Free CE Courses for Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT)
A complete guide to free continuing education for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists — including state CE requirements, approved accreditors, and the best free CE sources for LMFT renewal.
CE Requirements for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) in the United States must complete continuing education hours each renewal cycle to maintain their license. LMFT CE requirements are set by individual state licensing boards and typically range from 24 to 40 CE hours per two-year cycle, with mandatory ethics CE in every state.
MFT practice is distinctive among mental health professions in its systemic orientation — the therapeutic unit is typically a couple, family, or relational system rather than an individual client (Blow & Sprenkle, 2001). This means that high-quality LMFT CE should address not just individual psychopathology but family dynamics, relational patterns, and systemic interventions.
AAMFT (American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy) is the primary professional association for LMFTs and approves CE through the AAMFT Approved Supervisor program and other continuing education pathways. Many states also accept NBCC-approved CE for MFT renewal. Always check your state board's specific list of accepted accreditors.
LMFT CE Requirements by State
| State | License | CE Hours | Ethics | Cycle | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | LMFT | 36 hrs | 6 hrs | 2-year | 6 hours law and ethics. CE in supervision required for supervisors. |
| Texas | LMFT | 30 hrs | 3 hrs | 2-year | 3 hours ethics/jurisprudence. MFTs regulated by BHEC. |
| Florida | LMFT | 30 hrs | 3 hrs | 2-year | 3 hours laws and rules, 2 hours domestic violence required. |
| New York | LMFT | 36 hrs | 3 hrs | 3-year | 3 hours ethics per 3-year cycle. |
| Georgia | LMFT | 35 hrs | 3 hrs | 2-year | 3 hours ethics, 3 hours substance abuse required. |
| Colorado | LMFT | 40 hrs | 3 hrs | 2-year | 40 hours per 2-year cycle. Up to 20 hours self-study. |
| Washington | LMFT | 36 hrs | 6 hrs | 2-year | 6 hours ethics and law. Suicide prevention training required. |
| North Carolina | LMFT | 40 hrs | 3 hrs | 2-year | 3 hours ethics. Approved by NC Board of MFT. |
Always verify with your state licensing board. Requirements change periodically.
Key CE Topics for Marriage and Family Therapists
Couples & Relationship Therapy
Evidence-based models including Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Discernment Counseling. CE in these modalities is highly relevant for LMFT renewal (Gottman & Gottman, 2008).
Family Systems Therapy
Structural, strategic, and intergenerational family therapy approaches. Bowen theory, Minuchin's structural therapy, and Milan systemic practice are common CE topics for LMFTs.
Ethics & Professional Standards
AAMFT Code of Ethics, boundary issues in family therapy, managing multiple-client relationships, and confidentiality with minors. Almost universally required by state boards.
Adolescent & Child Issues
Functional Family Therapy (FFT), working with court-involved families, trauma-informed approaches for youth, and parenting intervention models (Sexton & Alexander, 2002).
Cultural Competency
Culturally responsive family therapy, working with diverse family structures, LGBTQ+ affirming practice, and decolonizing therapeutic frameworks.
Suicide Prevention
Risk assessment within family contexts, safety planning with multiple family members, and managing suicidal ideation in couples and adolescent clients.
Where to Find Free CE for LMFT Renewal
AAMFT: The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy offers CE webinars and on-demand courses, many free to members. Non-members can access select free public webinars. AAMFT-approved CE is the most universally accepted for LMFT renewal.
SAMHSA Training: SAMHSA's free training library covers topics highly relevant to MFTs, including family-centered substance use treatment, trauma-informed care for families, and working with co-occurring disorders. Many are NBCC- and ASWB-approved.
Zero Suicide Institute: Free suicide prevention training, applicable when state boards require suicide prevention CE hours. Approved by multiple accrediting bodies.
University Extension Programs: Many university programs in marriage and family therapy offer free or low-cost CE webinars to alumni and the public. Check the CE programs at COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs in your state.
CEHive Directory: Search CEHive's free CE database filtered by "marriage_family_therapist" to see all free courses that are approved for LMFT renewal, sortable by topic, format, and state.
LMFT Renewal Best Practices
Confirm whether your state requires AAMFT-approved CE specifically, or accepts NBCC/ASWB/APA as well
Ethics CE is required by every state — complete it early in your cycle as free spots fill up
Many states now require suicide prevention training — check if yours does before planning your CE
Keep certificates for at least 5 years in case of a random board audit
Some states require CE specific to your supervisory status if you supervise pre-licensed therapists
Track CE hours throughout your cycle — don't wait until the month before renewal
Find Free CE for Your LMFT Renewal
Search CEHive's directory of free, board-approved CE courses for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists.
Search Free LMFT CE CoursesDisclaimer: CE requirements vary by state and change frequently. Always verify with your state LMFT licensing board before relying on any CE for renewal. CEHive is not affiliated with AAMFT or any licensing board.