Online continuing education is widely accepted among states, though some states cap how many hours you can earn online. It’s important to check your state’s requirements to ensure that certain topics or hours are not required to be delivered in a live format.
What to know about licensing requirements
Regulatory boards and agencies require therapists to complete a specified number of CE hours or credits to remain licensed. It’s important that you look at your state licensure board’s specific requirements. For example, my state of Arizona requires MFTs to complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. There are many options for completing this continuing education, but it must include 3 hours in ethics, 3 hours in cultural competency & diversity, and 3 hours in Arizona-specific rules and regulations. It’s important to make sure your continuing education providers is approved in your state. CEU Love is board-approved by CAMFT (the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists). Most states accept approvals from professional associations such as CAMFT, but outside California, we recommend checking your state’s rules to ensure acceptance.
