If you are starting or streamlining a private practice in Washington and plan to accept insurance, your time is already divided among credentialing, billing, and client care. Keeping your continuing education on track should be straightforward. Below is a clear summary of the 2026 CE requirements for LMHCs, LMFTs, LICSWs, and associates in Washington, with answers to common questions and links to primary sources so you can verify details for your renewal.
This post is informational and not legal advice. Always verify with the Washington Administrative Code and the Department of Health.
For LMHCs, LMFTs, and LICSWs (licensed clinicians):
Primary sources:
For Associates (LMHCA, LMFTA, LSWAIC/LSWAA):
Primary sources:
You may have seen 2025 summaries that listed 36 hours for licensed clinicians or 18 hours for associates. The updated rules, effective October 1, 2025, set the new baselines used for 2026 planning. Licensed clinicians now complete 32 hours per two‑year cycle, and associates complete 16 hours per year. Washington also added a distinct, recurring requirement for Professional Roles and Boundaries that cannot be combined with ethics hours. (WAC 246‑809‑630; WAC 246‑809‑632)
Online CE is allowed. The Department of Health confirms that distance learning is acceptable for these professions, including self‑paced and live online formats. Keep proof of completion and course descriptions to show alignment with required content areas. (DOH CE overview; WAC 246‑809‑650)
Choose Washington‑specific courses. For suicide assessment, treatment, and management, select a program from the DOH Model List and confirm a full 6 hours. For Professional Roles and Boundaries, look for courses explicitly labeled to meet Washington’s two‑hour requirement. (WAC 246‑809‑615; WAC 246‑809‑630)
Health equity training must meet DOH model rule content at least once every four years. The DOH page explains standards and links to resources, including some no‑cost options made available through statewide partners. (WAC 246‑12‑820/830; DOH health equity page)
What does “Professional Roles and Boundaries” mean in Washington’s CE rules?
It refers to training that strengthens role clarity, boundary setting, and ethical decision‑making in clinical relationships. Topics typically include recognizing and preventing dual relationships or conflicts of interest, managing power dynamics, distinguishing boundary crossings from boundary violations, and applying Washington standards to everyday practice. The key point is that these 2 hours must be separate from ethics and completed every two years. (WAC 246‑809‑630(3)(b); WA training providers now label courses to meet this requirement.)
What is included in the new Health Equity CE requirement?
Washington adopted model rules that require at least 2 hours of health equity training once every four years. Courses must address skills to identify and reduce structural factors that manifest as health inequities, such as bias, racism, and poverty, and help clinicians apply equitable practices in care. The DOH site outlines minimum standards and links to qualifying trainings. (WAC 246‑12‑820/830; DOH Health Equity overview)
Do the suicide hours count toward my total?
Yes. The 6 hours of suicide assessment, treatment, and management count toward the 32‑hour total for licensed clinicians, but you must meet the six‑year cadence and choose a course from the DOH Model List. (WAC 246‑809‑630(3)(d); WAC 246‑809‑615)
Is “Professional Roles and Boundaries” the same as ethics?
No. It is a separate two‑hour requirement every two years and must be taken in addition to your six hours of ethics and law. (WAC 246‑809‑630(3)(a)–(b))
How do associates track the two‑year requirements when they renew annually?
Associates complete 16 hours each year and ensure that within any two‑year span they also meet the 6 hours of ethics and the 2 hours of roles and boundaries. Health equity is required at least once every four years. Social worker associates have additional suicide training timing requirements. (WAC 246‑809‑632)
Can I do all of my CE online?
Yes, online CE is allowed for these professions in Washington. Keep certificates and course documentation for your records. (DOH CE overview)
For 2026, think of CE as part of your practice infrastructure in Washington. Licensed clinicians complete 32 hours every two years with clear content categories. Associates complete 16 hours annually and track their two‑year content requirements alongside their yearly renewal. When in doubt, verify with the WAC and DOH to ensure each course meets Washington’s definitions and timelines.
Ready to build a supported, independent practice in Washington? Apply to join Coastline Counseling Association or contact us with questions.