200+ Free CE Trainings for Counselors

A comprehensive list of free and low-cost CE (continuing education) opportunities for counselors and other mental health professionals.

Bookmark this page! You won’t find a more comprehensive list of free and low-cost CE (continuing education) opportunities for counselors. (This is an updated version of the post 75 Free Online Resources for Continuing Education for Mental Health Professionals, which has been archived.)

It’s important to note that not all free CE trainings are created equal. Always check to see if a training meets your state’s continuing education requirements. This information is typically available on the website of the state licensing board for your profession. To find NBCC-approved providers, search the ACEP directory here.

While I strive to provide credible and accurate resources, I recommend doing your own research to make sure a training is accredited by a reputable organization. Additionally, information linked to may change over time.

I am providing these links for educational purposes only and in no way endorse any service or benefit from sharing these resources. If you have any questions about a particular training, contact the training provider directly.


The following is a list of sites and courses that provide low-cost and free CE trainings for counselors and other mental health professionals. This resource list is geared towards professional counselors in the US, but many of the courses offer board-approved CEs for social workers, psychologists, nurses, and more. Also, a few of the CE providers provide UK CPDs.

The Ultimate List of Free CE Trainings for Counselors

Standalone Trainings

BASIS Microlearning Course The Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS) Microlearning Course is a free educational opportunity consisting of 28, 1-hour continuing education modules that offer allied health professionals the opportunity to learn more about addiction research and its implications for treatment and public health.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes


The Connection Between Asthma & Toxic Stress | Center for Youth Wellness Center for Youth Wellness is part of a national effort to revolutionize pediatric medicine and transform the way society responds to kids exposed to significant adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress. This free CE course discusses the association between asthma and toxic stress in children.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


Co-Occurring Disorders: A Training Series | University of South Florida This is a free training series from the University of South Florida. The training modules offer a comprehensive overview for counselors on topics related to assessing and treating persons with co-occurring disorders. CEs are available for certain licensed professionals.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


Do No Harm: Treating Clients with Disordered Eating (for non-ED Therapists) | Not Boring CEs This free sample course for therapists teaches clinicians how to respond to and help clients with disordered eating. Upon successful completion, one CE is awarded.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes


Effects of Child Maltreatment on Brain Development | Mindful CEU This brief, intermediate level continuing education course, developed using material from Child Welfare Information Gateway, provides basic facts on typical brain development and the potential effects of abuse and neglect on that development. The information is designed to help professionals understand the emotional, mental, and behavioral impact of early abuse and neglect in children who have been exposed to chaotic or threatening environments. One free CE credit is provided upon completion.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


Foundations in Clinical Hypnosis | FastCEUs.com Peachtree Professional Education This free course from FastCEUs provides 1.5 CE credits.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes


Foundations of Trauma-Informed Therapy Practices | Maryland CEU Institute In this workshop, clinicians learn about trauma and its manifestations in neurobiology, emotions, and behaviors. One CE is provided. Mayland CEU Institute is a small women-owned/social worker-owned business based in Maryland, but as an ASWB-approved and NBCC-approved CE provider, CE credit hours are accepted for social workers, professional counselors, and other mental health professionals in most states across the US. For additional on-demand courses (starting at $45), click here. For upcoming live events, click here.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes


Helping Heroes Helping Heroes is a free web-based training course for providers who work with firefighters. Continuing education credit for Helping Heroes is awarded on a module-by-module basis; however, all modules (i.e., the entire course) must be completed in order to receive credit. Eight hours of continuing education are approved upon successful completion.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes


How to Prevent Burnout | Therapy Trainings Therapy Trainings offers one sample CE course for 4.25 credit hours. (An unlimited CE membership is $75 per year.)

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes


How to Reduce the Stigma of Addiction | Southeast Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Regional Center (ROTA-RC) This course helps learners gain a better understanding of stigma and learn ways to reduce stigma and help people struggling with addiction connect to treatment and recovery centers. Upon completion, a certificate is provided.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


Implicit Bias Module Series | Kirwan Institute This course introduces insights about how the mind operates and about the origins of implicit associations. Learners will uncover some of their own biases and learn strategies for addressing them.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


Increasing the Effectiveness of Suicide Prevention Strategies | Quantum Units Education This CE course provides a snapshot of recent efforts to implement the goals and objectives of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and makes suggestions for increasing the effectiveness of these implementation efforts. One CE credit is provided upon completion.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes


Interdisciplinary Behavioral Health Collaborative (IBHC) Training Modules | Westfield State University This free online training series is designed to prepare social workers to meet the workforce demand for integrated behavioral health clinicians in medically underserved areas with the goal of increasing health equity. Social work and nursing CEUs are available upon course completion and passing the post-test.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


Interpersonal & Social Rhythm Therapy (ISRT) | Training IPSRT was developed as a treatment for mood disorders. The interpersonal elements of the program are based on interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for depression, a time-limited treatment that focuses on the bidirectional relationship between mood and life events. This 8-hour online training course is available for free with registration.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


Journey to Health | Cardea Training Center This free 5-module course covers information to support new and current clinicians and staff who serve American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people in understanding and elevating healthcare within indigenous communities. Topics include cultural humility, decolonizing patient care, trauma informed care, resilience, wellness support, and professional practice. Two CEs are provided.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


Medical University of South Carolina | TF-CBT 2.0 TF-CBT Web 2.0 is a self-paced, online training course for mental health professionals learning trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). The course is comprised of 11 learning modules that cover the foundations of TF-CBT and each of the treatment components. Completion of the full course may count for 11 contact hours of continuing education. The cost for the entire course is $35 per learner.

Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $3 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes


Medical University of South Carolina | CTGWeb This is an online course for using TF-CBT with childhood traumatic grief. It is available only to learners who have already completed TF-CBT 2.0. This course provides six CE credits for social workers. CE credits may also be provided for licensed counselors.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes


Medical University of South Carolina | CPTWeb 2.0 CPT Web 2.0 is a self-paced, online training course for mental health professionals learning cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for trauma. The course is comprised of 13 learning modules that cover the foundations of CPT and each of the treatment components. Completion of the full course may count for 13 contact hours of continuing education for certain professionals.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes


Mental Health & Wellness in the Workplace Course | USF College of Behavioral & Community Sciences This free 7-session course teaches participants about the prevalence rates and symptoms of the most common mental and behavioral disorders, what to look for in employee behaviors that may suggest impairment, how to approach the employee, and what resources to consider to help and retain employees. Employees who take the course can sharpen their skills in identifying colleagues who may be in distress and offer assistance. The fee for a certificate is $179.

Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: No


Older Adults Living with Serious Mental Illness | Quantum Units Education This CE course provides a broad-based overview of workforce issues to consider when addressing the needs of other adults living with SMI. One CE is provided upon completion.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes


Online MBSR/Mindfulness (Free) This online MBSR training course is 100% free, created by a fully certified MBSR instructor, and is based on the program founded by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The 8-week course is completely self-guided; there is no registration. For a certificate of completion, learners must submit their practice sheets and a one-page description of what they’ve learned and how they will be incorporating what you learned.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Webcourse | PCIT & Parent Child (PC)-CARE This UC Davis PCIT Webcourse is a free 10-hour, 11-module webcourse designed to introduce participants to PCIT, usually prior to full PCIT training. CEs are offered for completion of the webcourse. The UC Davis CAARE Center is an APA-approved CE provider.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


Preventing Firearm Injury: What Clinicians Can Do This course was developed by the BulletPoints Project, a program of the California Firearm Violence Research Center at the University of California, Davis. BulletPoints aims to teach medical and mental health care providers how to reduce the risk of firearm-related injury and death in their patients. This course provides an opportunity for participants to earn one free CE credit.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


PsychMaven offers online courses and live seminars on therapist-focused business and professional development, as well as continuing education on clinical topics. PsychMaven free courses:

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes


Resilience & Self-Care Basics for Helping Professionals | Center for Adolescent Studies This course presents the basic, introductory tenants for how to define, practice, and maintain resiliency and self-care strategies as a helping professional. This is a 1.5-hour online course; registration is required. 1.5 free CEs (APA- and ASWB-approved) are provided.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


SBIRT for Substance Abuse This is a free 3-hour, self-paced course. The web-based course offers three contact hours of continuing education for nursing, social work, and counseling professionals (CNE, NASW, and NAADAC) for a fee of $5 per hour.

Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $5 | NBCC-Accredited: No


Secondary Traumatic Stress for Healthcare Professionals | Patient Centered Care & Trauma Informed Care for Pediatric Patients – HEALTHCARE TOOLBOX This continuing education course teaches healthcare professionals to recognize the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of secondary traumatic stress. This course is designed for nursing professionals. One CE credit is provided upon completion.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


Setting the Stage: Racism in the History of Substance Use & Addiction | ASAM This 1-hour, online module focuses on health disparities in substance use and the causes therein, with a special emphasis on racially oppressive values that are harmful to racial and ethnic minoritized populations. The target audience for this introductory-level course includes social workers, counselors, and other mental health clinicians. Upon completion, one CE credit is provided. ASAM is a NAADAC-approved CE provider. Click here for the second free CE module in this series.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


SimplePractice Learning delivers engaging, relevant and actionable continuing education with live and on-demand courses taught by clinical experts. SimplePractice Learning free CE courses:

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes


SOAR Online Course: Adult Curriculum | SAMHSA This 7-module course trains case workers to assist adults (age 18+) who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder to apply for the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability programs, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Upon completion, 20 free CEUs from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) are provided.

Free CEs: Free | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


SOAR Online Course: Child Curriculum | SAMHSA This 7-module course trains case workers to assist children (under age 18) who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefit program. Upon completion, 20 free CEUs from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) are provided.

Free CEs: Free | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


SUD 101 Core Curriculum (2023) | PCSS The 23 modules in this 2023 curriculum provide an overview of evidence-based practices in the prevention, identification, and treatment of substance use disorders and co-occurring medical and psychiatric conditions for a variety of populations. This training series is designed for physicians, nurse practitioners or other advance practice nurses, PAs, pharmacists, and the healthcare team. Each standalone module is available at no cost.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


Suicide Risk Assessment & Prevention | Mindful Ecotherapy Center, LLC In this free online course, mental health professionals learn about suicide assessment and prevention. Upon successful course completion, 2.75 CE hours are awarded.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes


Think Cultural Health | Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals In this free online training, healthcare professionals learn how to better respect and respond to their client’s unique needs. This program is approved for 4-5.5 contact hours for counselors, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes


Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder Course | ASAM This 4-hour introductory course provides an overview of the diagnosis and management of alcohol use disorder, with a focus on treatment in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. The target audience for this introductory course is clinical healthcare professionals who prescribe medications in outpatient or inpatient settings. Upon course completion, four free CEs are provided. ASAM is a NAADAC-approved CE provider.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


Tutorial for Child Welfare Professionals This free 5-module tutorial provides child welfare professionals with knowledge of alcohol and drug addiction and its impact on parenting; engagement strategies and the treatment and recovery process for families affected by substance use disorders; services needed by children whose parents have substance use disorders; and methods of improving collaboration among substance abuse treatment, child welfare, and court systems. This program is approved by the National Association of Social Workers for 4.5 CE credits.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


Tutorial for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Professionals This free 5-module course provides substance use disorder treatment professionals with information on the operations of child welfare and the dependency court; effective engagement strategies and treatment practices for families involved with child welfare systems; services needed by children whose parents have substance use disorders; and methods of improving collaboration among substance abuse treatment, child welfare and court systems. Upon completion, 4.5 NAADAC-approved CEUs are provided.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No


Understanding Acute Stress & How to Regulate the Nervous System This free on-demand webinar from ScalingUp provides one free CE credit.

Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes


What is Narrative Practice? A Free Course from the Dulwich Centre This course is a gateway to free papers, videos, and extracts for learners to enjoy at their own pace. Across nine ‘lessons’ or ‘chapters,’ learners can access relevant papers, videos, images, interviews, and questions. CE credits are available for a fee. (Click here for additional online courses.)

Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: No

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Organizations & CE Providers

Accanto Health | Continuing Education Accanto Health offers continuing education for healthcare providers to help their patients with eating disorders take the first steps toward recovery. Live webinars are free to attend and provide complimentary CE credits.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


ACEonline, LLC | Course Catalog ACEonline, LLC is a women-owned company based out of Florida. The educational material used in ACEonline courses comes from a variety of sources, including original material authored by licensed attorneys and clinicians, and material found in the public domain, such as SAMHSA, NIMH, NIH, and Child Welfare Information Gateway publications. 60+ courses, including low-cost courses (starting at $15), are available on child abuse, domestic violence, and related topics. There are several free courses available as well.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Action Explorations Education | Free Materials Action Explorations Education is an e-learning video course platform, dedicated to Psychodrama & AM, curated by top international trainers. 30+ online courses are offered. Action Explorations Education is an APA-approved CE provider.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network | Training & Events Calendar ATTC Network is an international, multidisciplinary resource for professionals in the addiction treatment and recovery services field. Established in 1993 by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), ATTC Network is comprised of 10 US-based centers, two national focus area centers, and a network coordinating office. Some trainings may offer free CEs.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Addiction Treatment Forum | Online Continuing Education Free Training Modules Addiction Treatment Forum was developed in the early 1990s to address the concerns of patients and professionals working in the addiction treatment field during the heroin epidemic. Two free training modules are available on hepatitis/HIV/AIDS and medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction. CMEs and APA-approved CEs are available.

Courses Offered: 1-9 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Advanced Career Online Resource Network (ACORN) ACORN offers on-demand and live courses for mental health treatment providers, treatment supervisors, agency administrators, and prevention specialists. Nearly 50 free CE trainings are available for counselors on gambling, co-occurring disorders, diversity and inclusion, and more.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


The Affirmative Couch | CNM, Kink, & LGBTQIA+ Continuing Education Courses The Affirmative Couch is a committed advocate for the mental health of LGBTQIA+, consensually non-monogamous, and kink communities, working with both groups and individual providers. The Affirmative Couch offers 50+ on-demand courses, including low-cost CE courses (starting at $10), to help ensure that the field of affirmative psychotherapy is filled with individuals poised to better assist individuals in sexuality-, gender-, and relationship-expansive communities. For upcoming live opportunities, click here. An annual membership is $500 per year. The Affirmative Couch is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: Yes


Alison | Free Online Mental Health Courses Alison is one of the world’s largest free learning platforms for education and skills training. It is a for-profit social enterprise dedicated to making it possible for anyone, to study anything, anywhere, at any time, for free online, at any subject level. Currently, there are hundreds of free mental health courses on stress management, burnout, and more. CPD UK certificates are available. Premium monthly subscribers (for €7.99 per month) receive an ads-free learning experience and receive a 10% discount for every month subscribed.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: Yes


All CEUs | Live & On-Demand Online Counseling CE for LCSW, LPC, Psychologists, LMHC, & LMFT All CEUs provides affordable, multimedia online counseling CEUs, masterclasses, and precertification training and exam review for mental health, social work, rehabilitation, addiction, case management, recreation therapy, and nursing professionals. CE courses are offered a la carte for a fee or for free with an unlimited access CE membership. Currently, an annual membership is $99. All CEUs is a NAADAC-approved CE provider.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $3 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: Yes


ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC | Online CE Courses ALLEGRA Learning Solutions designs and develops continuing professional education courses, certificate programs, curricula, classes, and workshops for an interdisciplinary audience, including nurses, health care professionals, and other interested individuals. There are hundreds of courses available. Currently, course offerings range from $10 (for 1 contact hour) to $40 (for 4 contact hours) with certificate courses ranging from $64 to $272. ALLEGRA is a NAADAC-approved CE provider.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


All Points North (APN) University | CE Offerings APN University is an initiative to provide quality continuing education units and training opportunities to professionals in the mental health field, starting with free CEUs for social workers. Pre-registration is required for live CE events.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) PediaLink | Online Courses PediaLink provides trusted, high-quality education to enhance knowledge and expertise at every career stage. Courses are designed for medical professionals who work with children and adolescents, but many of the topics are relevant to clinical counseling. Free courses are available; APA CEs are offered.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: Yes


American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT) Teneo | Online Education & Training AAMFT’s Teneo is a resource for LMFTs, LPCs, LCSWs, and other mental health professionals seeking continuing education credits. Teneo provides access to hours of online education with a focus on systems and relational therapies. Low-cost CE trainings start at $15 for members ($25 for non-members).

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $25 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: Yes


American Counseling Association (ACA) | Course Catalog ACA is a nonprofit, professional and educational organization dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. ACA provides NBCC-approved video- and text-based CE opportunities. There are several free CE courses. Low-cost trainings start at $12 for members ($19 for non-members).

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $19 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) | Store AMHCA’s mission is to advance the profession of clinical mental health counseling by setting the standard for collaboration, advocacy, research, ethical practice, and continuing education. NBCC-approved webinars and journal homestudy CE opportunities are offered, starting at $10 for members ($20 for non-members). There are multiple text-based CE credits available for free.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $20 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


American Psychological Association (APA) | Continuing Education APA provides continuing education programs for psychologists and other mental health professionals. There are hundreds of options to choose from; the course catalog can be filtered and searched for topics of interest. Members receive a discount. Courses start at $15.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $20 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: Yes


American Society on Aging (ASA) | Online Education ASA has become the go-to source to cultivate leadership, advance knowledge, and strengthen the skills of those who work with and on behalf of older adults. ASA offers free online seminars with complimentary CE credits (including NASW-approved CEs). Currently, there are 40+ trainings available.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: Yes


American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) eLearning: Free for All ASAM is a physician-led professional community for those who prevent, treat, and promote remission and recovery from the disease of addiction. ASAM’s mission is to provide resources for continuing innovation, advancement, and implementation of addiction science and care. ASAM offers 45+ free webinars and online education to increase understanding of addiction medicine. Many of the free courses provide AMA and NAADAC CE credits.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $20 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: Yes


Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) | Webinars & Continuing Education ADAA offers continuing education webinars for mental health professionals on anxiety, depression, OCD, and co-occurring disorders. Hundreds of live and on-demand trainings are available. Many of the courses are free for members (non-members pay $25); some of the courses provide CEs. An annual membership is $289.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $25 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Arizona Trauma Institute’s School Arizona Trauma Institute works with professionals, companies, and organizations to provide training in trauma sensitive care. There are no free CE offerings, but there are a few low-cost CE trainings starting at $30. Currently, there are nearly 50 course offerings.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Aspira Continuing Education | CEUs Aspira CE offers board-approved online CE courses for psychologists, MFTs, social workers, professional counselors, addiction/substance abuse counselors, and nurses. Individual CE units can be purchased for as low as $6 per unit. An unlimited CE membership is currently available for $129 per year.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $6 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Association for Advanced Training in the Behavioral Sciences (AATBS) | Free Continuing Education Courses AATBS seeks to enhance the skills of mental and behavioral health professionals through highly effective education on content and conceptual knowledge relevant to their professions. There are 600+ options to choose from with a few free CE trainings provided. Low-cost courses start at $14.99 (for one contact hour). For live upcoming events, click here. Currently, an all-access pass is $199 per year or $9.99 per month, and includes access to all recorded webinars.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $14.99 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Association for Psychological Therapies (APT) | Free Webinar Recordings APT provides training for mental health professionals in the UK and internationally in Australia, Canada, the United States, and more. There are 50+ multi-module courses available with over 30 free online learning sessions, some offering free CEs. Free course topics include DBT, case formulation, compassion-focused therapy, and more. Currently, membership benefits don’t include unlimited CEs, but with the purchase of any course, the buyer automatically becomes an APT member, free of any additional charge.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: ₤10 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: No


BaysideCEU | Course List Bayside Continuing Education and Development was created to provide affordable, easily accessible, and relevant continuing education to professionals. Low-cost (but not free) CE courses, starting at $10, are available for counselors.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


BehavioralHealthCE BehavioralHealthCE offers web-based and text-based training opportunities for mental health practitioners. All of the courses can be viewed for free; CEs are available for a fee.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Behavioral Health Springboard | Online Courses Behavioral Health Springboard at the School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, links current research to initiatives in mental health and substance use prevention and treatment. Free NBCC-approved courses are offered for mental health professionals.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Boston Medical Center (BMC) Grayken Center for Addiction Training & Technical Assistance (TTA) | Pre-Recorded Trainings BMC Grayken Center for Addiction Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) offers free training services for health and social service providers on evidence-based, comprehensive care for treatment of substance use disorders. Access free pre-recorded CE trainings or register for live training events here.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


CAMS-Care | Training Products CAMS Framework® is an evidence-based therapeutic assessment and treatment model that emphasizes collaboration and transparency between therapist and patient. Low-cost CEs (NBCC, APA, and NASW), starting at $12, are available for training videos and consult calls. Click here for free live and on-demand webinars.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $12 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Cardea Training Center | Catalog Cardea is a women-of-color-led organization that addresses complex issues by seeking to lead and engage with humility, compassion, collaborative spirit, and innovation. Free CE trainings are available for social workers and medical professionals.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Cambridge Health Alliance, Division on Addiction | Professional Education Opportunities The Division on Addiction’s goal is to alleviate addiction-related social, medical, and economic burdens through research, education, training, and outreach. The Division offers free continuing education courses for a diverse group of learners, including health care providers, policy makers, and scientists. Currently, the Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS) Microlearning Course, a 28-module course, is available for 28 free CE hours. Click here for additional free resources.

Courses Offered: 1-9 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


CE4Less CE4Less.com was founded in 2004 with a mission to provide high-quality continuing education at an affordable price. All courses are fully accredited and developed by leading academics and practitioners from across the United States and Canada. There are hundreds of courses to choose from. Currently, an unlimited CE membership is available for $74.99 per year.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $9.99 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


CE Learning Systems CE Learning Systems offers 520 high-quality CE courses for social workers, counselors, psychologists, addiction counselors, and others in mental health professions. Free and low-cost CE trainings are available. CE credits can be purchased for a fee, starting at $5.97 per credit. For unlimited CEs, an annual membership is $97. CE Learning Systems is an NBCC- and NAADAC-approved CE provider.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $5.97 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Cenpatico University | Clinical Provider Training Centene combines state and national training expertise to offer three national webinar series. Trainings are offered at no cost and are available to any provider, stakeholder, caregiver, community member, and/or staff member that provides care. Free CEs are available.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) | Online Modules CASCW’s online modules are self-directed learning opportunities for child welfare professionals, foster parents, advocates, and others interested in the topics. The modules consist of narrated PowerPoint presentations with a variety of media attached (e.g., videos, documents, etc.). All modules are accessible for free. Post-tests are available upon request. After completion of each module, learners receive a completion certificate.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Center for Deployment Psychology Free trainings are provided for military and civilian behavioral health professionals to provide high-quality, culturally-sensitive, evidence-based behavioral health services to military personnel, Veterans, and their families. Free CEs are available.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Center for Excellence (CoE) LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity | E-LEARNING MODULES CoE on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity provides behavioral health practitioners with vital information for supporting people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, two-spirit, and other diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. The training modules that are designed for clinical staff provide free CEs. For free upcoming live trainings, click here. For free on-demand CE courses, click here.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Center for Family Based Training | Courses Center for Family Based Training provides specialized training and consultation to behavioral health professionals working in the community with high-risk youth and their multi-stressed families. Nearly 30 online CE courses are available, starting at $12 (for one CE credit).

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $12 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Center for Prolonged Grief | Webinars Center for Prolonged Grief’s goal is to ensure that all health and mental health professionals know how to recognize prolonged grief and to develop a workforce of therapists who can provide efficacious prolonged grief treatment. Free webinar recordings are available on topics related to prolonged grief. For CE webinars (starting at $30), click here.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $30 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Center for Tobacco Independence (CTI) | Webinars Throughout the year, CTI conducts free virtual trainings to support ongoing education in tobacco treatment, prevention, and policy change. CTI Training and Education Team offers a variety of webinars that provide continuing education credits. Free CEs are available for medical professionals. Click here for the essential skills training program ($25 for Maine residents, $50 for non-residents).

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


CE Training Workshops CE Training Workshops offers live and interactive webinars and online training modules designed to meet the continuing education needs of mental health and substance use professionals. Low-cost CE courses start at $20 and are approved by NBCC and NAADAC.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


CEViews CEViews is the largest directory of live continuing education training events for mental health professionals. There are 500+ CE opportunities available, including 16 free CE courses, as well as low-cost options, starting at $19.99. CEViews is approved by multiple national and state boards, including NBCC.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $20 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


CE You! CE You! is an ASWB-approved CE provider, providing hundreds of live and on-demand CE opportunities for mental health professionals. (Click here for CE webinar recordings.)

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $19.99 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Clearly Clinical Podcast Continuing Education Clearly Clinical’s goal is to provide courses that answer questions, build skills, and help to satisfy licensure and certification requirements. One episode = one CE credit. Currently, to access Light Up the Couch podcast, an annual membership fee is $95. However, there are several free CE courses available.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


CMECalifornia CME/CE Center CMECalifornia is a collaborative project of the University of California consortium of continuing medical education programs. Their mission is to provide healthcare professionals with quality, evidence-based continuing education to enhance competence, advance physician performance, and improve patient outcomes. The majority of CE/CME activities are free.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Cognitive Behavior Institute (CBI) | Courses The mission of CBI Center for Education is to advance clinical efficacy by empowering mental health professionals with education, consultation, and research. They offer a growing list of CE courses. The course catalog can be filtered and searched by price (starting at $15). There are several free courses available (no CEs provided).

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: No


Core Wellness | Recorded Webinars Core Wellness was founded in 2018 with the mission of providing holistic, evidence-based support, therapy, and training. Core Wellness offers moderately priced CE courses ($50-$75 on average) with a few low-cost and free CE trainings on topics related to children, attachment, families, DBT, clinical supervision, and more. A directory of live and upcoming workshops can be viewed here. An unlimited access membership includes all in-person, live, and recorded events and costs $797 per year (or $79.97 per month) and a recording-only access membership is $447 per year (or $49.97 per month).

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $22 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Cummings Graduate Institute (CGI) | Webinars & Courses CGI is a private nonprofit institution offering graduate and professional behavioral health education through a virtual online campus. Several free and low-cost CE courses are available.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $20 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Cyberounds: Psychiatry/Neuroscience Cyberounds is an educational resource for health professionals. There are nearly 50 courses on mental health and related topics available. All conferences are free to attend; CMEs may be offered.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: N/A | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Defense Health Agency (DHA) J-7 Continuing Education Program DHA, J-7, Continuing Education Program Office (CEPO) offers unlimited CE credits to healthcare professionals who actively treat service members, Veterans, and their family members. DHA, J-7, CEPO’s expected results of the centralized CE program are to facilitate best practices, interprofessional learning, and military readiness, which enhances the knowledge, skills, and practices of healthcare teams. 

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Delta Autumn Training Academy Delta Autumn Training Academy (DATA) is a CE website for mental healthcare providers. DATA summarizes large bodies of research in a way that is engaging, humorous, and applicable. NBCC-approved CE course credits are provided at no cost; donations are appreciated.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Development Counts | Clinical Supervision Forum Clinical Supervision Forum is an every-other-month continuing education series for clinical supervisors to learn, network, and share historical and innovative practices in clinical supervision for mental health professionals. Free CE credits, issued by the Telehealth Certification Institute, are provided for behavioral health clinicians.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Direct CEU | All Courses Direct CEU provides online trainings for behavioral health professionals. Course materials are obtained through a variety of sources, ranging from public domain governmental researchers to academic researchers to licensed professionals. CE credits are available for $3.99 per credit. Currently, one free CE course is offered.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $3.99 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Early Childhood Investigations (ECI) Webinars | Recordings, Slides, & Handouts ECI provides an ongoing webinar series of conference-quality free trainings for early childhood educators. Free certificates of attendance are provided; optional CEUs can be earned through Bertelsen Education for $15. For live, upcoming webinars, click here.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Eating Disorder Hope | Events Eating Disorder Hope’s mission is to offer hope, information, and resources to persons with eating disorders, their family members, and treatment providers. Live and in-person free CE trainings are available.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Eating Recovery Center (ERC) | Events for Doctors, Therapists, Counselors, & Dietitians ERC is an international center for eating disorders and mood, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders recovery providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and PTSD. ERC offers industry-leading continuing education and networking events for professionals in the behavioral health industry.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


eCare Behavioral Health Institute eCare Behavioral Health Institute offers hundreds of online CE events for mental health professionals. Currently, there are 340+ CE courses available. There are several low-cost trainings, starting at $18. An unlimited CE membership is $297 per year and a limited-access (recordings only, no live events) membership is $197 per year.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


El Futuro | Upcoming Webinars El Futuro is a community-based nonprofit organization that seeks to transform Latino-serving mental healthcare in North Carolina and beyond. El Futuro offers a free monthly webinar series for clinicians.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Eventbrite | Discover Great Events or Create Your Own & Sell Tickets Eventbrite is a global self-service ticketing platform for live experiences that allows anyone to create, share, find, and attend events that fuel their passions and enrich their lives. Online CE training events are also available. The search tool can be used to find relevant online trainings.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: N/A | Member Discount: N/A


Family Counseling Service’s Continuing Education Network (CEN) Family Counseling Service provides a wide range of counseling services in Aurora, Illinois. CEN offers several on-demand low-cost online courses (starting at $15).

Courses Offered: 1-9 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Family Service Society, Inc. | Professional Training Institute CE Workshops Family Service Society, Inc. provides professional counseling and community services that empower individuals and families to deal more effectively with their challenges, enhancing the quality of their lives. Professional Training Institute occasionally offers free CE trainings.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


FastCEUs.com Peachtree Professional Education | Approved CE Hours for LMFT, LPC, LMHC, Social Work, & Registered Nurses FastCEUs provides NBCC-approved and NAADAC CE courses for mental health professionals. Currently, there is one free CE course available.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Feeling Good Institute | Free Mental Health Webinars for Therapists Feeling Good Institute was born to set the standards, train, organize, and support the therapist community practicing TEAM-CBT. Online training events provide clinicians with essential skills and practical tools. Some of the free courses offer CE credits.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Find Empathy | Free Courses Find Empathy offers engaging, easy-to-digest CE trainings on the intersection between chronic illness and mental health. There are several free CE courses available.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $20 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association (FADAA)/ Florida Behavioral Health Association | Training Library A large collection of on-demand trainings is available for clinicians who provide substance use disorder services to support the use of evidence-based practices in Florida. (Archived trainings do not provide CEs.) Free CE credits are awarded for participation in some interactive webinars and live workshops. Click here to view upcoming training events.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Florida Counseling Association (FCA) | Upcoming Trainings FCA’s mission is to promote the value of professional counseling as well as supporting and unifying professional counselors in all settings resulting in high quality practices in Florida. FCA offers free training opportunities for members as well as low-cost CE options (starting at $10) for non-members. An annual membership is $50 ($30 for students) and includes access to the webinar library.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Florida Mental Health Counselors Association (FMHCA) | On-Demand Webinars FMHCA serves the mental health counseling profession in Florida by monitoring and influencing legislative activity, offering educational opportunities, and serving as a medium for professional networking at a local, state, and national level. Low-cost CE trainings are available for around $15 per course for members ($35 for non-members). For upcoming live webinars, click here. An annual membership is $70 ($30 for students).

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $17.50 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Free State Social Work, LLC Free State Social Work offers online continuing education for social workers, counselors, and therapists, with 100+ courses available. Each CE credit is $5.99. Currently, one free sample course is offered. An unlimited CE package is $74.99 per year. Free State Social Work is approved as a continuing education provider by ASWB and NBCC.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $5.99 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


FUTURES Without Violence | Webinars FUTURES provides groundbreaking programs, policies, and campaigns that empower individuals and organizations working to end violence against women and children around the world. Free upcoming and on-demand webinars are available; some trainings may provide CE credits.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Genesis Continuing Education Online | Online CEs Genesis Continuing Education Group offers online CE credits for social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, and addiction professionals. Most of the courses are based on well-received books, written by respected authors in the field. Free and low-cost CE courses are available, starting at $15 for three credits. An unlimited CE pass is $154 per year.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $3.50 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: Yes


Glendon Association | CE Opportunities – Live & Online Glendon’s selection of workshops and products provide continuing education credits for mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, MFTs, social workers, nurses, and licensed counselors. CE costs vary, starting at around $10 per credit.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: No


GoodTherapy Continuing Education for Counselors GoodTherapy offers hundreds of quality, accessible continuing education events. Non-members can access homestudy recordings for $15.50 per event. (An unlimited CE membership is $30.95 per month.)

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $5 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Gorski CENAPS | Home Study Courses CENAPS (an acronym for Center for Applied Sciences) is a training and consultation firm founded by Terence Gorski in 1982. CENAPS is committed to providing the most advanced clinical skills training for the addiction and behavioral health fields. Homestudy CE courses are offered for as low as $18.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $18 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Greater Richmond SCAN | Community Programs Training Greater Richmond SCAN is a nonprofit founded in 1991 to address the growing rates of child abuse and neglect in Richmond, VA. Community programs include SCAN prevention programs and initiatives that are focused on prevention and promoting resilience. Training events are free and open to the public; some courses offer CE credits through the National Association of Social Workers Virginia chapter (NASW-VA). The cost to purchase one course (two CE hours) is $25.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $12.50 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Great Lakes Rural Opioid Technical Assistance (ROTA) Regional Center Great Lakes ROTA-RC offers a free virtual learning community featuring opioid and other substance use, as well as mental health, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction education events for professionals, para-professionals, volunteers, and students in a variety of fields supporting the Great Lakes community. CEs may be offered. Past events can be viewed here.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: N/A | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


The Grief Center | Continuing Education The Grief Center offers live webinar trainings on grief topics, some of which provide CEs at a low cost.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Harmony Place Monterey | Webinar Videos Harmony Place Monterey is a PHP/IOP treatment center on the Central Coast of California that treats addiction and mental health issues (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and trauma). Free webinar recordings can be viewed for CEs with the completion of an evaluation forms. Live CE trainings are also offered.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Hazelden Betty Ford Addiction Recovery Webinars & Video Conferences Harnessing science, love, and the wisdom of lived experience, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is a force of healing and hope for individuals, families and communities affected by substance use and mental health conditions. Free on-demand webinars are available for mental health professionals. Some training events provide certificates of completion.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


HealtheKnowledge HealtheKnowledge provides free online learning and low-cost continuing education for health and behavioral health professionals, with 270 courses and 21,519 training activities. An all-access membership is $50 per year.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $5 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: Yes


HealthForum Online HealthForum Online’s goal is to provide cost-effective, accessible, and high-quality CE courses and credits to psychologists, counselors, social workers, marital and family therapists, and other healthcare professionals so they can meet their practice and professional needs. Free and low-cost CEs are available. An annual membership with unlimited CE access is $69/year.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $9| NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Heisel & Associates | CEs for Social Workers, Counselors, Psychologists, & Marriage & Family Therapists Since 1984, Heisel and Associates has provided live and online courses for social workers, counselors, chemical dependency counselors, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, rehabilitation counselors, employee assistance counselors, and school counselors. CE credits are available for as low as $4.99 per CE.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: No| Average Cost per CE: $5 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) | CE Programs On-Demand HFA educates the public and healthcare professionals about death, dying, and grief. Self-study programs for professionals cost around $25.95; members receive a discount. (An HFA membership is $70 per year.) Upcoming live presentations can be viewed here.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Human Givens College | Online Courses | Both on-demand and live online mental health courses are offered. These trainings are suitable for CPD or personal interest; each course is packed with evidence-based information, tips, and techniques. There are several free and low-cost options available. Human Givens College is accredited in the UK; CPD certificates are awarded.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Illuminated Education | Continuing Education Activities for Mental Health Professionals Illuminated Education provides educational activities designed for people who are interested in issues related to psychology, healing, and other aspects of human thought, feeling, and behavior. The goal is to present up-to-date, thought-provoking content integrating material from psychology and other fields including (but not limited to) mind-body medicine, mindfulness practice, and eastern and shamanic approaches to health and healing. CEs are offered for reading a journal article or other publication and then passing a test. Fees range from $10 (for one CE) to $90 (for nine CEs). Illuminated Education is an APA-approved CE provider.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Indiana Prevention Resource Center (IPRC) | Training Portal IPRC offers education and training coordination, facilitation, and resources, including webinars, online modules, in-person trainings, and working sessions. CEUs for online modules are available for purchase from IU Expand upon course completion. There are free CE trainings available as well.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Indian Country ECHO | Resource Library In 2003, the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model was developed by a physician at the University of New Mexico to increase rural clinicians’ ability to treat hepatitis C. Indian Country ECHO continues to expand American Indian and Alaska Native peoples’ access to high-quality specialized care. The resource library can be searched for past presentations and CE trainings, or, upcoming sessions on substance abuse can be viewed here. The sessions are intended for physicians, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, nurses, behavioral health staff, chemical dependency counselors, peer support specialists, medical assistants, and wellness coaches. CME, CNE, and CPE credits are offered.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Indian Health Service | Upcoming Webinars Indian Health Services’ mission is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. Webinars are free and there is no cost to register or participate. CEs are available for social workers and medical professionals. Archived webinars (no CEs) can be accessed here and Indian Children’s Program webinars can be viewed here.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Institute for Creative Mindfulness Institute for Creative Mindfulness believes that transformation is facilitated through honoring the person-centered values of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence. Several free on-demand courses are available, some offering CEs.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $20 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Institute for Human Services (IHS) | Training IHS’s core work involves assessing organizational and system practices; building staff capacity through education, training, coaching and technical support; and helping organizations navigate barriers and create structures that enable them to better protect and serve children and strengthen families. Free courses with CEs are offered for a small fee for social workers and psychologists.

Courses Offered: 1-9 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $7.50 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Institute for Psychological Advancement (IPA) | Courses IPA offers continuing education courses for professional counselors, school counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, addiction counselors, and psychologists. 25+ courses are available, including low-cost CE courses starting at $15 (for one contact hour).

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Institute for Research, Education, & Trainings in Addiction (IRETA) | Webinars The mission of IRETA is to help people respond effectively to substance use and related problems. IRETA offers a free monthly webinar series.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Institute on Violence, Abuse, & Trauma (IVAT) | Course Catalog IVAT condemns violence and oppression in all its forms. They stand with all who work for equality and peace. IVAT offers 20+ low-cost on-demand NBCC-approved CE courses (starting at $20). Upcoming live courses can be accessed here.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $20 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Integrative Trauma Treatment Center (ITTC) | Asynchronous Education ITTC provides an integrative approach to working with trauma. Their online learning courses are sold a la cart (starting at $12.99 for one contact hour) or free for members. Currently, only four training sessions are available, but new courses are added regularly.

Courses Offered: 1-9 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $12.99 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


International Association for Firefighters & First Responders (IAFF) Center of Excellence | Upcoming Events IAFF Center of Excellence is committed to raising awareness and providing education about behavioral health matters that impact fire fighters, paramedics and dispatchers across the United States and Canada.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


International Association of Marriage & Family Counselors (IAMFC) | Upcoming Events IAMFC is a division of the American Counseling Association and was chartered in 1989. IAMFC embraces a multicultural approach in support of the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of families served. IAMFC offers live webinar events for $10 (free for members). Membership is $60 per year.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) | Mental Health Education Series ICSA provides information on cults, cultic groups, psychological manipulation, psychological abuse, spiritual abuse, brainwashing, mind control, thought reform, abusive churches, high-demand groups, new religious movements, exit counseling, and practical suggestions for those needing assistance. ICSA’s mental health education series for professionals features different clinicians discussing relevant topics. CE events are free; donations are appreciated. A membership is $50 per year and includes access to ICSA’s members-only library.

Courses Offered: 1-9 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: No


International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) | On-Demand Webinar Revamp The mission of IOCDF is to ensure that no one affected by OCD and related disorders suffers alone. IOCDF provides up-to-date education and resources, strengthens community engagement, delivers quality professional training, and advances groundbreaking research. Low-cost on-demand CE trainings are provided for licensed mental health providers. Each webinar costs $30 per CE unit; members receive a 20% discount.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $30 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


J&K Seminars | Homestudy Program Established in 1990, J&K Seminars is the family business of Judi & Ken Ralph, offering high-quality CE programs at affordable prices. Recorded seminars are made into homestudy/distance learning programs, with several low-cost sessions available (starting at $30 per training). For upcoming live seminars, click here.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: No


Jen Taylor Play Therapy Services | All Courses Jen Taylor is a social worker, therapist, teacher, and writer. She collaborates with leaders in the play therapy field to provide trainings on foundational play therapy theory and practical, effective applications. The online training collection features several free CE trainings for counselors.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $20 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Jewish Social Services Agency (JSSA) | JSSA Training JSSA is a trusted health and social wellness agency that supports families and individuals by helping people with disabilities find meaningful jobs, caring for older adults, and offering dignity and comfort to hospice patients. JSSA offers professional training focused on everything from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) practices to palliative care. The training institute occasionally offers free CE trainings.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $20 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Judith Barr | Home Study Courses Judith Barr is a mental health therapist, financial counselor, and writer; she offers four homestudy courses on trauma and healing, starting at $15.

Courses Offered: 1-9 | Free CEs: No| Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Laban’s Addiction-Specific Trainings Founded in 1996, Laban’s Trainings has provided quality distance-learning trainings nationwide to satisfy the continuing education requirements for behavioral healthcare professionals, LPCs, and certified/licensed drug and alcohol counselors. Course selections are diverse and updated regularly to reflect current research findings. All trainings are text-based; course materials can be downloaded or mailed. Courses start at $40 (for four contact hours).

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $8 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Learn Sex Therapy | Free Courses Learn Sex Therapy was created to provide the highest quality training in human sexuality for mental health professionals and healthcare providers. Currently, there are three free CE trainings available.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $20 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center The Education Center specializes in providing national training and technical assistance (T/TA) to health centers in order to optimize access to quality healthcare for LGBTQIA+ populations. Training courses are aimed at healthcare professionals and organizations. Some courses are eligible for CME credits.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Licensed Clinical Counselors of North Carolina (LCCNC) | Homestudy Courses LCCNC promotes the development of LCMHCs through professional excellence and advocacy. In order to contribute to the continuing education and professional development of LCMHCs, LCCNC holds webinars, regional trainings, and hosts regional workshops throughout the year. On-demand courses, starting at $10, are available to both members and non-members; members receive a discount. (Click here for upcoming live events.) An annual membership is $150 for professionals or $40 for students.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $20 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Mad in America Continuing Education Mad in America is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve as a catalyst for remaking mental health in the United States and abroad. Mad in America offers free and low-cost courses; only a few of the courses provide CE credits.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $20 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Maryland Behavioral Health Online Training MD Behavioral Health is an online training site hosted by the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Free trainings are offered to individuals interested in supporting the behavioral health of youth and their families.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Maryland Counseling Association (MCA) | Upcoming Events MCA’s mission is to promote public confidence and trust in the counseling profession, and to influence policies that affect professional counselors and the welfare of the diverse clients. MCA supports professional counselors and counselors-in-training through a variety of professional development opportunities and support services. Upcoming trainings are offered regularly; some provide CEs. Members receive a discount. An annual membership is $70 (or $30 for students).

Courses Offered: 1-9 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Psychiatry Academy | Education Courses MGH programs are developed to keep pace with pivotal trends sweeping healthcare and to cater to the varied learning preferences of healthcare professionals. Free and low-cost training options are available.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $35 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Mass General Brigham at McLean | Professional Development For nearly 200 years, McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital, has been providing professional education and resources for a wide range of mental health care professionals. Continuing education opportunities include live events, on-demand trainings, lecture series, and a video library. Fees and CE offerings vary depending on the training event.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Mental Health Academy (MHA) Founded in 2007, MHA is a leading provider of online continuing education for mental health professionals. A subscription is required to access CE trainings. Currently, an annual subscription is $349 (or $39 monthly). Subscribers gain access to 450+ CE courses; new courses are released every month.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Mental Health America (MHA) | MHA Webinars MHA advances the mental health and wellbeing of all people living in the US through public education, research, advocacy and public policy, and direct service. On-demand webinar recordings on mental health topics are available, some offering CEs. Click here to view live upcoming webinars.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Mental Health America (MHA) of Indiana Stan W. DeKemper Training Institute MHA of Indiana Training Institute offers low-cost CE trainings and educational opportunities for prevention, treatment and recovery professionals, advocates, and individuals who wish to enhance their understanding of behavioral health, including beginning or furthering their professional development in mental health and substance use.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Mental Health America (MHA) of the MidSouth MHA of the MidSouth provides CE trainings for social workers, therapists, counselors, attorneys, healthcare workers, and other professionals whose work involves mental health awareness. Currently, there are several free CE trainings available.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Mental Health Professionals’ Network (MHPN) | Webinars MHPN, an Australia-based organization that strives to improve interdisciplinary and collaborative care practices between mental health professionals, offers 100+ recorded webinars. (Live training events are also available.)

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network | Training & Events Calendar MHTTC Network supports resource development and dissemination, training and technical assistance, and workforce development for the mental health field. Services cover the full continuum spanning mental illness prevention, treatment, and recovery support. 

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


MI Center for Change | Free Motivational Interviewing Masterclass Series MI Center for Change makes learning MI engaging and applicable for helping professionals across disciplines. Currently, MI Center for Change offers a free live webinar for one NBCC-approved CE credit.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $27 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Mindful CEUs | Continuing Education in Mental Health & Addiction Mindful Continuing Education is a premier CEU education provider for psychologists, therapists, counselors, and social workers. Currently, one free CE course is offered. Low-cost CEs are available starting at $6 per credit hour.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $6 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: Yes


Mindful Ecotherapy Center, LLC | Courses Archive Mindful Ecotherapy Center trains mental health professionals and the general public in the skills of mindfulness-based ecotherapy. Several free courses are offered, including a suicide risk and prevention course. Other courses are available for a fee.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) | Department of Continuing Professional Development MAHEC provides education and training for health and human service professionals in allied health, dental health, medicine, mental health, nursing, and pharmacotherapy. The course catalog can be filtered and searched for relevant online courses. Some courses provide free CEs.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Mountain Plains Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center (MP ROTAC) | Events MP ROTAC was established to support opioid and stimulant prevention, treatment, and recovery in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Currently, MP ROTAC offers a modest collection of live and on-demand trainings.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


My CE Solution My CE Solution provides evidence-based quality continuing education for mental health professionals. Each CE credit costs $5. Currently, there are several free CE course offerings. Courses are added on a regular basis.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $5 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


MyCME | Free Online CME & CE for Physicians, NPs, PAs, & More MyCME provides healthcare professionals with relevant, engaging, and actionable education that positively impacts clinical performance and patient outcomes. Courses are aimed at medical professionals.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


NAR Associates | Counselor CEUs NAR Associates’ research-based homestudy courses are accepted worldwide by nearly 100 different credentialing bodies. Coursework is delivered either by mail or email. (Course outlines can be viewed here.) Each NBCC-approved CE course costs $45 (for six CE credits).

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $7.50 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, & Medicine |National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide expert advice on some of the most pressing challenges facing the nation and world. Throughout any given year, the National Academies convene hundreds of conferences, workshops, symposia, forums, roundtables, and other gatherings that attract the finest minds in academia and the public and private sectors. Some trainings may provide CE credits.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) | Events NACG is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the needs of children and teens who are grieving a death and provides education and resources for anyone who supports them. Live and recorded webinars are offered. Some trainings are free, while others are associated with a fee. CEs are available. All materials are free for members.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


National Association for Addiction Professionals | NAADAC Free Webinars NAADAC represents the professional interests of more than 100,000 addiction counselors, educators, and other addiction-focused healthcare professionals in the United States, Canada, and abroad. NAADAC offers free addiction-specific education through its Free Webinar Series. CE credits are free for members and cost $15 per credit hour for non-members. The cost of an annual membership for professionals varies by state, ranging from $85-$160.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists (NACBT) | Mental Health Webinars: Excellent Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Webinars NACBT is dedicated to promoting, supporting, and advancing the practice of CBT. All CBT webinars are free to attend; CEs are provided for an additional fee. To view recorded videos, click here.

Courses Offered: 1-9 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: Yes


National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Foundation | Webinars NBCC Foundation offers two on-demand webinar series that can be accessed through CCE Academy: Building Professional Excellence and Innovations in Counseling: Working with Minority Populations. Additionally, The Professional Counselor (TPC), the official journal of NBCC, is also accessible through CCE Academy. Learners can earn CE hours (starting at $5) by completing short assessments based on articles in TPC.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


National Center for Excellence for Eating Disorders (NCEED) | Healthcare Provider Training NCEED offers free webinars that help medical professionals learn and apply evidence-based interventions for eating disorders. NCEED is aimed at medical providers but may provide useful information to other professionals who work with individuals with eating disorders.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


National Center for PTSD | Continuing Education National Center for PTSD provides free training materials as well as information and tools to help mental health practitioners with assessment and treatment. Currently, there are several free CE offerings.

Courses Offered: 1-9 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


National Center on Substance Abuse & Child Welfare (NCSACW) NCSACW is a national resource center providing information, expert consultation, training, and technical assistance to child welfare, dependency court, and substance use treatment professionals to improve the safety, permanency, wellbeing, and recovery outcomes for children, parents, and families. Currently, there are three online tutorials that offer free CE credits, including NAADAC-approved CEs. NCSACW also offers a variety of videos and webinars.

Courses Offered: 1-9 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


National Children’s Advocacy Training Center (NCACvtc) | Online Courses NCAC models, promotes, and delivers excellence in child abuse response and prevention through service, education, and leadership. NCACvtc offers engaging, relevant, and high-quality online CE trainings that are free for child abuse professionals, multidisciplinary team members, and students around the globe. Click here for archived webinar recordings.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) | Training NCTSN was created to raise the standard of care and increase access to services for children and families who experience or witness traumatic events. NCTSN offers both online and in-person trainings on a range of topics, from general trauma education, to assessment and intervention techniques, to a Breakthrough Series Collaboratives focused on systems change. 300+ free CE certificates are available.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI) National Child Welfare Workforce Institute’s purpose is to develop and support a child welfare workforce that can equitably meet the needs of the most vulnerable children and families. Click here for live, upcoming webinar events. Click here to learn about leadership modules and here for online training. Certificates of completion are provided.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


National Council for Mental Wellbeing (NCMW) | Relias Course List NCMW and Center of Excellence for Integrated Health Solutions offer 50 free courses through Relias, an NBCC-approved CE provider. To access the courses, learners must sign up for a free Relias account using these instructions (with the registration code: NCBH). Learners should update their account with their professional license information. CE credits are provided upon course completion and passing an exam.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


National Gender-Based Violence Learning Community (NGBVLC) NGBVLC is a partnership of national training and technical assistance organizations working together to end gender-based violence. As a part of the NGBVLC, mental health professionals can view different training courses and earn credits towards continuing education goals; CE subscriptions are available for purchase starting at $300 for 20 credits. On-demand courses are available in English and Spanish.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: Yes


National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC)| Course Catalog NHCHC offers education opportunities created by HCH professionals for HCH professionals. There are currently nearly 30 free CE course offerings on topics related to homelessness and healthcare.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: No


National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) | Health Professions Education NIDA’s mission is to advance science on drug use and addiction and to apply that knowledge to improve individual and public health. NIDA offers free CME/CE trainings and other resources for mental health professionals.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


National Training & Technical Assistance Center (NTTAC) for Child, Youth, & Family Mental Health NTTAC is a grant-funded initiative from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services. NTTAC offers an array of learning events at no cost to participants, including mental health professionals, primary care providers, peers, educators, systems leaders, and other youth-serving professionals. Some offerings may include CE credits.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Net CE Net CE offers free and low-cost CE courses for counselors and other mental health professionals. All course content can be viewed for free. Learners must pass an exam to earn CE credits. Currently, there are no unlimited CE memberships offered, but there are discounts are available.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


New Hampshire Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors Association (NHADACA) | Webinar Library NHADACA’s webinar library contains over 50 webinars on substance use and recovery-related topics. Webinars are free for anyone to view without a certificate and $15 for non-members for CE hours. (CEs are free for NHADACA members.) A professional membership is $115.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA) Institute NYMHCA Institute offers online CE courses for $25 (for 1.5 CE credits); members receive a discount. A professional membership starts at $130 per year.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $7 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


The Next Step Behavioral Health (TNSBH) Learning Academy TNSBH Learning Academy offers live and on-demand virtual learning events. Currently, live trainings start at $10 for 1.5 CE credits.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $7.50 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


North Carolina Area Health Education Centers (NC AHEC) | Courses & Events NC AHEC’s mission is to provide and support educational activities and services with a focus on primary care in rural communities and those with less access to resources to recruit, train, and retain the workforce needed to create a healthy North Carolina. The course catalog can be filtered and searched by discipline or credit type. Free and low-cost CE trainings are available.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Counseling | Webinars NCCU’s Counselor Education Program provides approximately 6-8 webinars per academic year. All webinars are live, online events. Attendance is free; to obtain a certificate of participation for continuing education purposes, the cost is usually around $15 per event and must be purchased in advance of the start of the event.

Courses Offered: 1-9 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


North Central Association for Counselor Education & Supervision (NCACES) | Webinars The purpose of NCACES is to advance counselor education and supervision in the ACES North Central region in order to improve the provision of counseling services in all settings. Currently, NCACES offers a free CE webinar series. Webinars are at 1pm ET / 12pm CT on the second Friday of each month.

Courses Offered: 1-9 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: No


Northeast & Carribean Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center (Nec-ROTAC) The purpose of NeC-ROTAC is to develop and disseminate training and technical assistance addressing opioid, stimulant, and other substance use disorders affecting rural communities in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands. Some of the free online training events offer complimentary CE hours.

Courses Offered: 1-9 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Northwest Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Collaborative (NW ROTA C) | On-Demand Online Training NW ROTA C is a partnership between Washington State University’s Center for Rural Opioid Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery and Oregon State University’s Coast to Forest with the goal of developing and disseminating training and technical assistance (TTA) to rural communities for prevention, treatment, and recovery from opioid misuse.  On-demand and live training events are available. Some events may provide CEs.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Office for Victims of Crime Training & Technical Assistance Center (OVC TTAC) OVC TTAC is the gateway to current training and technical assistance for victim service providers and allied professionals who serve crime victims. OVC offers online interactive training in a wide variety of subject areas. The National Victim Assistance Academy (NVAA) provides an intensive, interactive learning experience to develop and promote professional skills and knowledge for victim service providers. All NVAA trainings are free of charge and provide CE credits to mental health professionals.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Oklahoma State University (OSU) Center for Health Sciences Continuing Medical Education | Project ECHO Project ECHO is a revolutionary guided-practice model that reduces health disparities in under-served and remote areas of the state, nation, and world. OSU Project ECHO offers free and convenient continuing education credits for attending an ECHO session. Currently, there are nine upcoming training offerings.

Courses Offered: 1-9 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Omni Inventive Care | Trainings Omni is a community-integrated behavioral health organization that serves children and families with significant impairments in Nebraska. Both free and for-a-fee webinars (starting at $19.99 per CEU) are offered on a variety of topics.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Online CE Credits is therapist-owned and managed, providing nationally-approved CE trainings for mental health professionals. Online CE Credits offers high quality, engaging content from well-respected experts in counseling and psychology who are recognized worldwide through their writings, teachings, and media publications. On-demand and live low-cost courses are available, starting at $10. An unlimited access membership is $34.99 per month.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Online CEU Credit The Healthcare Training Institute located at OnLineCEUCredit.com provides continuing education courses for psychologists, social workers, counselors, and MFTs that are easy, fast, and affordable. All courses can be accessed for free; CEs are available for a fee. Courses start at $9.95 (with 30% discount).

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $8 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR) & National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) In a joint effort, PCAR and NSVRC aim to provide a variety of eLearning modules to educate and support mental health professionals in their efforts to prevent and respond to sexual violence. Free courses do not provide CEs; certificate courses are offered for $20 per training.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $20 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


PESI | Continuing Education Classes Online PESI is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate and instruct the general public, public organizations, private industry, students, and professionals. PESI provides cutting-edge continuing education to professionals across the nation. Occasionally, PESI offers free online courses, live webinars, and text-based learning opportunities. Certificates are available for a fee.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: N/A | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Portland DBT (PDBT) Institute | L(earn) Over Lunch PDBT Institute offers a free CE webinar series. Learn and Earn over Lunch is an opportunity to earn free NBCC-approved continuing education credits from outstanding trainers. Live webinars are scheduled from noon to 1:00 p.m. PT the second Wednesday of every month; registration is required.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network | Training & Events Calendar The purpose of PTTC Network is to improve implementation and delivery of effective substance use prevention interventions, and provide training and technical assistance services to the substance misuse prevention field. Upcoming and on-demand training events are offered; some may provide free CE credits.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Pro Bono Counseling (PBC) | Continuing Education PBC is a nonprofit corporation founded with the goal of connecting uninsured and under-insured low-income Marylanders with compassionate and qualified mental health professionals who provide care on a volunteer basis at no cost. Free CE trainings are provided for volunteers, but all clinicians and constituents are invited to attend for a nominal registration fee. Currently, there are five upcoming training events available.

Courses Offered: 1-9 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: Yes


Professional Development Resources (PDR) PDR provides on-demand continuing education courses for healthcare professionals. PDR offers online, video, and audio learning opportunities. Counseling CE courses start at $7 for one contact hour. Free courses are occasionally offered to email subscribers; it’s free to subscribe.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $14 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Program Services Continuing Education for Mental Health Professionals Program Services offers continuing education programs for professionals in psychology, mental health, social work, marriage and family, behavioral health, addictions, and more. Courses are offered as live seminars, online webinars, or web-based classes.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Providers Clinical Support System (PCSS) PCSS is a program funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) created in response to the opioid overdose epidemic to train primary care providers in the evidence-based prevention and treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD) and treatment of chronic pain. Free trainings are offered in multiple formats; many provide CE credits.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


PsychAlive | CE Webinars PsychAlive offers a collection of low-cost CE webinars for mental health professionals. The average fee for a 90-minute recorded webinar is $15. CEs can be purchased for an additional cost, starting at $5 per CE credit.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $5 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Psycharmor Psycharmor is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader and preferred training provider for military cultural awareness that serves members of the military-connected community and anyone who wants to more effectively engage with them. 250+ military culture educational products are offered for healthcare providers, Veterans, employers, military family members, caregivers, and more. The online e-learning laboratory is free for individual learners. Some courses provide CE credits.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


PsychU PsychU is a free community and online resource library for mental health with 200+ on-demand webinars. For virtual upcoming live events, click here. Certificates of attendance are provided for each training session.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Quantum Units Education | Free CEUs Quantum Units Education is a trusted CE provider serving CEs to over 150,000 licensed and credentialed professionals since 2005. Quantum Units Education offers CE courses, books, and videos. Currently, two free CE courses are available. An unlimited CE membership is $74.95 per year.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $5 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Quitlogix Education | Quitlogix Education for Minnesota Providers These trainings benefit anyone who serves people who use commercial tobacco, from healthcare professionals to social workers to school staff. There are no pre-requisites and there is no fee to participate in the modules or to receive a certificate.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Region V Training Catalog & Continuing Education (CE) Region V Public Health Training Center (RVPHTC) seeks to advance the skills of the current and future public health workforce to improve population health outcomes. All course content is available for free. Most CEs cost a small fee ($3/credit hour) to obtain; some trainings provide CEs for free.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $3 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Renfrew Center | Professional Events Renfrew Center’s treatment approach for eating disorders has earned national and international recognition, and integrates a transdiagnostic, evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral approach while remaining grounded in relational-cultural principles. Renfrew Center hosts live virtual events for professionals, some of which offer free CE credits.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Restorative Counseling Services (RCS), LLC | Lunch & Learn RCS’s mission is to provide innovative and exciting learning experiences by delivering skills and knowledge to clinicians to enhance the effectiveness of the counseling experience. Lunch and Learn is a live webinar series that provides low-cost NBCC-approved CE credits ($11 per contact hour).

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $11 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Rogers Behavioral Health | Free Webinar Series Rogers Behavioral Health offers free live, interactive webinars for psychologists, social workers, professional counselors, and other healthcare professionals who work in clinical settings throughout the country. Registration is required and participants must be logged in for the entire program to receive CE credits.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


The Ross Center | Trainings & Workshops The Ross Center is committed to offering professional development and continuing education opportunities to mental health providers and other health professionals. Low-cost APA and other CE credits are available.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $25 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


SAMHSA | Practitioner Training SAMHSA offers tools, training, and technical assistance to practitioners in the fields of mental health and substance use disorders. Some training courses may provide free CEs.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


Santé Center for Healing | Upcoming Events The mission of Santé Center for Healing is to address addictive behaviors and associated conditions with an integrated addiction treatment model, drawing from traditional and innovative approaches. Santé Center provides free CE live webinars for healthcare professionals.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Sheppard Pratt | Courses Sheppard Pratt is the largest private, nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, developmental disability, special education, and social services in the country. They offer a robust continuing education program with dozens of educational opportunities for physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and counselors each year. The course catalog can be filtered and searched to access free CE trainings and events.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


SMI Advisor SMI Advisor’s mission is to advance the use of a person-centered approach to care that ensures people who have SMI (serious mental illness) find the treatment and support they need. SMI Advisor provides education, data, and consultations for clinicians. Both on-demand and live courses are offered. Free CE credits are available for psychologists, counselors, and social workers.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


SocialWork.Career | Free Webinars Archives Every month, SocialWork.Career posts a list of free webcasts for mental health professionals. Webinar categories include addiction, advocacy/anti-racism, aging/caregiving, career, child welfare, clinical practice, and self-care. Most, but not all, webcasts provide free CEs.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: N/A | Member Discount: N/A


Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, & Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE) SAIGE’s mission is to advocate for the voice, equity, and inclusion of LGBTGEQIAP+ persons within the counseling profession and beyond and to promote the professional development of counselors and related professionals to ensure that all LGBTGEQIAP+ individuals receive ethical, culturally-inclusive, liberating services that attend to all aspects of their intersectional identities. SAIGE offers low-cost online courses, starting at $30 (for two CE credits). Members receive a discounted rate ($20 for two CE credits). A professional membership is $62 per year.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Society of Clinical Psychology (SCP) | Webinar Recordings SCP promotes the integration of clinical psychological science and practice in education, research, application, advocacy, and public policy. SCP offers several free webinar recordings; others are available for $10 for non-members (or $40 for CE credits). Continuing education opportunities are free for members; an annual membership for professionals is $65.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $40 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: Yes


Solution Focused University | Webinars Solution Focused University offers free live webinars. CE credits are provided.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


South East Area Health Education Center (SEAHEC) | Courses & Events SEAHEC provides and supports educational activities and services with a focus on primary care in rural communities and those with less access to resources to recruit, train, and retain the workforce needed to create a healthy North Carolina. The course catalog can be filtered and searched to find free CE trainings.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Southern Regional Area Health Education Center (SRAHEC) | Course Catalog Southern Regional AHEC is one of nine Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) in North Carolina and is affiliated with the Duke AHEC Program. The course catalog can be filtered and searched to find free CE trainings.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


SpeedyCEUS SpeedyCEUs was developed as a result of the personal experiences of professionals obtaining continuing education. Over 30 NBCC-approved CE courses are available, starting at $10. Course content can be viewed for free.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $5 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Spiritual Competency Academy Spiritual Competency Academy offers over 30 unique online courses for mental health professionals that provide the skills and knowledge to become more spiritually competent. The foundational curriculum starts with a course on how to conduct an evidence-based and spiritually sensitive spiritual assessment. Other courses cover a wide variety of topics including self-compassion, mindfulness, and forgiveness. All courses are free to enroll in (after registering for a free account); APA-approved CEs are offered for a fee (averaging around $10 per credit hour).

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: No


Spring Advisory | Mental Health Continuing Education Online Courses Spring Advisory aims to make online therapy and learning accessible, fun, and user-friendly, to support everyone in their personal and professional development. Spring Advisory offers several low-cost learning opportunities as well as one free non-CE course.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $20 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Studio CE Studio CE provides low-cost continuing education trainings for mental health professionals at $2.99 per CE. Unlimited CE memberships are also available for $42.99 for 6 months or $69.99 for a year.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $2.99 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Summit BHC | Networking & Educational Events Summit BHC’s primary focus is on the provision of psychiatric services and substance use disorder treatment within a flexible and dynamic continuum of care. Summit BHC hosts a number of networking and educational events throughout the year; low-cost and free live trainings are available.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Telehealth Certification Institute | Free CEUS Telehealth Certification Institute provides healthcare organizations and clinicians with ethical, legal, technological, and clinical framework for conducting telehealth sessions effectively. CE courses, webinars, and workbooks are provided. Telehealth Certification Institute offers regular free webinars and continuing education opportunities for telehealth professionals. An unlimited CE subscription is currently offered for $197 per year.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $20 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Tennessee Counseling Association | Monthly Trainings Live virtual trainings for mental health professionals are offered on a monthly basis. CE trainings are free for members and $10 for non-members (for 1.5 CE credits). A professional membership is $95 per year.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $7 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


The Therapy Show | Podcourses The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard offers low-cost CE podcourses. Each podcourse can be purchased for $14 for one CE credit or $38 for all podcasts.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $14 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Therapy Trainings | On-Demand CEs Therapy Trainings offers nearly 50 NBCC and NAADAC-approved continuing education courses. New graduates are eligible for free CEs for a year. An unlimited CE membership is $75 per year. Courses can be previewed at no cost.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


TRAIN Learning Network | CDC CDC TRAIN is a gateway into the TRAIN Learning Network, the most comprehensive catalog of public health training opportunities. TRAIN is a free service for learners from the Public Health Foundation. Over 1,000 public health training opportunities, many offering free CEs, are available.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: N/A | Member Discount: N/A


Trauma Support Services | Free On-Demand Webinars The mission of Trauma Support Services of North Texas is to provide personalized, compassionate care for those affected by trauma. TSSNT also provides education and training for professionals, volunteers, interns, and the general public ​who come in contact with trauma survivors and their families. On-demand CE webinar recordings are available at no-cost.

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Trusted Provider Network (TPN) | Health TPN.health is a national, interactive platform of behavioral health professionals with advanced continuing education opportunities, all aimed at improving clinical outcomes. On-demand and live CE courses are offered; there are both free and low-cost CE opportunities.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Tucson Counseling Associates | Continuing Education Tucson Counseling facilitates workshops and training for professionals interested in working with clients in queer and ethically non-monogamous relationships as well as psychedelic integration and ketamine assisted psychotherapy. They offer live CE webinars for mental health professionals.

Courses Offered: N/A | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $20| NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


TZK Recorded Webinars TZK offers on-demand trainings for mental health professionals. The first purchase is free with the promo code: tzkfree. Live webinars are also available.

Courses Offered: 200-499 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $20| NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


University of Rhode Island (URI) Community First Responder Program Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Regional (ROTA R) Center URI provides free live seminars, state-specific trainings with free naloxone by mail to rural areas, and free continuing education programs for healthcare professionals on substance use disorders. Currently, there are six free CE courses available.

Courses Offered: 1-9 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: No | Member Discount: N/A


University of South Alabama | Mental Health Ground Rounds Mental Health Grand Rounds is a weekly topic- and case-based presentation by members of the community. Topics and cases are selected to provide up-to-date knowledge about timely issues in mental health. Some of the recordings may provide CE credits.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Veritas Collaborative | Continuing Education Veritas Collaborative is committed to treating all people with eating disorders, of any gender and any age, and removing barriers to care. For professionals, Veritas Collaborative offers free CE trainings on eating disorders and related topics. Recorded webinars are also available.

Courses Offered: 10-24 | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Vista Continuing Education Vista provides low cost continuing education for mental health professionals. A one-price package can be purchased for $99.

Courses Offered: 50-99 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $5 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: Yes


Wake AHEC (Area Health Education Center) Continuing Education Continuing education for healthcare professionals is one of the fundamental services of Wake AHEC and is accomplished by a team of educational specialists and meeting planners with a wide range of clinical and business expertise.

Courses Offered: 500+ | Free CEs: Yes | Average Cost per CE: Free | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


YOURCEUS.com The mission of Your CEUs is to identify the most important educational needs and develop courses that will enhance the knowledge and skills of the professionals served.  

Courses Offered: 25-49 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $10 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A


Zur Institute | Courses Zur Institute offers over 120 unique courses for psychologists, marriage and family therapists, social workers, professional counselors, and other mental health professionals. Live and on-demand low-cost CE courses are available. Currently, there are no unlimited memberships, but Zur offers discounts and bundles.

Courses Offered: 100-199 | Free CEs: No | Average Cost per CE: $15 | NBCC-Accredited: Yes | Member Discount: N/A

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Additional Training Resources

This is a list of valuable training courses and opportunities for mental health professionals that do not offer CE credits.

Standalone Trainings

6-Module Online Free Course for Professionals | National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEABPD) This education series from NEABPD was designed for professionals to learn basic principles for the diagnosis and treatment of borderline personality disorder. The series of six, 20-minute modules features videos of patients/families, interactive quizzes, narrated slides, and videos from a number of experts. 

CBT-I Webinar Recording | A Pain in the Mind This is a recorded webinar for professionals on using CBT for insomnia. A Pain in the Mind is Sue Peacock’s professional site for CBT, hypnotherapy, and more.

Early Intervention in Psychosis: A Primer | National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors This course is designed for professionals in diverse settings who work with teens and young adults and who are interested in learning about: the early warning signs of psychosis; appropriate early intervention treatment and supports; and strategies for successfully engaging youth in effective, recovery-oriented care.

Facilitating Meaningful Engagement of Young People & Their Families in Early Intervention Programs | National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors This web-based course is designed for clinicians and providers (including therapists, case managers, prescribers, and peer and family support specialists) working in early psychosis programs. The overarching aim is to increase providers’ awareness of and ability to respond to diverse stakeholder perspectives on early psychosis, including the perspectives of members of underrepresented socioeconomic, racial/ethnic, and cultural minority groups.

Healing Shame in Individuals & Couples | Center for Healing Shame This is a 1-hour introductory workshop on healing shame from the Center for Healing Shame. The Center for Healing Shame’s mission is to serve the community by training therapists, coaches, ministers, nurses, teachers and other helping professionals how to work with shame. Click here for additional live and on-demand workshops.

Official EFT Tutorial This is the official instruction pack for EFT’s tapping form, a simple step-by-step instruction. This is a text- and video-based resource.

PBT Certification Masterclass | Post Betrayal (PBT) Institute PBT Institute offers a free PBT Certification Masterclass to learn how PBT coaches can make an enormous difference in the lives of people struggling with Post Betrayal Syndrome.

Racialized Trauma Course | Cultural Somatics Training Institute This is a free 5-session course from Cultural Somatics Training Institute. The Training Institute provides online education designed to challenge practitioners and foster a “fortified mindset.”

SimplePractice Learning delivers engaging, relevant and actionable continuing education with live and on-demand courses taught by clinical experts. SimplePractice Learning free courses:

Substance Use Disorders & Addictions Series | American Psychological Association (APA) This 5-part series is designed to provide psychologists and psychology students with cutting-edge information about SUDs and addictive behaviors. Learners can view the recordings and download the slides for free.

Toxic Shame Webinar | Integrative Psychotherapy Institute This 1-hour on-demand webinar from Dr. Jan Beauregard is available for free.

Transitional Age Youth Webinar Series | Association for Multidisciplinary Education & Research in Substance Use & Addiction (AMERSA) The goal of this series from AMERSA is to provide evidence-based and cutting-edge information on substance use prevention and intervention to an interprofessional audience of behavioral health practitioners for working with adolescents and transitional age youth (18-25).

Trauma-Informed Care Webinar Series | National Health Care for the Homeless Council The Council partnered with the Coldspring Center for Social and Health Innovation to present a unique 4-part webinar series on trauma-informed care (TIC). All webinars come with downloadable slides. Additional free webinars can be accessed here.

Treating Anxiety Disorders: Educational Videos | Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) This is a 6-part educational video series created to train master’s-level clinicians from ADAA; ADAA works to prevent, treat, and cure anxiety disorders and depression.

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Organizations & Providers

African American Behavioral Health Center for Excellence (AABH CoE)| Recorded Webinars AABH CoE works to make behavioral health and healthcare equitable and effective for African American individuals, families, and communities. AABH CoE’s resource library includes a collection of webinar recordings for mental health professionals and other learners.

Behavioral Tech Institute | DBT Knowledge Center Founded in 1997, Behavioral Tech Institute (BTECH) operates with the mission to bring evidence-based treatment to every community worldwide, when, where, and how they need it. BTECH empowers people to experience lives worth living by cultivating collaborative partnerships worldwide to implement evidence-based interventions. BTECH offers expertly curated DBT-related information and resources for mental health professionals and others.

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) | Events & Webinars BBRF is committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness. BBRF provides a variety of webinars and other learning opportunities.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) | Professionals Videos CAMH is Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world’s leading research centres in its field. CAMH Professionals Videos on YouTube provide mental health clinicians with information on screening for, assessing, and treating mental illness, including substance use concerns. Currently, there are over 200 video offerings.

CCI | Mental Health Resources for Clinicians: CBT Demonstration Videos Centre for Clinical Interventions developed a number of videos to demonstrate the use of CBT strategies. These videos are designed solely for educational purposes, to supplement the professional development and training needs of qualified mental health professionals. 

Center for Evidence to Practice | Special Populations Training: LGBTQIA+ The Center identified, interviewed, and previewed trainings from several national and local subject matter experts, with the goal to identify consultants/trainers to train mental health practitioners. The video recordings and accompanying handouts are available for free.

Center of Excellence (CoE) on Racial & Ethnic Minority Young Men Who Have Sex with Men & Other Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Populations (YMSM+LGBT) | Recorded Webinars The CoE was established to help providers develop skills to deliver culturally-responsive and evidence-based prevention and treatment services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender populations dealing with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. All archived webinars are free to view.

Contemporary Institue of Clinical Sexology (CICS) | Courses CICS’s programmes were developed to provide a high-quality learning experience in preparation for ethical, professional, robust, research-based practice in the field of sex and relationship psychotherapy. Several free courses are available.

DBT Bites | Learn DBT Online for Free DBT Bites offers a showcase of free dialectical behavior therapy videos from expert therapists and professional researchers.

Doc Snipes | YouTube Dr. Snipes has her PhD in counseling and has been licensed since 2002. Video topics include mental health awareness, depression, anxiety, attachment, addiction, cognitive behavioral therapy, and more to provide resources for recovery, treatment, and CEUs.

E4 Center | Webinars E4 Center records all continuing educations sessions and offers them on-demand one week after the initial training. E4 Center’s mission is to engage, empower, and educate healthcare providers and community-based organizations for equity in behavioral health for older adults and their families.

Gambling, Gaming, & Technology Use (GGTU) | Webinars GGTU develops and delivers online courses and webinars to provide mental health and addictions service providers with the latest information on evidence-informed practices for the identification and treatment of problem gambling and other behavioural addictions including problem technology use.

Glassner Institute for Choice Theory | Making Sense of It Making Sense of It is a free webinar series. Each week, a member presents insights and experiences in choice theory. Topics include a wide range of areas from career growth, grief counseling parenting unruly teens, managing diversity in the workplace, weight loss, dating, dealing with difficult people among others. These presentations take place Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. ET.

Glassner Institute for Choice Theory | Reality Therapy Corner Reality Therapy Corner is a weekly webinar series for conversations on the practice of reality therapy and more. These informal discussions can benefit anyone in a helping relationship and take place the fourth Tuesday of each month at 12 noon ET.

HEAL: Health, Education, Advocacy, Linkage Trafficking | Webinars HEAL offers a variety of webinars, produced by HEAL Trafficking as well as other partner organizations, on a wide range of topics relating to the healthcare response to human trafficking.

Healthy Minds with Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein | PBS Healthy Minds is a public television series on mental health and ending stigma.

Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI) | Podcast IPI trains mental health providers to resolve underlying causes of mental illness, so clients/patients can go beyond symptom reduction and attain a state of wellness. The IPI podcast, Higher Practice, is free.

International Association for Resilience & Trauma Counseling (IARTC) | Free Webinars IARTC’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for people and communities worldwide by promoting the development of professional counselors; by advancing the ideals of the American Counseling Association, the counseling profession, and the ethical practice of counseling through trauma-informed practices; and, by nurturing respect for human dignity, cultural inclusivity, and resilience. IARTC offers a series of four free webinars to the first 100 people to register.

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies | Free Recordings International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies is dedicated to sharing information about the effects of trauma and the discovery and dissemination of knowledge about policy, program and service initiatives that seek to reduce traumatic stressors and their immediate and long-term consequences.

Just Detention International | Webinars Just Detention International is a health and human rights organization that seeks to end sexual abuse in all forms of detention. Archived webinars can be accessed for free.

The Knowledge Center at Chaddock | Attachment Theory in Action Podcast Attachment Theory in Action is a weekly podcast that explores the lasting psychological and emotional bonds between individuals.

The Knowledge Tree | Free Mini-Courses The Knowledge Tree is a woman-owned and operated small business that provides continuing education for mental health professionals. The Knowledge Tree offers several free mini-courses.

Learning for Justice | Webinars Learning for Justice webinars offer helpful guidance from experienced teaching and learning specialists and from innovative educators in the Learning for Justice community. Learning for Justice’s mission is to be a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.

McKenzie Strategies | Talking to Change: A MI Podcast Talking to Change is a free MI (motivational interviewing) podcast from McKenzie Strategies, a counseling provider.

Menninger Clinic | Mind Dive Podcast Mind Dive is a twice monthly podcast for mental health professionals that examines dilemmas faced by clinicians who work with challenging clients and explores the latest research and other trending topics on the minds of psychiatrists, psychologists, and others who are interested in the treatment and study of the mind. 

Michigan Online | Racism & Anti-Racism in America This is an online collective to help learners understand how racism and anti-racism affect all aspects of society, and learn ways to contribute to dismantling systemic racism in America.

Mind Body Training Institute | Free Training for Therapists & Wellness Professionals Mind Body Training Institute offers free training courses for mental health professionals on topics to improve clinical skills as well as marketing courses for private practice therapists.

Mindsoother Therapy Center | Coping Skills Toolbelt Workshop for Professionals This a free on-demand webinar series for mental health professionals that teaches coping skills for vicarious trauma and more.

National Association of Addiction Treatment Professionals | On-Demand Webinars The Addiction Leadership Webinar Series began as a monthly educational offering in 2018 and includes presentations by industry experts on key topics in addiction treatment.

National Career Development Association (NCDA) | NCDA Webinar Series NCDA presents a number of webinars each year on topics of deep significance to those involved in the field of career development. Recorded webinars can be viewed for free.

National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, & Mental Health (NCDVTMH) | Webinars NCDVTMH promotes survivor-defined healing, liberation, and equity by transforming the systems that impact survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families. Free online trainings are offered to increase access to NCDVTMH’s resources, training methods, and technical assistance. 

National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women (NCDBW) | Free Webinars NCDBW posts links to webinar trainings. The webinar archive is organized by topic, and within each topic, the webinars are listed chronologically.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism (NIAAA) | Events The mission of NIAAA is to generate and disseminate fundamental knowledge about the adverse effects of alcohol on health and well-being, and apply that knowledge to improve diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of alcohol-related problems, including alcohol use disorder, across the lifespan. Live and on-demand webinars are free to view.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) | Meetings & Events NIDA’s mission is to advance science on drug use and addiction and to apply that knowledge to improve individual and public health. Live and on-demand webinars are free to view.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) | Meetings & Events NIMH’s mission is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure. Upcoming and recorded online lectures, trainings, conferences, and more can be viewed for free.

National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center (NMVVRC) | Webinars NMVVRC’s mission is to improve community preparedness and the nation’s capacity to serve victims recovering from mass violence through research, planning, training, technology, and collaboration. Recorded webinars can be viewed for free.

Niznik Behavioral Health | Webinars Niznik Behavioral Health is dedicated to challenging the stigmas around substance abuse disorders and providing educational resources. They offer a monthly webinar series for mental health professionals; all recordings can be viewed for free.

Psychotherapy Academy | Open Sections Psychotherapy Academy provides online training – practical and engaging education on evidence-based interventions – for mental health professionals. Open sections are free to explore and cover interventions including the magic wand, exposure hierarchy for trauma, introducing defusion exercises, and more.

SAMHSA | Two Spirit Webinars These Tribal Technical Training Assistance Center webinars address topics related to Two Spirit and transgender identities in tribal communities.

SAMHSA | Youth & Family Webinars Recordings of Tribal Technical Training Assistance Center webinars on the wellbeing of tribal youth and families are archived here.

Sands | Open Access Webinars Sands offers several free webinars every month. They are facilitated live by a specialist trainer for any professional who works with those affected by baby loss. Certificates of attendance are available upon request.

Simply Psychology | Self-Care, Theories, Famous Studies, & More Simply Psychology is an educational website that provides informative articles, images, and videos on academic theories in psychology, research methodology, and the science of wellbeing, including mental health and relationships.

Social Thinking | Free Webinars Social Thinking offers free webinar recordings taught by Social Thinking experts, covering core concepts in social, emotional, and academic learning (SEAL). Each dynamic 90-minute training webinar explores practical ideas, strategies and tools for supporting social learners across a variety of SEAL topics, including stress management, social anxiety, executive functioning, social observation, self-regulation, and more.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) | Training SPRC offers a variety of training opportunities, including online courses, virtual learning labs, webinars, and more.

Swinburne | Webinars Swinburne’s free webinars are suitable for clinicians, researchers, trainees, students, aged care volunteers, aged care workers, families, and carers. They cover a wide range of issues related to working with older adults such as cognitive impairment, life-stage transitions, late-life emotional experiences, and psychosocial approaches for aged care residents and their families.

Theraplatform | Counseling Training This post provides a list of counseling training and certifications counselors should consider for learning different therapy types and approaches.

Thriving Minds | Webinars & Trainings for Therapists & Psychologists on Treating Children & Adolescents Thriving Minds is devoted to helping children, adolescents, and families thrive through effective, caring and engaging intervention. Currently, they offer one free webinar on treating ADHD in girls.

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AI Counseling vs. Human Therapist

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming many aspects of our lives, including the field of mental health. AI-powered therapy apps and chatbots are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a convenient and accessible way to access AI counseling and mental health support. However, some people may be skeptical about the effectiveness of AI counseling.

While AI counseling has the potential to offer many benefits, it’s important to remember that the therapeutic alliance between therapist and client is essential for therapeutic growth. AI counseling may be a useful supplement to traditional therapy, but it can’t replace human connection.

In this article, I compare the responses of AI and humans to common questions about the counseling process. These questions are representative of the types of questions someone might have before starting therapy or while considering it.

The human participants are Lisa Martinez, an author who writes about mental health, and Micah Perkins, a licensed professional counselor and licensed alcohol and drug counselor at Oklahoma Counseling Institute. The non-human participant is Bard, Google’s AI experiment and chatbot, with no formal qualifications as a mental health provider and no experience in AI counseling.

AI Counseling vs. Human Therapist: Comparing AI-Generated Responses to Those of Humans

1. What are some of the benefits of counseling?

Lisa Martinez: One of the benefits of counseling is having an unbiased listener to talk to who has been trained by life experience and formal education to help me solve problems, draw conclusions, and obtain goals.

Micah Perkins: Better management of negative emotions, increased wellbeing, better relationships.

Bard: Counseling can offer a number of benefits, including:

  • Improved mental health: Counseling can help people to manage and improve their mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and stress.
  • Increased self-awareness: Counseling can help people to better understand themselves, their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
  • Enhanced coping skills: Counseling can teach people how to cope with difficult emotions and situations in a healthy way.
  • Improved relationships: Counseling can help people to improve their relationships with others, including their partners, family, and friends.
  • Increased personal growth: Counseling can help people to achieve their personal goals and live a more fulfilling life.

2. What are some of the signs that a person may need counseling?

Lisa Martinez: Some signs that a person might need counseling could include being extremely anxious, not knowing where to turn to for help, feeling very sad and/or suicidal, and if they have experienced a recent trauma that they need to process, (even if they show no signs of being impacted by the trauma).

Micah Perkins: Depression, anxiety that negatively affects the person’s relationships, work, or overall general well-being. [Counselors] can use assessments such as the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire) and the GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire) to assess severity of symptoms.

Bard: Here are some of the signs that a person may need counseling:

  • Feeling overwhelmed or stressed: If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed by your everyday life, counseling can help you to develop coping mechanisms and manage your stress levels.
  • Experiencing difficult emotions: If you are struggling with difficult emotions such as sadness, anger, anxiety, or guilt, counseling can help you to understand and process these emotions in a healthy way.
  • Having relationship problems: If you are struggling in your relationships with others, counseling can help you to communicate more effectively, resolve conflict, and build stronger relationships.
  • Going through a difficult life transition: If you are going through a difficult life transition, such as a divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one, counseling can help you to cope with change and adjust to your new situation.
  • Having mental health symptoms: If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), counseling can help you to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

3. What types of counseling are available?

Lisa Martinez: The types of counseling available include marital, employment, drug, family, and many others.

Micah Perkins: Different styles and approaches are infinite (schools, therapist’s own style) but delivery is typically done individually, family, couples, or group.

Bard: There are many different types of counseling available, each with its own focus and approach. Some of the most common types of counseling include:

  • Individual counseling: Individual counseling is a one-on-one relationship between a client and a therapist. It is used to address a wide range of issues, including mental health conditions, relationship problems, and life transitions.
  • Group counseling: Group counseling is a type of therapy that involves a therapist and a group of clients who are all working on similar issues. Group counseling can provide clients with support from others who are going through similar experiences, and it can help them to learn from each other.
  • Family counseling: Family counseling is a type of therapy that involves the entire family. It is used to address issues that are affecting the family as a whole, such as communication problems, conflict, and parenting challenges.
  • Couples counseling: Couples counseling is a type of therapy that involves two people in a romantic relationship. It is used to address issues that are affecting the relationship, such as communication problems, conflict, and intimacy challenges.

In addition to these general types of counseling, there are also many specialized types of counseling available.

4. What can a person expect from the counseling process?

Lisa Martinez: In the counseling process, a person can expect ethical, professional, HIPAA compliant care from the counseling individual. They can expect to receive paperwork during their initial visit and should also expect to answer many questions so that the counselor can learn about them to formulate a treatment/care plan.

Micah Perkins: A safe space to process thoughts and emotions, gain new insights, and learn new skills.

Bard: The counseling process can vary depending on the type of counseling you are receiving and the specific issues you are working on. However, in general, you can expect the following:

  • Initial assessment: During the first few sessions, your therapist will likely ask you about your background, your current situation, and your goals for counseling. They will also assess your mental health and well-being.
  • Treatment planning: Once your therapist has a better understanding of your needs, they will work with you to develop a treatment plan. This plan will outline the goals of your therapy and the specific steps that you and your therapist will take to achieve those goals.
  • Therapy sessions: Therapy sessions typically last for one hour and occur on a weekly or biweekly basis. During your therapy sessions, you will have the opportunity to talk to your therapist about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Your therapist will also provide you with support and guidance as you work through your challenges.
  • Evaluation: At regular intervals, your therapist will evaluate your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
  • Termination: When you and your therapist decide that you have achieved your goals for counseling, you will work together to develop a termination plan. This plan will help you to transition out of counseling and maintain the progress that you have made.

5. How long does counseling typically last?

Lisa Martinez: Counseling can last indefinitely. The length of time is determined by the therapist and/or the patient.

Micah Perkins: I actually have my own data that for myself it is 15 sessions average.

Bard: The length of counseling typically depends on the individual’s needs and goals. Some people may only need a few sessions to address a specific issue, while others may need longer-term counseling to address more complex issues.

According to the American Psychological Association, most people attend therapy for an average of 15 to 20 sessions. However, some people may need more or fewer sessions depending on their individual circumstances.

Here are some factors that can affect the length of counseling:

  • The type of counseling: Some types of counseling, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), are designed to be short-term and focused on addressing specific problems. Other types of counseling, such as psychodynamic therapy, are designed to be longer-term and help people to understand and resolve underlying issues.
  • The severity of the problem: People with more severe problems may need longer-term counseling.
  • The individual’s progress: Some people make faster progress than others in therapy.
  • The individual’s commitment to therapy: People who are committed to therapy and willing to do the work are more likely to make progress and see results.

6. What are the signs that counseling is working?

Lisa Martinez: Some signs that counseling is working could be in changed behaviors, processing emotions and/or reactions to trauma, meeting goals, and improved mental health and wellness.

Micah Perkins: Decrease in negative emotions, improved wellbeing, and improved relationships. [Counselors] can use assessments such as the PHQ-9 and the GAD-7 to assess progress.

Bard: There are many signs that counseling is working. Some of the most common signs include:

  • Improved mood and emotions: People who are in successful therapy often report feeling happier, more optimistic, and less stressed.
  • Reduced symptoms of mental health conditions: Counseling can help people to manage and reduce the symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
  • Increased self-awareness: Counseling can help people to better understand themselves, their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
  • Improved coping skills: Counseling can teach people how to cope with difficult emotions and situations in a healthy way.
  • Improved relationships: Counseling can help people to improve their relationships with others, including their partners, family, and friends.
  • Increased life satisfaction: Counseling can help people to achieve their personal goals and live a more fulfilling life.

7. What are some of the challenges that people face in counseling?

Lisa Martinez: Some of the challenges people face in counseling in regard to patients include affordability, receiving unethical/unprofessional care from a counselor, the stigma of receiving counseling, lack of family support to continue counseling, lack of support by employer to continue counseling, or maintaining the ability to stick to a counseling schedule while also juggling their many responsibilities.

Micah Perkins: Difficulty in dealing with negative emotions and (unfortunately) finances.

Bard: Counseling can be a challenging experience for some people. Here are some of the challenges that people face in counseling:

  • Opening up to a therapist: Talking to a therapist about personal problems can be difficult, especially for people who are not used to sharing their feelings with others.
  • Facing difficult emotions: Counseling can bring up difficult emotions, such as sadness, anger, and guilt. It can be challenging to face these emotions, but it is important to do so in order to heal and grow.
  • Changing behavior: Counseling can help people to identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviors. However, changing behavior can be difficult, and it takes time and effort.
  • Financial cost: Counseling can be expensive, and some people may not have insurance coverage for counseling services.
  • Availability of therapists: It can be difficult to find a qualified therapist who is available and affordable.

8. How can a person get the most out of counseling?

Lisa Martinez: A person can get the most out of counseling by having an open mind and adopting the mindset of being dedicated to their mental health and wellness.

Micah Perkins: By being active with the process. Willingness to discuss difficult emotions and doing homework assignments prescribed by the therapist.

Bard: Here are some tips on how to get the most out of counseling:

  • Be honest and open with your therapist. The more honest you are, the better your therapist can understand your situation and help you.
  • Be prepared to talk about difficult topics. Counseling can be challenging, but it is important to face your challenges head-on in order to heal and grow.
  • Be patient. It takes time to see results from counseling. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results.
  • Be active in your therapy. Don’t just sit back and let your therapist do all the work. Be engaged in the process and be willing to try new things.
  • Do your homework. Your therapist may give you homework assignments to help you practice what you are learning in therapy. It is important to complete these assignments in order to make the most of your counseling experience.
  • Be consistent with your appointments. It is important to attend your counseling appointments regularly. This will help you to stay on track and to make progress in your therapy.
  • Be honest with yourself. Counseling can be a powerful tool for growth and change. However, it is important to be honest with yourself about your progress and to be willing to make changes in your life.

Conclusion: AI Counseling or Human Therapist?

To conclude, Bard and the humans performed well in different areas. Bard was efficient and fast, providing factual information, while the humans were better at conveying care while providing personalized answers.

I believe that AI counseling has the potential to be a valuable tool for people who are seeking mental health support. However, it is important to use AI counseling responsibly and to be aware of its limitations.

Bard (on AI Counseling)

While the human responses were not as lengthy as Bard’s, they included things that only someone with experience in the field would think to mention. For example, Bard was able to quickly list potential outcomes of counseling, but Lisa provided a more personalized answer by sharing how talking to an unbiased individual with both life experience and formal training can be beneficial.

Regarding signs that a person might need counseling, Lisa mentioned trauma, stating that it’s possible a person may not show any signs of trauma, implying that mental health is complex and can be difficult to make sense of at times. Symptoms can manifest in unexpected ways, such as muscle tension, fatigue, etc. Bard simply said that a person with symptoms of PTSD might need counseling. Bard also tiptoed around suicidal ideation, while Lisa was clear that thoughts of suicide are a serious indicator that a person needs help. She also conveyed compassion when stating that counseling is for those who need help but don’t know where to turn.

AI counseling has the potential to complement traditional therapy and provide valuable support, especially for those who might not otherwise have access to mental health services. However, it should not be seen as a complete substitute for human-led therapy, especially in cases of serious mental health conditions where the expertise and empathy of trained professionals are crucial.

ChatGPT (on AI Counseling)

Micah, meanwhile, demonstrated his expertise in the field by providing examples of assessments used to measure the severity of symptoms and by sharing data from his practice on the length of counseling. In answering a different question, Micah mentioned that counseling provides a “safe space,” something that AI counseling can’t provide.

Bard’s answer to the question about the length of counseling was broad and factual, but it didn’t provide a realistic idea of what to expect. Lisa, on the other hand, was honest about the fact that counseling can sometimes be a lifelong process. Micah’s answer was more realistic, and it gave readers a better understanding of what to expect.

On potential challenges, Bard missed some of the biggest challenges, such as finding the time for therapy while juggling responsibilities, dealing with stigma, lack of support, and dealing with unethical or unqualified practitioners. Lisa, on the other hand, was transparent in her answers, mentioning all of these challenges.

AI counseling is a promising but also controversial field that requires careful and responsible development and implementation.

Bing (Microsoft’s Chatbot on AI Counseling)

Ultimately, Bard was efficient and provided factual information, but its answers lacked depth and nuance. Lisa and Micah, on the other hand, offered insights that would be difficult to find in a Google search. Their responses would be especially helpful for someone who is considering counseling for the first time.

In helping me edit this article, Bard, unprompted, offered this:

To answer your question, I think human therapists answered better than AI.

The human therapists were able to provide more personalized, nuanced, and informative answers. They were also able to share their own experiences and expertise, which AI cannot do.

However, I think AI has the potential to be a valuable tool for therapists. AI could be used to help therapists develop personalized treatment plans, track progress over time, and provide support to clients in between sessions.

Overall, I believe that human therapists and AI could work together to provide the best possible care to clients.

And what do you think? Who answered better: AI or humans? Would you be open to AI counseling? Leave your thoughts in a comment below!


50 MORE Awesome Resources for Therapists

50+ resources for therapists and other mental health professionals including book recommendations, websites, and free downloadable tools.

(Updated 8/29/22) This article contains 50 more awesome resources for therapists and other mental health professionals, including links to free therapy worksheets, handouts, and assessment tools, as well as recommended books and therapy card decks.

I’d like to acknowledge Jennifer Colby for submitting a large majority of these links! Thank you!

For additional resources for therapists, see 60 Awesome Resources for Therapists and 200+ Sites with Free Therapy Worksheets & Handouts.


Disclaimer: Some posts contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.


45 Techniques Every Counselor Should Know

Amazon: “Concise, yet thorough, 45 Techniques Every Counselor Should Know is designed to prepare students to enter their field with sound ideas for applying theory-based techniques to their counseling. Coverage of each technique starts with the presentation of the theoretical origins, then provides a step-by-step guide to implementation, and culminates with opportunities for application. Transcriptions, case examples, multicultural implications, and outcomes-based research demonstrate real-life application of how the techniques can be used in counseling practice. This indispensable resource provides hands-on help for working with clients from all backgrounds to create positive changes in their lives and meet their counseling goals.”


The Attachment Theory Workbook: Powerful Tools to Promote Understanding, Increase Stability, and Build Lasting Relationships

Amazon: “Attachment theory explores the different ways we develop connections with others. If you’re searching for a way to create stronger, healthier, and more authentic relationships with the people you love, The Attachment Theory Workbook can help. It’s your guide to understanding your own attachment style and exploring actionable exercises to improve honesty, intimacy, and communication with your partner, family, or close friends.”


Beyond the Influence: Understanding and Defeating Alcoholism

Amazon: “Alcoholism is a disease. It’s time we started treating it like one. Science has offered undisputed proof that alcoholism is a disease rather than a weakness of character, yet millions of alcoholics continue to suffer due to inappropriate treatment.  Now the co-author of the modern classic Under the Influence has teamed up with prominent alcoholism experts to provide new answers to this national epidemic. Based on the latest scientific research, Beyond the Influence clearly explains the neurological nature of the disease and reveals why some people drink addictively and others do not. Provocative and eye-opening, compelling and compassionate, Beyond the Influence is not only a message of hope for alcoholics-it is a blueprint for saving lives.”


Motivational Interviewing and CBT: Combining Strategies for Maximum Effectiveness

Amazon: “Providing tools to enhance treatment of any clinical problem, this book shows how integrating motivational interviewing (MI) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can lead to better client outcomes than using either approach on its own. The authors demonstrate that MI strategies are ideally suited to boost client motivation and strengthen the therapeutic relationship, whether used as a pretreatment intervention or throughout the course of CBT. User-friendly features include extensive sample dialogues, learning exercises for practitioners, and 35 reproducible client handouts.”


Rethinking Substance Abuse

Amazon: “While knowledge on substance abuse and addictions is expanding rapidly, clinical practice still lags behind. This book brings together leading experts to describe what treatment and prevention would look like if it were based on the best science available. The volume incorporates developmental, neurobiological, genetic, behavioral, and social–environmental perspectives. Tightly edited chapters summarize current thinking on the nature and causes of alcohol and other drug problems; discuss what works at the individual, family, and societal levels; and offer robust principles for developing more effective treatments and services.”


Treating Self-Injury: A Practical Guide

Amazon: “This trusted practitioner resource is acclaimed for its clear, compassionate, and hopeful approach to working with clients who self-injure. Barent Walsh provides current, evidence-based knowledge about the variety and causes of self-injurious behavior, its relationship to suicidality, and how to assess and treat it effectively. Illustrated with detailed case examples, chapters review a wide range of cognitive-behavioral interventions. Essential guidance is provided on tailoring the intensity of intervention to each client’s unique needs. Walsh is joined by several colleagues who have contributed chapters in their respective areas of expertise.”


Resources for Therapists: Free Worksheets, Handouts, & Tools

Counseling Theories & Techniques

Expressive Art Inspirations: 100 Art Therapy Exercises | A webpage from Shelley Klammer, counseling therapist and expressive arts educator, with creative art exercise ideas.

The Handout Book | A fantastic resource, this is a 189-page PDF packet of handouts from Bill O’Hanlon. The first few sections cover brief solution-based and possibility therapy, Ericksonian therapy and solution-oriented hypnosis, and narrative therapy. The remaining sections cover couples, families, and relationships; sexual abuse; substance use; spirituality; handouts for “the general public”; misc. handouts; and clinical forms.

PSYCHOTHERAPY PROCESS Q-SET CODING MANUAL | A method for evaluating a therapy session.

Skill Evaluation Form: Counseling Skills and Techniques | Although this evaluation form from Kent State University is intended as an educational assessment tool for counseling students, it can easily be used for self-inventory.

TA Tutor | This site focuses on transactional analysis theory and is “a learning tool for transactional analysis with 426 handouts to view and print.” Lewis Quinby, LCSW, is the author. In addition to printable tools, he posted links to video clips and slide shows.

Emotions

Building Our Feelings Vocabulary | A worksheet designed to help children identify their feelings (from Positive Psychology).

Impact of My Anger | A worksheet from Positive Psychology.

Love to Know: Free Anger Worksheets | 7 worksheets for download from the site Love to Know.

Grief & Loss

Kids and Loss: How to Work with the Uniqueness of a Child’s Grief | A 22-page PDF packet from Erica H. Sirrine, Ph.D., LCSW, FT.

Sheri Sinykin’s Place: Loss and Grief Handouts | This site is managed by author Sheri Sinykin, who writes children’s books. The handouts are teacher resources, aimed at children and students.

Trauma & PTSD

Gift from Within | Gift from Within was developed in 1993 “with the intention of giving trauma survivors, their loved ones, and supporters a credible online website that was friendly and supportive.” This resource site provides a wealth of articles, webcasts, links, a recommended reading list, art and poetry, meditations, and more.

Trust-Based Relational Intervention: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Use in Schools | A 29-page PowerPoint presentation from the American School Health Association and the TCU Institute of Child Development.

Relationships & Communication

Beyond Affairs: Read & Listen | A collection of articles on infidelity and marriage recovery.

TherapyHelp | A site managed by Dr. Susan Heitler, clinical psychologist and author, with articles, handouts for couples therapy, and treatment forms. Dr. Heitler specializes in couples counseling and conflict resolution. She also writes for Psychology Today.

Children, Youth, & Families

Autism Research Centre: Downloadable Tests | “The ARC designs tests, evaluates and validates them, and then makes them freely available to the research community or for clinicians. You can download them… provided that they are used for research purposes and not for commercial use, and provided due acknowledgement of ARC as the source is given.”

Child Mind Institute: Parenting Guides | A sizable collection of guides on a variety of topics including anxiety, autism, bedwetting, learning disorders, sleep, trauma, and more.

Favorite Therapeutic Activities for Children, Adolescents, and Families: Practitioners Share Their Most Effective Interventions | A 119-page e-book edited by Liana Lowenstein, MSW.

Free Printable Behavior Charts and Reward Charts for Kids | A variety of downloadable tools. The site was created by Joanne McNulty who has an M.S. in Counseling as well as experience in child therapy.

Kids and Loss: How to Work with the Uniqueness of a Child’s Grief | A 22-page PDF packet from Erica H. Sirrine, Ph.D., LCSW, FT.

Low Intensity CBT Parenting Intervention Workbook | A 27-page PDF workbook.

Parenting Techniques to Increase Family Attachment | Developed by Deborah N. Silverstein, LCSW, a 3-page PDF with parenting techniques to enhance attachment bonds.

Adolescents & Young Adults

TEENS FINDING HOPE, INC. | Downloadable worksheets, guides, e-books, and more.

Emotional Intelligence Activities for Teens Ages 13-18 | A 34-page PDF packet.

Additional Printable Tools

Bristol CBT: Client Resources | Handouts and worksheets, a workbook for overcoming depression, and articles on relationships from Andrew Grimmer, a counseling psychologist.

Hair Pulling and Skin Picking | An informative PowerPoint presentation from ADAA.

PsychEdPro | “Creating and finding the best mental health therapy and educational resources.” A small collection of group activities, therapeutic quotes, and videos.

The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors: Tools & Info | Articles, fact sheets, and downloadable guides for clinicians, family members, and patients.

University of Exeter: IAPT Workbooks and Resources | A small collection of downloadable workbooks for wellbeing.


Resources for Therapists: Therapy Card Decks

The CBT Deck: 101 Practices to Improve Thoughts, Be in the Moment & Take Action in Your Life

The DBT Deck for Clients and Therapists: 101 Mindful Practices to Manage Distress, Regulate Emotions & Build Better Relationships

A New Beginning Recovery Card Game

RETHiNK Card Deck Mindful Conversation Starters: 56 Questions to Encourage Compassion, Shift Perspective & Build Connection

Wellness Reproductions & Publishing 100 Interactive Cards for Mental Health, Substance Abuse Recovery, and Survival Skills


Resources for Therapists: Best Counseling Websites

American Counseling Association | “The American Counseling Association is a not-for-profit, professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession.”

American Psychiatric Association | “The mission of the American Psychiatric Association is to promote universal and equitable access to the highest quality care for all people affected by mental disorders, including substance use disorders; promote psychiatric education and research; advance and represent the profession of psychiatry; and serve the professional needs of its membership.”

Black Dog Institute | “As the only medical research institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan, our aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone.”

Center for Clinical Interventions (CCI) | “CCI has produced resources for consumers and healthcare professionals to assist in providing interventions for mental health problems such as depression, bipolar, social anxiety, panic, self-esteem, procrastination, perfectionism, and eating disorders.”

Get Self-Help UK | “This website provides CBT self-help and therapy resources, including worksheets and information sheets, plus videos and self-help mp3s.”

HelpGuide.org | “HelpGuide is a small independent nonprofit that runs one of the world’s top 10 mental health websites. Over 50 million people from all around the world turn to HelpGuide each year for trustworthy content they can use to improve their mental health and make healthy changes.”

Mind UK | “We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.”

NAADAC: The Association for Addiction Professionals | “NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, represents the professional interests of more than 100,000 addiction counselors, educators and other addiction-focused health care professionals in the United States, Canada and abroad.”

National Institute of Mental Health | The NIMH’s mission is “to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.”

PACEs Connection | “PACEs Connection is a social network that recognizes the impact of a wide variety of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in shaping adult behavior and health, and that promotes trauma-informed and resilience-building practices and policies in all families, organizations, systems and communities.”

Positive Psychology | Founded by Seph Fontane Pennock and Hugo Alberts whose aim is “to provide helping professionals with the right knowledge and tools to apply positive psychology in real-life settings and make a difference in the lives of their clients and students.”

Psychiatry Advisor | “PsychiatryAdvisor.com offers psychiatric healthcare professionals a comprehensive knowledge base of practical psychiatry information and resources to assist in making the right decisions for their patients.”

The Recovery Research Institute | Mission: “To enhance the public health impact of addiction recovery science through the summary, synthesis, and dissemination of scientific findings and the conduct of novel research.”

SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration | “SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.”

Social Workers Toolbox | Free social work tools and resources for direct work with children and adults.

Taking the Escalator | Addiction and substance use resources for recovery.

Therapist Aid | “Dedicated to helping mental health professionals improve their craft by providing free evidence-based education and therapy tools.”


If you have a resource recommendation, please submit via the contact form.

resources for

25 Helpful Examples of Dialectics

Examples of dialectics, two things that seem contradictory, but are both still true. A therapy tool for clinicians, includes free PDF download.

This is a list of examples of dialectics: two things that seem opposite – and are at the same time true. A therapy resource for clinicians or counseling students.

For other therapy resources, see 60 Awesome Resources for Therapists and 37 Powerful Therapy Metaphors. Read an article from Psychology Today on the use of dialectics in psychotherapy here.


Examples of Dialectics in Therapy

1. I am strong…yet vulnerable.
2. You can have both fear…and courage at the same time.
3. You feel like you can’t go on…and you still go on.
4. You can be intelligent…and lack self-awareness.
5. I want to change…and I’m afraid to change.
6. You are happy with yourself…and want to improve.
7. I’m doing the best I can…and I need to try harder.
8. I am capable…and I need support.
9. You enjoy the finer things in life…and don’t take the small things for granted.
10. I can love someone…and still hurt them.
11. I love my partner…and I was unfaithful to them.
12. I hate what someone did to me…and I still love them.
13. I am angry with you…and I will treat you with respect.
14. You can care about someone deeply…and still not want them in your life.
15. You feel happy for someone…and are envious of them.
16. I am happy for you…yet sad for myself.
17. You can feel sorry about something…and not regret it.
18. I acknowledge and accept others’ views…and have my own beliefs.
19. You can accept someone…and disagree with them at the same time.
20. I disagree with you…and I understand your perspective.
21. You want to be sober…and you want to get drunk/high.
22. You experience strong cravings…and you don’t want to get drunk/high.
23. I had a bad childhood…and I can live a good life.
24. What happened wasn’t okay…and you can learn from it and move forward.
25. I didn’t cause all my problems…and I need to solve them.

Free Printable PDF for Download:


examples of dialectics

20 Tips for When You Dislike a Client

As a counselor, what do you do when you dislike a client? This is a list of 20 tips for when you are annoyed by a client.

As a counselor, what do you do when you dislike a client?

Have you ever counseled someone you found offensive? Or, maybe you liked the actual person, but dreaded sessions with them due to an annoying tic, the sound of their laugh, or something equally irritating to you?

As counselors, we’re supposed to have positive regard and a non-judgmental attitude when it comes to the clients we see. It may feel wrong, alarming even, when we find ourselves with an aversion to someone we want to help. In the very least, it feels very un-therapist-like.

This is one of the reasons why, as mental health professionals, it’s important to be aware of personal values as well as have an awareness of populations that are challenging to work with. This is necessary to avoid imposing personal values on the client, which is often done unintentionally. For example, if you know you cannot remain objective when working with sex offenders or someone with racist beliefs, the ethical path is to seek supervision/consultation and training.

While we should generally refrain from referring clients out based on our personal values, attitudes, and beliefs, it may be appropriate to terminate when it becomes apparent that the counseling relationship is harmful to the client or when the client is no longer benefiting from counseling. In such cases, the therapist should assist in referring and transitioning them to another provider.


Since dislike of a client is not an ethical reason for referring or terminating, here are 20 tips for when you find you do not like, are annoyed by, or dread sessions with a client.

20 Tips for When You Dislike a Client

1. To start, redefine how you view like vs. dislike.

Instead of liking/disliking, think relating to/not relating to. The more you think in terms of “dislike,” the more prone you are to it. It may even change how you treat that particular client.

2. Look for the positive.

Find a few things about the client that you appreciate or admire. Focus on their strengths and likable qualities. (Be sure to point out the strengths to the client!)

3. Practice empathy, compassion, and radical acceptance.

If the client is “unlikable” to you and possibly others, imagine how difficult it is to be in their shoes. They probably have an awareness, on some level at least, that others do not respond well to them.

4. During the first few sessions, ask the client about previous experiences in therapy, including what they liked or did not like, and what worked well for them.

If sessions have been challenging, it may be that the client is not responding to your interventions. Similarly, if a session is boring for you, it may be that you are using the wrong techniques. Change it up with a different approach.

5. Remain patient and open-minded.

Oftentimes, the solution to “dislike” is getting to know a person better. Also, be aware that what you are seeing could be a defense mechanism or strategy the client used to survive in the past. Your role as a counselor is to teach healthy coping skills (while at the same time validating the client for finding ways to survive).

6. Recognize transference and countertransference.

When you find that you initially dislike a client, explore transference with them. They may be resistant because you remind them of someone else (which impacts your personal reactions). If transference continues to hinder progress, consider termination. For countertransference, seek supervision and training.

7. If you feel emotionally drained or exhausted by a certain client, set a boundary.

Recognize when you are taking on too much of the client’s pain. Remember that you can be empathetic without feeling everything the client feels. Also, try to leave work at work. Do not let your clients’ problems consume you in your personal life. On the other hand, if you do not experience any empathy or find yourself uncaring, disinterested, or detached, consider taking a break. It may be time to reassess your fitness as a therapist or even explore a new career.

8. Recognize when the client is bullying, intimidating, insulting, dismissing, etc.

Do not take it personally. Point out the behavior in real time and then explore. Is the client aware of the behavior? Where did the client learn it? What are their intentions? How has it worked in the past? How might it impact others? What are alternative, prosocial behaviors?

9. If you are unsure of exactly why you are dreading a certain client or session, delve deep and do some reflection.

Seek supervision and consult to find what is bothersome to you.

10. If, on the other hand, you find that you are dreading all sessions, you might be burnt out or experiencing vicarious trauma.

It might be time to take some time off work, re-up your self-care game, and/or seek therapy yourself.

11. Learn from the “unlikeable” client.

Working with a client you find offensive or are annoyed by will challenge you more than working with a client who is personable, open, and motivated. You have to find ways to be compassionate and empathetic in order to connect with and help the challenging client. You will also learn about your own biases and become more self-aware. The “unlikeable” client will help you grow and improve as a clinician.

12. Recognize and ditch resentments.

If you resent or dislike a client because they are not progressing, not doing their homework, not following suggestions, etc., check yourself. You only provide the tools. It is up to the client to use them. Do not attach yourself to a client’s successes… or failures. Also, recognize where the client is in the change process. If you are using interventions for the “action” stage of change, but the client is in “precontemplation,” you will not get anywhere. Furthermore, instead of labeling the client as resistant, assess stage of change and match interventions accordingly. If the client continues to not progress and/or is not benefiting from therapy, consider termination.

13. If you realize it’s some nervous habit or tic that’s bothering you, consider pointing it out to the client in an honest and non-judgmental way, especially if you have a good rapport with or know the client well.

Broaching the subject opens the door for exploration. The client may not realize they do it or that others notice (and could be offended by) it. For example: a client who picks at their cuticles when they talk about their mother or who makes a joke whenever they feel uncomfortable. By noting the behavior, you increase awareness and the potential for growth.

14. When pointing out the annoying behavior/tic, consider using appropriate self-disclosure (or tell about someone you know) to help normalize the undesirable trait. This helps if the client seems embarrassed or uncomfortable.

Talk about how you used to bite your nails, for example. Or tell about someone who clicked their pen or smacked their gum and was able to ditch the bothersome habit. Be sure to tell about how you/they successfully changed the behavior!

15. Recognize when it’s behavioral/habitual vs. symptoms of a mental disorder.

For example, it can be challenging or frustrating to have a conversation with someone who is experiencing mania, but it is helpful to separate that person from their disorder. It may be something that have little or no control over, or have trouble managing. Provide your client with psychoeducation and teach about symptoms.

16. Similarly, recognize that some of what you are seeing may be a result of past trauma.

People react to trauma differently. What helped them survive in the past is no longer effective in the present, and their behaviors (i.e., frequent outbursts of anger, dishonesty, etc.) may even push others away. Teach coping strategies for recognizing and managing trauma reactions as well as teaching healthy coping skills.

17. Also, recognize when what you are seeing may be due to a brain injury.

A brain injury can cause personality changes and/or cognitive deficits. Someone with a brain injury could be forgetful, aggressive, anxious, impulsive, and lack emotional regulation, decision-making skills, and problem-solving skills. A thorough biopsychosocial assessment helps to identify brain injuries, but likewise note that there are many individuals who are unaware of past head injuries or their impact.

18. Teach social skills!

Try educating and roleplaying prosocial behavior when you find that you dislike a client. Also, it may be appropriate to let the client know how their behavior impacts you. For example, when a client frequently interrupts, point it out as it happens and express that it is off-putting. Then, wonder aloud how others feel when interrupted by the client. Suggest that they may feel disrespected, unimportant, undermined, or may altogether avoid conversations with the client.

19. If you dread seeing certain clients because you never know what to say, how to respond to them, or feel anxious about long pauses, stop!

You are making it about you, not the client. Recognize that beginner counselors almost always experience some discomfort and self-doubt. Accept that you may not say the “right” thing or be able to answer a question. Learn to be comfortable with silence. If you truly do not know what to say, be transparent. Say something like, “I’m not familiar with that. Let me think on it (or research it) and get back to you.” Do not allow your anxiety or self-doubt to hinder a client’s experience in therapy. To engage clients who are challenging or indifferent (i.e., never have anything to talk about), use evidence-based psychoeducational or interactive techniques (i.e., guided imagery, handouts, aromatherapy, etc.)

20. Lastly, be aware that if you are annoyed by or dislike a client, they will (most likely) pick up on it.

If you’ve already tried all the tips listed here and you still dislike a client, and if you are unable to be transparent, compassionate, empathetic, and/or show unconditional positive regard, consider termination and referral. Explore your strong reaction to the client with supervisors, and seek training to enhance self-awareness.


Summary

In conclusion, it is important for counselors to be aware of their reactions and biases when they dislike a client. Since it is unethical to refer a client due to personal dislike, counselors should utilize strategies for managing attitudes and assumptions while providing the client with effective, person-centered services.

When you experience feelings of “dislike” for a client, start by reframing your thoughts. Seek supervision and training. Also, effective counselors recognize the difference between personality and symptoms of mental illness, defense mechanisms, or trauma reactions.

As a therapist, do not take it personally, and always remember the roles transference and countertransference play. Set boundaries and practice regular self-care to avoid burnout. Lastly, recognize that there is something to love in everyone. Practice a strengths-based approach and focus on the positive.

dislike a client

16 Best e-Newsletters for Therapists

This is a list of the 16 best e-newsletters for therapists and other mental health workers (selected for quality/relevancy of content and usefulness).

This is a list of the 16 best email newsletters for therapists, other mental health workers, students, and consumers. These e-newsletters were selected for quality/relevancy of content and usefulness of resources.

“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”

Albert Einstein

Please repost this and/or share with anyone you think could benefit from these resources!

16 Best e-Newsletters for Therapists

Newsletters are categorized based on target population: General/nonspecific and trauma-informed newsletters for therapists and counseling students, newsletters for addiction professionals, newsletters for both mental health professionals and consumers, and newsletters for research news.


For additional resources for therapists (posted on this site), see Free Online Education for Mental Health Professionals, Professional Membership Organizations for Mental Health Professionals, and Resources for Mental Health Professionals.

Mental Health Counselors & Students

General/nonspecific and trauma-informed e-newsletters

ACEs Connection Daily Digest

Site/Organization: ACEs Connection

Site Statement: “ACEs Connection is a social network that recognizes the impact of a wide variety of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in shaping adult behavior and health, and that promotes trauma-informed and resilience-building practices and policies in all families, organizations, systems and communities. We support communities to accelerate the science of adverse childhood experiences to solve our most intractable problems. We believe that we can create a resilient world where people thrive.”

Best for: News/articles about trauma and Webinar opportunities

Center for Complicated Grief Newsletter for Professionals

Site/Organization: Center for Complicated Grief at Columbia School of Social Work

Site Statement: “Receive the latest in industry news, therapy techniques, and new developments in Complicated Grief. New articles are added and updated regularly.”

Best for: Free Webinar opportunities and news

National Council Newsletter

Site/Organization: National Council for Behavioral Health

Site Statement: “The National Council for Behavioral Health is the unifying voice of America’s health care organizations that deliver mental health and addictions treatment and services. Together with our 3,381 member organizations serving over 10 million adults, children and families living with mental illnesses and addictions, the National Council is committed to all Americans having access to comprehensive, high-quality care that affords every opportunity for recovery.”

Best for: Webinar opportunities, trainings, news, and other resources

Psychiatric News Update

Site/Organization: American Psychiatric Association

Site Statement:Psychiatric News Update is a weekly e-newsletter bringing you up-to-the-moment news about APA news; services, programs, and educational materials available to APA members; and links to the latest research reports in the American Journal of Psychiatry, Psychiatric News, and Psychiatric Services.”

Best for: News/research and training opportunities (free for members)

Psychiatry Advisor Update

Site/Organization: Psychiatry Advisor (from Haymarket Medical Network)

Site Statement: “Psychiatry Advisor offers psychiatric healthcare professionals a comprehensive knowledge base of practical psychiatry information and resources to assist in making the right decisions for their patients. Creating your free account with Psychiatry Advisor allows you access to exclusive content, including case studies, drug information, CME and more across our growing network of clinical sites.”

Best for: News and articles related to psychotropic medications, and training opportunities

Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy e-Newsletter

Site/Organization: Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy

Site Statement: “A strong voice for psychotherapy and home for psychotherapists, the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy is committed to preserving and expanding the theoretical and evidentiary base for psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic relationships, supporting life-long learning of psychotherapeutic skills, as well as making the benefits of psychotherapy accessible to all. The Society is an international community of practitioners, scholars, researchers, teachers, health care specialists, and students who are interested in and devoted to the advancement of the practice and science of psychotherapy. Our mission is to provide an active, diverse, and vital community and to generate, share, and disseminate the rapidly accumulating evidence base in clinical science and practice.”

Best for: News and research

Addiction Professionals

Addiction & Recovery eNews

Site/Organization: Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)

Site Statement:Addiction & Recovery eNews is a bi-weekly newsletter delivering trending and breaking news, innovations, research and trends impacting the addiction-focused profession to over 48,000 addiction professionals every other Friday.”

Best for: Training (both free and low-cost) opportunities, news, and employment postings

ASAM Weekly

Site/Organization: American Society of Addiction Medicine

Site Statement: “The ASAM Weekly is a source of timely, useful news briefings of top stories for addiction medicine combined with ASAM developments in education, advocacy, state chapter news and more. ASAM Weekly is a great way to keep informed and is delivered to the inboxes of ASAM members every Tuesday.”

Best for: News and articles about addiction medicine

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Emails – Resources for Professionals

Site/Organization: Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

Site Statement: “The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is a force of healing and hope for individuals, families and communities affected by addiction to alcohol and other drugs… With a legacy that began in 1949 and includes the 1982 founding of the Betty Ford Center, the Foundation today also encompasses a graduate school of addiction studies, a publishing division, an addiction research center, recovery advocacy and thought leadership, professional and medical education programs, school-based prevention resources and a specialized program for children who grow up in families with addiction. Stay up-to-date on the latest addiction treatment trends, research and practices as well as news about Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s facilities, events and staff with Clinical Connection, [a] bi-monthly e-newsletter.”

Best for: Free Webinar opportunities, online courses, news, and podcasts

National Harm Reduction Coalition

Site/Organization: National Harm Reduction Coalition

Site Statement: “National Harm Reduction Coalition is a nationwide advocate and ally for people who use drugs. We are a catalyst and incubator, repository and hub, storyteller and disseminator for the collective wisdom of the harm reduction community.”

Best for: Resources, free Webinars, news

Partnership to End Addiction Emails (for Professionals or Family Members/Caregivers)

Site/Organization: Partnership to End Addiction

Site Statement: “Partnership to End Addiction is a result of the cohesive joining of two pioneering and preeminent addiction-focused organizations — Center on Addiction and Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. We combine our depth of expertise with our compassion-driven, hands-on approach to deliver solutions to individuals and families and proactively take action to incite productive change. Together, as Partnership to End Addiction, we mobilize families, policymakers, researchers and health care professionals to more effectively address addiction systemically on a national scale.”

Best for: Policy news and research

Mental Health Professionals and Consumers

DBS Alliance Newsletter

Site/Organization: Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Site Statement: “DBSA provides hope, help, support, and education to improve the lives of people who have mood disorders. DBSA offers peer-based, wellness-oriented support and empowering services and resources available when people need them, where they need them, and how they need to receive them—online 24/7, in local support groups, in audio and video casts, or in printed materials distributed by DBSA, our chapters, and mental health care facilities across America.”

Best for: News and resources

Mental Health America Newsletter

Site/Organization: Mental Health America (MHA)

Site Statement: “Mental Health America (MHA) is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all. MHA’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and supports for those who need them; with recovery as the goal.”

Best for: Webinars that offer certificates of attendance, news, recommended articles/podcasts, and downloadable toolkits

Research News

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Weekly e-Newsletter

Site/Organization: Brain & Behavior Research Foundation

Site Statement: “The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation is a global nonprofit organization focused on improving the understanding, prevention and treatment of psychiatric and mental illnesses. The Foundation is committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding grants that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research.”

Best for: News and Webinar opportunities

Recovery Bulletin

Site/Organization: Recovery Research Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital

Site Statement: “The Recovery Research Institute is a leading nonprofit research institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, dedicated to the advancement of addiction treatment and recovery. The Recovery Bulletin is a free monthly e-publication summarizing the latest and best research in addiction treatment and recovery.”

Best for: Research news related to addiction and recovery

ScienceDaily Newsletters

Site/Organization: ScienceDaily

Site Statement: “ScienceDaily features breaking news about the latest discoveries in science, health, the environment, technology, and more – from leading universities, scientific journals, and research organizations.”

Best for: The latest research findings


Compiled by Cassie Jewell, M.Ed., LPC, LSATP

newsletters for therapists

20 Check-In Ideas for Therapy Sessions

This is a list of 20 check-in ideas for therapists to use in individual counseling sessions.

This is a resource list for mental health clinicians with 20 check-in ideas for therapy.

How do you start a counseling session? For example, my go-to check-ins for gauging where the client is are: “How has your day been?” and “How are you feeling ?”

Checking in helps to assess for mood and can create a focus for the session. Check-ins can also help to increase the client’s comfort level and create a safe space for sharing and healing.

We all need somewhere where we feel safe.

Emma Thompson

Check-In Ideas for Therapy Sessions

1) I’m glad you’re here! What brings you in? (For initial session)

2) Good to see you! How was the drive?

3) What are you hoping to get out of our session today?

4) What are your goals for today?

5) What would you like to focus on today?

6) Where would you like to start?

7) Would you like to start by reviewing the homework session?

8) Let’s begin with a short meditation. [Guide client through meditation or imagery exercise]

9) Last week we left off on [topic or themes from previous session]. Where do you want to pick up today?

10) How is your mind?

11) Where are you at today?

12) Rate your mood on a scale from 1-10.

13) What are some things you’re feeling good about?

14) What’s been going well this week?

15) What’s something positive that’s happened since we last met?

16) Anything new or exciting since we last met?

17) What’s new in your world?

18) What are some highs and lows you’ve experienced?

19) What’s been working for you and what have you found challenging?

20) Catch me up on things.


For additional check-in ideas, see Group Check-In Ideas and Do You Speak Therapist?


For avoiding suggestibility in initial interviews, read Client Suggestibility: A Beginner’s Guide for Mental Health Professionals from the American Counseling Association.


Click below for a PDF version of this post with 20 check-in ideas for counseling sessions:

20 Check-In Ideas for Therapy


check-in ideas

37 Powerful Therapy Metaphors

Effective analogies to illustrate growth, self-care, emotions, addiction, grief, counseling, and life concepts

therapy metaphors
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

As a counselor, you probably have a few “go-to” therapy metaphors that you use in sessions. For example, the “airplane oxygen mask” metaphor is a powerful analogy that demonstrates the significance of meeting your own needs before attempting to help others.

Another example of a therapy metaphor is the “rearview mirror” analogy. If you’re driving, and your entire concentration is on what’s behind you, you’ll crash. Good drivers, in contrast, focus ahead, but also regularly check the rearview mirror. The “rearview mirror” metaphor effectively illustrates how recovery from drugs and alcohol requires learning from, but not dwelling on, past mistakes and regrets.

Powerful Therapy Metaphors: Analogies in Counseling

The following is a list of helpful therapy metaphors and analogies for growth, self-care, emotions, addiction, grief, counseling, and life.


For additional therapy metaphors, click here.

For commonly used therapy questions and phrases, see Do You Speak Therapist?


Metaphors for Growth & Self-Care

Forming a new habit is like carving a path in the jungle. You trod through the undergrowth and take the same route over and over again, until a clear path is formed. Meanwhile, older pathways become overgrown and wild, disappearing from sight with unuse.

A habit forms the way water carves a new stream or river.

You can’t see the grass growing, but after a week or so, you can see that the lawn needs mowing.

You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Mind the “check engine” light in your car. It indicates that something is wrong; if you ignore it, the problem will likely become worse. The longer you ignore internal cues, the greater the damage to your “car.”

A plant requires the right amount of water, sunlight, and fertilizer to grow and thrive.

You are a battery that needs to be recharged every so often.

Metaphors for Emotions

Our emotions are like a thermometer in the window. You can see clouds or rain or sun, but without a thermometer, you won’t know if it’s 90 degrees or 17 below. Emotions impact how you experience the outside world.

Life is like a heart monitor; there are ups and downs. If it goes flat, you’re dead.

The more you bottle up your emotions, the more likely you are to explode.

Repressing anger is like stuffing trash in a garbage can. Eventually, it’s going to spill over if you don’t take out the trash.

When you resent someone, it’s like drinking poison and expecting them to die.

Anxiety is a hungry monster that gets bigger when you feed it.

Worrying is like riding a stationary bike; you can peddle as hard as you can, but you’ll never get anywhere.

Therapy Metaphors for Addiction

Addiction is a disease of the soul.

When you’re in active addiction, you’re a shadow of yourself.

Addiction is like being in a toxic relationship. It’s all-consuming, lust-worthy, and even thrilling at times… but at the cost of your health and well-being. You have to break up in order to move on with your life.

Addiction is like a tornado, ravaging everything in its path. After the storm, it’s time to rebuild. It won’t look exactly the way it did before the tornado hit… but there’s potential for things to be even better.

Addiction is like other chronic health conditions in that there’s no cure, but it’s 100% manageable with treatment and lifestyle changes.

The longer you sit and stare at a plate of cookies, the more likely you are to give in to temptation. Set yourself up for success by avoiding triggers when possible.

If you hang out in a barber shop long enough you’ll end up getting a haircut.

Temptation is like a muscle that grows weaker with use until it finally gives out.

Living life without drugs or alcohol is like any skill; you first learn how to do it and then you have to practice. You may slip up, but don’t give up; learn from your mistakes. You can’t excel at anything without practice.

Cravings are like waves; ride them out until the wave recedes.

Attempting to save someone from drowning is dangerous. In their frantic efforts for oxygen, they’ll claw over and push the person trying to help underwater. This is an unconscious survival instinct. When your loved one is in active addiction, they’ll fight anyone and anything that gets in their way of a gulp of air.

Metaphors for Grief

Grief is a deep wound that takes time to heal. The wound is raw and painful, but will eventually scab over, although leaving behind a permanent scar.

Every person you lose takes a little piece of you with them.

Metaphors for Counseling

Going to therapy is akin to filling your toolbox with tools.

In a car, your therapist is a passenger in the front seat, but you’re behind the wheel. A passenger offers assistance with reading the map and providing directions, but it’s up to you to choose the turns you’ll take, and ultimately, the destination.

A counselor doesn’t provide the answers, but offers the tools to find them.

Going to therapy is like going to the gym; you may feel sore and you won’t see immediate effects, but the long-term results are gratifying and well-worth the investment.

Therapy Metaphors for Life

Problems in life are like bad smells; you can attempt to mask them or cover them up, but you have to remove the source before they can truly go away.

You can’t choose the canvas or paint in life, but you decide the picture you’ll paint.

Your life is a book with many chapters and pages. Every day is a new page. You write your own story.

Life is like a “choose your own adventure” book. You make decisions, but you can’t always predict the outcome.

Sometimes you’re dealt a really sh**** hand. How are you going to play your cards?

The only difference between a rut and a grave are the dimensions.


Post your “go-to” therapy metaphors in a comment!

therapy metaphors

Do You Speak Therapist? 50 Expressions That Never Fail

A list of common questions and phrases used in therapy – includes a free PDF printable version of this resource

therapist office
Image by DanielCubas from Pixabay

Do You Speak Therapist?

Therapists have their own unique (and purposeful) language. We may use clinical jargon when talking to other clinicians, but when we’re with our clients (and most likely, with other significant people in our lives), we are focused and thoughtful. We speak therapist.

Therapy is a tool for self-discovery; as therapists, it’s important to know how to effectively employ this tool. (For example, a hammer, while a useful tool, would not be effective if someone used the handle to pound a nail instead of the head.) What we say and how we say it is powerful: open-ended questions, reflections, clarifications, etc.


The following is a list of questions/phrases I find myself using in individual therapy and group sessions to explore, empathize, empower, and motivate change, including a few versions of the “miracle question” (a question used in therapy that asks the client to imagine what their life would look like if, miraculously, all of their problems disappeared and everything was perfect).

Click below to access a printable PDF version of this list.


Do You Speak Therapist?

1. How are you feeling?

2. How does/did that make you feel?

3. What would happen if you gave yourself permission to feel your emotions?

4. What was that experience like for you?

5. When did you first notice that…

6. When did you first recognize that…

7. What are your current internal experiences and reactions?

8. I’m noticing that…

9. What I’m hearing is…

10. It sounds like…

11. I wonder if…

12. It makes a lot of sense hearing it from your perspective… and, I wonder what would happen if…

13. May I share some feedback with you?

14. Are you open to a suggestion?

15. Would you like to hear a different perspective?

16. May I share my observations?

17. Would you like to know more about [mental health topic]?

18. Some research indicates that [evidence that supports an idea], but other studies have found that [evidence that doesn’t support an idea].

19. Tell more about that.

20. Tell me what that was like for you.

21. Will you say more about that?

22. Can you speak to…

23. I’m not sure I understand.

24. Help me to understand.

25. Correct me if I’m wrong, but…

26. What am I missing? Something doesn’t quite match up…

27. Is there anything else I need to know?

28. Did I hear you correctly when you said…

29. May I pause you for a minute?

30. Can we return to what you said earlier about…

31. It looks like you shut down when I said [previous statement or question]. Can we talk about it?

32. You seem distracted today. Do you want to talk about something else?

33. Do you want to take a break from this topic?

34. What do you think [name of relative/significant other/friend/colleague] would say if they were here in this room with us?

35. If it was [name of relative/significant other/friend/colleague] in this situation, what advice would you give them?

36. What does [belief/action/feeling] look like to you?

37. What does [belief/action/feeling] mean to you?

38. What message did you hear when they said…

39. How would your life be different if you didn’t have [mental illness, an addiction, this problem, etc.]?

40. Was there anything you could have done differently?

41. It sounds like you were doing the best you could with what you had at the time.

42. Honestly, I’m not sure how I would have reacted if in your shoes.

43. You’re the expert on you.

44. I wish I had the answer to that.

45. That’s a really good question. What do you think?

46. On the one hand [client statement or behavior], but on the other [contrary client statement or behavior]

47. You say [client statement], but your actions say…

48. I’m concerned that…

49. I can only imagine how [emotion word] that was for you.

50. Can we explore this more?


For additional conversation starters and questions, see 161 Questions to Explore Values, Ideas, & Beliefs.

speak therapist

20 Self-Inventory Questions for Mental Health Professionals

Regular self-evaluation is essential for mental health professionals. Use this daily assessment tool (downloadable PDF) to evaluate your ethical and self-care practices.

The 10th Step of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) suggests taking daily self-inventory: “A continuous look at our assets and liabilities, and a real desire to learn and grow.” The founders of AA recommended that a person in recovery both “spot check” throughout the day in addition to taking a full self-inventory every evening, preferably a written one.

An honest self-evaluation can assess for resentment, anger, fear, jealousy, etc. According to the principles of AA, self-inventory promotes self-restraint and a sense of justice; it allows one to carefully examine their motives. Furthermore, it allows one to recognize unhealthy or ineffective speech/actions in order to visualize how they could have done better.

Similarly, for best practice, self-inventory or evaluation is essential for anyone who works in the mental health (MH) field. It doesn’t have to take place daily, or even weekly, but it’s a necessary measure for any active MH worker. If we don’t regularly examine our motives, professional interactions, and level of burnout, we could potentially cause harm to those we serve.

“As important as it is to have a plan for doing work, it is perhaps more important to have a plan for rest, relaxation, self-care, and sleep.”

Akiroq Brost

Much of the self-inventory I created is based on the 2014 ACA (American Counseling Association) Code of Ethics and related issues. According to the code, the fundamental principles of ethical behavior include the following:

  • Autonomy (self-sufficiency), or fostering the right to control the direction of one’s life;
  • Nonmaleficence, or avoiding actions that cause harm;
  • Beneficence, or working for the good of the individual and society by promoting mental health and well-being;
  • Justice (remaining just and impartial), or treating individuals equitably and fostering fairness and equality;
  • Fidelity (integrity), or honoring commitments and keeping promises, including fulfilling one’s responsibilities of trust in professional relationships; and
  • Veracity (genuineness), or dealing truthfully with individuals with whom counselors come into professional contact

The following is a format for MH professionals to evaluate both ethical and self-care practices. It’s meant to be used as a daily assessment tool.

Daily Self-Inventory for Mental Health Professionals

1. Did I cause harm (physical or emotional) today, intentionally or unintentionally, to self or others?

❒ Yes                         ❒ No


2. If so, how, and what can I do to make amends and prevent reoccurrence?


3. Have I treated everyone I’ve come across with dignity and respect?

❒ Yes                         ❒ No


4. If no, how did I mistreat others? What were my underlying thoughts/feelings/beliefs? How can I act differently in the future?


5. Have I imposed my personal values on a client (or clients) today?

❒ Yes                         ❒ No


6. If so, which values, and what steps can I take to prevent this? (Note: professional counselors are to respect diversity and seek training when at risk of imposing personal values, especially when they’re inconsistent with the client’s goals.)


7. Currently, what are my personal biases and how can I overcome (or manage) them?


8. Have I done anything today that has not been in effort to foster client welfare (i.e. self-disclosure for self-fulfilling reasons)?

❒ Yes                         ❒ No


9. If so, what were my motives and how can I improve on this?


10. On a scale from 1-10 (1 being the least and 10 the greatest), how genuine have I been with both colleagues and clients?


11. On a scale from 1-10, how transparent have I been with both colleagues and clients?


12. What specific, evidence-based counseling skills, tools, and techniques did I use today? Am I certain there is empirical evidence to support my practice? (If no, how will I remedy this?)


13. Have I practiced outside the boundaries of my professional competence (based on education, training, supervision, and experience) today?

❒ Yes                         ❒ No


14. What have I done today to advance my knowledge of the counseling profession, including current issues, evidence-based practices, relevant research, etc.?


15. What have I done today to promote social justice?


16. Have I maintained professional boundaries with both colleagues and clients today?

❒ Yes                         ❒ No


17. Did I protect client confidentially to my best ability today?

❒ Yes                         ❒ No


18. To my best knowledge, am I adhering to my professional (and agency’s, if applicable) code of ethics?

❒ Yes                         ❒ No


19. On a scale from 1-10, what is my level of “burnout”?


20. What have I done for self-care today?

  • Self-Care Activities I’ve Engaged In:
    • ❒ Exercise
    • Healthy snacks/meals
    • ❒ Meditation
    • ❒ Adequate rest
    • ❒ Adequate water intake
    • ❒ Regular breaks throughout the workday
    • ❒ Positive self-talk
    • ❒ Consultation
    • ❒ Therapy
    • ❒ Other:
    • ❒ Other:
    • ❒ Other:

Areas for Improvement:

Areas in Which I Excel:


self-inventory

Download a PDF version (free) of the self-evaluation below. This assessment can be printed, copied, and shared without the author’s permission, providing it’s not used for monetary gain. Please modify as needed.