If you’re a practicing therapist in Arizona then you’re probably already familiar with what it takes to keep your license in good standing. And yet, somehow, every renewal cycle seems to sneak up faster than expected! Or is it just me?! Whether you’re just stepping into the world of licensure or you’ve been doing this work for years, navigating the requirements can feel like an ongoing task in and of itself.

I’ll be honest…when I was early in my career continuing education felt like more of a chore or checking off boxes. As I’ve settled more deeply into this work, I’ve become so passionate about continuing education as a whole. Sometimes the requirements can feel burdensome, but when you’re enriching your work with comprehensive training there is real benefit to you and your clients. It’s a way to stay connected to your growth as a clinician and to evolve with the field.

Since I have a few license renewals under my belt, I want to walk you through everything you need to know about the continuing education requirements in Arizona with a few nuggets of wisdom I’ve learned along the way.

The Requirements

Let’s start with the actual requirements. In Arizona, the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE) is the governing body that oversees licensing for therapists. They set the rules for what’s required to maintain your license including the structure and timing for continuing education.

Here’s what every Arizona LPC needs to complete each renewal cycle:

• 30 hours of continuing education every two years
• Within those 30 hours there is a requirement for:
  • A minimum of 3 hours in Behavioral health ethics or mental health law
  • A minimum of 3 hours in Cultural competency and diversity
  • Completion of the 3-hour Arizona Statutes/Regulations Tutorial

Not every training or workshop you attend will qualify toward your LPC requirements. Arizona is fairly clear about what does and doesn’t meet the standard:

Some of the listed acceptable forms of CEUs include:

• Courses offered by NBCC-approved providers
• Graduate-level coursework related to behavioral health
• Approved trainings with a clear connection to your scope of practice

There are a few other forms of CEUS that are acceptable to the AZBBHE that are a little more in-depth or niche, so we’ll keep our focus where most therapists tend to rely for obtaining hours- the courses.

You’ll want to make sure the CEUs you choose are relevant to counseling and that they’re coming from a credible source. AZBBHE doesn’t require pre-approval for all CEUs, but they do maintain an expectation that counselors use good judgment and keep records in case of an audit.

Why It Matters

Listen, with a requirement there’s no therapist “re-frame” I can offer to make it feel like less of a requirement. BUT the shift (at least for me) is that this is less of a task and more of a tool.  I want to encourage you to look for courses that will enrich your work and interest you! Trauma-informed care. Cultural awareness in therapeutic relationships. Deep dive into attachment wounds. It’s a gift to your future self and work with clients to keep learning and growing.

Meeting your LPC requirements is mandatory. But you get to decide how meaningful that process is!

Free CEUs for Counselors…Are They Worth It?

Let’s talk about free CEUs for counselors. Yes, they exist. Yes, they can fulfill your LPC requirements. But quality varies. A lot.

I totally get the investment it takes to obtain and maintain licensure as a therapist. It can feel a little overwhelming at times. So I think it makes sense that you might see the value in taking advantage of a free CEU. My thoughts are that it really depends on where they’re coming from and what you need. If you’re just trying to check a box or wrap up those last few hours, it might be most suitable. But if you want CEUs that actually help you in session, expand your thinking, or sharpen your clinical lens…then I’d say be thoughtful in that space. 

Keeping Track

Staying organized with your CEUs doesn’t have to be elaborate. The AZBBHE released a CEU tracker that can be utilized when submitting for licensure/renewal. But definitely keep your own records with consistency. The AZBBHE doesn’t require you to submit CEUs with your renewal unless you’re audited, but you do need to keep documentation for four years.

Here’s what worked well for me:

• Create a folder on your computer and drop every certificate into it as soon as you complete a course
• Keep a spreadsheet that lists the course title, date, provider, number of hours, and content type
• Set reminders throughout the years of your renewal cycle to check your progress

You’ll thank yourself later, trust me!

Using CEUs with Purpose

One of the things I’ve grown to appreciate is how continuing education can help shape the trajectory of your career. Maybe you’re getting more referrals for grief and loss work and want to feel more prepared. Maybe you’re thinking about expanding into supervision. Or maybe you’re just in a rut when it comes to feeling passionate in your work and need something to spark curiosity again.

I know grad school can only equip us as therapists for so much which is part of the heart behind the requirements. That and in an ever-evolving world and field it is critical to stay up to date on the latest research and information. That’s how we continue to provide excellent care for our clients. Making the shift with intention to see continuing education as a purpose-filled task can make it engaging to participate.

Common Missteps to Avoid

With so many rules/requirements to adhere to I know how easy the trap can be to let it go until the final hour. Here are a few common pitfalls I’ve seen over the years:

• Forgetting about the ethics/cultural competency hours: Don’t be the person scrambling the week before renewal.
• Assuming all CEUs count: Not everything labeled a “training” will fulfill LPC requirements.
• Letting hours expire: Courses completed before or after your current renewal cycle won’t count.
• Waiting until the last minute: Avoid the CEU crunch. It’s just not worth the stress.

If you stay ahead and stay curious then the process really doesn’t have to be that painful.

Let’s Talk About Burnout

What Mindemics Offers

I think it’s important to mention the role burnout plays in all of this. Therapists are some of the most overextended professionals out there (IFKYK). We hold space for others often at the expense of our own mental/emotional bandwidth.

So when CEU season rolls around it can feel like just one more thing on an endless to-do list. Burnout can often come from repetition of the same thoughts/feelings over and over. And if there’s any area of your work that feels difficult or draining, it might contribute towards feelings of burnout over time. Taking time for a comprehensive training can absolutely reignite the spark and reconnect you with the parts of this work that feel energizing.

I started Mindemics because truly, I’ve been there too…the overwhelmed therapist hustling through grad school and early licensure who’s craving practical tools and real community. Mindemics was built as a space where therapists can both learn and connect. We’re passionate about providing courses you WANT to invest in.

Some of our offerings include NBCC-approved continuing education courses covering ethics, cultural competency, documentation, clinical supervision, and crisis & risk management, and more. We also specialize in EMDR training with consultation support, case staffing, and access to many more resources. You can expect courses that are:

• Clinically grounded: Every course is rooted in real-world application
• Therapist-friendly formats: On-demand options to fit into your busy schedule
• Built by your peers: Trainers that draw from firsthand therapy experience-Community-driven: We offer several different ways to connect with a community of therapists

Whether you’re looking for engaging courses, craving tools for better documentation, or diving into EMDR, you’re investing in your growth, clients, and the future of your practice. Take a look here to explore our full library of course offerings.