Washington · LMHC Renewal
Washington LMHC CEU Requirements (2026–2027)
Washington's Department of Health requires LMHCs to complete 32 CE hours every two years, with specific sub-requirements across ethics, suicide assessment, professional roles, and health equity. Here is the full picture from WAC 246-809-630 and related rules.
Last verified: April 2026 · Source: WAC 246-809-630; WAC 246-809-615; WAC 246-12-830; RCW 43.70.442
The short version
| Requirement | Hours | Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Total continuing education | 32 | Every 2 years |
| Ethics and Law (must include WA laws and rules) | 6 | Every 2 years |
| Professional Roles and Boundaries | 2 | Every 2 years |
| Suicide Assessment, Treatment and Management | 6 | Every 6 years |
| Health Equity | 2 | Every 4 years |
Annual renewal, 2-year CE cycle
Washington LMHC renewal is annual (due on or before your birthday), but the 32-hour CE requirement is tracked on a 2-year cycle. You attest to CE progress every year and must have the full 32 hours by the end of each 2-year window.
Your first renewal: front-load the suicide training
Under WAC 246-809-615 and RCW 43.70.442, the 6-hour suicide assessment training must come from the Department of Health model list and must be completed within the first 6 years of licensure. In practice, front-load it. It counts toward your 32-hour total.
Suicide assessment: 6 hours every 6 years
RCW 43.70.442 sets a 6-year cadence for the suicide training. After the initial completion, you refresh every 6 years. Track the 6-year clock from your last qualifying course, not from your license issue date.
Professional Roles and Boundaries: 2 hours
WAC 246-809-630 requires 2 hours per cycle on professional roles and therapeutic boundaries specific to mental health counseling practice.
Health equity: 2 hours every 4 years
Under WAC 246-12-830 (effective 2024), every Washington health provider, LMHCs included, must complete 2 hours of health equity CE every 4 years. Courses must come from a board-approved list.
Distance learning
Washington places no cap on distance learning for LMHC CE. Asynchronous (self-paced) programs must include tests of comprehension to qualify. Synchronous online programs (live webinars) carry no test requirement.
Accepted CE sources
- American Counseling Association (ACA), NBCC, and other industry-recognized organizations
- Accredited institutions of higher learning
- Board-approved individual providers
Carryover
Washington does not document a carryover allowance for LMHCs. Assume excess hours do not roll over.
Late renewal
Late fees apply and escalate with time. The license becomes invalid the day after expiration, so do not practice past the renewal date. Reinstatement is more painful than on-time renewal.
Board links
Track these requirements automatically.
Still Licensed keeps your Washington ethics and total hours up to date as you log each CE. Multi-state support means one entry can count toward every state you're licensed in.
This page is informational. Rules change. Verify against the Washington State Department of Health before acting on anything here.