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Understanding Colorado’s Continuing Education Requirements for LPCs

As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado, maintaining your license requires ongoing professional development. This commitment to lifelong learning ensures you provide the highest quality of care to your clients and stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field.

How Many CEU Hours Do I Need?

Colorado mandates that LPCs complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, with a renewal deadline of June 30th in odd-numbered years.

Important Note:

  • Category Limits: You cannot exceed 20 hours in a single category or through a single activity. This encourages a diverse range of learning experiences.

Types of Acceptable Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

  • Workshops and Conferences: Attending industry-relevant workshops and conferences is a common and effective way to earn CEUs.
    • Look for presentations on topics like:
      • Trauma-informed care
      • Cultural competency
      • Ethical considerations
      • Substance abuse treatment
      • Grief and loss
  • Online Courses: Numerous reputable online platforms offer high-quality CEU courses.
    • Benefits:
      • Flexibility and convenience
      • Access to a wide variety of topics
    • Caution: Ensure the online provider is accredited and the course meets Colorado’s requirements.
  • Supervision: While not directly counted as CEUs, regular supervision with a qualified supervisor is crucial for professional development and can indirectly enhance your knowledge and skills.
  • Higher Education Courses: Relevant graduate-level courses can fulfill CEU requirements.
  • Published Works: Authorship of articles, books, or book chapters related to counseling can also be considered for CEU credit.

Finding Quality CEU Providers

  • Colorado Counseling Association (CCA): The CCA often provides information on upcoming workshops and conferences.
  • Online CEU Databases: Several online platforms specialize in listing accredited CEU providers, and some therapy practices like Journey Counseling Center provide CEU opportunities..
  • University Continuing Education Departments: Many universities offer continuing education courses for professionals.

Record Keeping is Key

  • Maintain meticulous records: Keep detailed records of all your CEU activities, including:
    • Course titles
    • Dates of attendance
    • Number of hours
    • Provider information
    • Certificates of completion
  • Submit your records on time: Ensure your CEU records are submitted to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) by the June 30th deadline in odd-numbered years.

Disclaimer: In case regulations change, always refer to the official DORA website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding Colorado’s CEU requirements for LPCs.

By pursuing continuing education and getting your required hours, you not only maintain your professional license but also enhance your clinical skills, expand your knowledge base, and ultimately improve the quality of care you provide to your clients.