Continuing education is essential for therapists who want to remain competent, ethical, and effective in their clinical practice. Whether you’re a newly licensed counselor or a seasoned psychotherapist, staying up to date with current research, emerging trends, and evolving regulations is a professional obligation. But with the vast number of courses, providers, and formats available today, how can you identify the best continuing education for therapists? In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for, where to find high-quality options, and how to maximize the value of your continuing education experience.
Why Continuing Education Matters
Before diving into the how, let’s revisit why continuing education is vital:
- Licensure Renewal: Most states and professional boards require a set number of continuing education units (CEUs) or contact hours for license renewal.
- Clinical Competence: Learning new interventions, diagnostic strategies, and therapeutic models improves client outcomes.
- Ethical Responsibility: Staying informed about legal and ethical standards is a must to avoid malpractice and ensure best practices.
- Professional Growth: Continuing education helps therapists explore new specialties, expand their expertise, and foster personal development.
Step 1: Know Your Requirements
Every licensing board has its own continuing education criteria. Some key questions to answer include:
- How many CEUs are required during each renewal period?
- Are there mandatory topics (e.g., ethics, cultural competency, suicide prevention)?
- What types of courses are accepted (online, in-person, synchronous, asynchronous)?
- Do providers need to be approved by a specific organization (e.g., NBCC, APA, ASWB)?
Knowing these details will help you filter out non-compliant offerings and focus on what counts toward your licensure.
Step 2: Look for Accredited Providers
The best continuing education for therapists is typically offered by accredited organizations. Look for approval by one or more of the following:
- National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Accreditation ensures that the course meets educational standards and will be accepted by most licensing bodies.
Step 3: Choose the Right Format
Continuing education is available in several formats, each with pros and cons:
- Live Workshops and Conferences: Great for networking, interactive learning, and in-depth experiences. However, they can be costly and time-consuming.
- Webinars and Online Classes: Convenient and accessible, especially for those with busy schedules or in remote areas. Be sure they meet state criteria for CEUs.
- Self-Paced Courses: Allow flexibility and are ideal for therapists who prefer learning at their own pace. Not all self-paced courses qualify for CE credit, so verify in advance.
- Hybrid Formats: Combine the best of both worlds—interactive components with online convenience.
Select the format that fits your learning style, budget, and time constraints.
Step 4: Evaluate the Course Content
To find the best continuing education for therapists, scrutinize the course content:
- Relevance: Does the course align with your current practice or desired specialty?
- Depth: Is the material comprehensive and evidence-based?
- Instructor Expertise: Are the presenters credentialed and experienced in the subject matter?
- Reviews and Testimonials: What do past participants say about the course?
- Practical Application: Will you be able to apply the information directly to your clinical work?
Courses that meet these criteria are more likely to be valuable, impactful, and memorable.
Step 5: Explore Reputable Platforms
There are many trusted platforms offering continuing education for therapists. Here are a few worth exploring:
- PESI: Offers a wide range of seminars, both live and on-demand, covering everything from trauma to mindfulness.
- CE4Less: Known for its affordable subscription model and vast course library.
- Psychotherapy Networker: Combines engaging content with insights from top experts in the field.
- Zur Institute: Offers unique courses on ethical and clinical issues not commonly found elsewhere.
- GoodTherapy: Known for its progressive approach and strong ethical foundation.
Before enrolling, verify that the platform is approved by your state board or professional association.
Step 6: Factor in Cost and Value
Not all high-quality courses are expensive, and not all expensive courses are high quality. Consider the following:
- Cost per CEU: Compare the price relative to the number of CE credits provided.
- Included Materials: Are handouts, slides, and transcripts included?
- Access Duration: Can you revisit the course after completion?
- Bundled Deals: Some providers offer discounts for bulk purchases or annual subscriptions.
Balancing cost with educational value will help you get the most from your investment.
Step 7: Prioritize Niche and Specialized Topics
Generic CE courses are plentiful, but the best continuing education for therapists often lies in specialized training. Consider:
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Play Therapy
- Addiction and Recovery
- Cultural Competency and DEI
- LGBTQIA+ Affirming Practices
- Neurodiversity and Autism Spectrum
Courses in these areas can set you apart professionally and meet the growing demand for inclusive, informed care.
Step 8: Stay Organized
Tracking your CEUs is as important as earning them. Use tools such as:
- Spreadsheets or CE Trackers
- Apps like CEUfast or SimplePractice
- Digital Certificates and Cloud Storage
Keep all certificates, course descriptions, and provider info readily accessible in case of an audit.
Final Thoughts
Continuing education is more than a regulatory obligation—it’s an opportunity to grow, reflect, and reinvest in your professional journey. With so many choices, the key is to stay intentional, informed, and inquisitive. By following these steps, you can ensure that your continuing education not only meets licensure requirements but also enriches your clinical expertise and enhances your impact as a therapist.
Remember, the best continuing education for therapists is the kind that keeps you inspired, connected, and empowered to do your best work every day.
