Key Takeaways
- Texas MFTs must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 24 months, with 15 hours dedicated to core topics and 15 hours for electives
- Core CE requirements include 6 hours of ethics training, with 3 hours specifically focused on Texas jurisprudence and professional conduct
- CE credits can be earned through both online courses (up to 15 hours) and in-person workshops, with live virtual courses qualifying as in-person training
- Approved CE topics include clinical theories, treatment interventions, family systems approaches, telehealth practices, and cultural competency training
- MFTs must maintain detailed documentation of all CE activities, including certificates of completion, course descriptions, and attendance records in case of board audits
- Multiple state-approved providers offer CE programs, including professional associations (TAMFT, AAMFT), universities, and specialized training organizations
Keeping up with Marriage and Family Therapy continuing education requirements in Texas can feel overwhelming. We’ll help you understand exactly what you need to maintain your MFT license while making the process simple and clear.
Texas MFTs must complete specific CE hours to renew their licenses every two years. Whether you’re newly licensed or a seasoned therapist we know how important it is to stay compliant while gaining valuable knowledge that enhances your practice. What type of continuing education topics interest you most as you plan your professional development?
Understanding Texas MFT CE Requirements
Texas Marriage and Family Therapists complete 30 hours of continuing education during each 24-month licensing period. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists sets specific requirements for CE distribution.
Core CE Hours vs Elective Hours
Licensed MFTs in Texas dedicate 15 hours to core topics including ethics, professional conduct, supervision standards and Texas jurisprudence. The remaining 15 hours cover elective topics:
- Clinical theories
- Treatment interventions
- Human development
- Diagnostic assessment
- Couples therapy techniques
- Family systems approaches
- Cultural competency training
- Telehealth practices
Online CE courses count for up to 15 hours of the total requirement. Live virtual courses qualify as in-person training when they offer real-time interaction.
License Renewal Timeline
The renewal cycle operates on a fixed schedule:
| Renewal Component | Timeline |
|---|---|
| CE Period | 24 months |
| Total Hours Required | 30 hours |
| Renewal Due Date | Last day of birth month |
| Grace Period | 30 days after expiration |
| Late Fee Period | 31-90 days after expiration |
- Course title
- Provider name
- Date completed
- Number of CE hours earned
- Topic category (core or elective)
- Delivery format (in-person or online)
Approved CE Topics for Texas MFTs
Texas MFTs have specific continuing education topics they must complete for license renewal. These topics divide into core requirements and elective options that support professional growth.
Ethics Training Requirements
Licensed MFTs in Texas must complete 6 hours of ethics training within their 30-hour CE requirement. The ethics curriculum covers:
- Professional boundaries in therapeutic relationships
- Confidentiality regulations and HIPAA compliance
- Dual relationships and conflict of interest guidelines
- Documentation standards and record-keeping practices
- Cultural competency in ethical decision-making
- Risk management and liability considerations
Three of these ethics hours must focus on Texas jurisprudence, including:
- State laws governing MFT practice
- Board rules and regulations
- Updates to Texas family law
- Mandatory reporting requirements
Clinical Practice Areas
The remaining CE hours can focus on clinical areas relevant to marriage and family therapy practice:
Direct Clinical Skills:
- Family systems theory applications
- Couples therapy techniques
- Child and adolescent counseling
- Trauma-informed interventions
- Group therapy facilitation
- Crisis management strategies
Specialized Topics:
- Domestic violence assessment
- Substance abuse treatment
- Mental health diagnostics
- Telehealth service delivery
- Military family counseling
- Grief and loss therapy
- Clinical supervision methods
- Private practice administration
- Electronic health records
- Insurance billing procedures
- Marketing ethics guidelines
- HIPAA-compliant technology
Ways to Complete MFT CE Credits
Texas MFTs have multiple paths to earn their required continuing education credits. These options accommodate different learning styles and schedules while meeting state board requirements.
Online Course Options
Online CE courses offer flexible scheduling and self-paced learning for Texas MFTs. Licensed professionals access coursework through approved providers’ digital platforms, featuring video lectures, interactive modules and downloadable materials. Common online formats include:
- Live webinars with real-time instructor interaction
- Pre-recorded video courses with quizzes
- Interactive case studies with assessment components
- Self-study programs with examination requirements
- Virtual conferences with multiple session tracks
In-Person Workshops and Conferences
Face-to-face learning opportunities provide direct engagement with instructors and peer networking. In-person CE activities include:
- Regional professional conferences featuring multiple speakers
- Local workshop series focused on specific clinical topics
- University-sponsored training programs
- Professional association meetings with CE components
- Hands-on skill development sessions in small groups
Each format offers distinct advantages:
| Format | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Online | 24/7 access, self-paced learning, immediate certificate delivery |
| In-Person | Direct Q&A with experts, peer discussion, hands-on practice |
Therapists often combine both online and in-person options to complete their required hours effectively. The Texas State Board accepts CE credits from approved providers through either delivery method.
Tracking and Reporting CE Hours
Texas MFTs maintain accurate records of their continuing education activities through systematic documentation and reporting processes. Here’s what licensed therapists need to know about managing their CE requirements.
Required Documentation
MFTs keep digital or physical copies of these essential documents:
- Certificates of completion with provider name, course title, date completed
- Course descriptions outlining learning objectives
- Attendance records for in-person events
- Detailed logs tracking CE hours by category (core vs. elective)
- Proof of payment for CE activities
- Texas jurisprudence exam results
The documentation includes specific information:
| Required Information | Example |
|---|---|
| Provider Number | CE-12345 |
| Course Hours | 3.0 CE hours |
| Completion Date | MM/DD/YYYY |
| Category Type | Ethics/Core/Elective |
| Instructor Name | Licensed professional |
Audit Procedures
The Texas State Board conducts random CE audits to verify compliance:
- Board selects licensees randomly during renewal periods
- Selected MFTs receive notice via email and certified mail
- Response timeline: 30 days to submit documentation
- All CE certificates must match reported activities
- Board reviews materials for approved providers
- Non-compliance results in:
- Additional documentation requests
- Corrective action plans
- Potential license suspension
- Monetary penalties up to $500
During an audit, MFTs submit organized documentation through the board’s online portal. Complete submissions include chronological CE activity lists with corresponding certificates. The board evaluates submissions within 45 business days.
Common CE Providers in Texas
Texas MFTs access continuing education through multiple approved providers who offer specialized training in marriage family therapy topics.
State-Approved Organizations
The Texas State Board recognizes several organizations that deliver high-quality CE programs:
- Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (TAMFT) offers monthly workshops statewide
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) provides online courses focused on core requirements
- National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) features specialized ethics training modules
- Texas Counseling Association (TCA) hosts regional conferences with CE opportunities
- Texas Department of State Health Services coordinates professional development events
University-Based Programs
Academic institutions across Texas offer CE programs that combine research-based knowledge with practical applications:
- Public universities deliver specialized workshops taught by faculty experts
- Graduate psychology departments host CE events featuring current research findings
- Campus-based training centers provide hands-on clinical skill development
- Professional development institutes partner with universities for advanced training
- Research symposiums qualify for CE credit when focused on therapy techniques
- Current academic research
- Evidence-based practices
- Clinical supervision methods
- Cultural competency training
- Professional ethics updates
Conclusion
We understand that maintaining your Texas MFT license through continuing education requires careful attention to requirements and deadlines. By staying proactive with your CE hours and choosing the right mix of core and elective topics you’ll ensure continued professional growth while meeting state regulations.
Remember to keep detailed records of your completed courses and maintain documentation of all CE activities. With numerous approved providers offering flexible learning formats there’s no shortage of opportunities to fulfill your requirements while advancing your therapeutic expertise.
Take the next step in your professional development by exploring CE options that align with your practice goals and scheduling needs. Your commitment to ongoing education not only maintains your license but strengthens your ability to serve your clients effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours do Texas MFTs need to complete for license renewal?
Texas Marriage and Family Therapists must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years. This includes 15 hours of core topics and 15 hours of elective topics. The core requirements must cover ethics, professional conduct, supervision standards, and Texas jurisprudence.
When are CE hours due for Texas MFTs?
CE hours must be completed within a 24-month period, with renewal due on the last day of the therapist’s birth month. There is a 30-day grace period after the license expiration date to submit required documentation and complete any remaining hours.
How many ethics hours are required for Texas MFTs?
MFTs must complete 6 hours of ethics training, with 3 of these hours specifically focused on Texas jurisprudence. Ethics training covers professional boundaries, confidentiality regulations, dual relationships, documentation standards, and cultural competency in ethical decision-making.
What are the acceptable formats for completing CE hours?
CE hours can be completed through both online and in-person formats. Online options include live webinars, pre-recorded videos, and virtual conferences. In-person options include workshops, regional conferences, and university-sponsored training. Both formats are accepted by the Texas State Board when provided by approved organizations.
How should MFTs track their CE hours?
MFTs must maintain detailed documentation including certificates of completion, course descriptions, attendance records, and proof of payment. Documentation should be organized and readily available, especially in case of a random audit by the Texas State Board.
Who are common CE providers in Texas?
Common providers include the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (TAMFT), American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and various university-based programs. These organizations offer specialized training, online courses, and in-person workshops that meet state requirements.
What happens if selected for a CE audit?
If selected for an audit, MFTs must submit organized documentation within 30 days. The board reviews submissions within 45 business days. Non-compliance can result in requests for additional documentation, corrective action plans, license suspension, or monetary penalties.