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version of the post 75 Free Online Resources for Continuing Education for Mental Health Professionals, which has been archived.)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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25 Top Therapist-Recommended Books

This is a list of the top 25 therapist-recommended books for self-improvement, wellness, and personal growth.

This is a list of the top 25 therapist-recommended books for self-improvement and personal growth.


For recommended books for mental health professionals, see Must-Read Books for Therapists.


Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do: Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears, and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success (2017)

By Amy Morin

Amazon Description: “Everyone knows that regular exercise and weight training lead to physical strength. But how do we strengthen ourselves mentally for the truly tough times? And what should we do when we face these challenges? Or as psychotherapist Amy Morin asks, what should we avoid when we encounter adversity? Through her years counseling others and her own experiences navigating personal loss, Morin realized it is often the habits we cannot break that are holding us back from true success and happiness. Indulging in self-pity, agonizing over things beyond our control, obsessing over past events, resenting the achievements of others, or expecting immediate positive results holds us back. This list of things mentally strong people don’t do resonated so much with readers that when it was picked up by Forbes.com it received ten million views.

Now, for the first time, Morin expands upon the thirteen things from her viral post and shares her tried-and-true practices for increasing mental strength. Morin writes with searing honesty, incorporating anecdotes from her work as a college psychology instructor and psychotherapist as well as personal stories about how she bolstered her own mental strength when tragedy threatened to consume her.

Increasing your mental strength can change your entire attitude. It takes practice and hard work, but with Morin’s specific tips, exercises, and troubleshooting advice, it is possible to not only fortify your mental muscle but also drastically improve the quality of your life.”

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones (2018)

By James Clear

Amazon Description: “No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving-every day. James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

If you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don’t want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change. You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Here, you’ll get a proven system that can take you to new heights.

Clear is known for his ability to distill complex topics into simple behaviors that can be easily applied to daily life and work. Here, he draws on the most proven ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible. Along the way, readers will be inspired and entertained with true stories from Olympic gold medalists, award-winning artists, business leaders, life-saving physicians, and star comedians who have used the science of small habits to master their craft and vault to the top of their field.

Learn how to:

  • make time for new habits (even when life gets crazy);
  • overcome a lack of motivation and willpower;
  • design your environment to make success easier;
  • get back on track when you fall off course;

…and much more.

Atomic Habits will reshape the way you think about progress and success, and give you the tools and strategies you need to transform your habits-whether you are a team looking to win a championship, an organization hoping to redefine an industry, or simply an individual who wishes to quit smoking, lose weight, reduce stress, or achieve any other goal.”

Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find – and Keep – Love (2012)

By Amir Levine & Rachel Heller

Amazon Description: “We already rely on science to tell us what to eat, when to exercise, and how long to sleep. Why not use science to help us improve our relationships? In this revolutionary book, psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Amir Levine and Rachel Heller scientifically explain why why some people seem to navigate relationships effortlessly, while others struggle.

Discover how an understanding of adult attachment—the most advanced relationship science in existence today—can help us find and sustain love. Pioneered by psychologist John Bowlby in the 1950s, the field of attachment posits that each of us behaves in relationships in one of three distinct ways:

  • Anxious people are often preoccupied with their relationships and tend to worry about their partner’s ability to love them back
  • Avoidant people equate intimacy with a loss of independence and constantly try to minimize closeness.
  • Secure people feel comfortable with intimacy and are usually warm and loving.

Attached guides readers in determining what attachment style they and their mate (or potential mate) follow, offering a road map for building stronger, more fulfilling connections with the people they love.”

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma (2015)

By Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.

Amazon Description: “Trauma is a fact of life. Veterans and their families deal with the painful aftermath of combat; one in five Americans has been molested; one in four grew up with alcoholics; one in three couples have engaged in physical violence. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world’s foremost experts on trauma, has spent over three decades working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score, he uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments—from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain’s natural neuroplasticity. Based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score exposes the tremendous power of our relationships both to hurt and to heal—and offers new hope for reclaiming lives.”

The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have (2020)

By Mark Nepo

Amazon Description: “Philosopher-poet and cancer survivor Mark Nepo opens a new season of freedom and joy―an escape from deadening, asleep-at-the wheel sameness―that is both profound and clarifying.

His spiritual daybook is a summons to reclaim aliveness, liberate the self, take each day one at a time, and savor the beauty offered by life’s unfolding. Reading his poetic prose is like being given second sight, exposing the reader to life’s multiple dimensions, each one drawn with awe and affection.

The Book of Awakening is the result of Nepo’s journey of the soul and will inspire others to embark on their own. He speaks of spirit and friendship, urging readers to stay vital and in love with this life, no matter the hardships. Encompassing many traditions and voices, Nepo’s words offer insight on pain, wonder, and love. Each entry is accompanied by an exercise that will surprise and delight the reader in its mind-waking ability.”

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World (2016)

By Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, & Douglas Abrams

Amazon Description: “Nobel Peace Prize Laureates His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have survived more than fifty years of exile and the soul-crushing violence of oppression. Despite their hardships—or, as they would say, because of them—they are two of the most joyful people on the planet.

In April 2015, Archbishop Tutu traveled to the Dalai Lama’s home in Dharamsala, India, to celebrate His Holiness’s eightieth birthday and to create what they hoped would be a gift for others. They looked back on their long lives to answer a single burning question: How do we find joy in the face of life’s inevitable suffering?

They traded intimate stories, teased each other continually, and shared their spiritual practices. By the end of a week filled with laughter and punctuated with tears, these two global heroes had stared into the abyss and despair of our time and revealed how to live a life brimming with joy.

This book offers us a rare opportunity to experience their astonishing and unprecendented week together, from the first embrace to the final good-bye.

We get to listen as they explore the Nature of True Joy and confront each of the Obstacles of Joy—from fear, stress, and anger to grief, illness, and death. They then offer us the Eight Pillars of Joy, which provide the foundation for lasting happiness. Throughout, they include stories, wisdom, and science. Finally, they share their daily Joy Practices that anchor their own emotional and spiritual lives.

The Archbishop has never claimed sainthood, and the Dalai Lama considers himself a simple monk. In this unique collaboration, they offer us the reflection of real lives filled with pain and turmoil in the midst of which they have been able to discover a level of peace, of courage, and of joy to which we can all aspire in our own lives.”

Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies: And Other Rituals to Fix Your Life, from Someone Who’s Been There (2020)

By Tara Schuster

Amazon Description: “By the time she was in her late twenties, Tara Schuster was a rising TV executive who had worked for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and helped launch Key & Peele to viral superstardom. By all appearances, she had mastered being a grown-up. But beneath that veneer of success, she was a chronically anxious, self-medicating mess. No one knew that her road to adulthood had been paved with depression, anxiety, and shame, owing in large part to her minimally parented upbringing. She realized she’d hit rock bottom when she drunk-dialed her therapist pleading for help.

Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies is the story of Tara’s path to re-parenting herself and becoming a ‘ninja of self-love.’ Through simple, daily rituals, Tara transformed her mind, body, and relationships, and shows how to

  • fake gratitude until you actually feel gratitude
  • excavate your emotional wounds and heal them with kindness
  • identify your self-limiting beliefs, kick them to the curb, and start living a life you choose
  • silence your inner frenemy and shield yourself from self-criticism
  • carve out time each morning to start your day empowered, inspired, and ready to rule
  • create a life you truly, totally f*cking LOVE

This is the book Tara wished someone had given her and it is the book many of us desperately need: a candid, hysterical, addictively readable, practical guide to growing up (no matter where you are in life) and learning to love yourself in a non-throw-up-in-your-mouth-it’s-so-cheesy way.”

Don’t Feed the Monkey Mind (How to Stop the Cycle of the Anxiety, Fear, and Worry) (2017)

By Jennifer Shannon

Amazon Description: “The very things we do to control anxiety can make anxiety worse. This unique guide offers a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based approach to help you recognize the constant chatter of your anxious ‘monkey mind,’ stop feeding anxious thoughts, and find the personal peace you crave.

Ancient sages compared the human mind to a monkey: constantly chattering, hopping from branch to branch—endlessly moving from fear to safety. If you are one of the millions of people whose life is affected by anxiety, you are familiar with this process. Unfortunately, you can’t switch off the ‘monkey mind,’ but you can stop feeding the monkey—or stop rewarding it by avoiding the things you fear.

Written by psychotherapist Jennifer Shannon, this book shows you how to stop anxious thoughts from taking over using proven-effective cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness techniques, as well as fun illustrations. By following the exercises in this book, you’ll learn to identify your own anxious thoughts, question those thoughts, and uncover the core fears at play.

Once you stop feeding the monkey, there are no limits to how expansive your life can feel. This book will show you how anxiety can only continue as long as you try to avoid it. And, paradoxically, only by seeking out and confronting the things that make you anxious can you reverse the cycle that keeps your fears alive.”

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (1997)

By Don Miguel Ruiz

Amazon Description: “In The Four Agreements, bestselling author Don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.”

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things (2017)

By Jenny Lawson

Amazon Description: “In Furiously Happy, a humor memoir tinged with just enough tragedy and pathos to make it worthwhile, Jenny Lawson examines her own experience with severe depression and a host of other conditions, and explains how it has led her to live life to the fullest:

‘I’ve often thought that people with severe depression have developed such a well for experiencing extreme emotion that they might be able to experience extreme joy in a way that ‘normal people’ also might never understand. And that’s what Furiously Happy is all about.’

Jenny’s readings are standing room only, with fans lining up to have Jenny sign their bottles of Xanax or Prozac as often as they are to have her sign their books. Furiously Happy appeals to Jenny’s core fan base but also transcends it. There are so many people out there struggling with depression and mental illness, either themselves or someone in their family―and in Furiously Happy they will find a member of their tribe offering up an uplifting message (via a taxidermied roadkill raccoon). Let’s Pretend This Never Happened ostensibly was about embracing your own weirdness, but deep down it was about family. Furiously Happy is about depression and mental illness, but deep down it’s about joy―and who doesn’t want a bit more of that?”

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are (2022)

By Brené Brown

Amazon Description: “Brené Brown’s game-changing New York Times bestseller, The Gifts of Imperfection, has sold more than 2 million copies in more than 30 different languages and is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in print. Forbes magazine named Gifts one of the ‘Five Books That Will Actually Change Your Outlook On Life.’ Through this self-help classic we find courage to overcome paralyzing fear and self-consciousness, strengthening our connection to the world and helping us to believe we are worthy of self-discovery, personal growth, and boundless love.

A motivational and inspiring guide to wholehearted living, rather than just the average self-help book, with this groundbreaking work Brené Brown, Ph.D., bolsters the self-esteem and personal development process through her characteristic heartfelt, honest storytelling. With original research and plenty of encouragement, she explores the psychology of releasing our definitions of an ‘imperfect’ life and embracing living authentically. Brown’s “ten guideposts”  are benchmarks for authenticity that can help anyone establish a practice for a life of honest beauty—a perfectly imperfect life.

Now more than ever, we all need to cultivate feelings of self-worth, as well as acceptance and love for ourselves. In a world where insults, criticisms, and fears are spread too generously alongside messages of unrealistic beauty, attainment, and expectation, we look for ways to ‘dig deep’ and find truth and gratitude in our lives. A new way forward means we can’t hold on too tightly to our own self-defeating thoughts or the displaced pain in our world. Instead, we can embrace the imperfection.”

The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living, 2nd Edition (2022)

By Russ Harris

Amazon Description: “Build a more satisfying and meaningful life with this best-selling guide to freeing yourself from depression, anxiety, and insecurity through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Are you, like millions of Americans, caught in the happiness trap? Russ Harris explains that the way most of us go about trying to find happiness ends up making us miserable, driving the epidemics of stress, anxiety, and depression. This empowering book presents  the insights and techniques of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) a revolutionary new psychotherapy based on cutting-edge research in behavioral psychology. By clarifying your values and developing mindfulness (a technique for living fully in the present moment), ACT helps you escape the happiness trap and find true satisfaction in life.

The techniques presented in The Happiness Trap will help readers to:

• Reduce stress and worry
• Handle painful feelings and thoughts more effectively
• Break self-defeating habits
• Overcome insecurity and self-doubt
• Create a rich, full, and meaningful life”

Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence (2016)

By Rick Hanson

Amazon Description: “With New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Hanson’s four steps, you can counterbalance your brain’s negativity bias and learn to hardwire happiness in only a few minutes each day. 

Why is it easier to ruminate over hurt feelings than it is to bask in the warmth of being appreciated? Because your brain evolved to learn quickly from bad experiences and slowly from good ones, but you can change this.
 
Life isn’t easy, and having a brain wired to take in the bad and ignore the good makes us worried, irritated, and stressed, instead of confident, secure, and happy. But each day is filled with opportunities to build inner strengths and Dr. Rick Hanson, an acclaimed clinical psychologist, shows what you can do to override the brain’s default pessimism.
 
Hardwiring Happiness lays out a simple method that uses the hidden power of everyday experiences to build new neural structures full of happiness, love, confidence, and peace. You’ll learn to see through the lies your brain tells you. Dr. Hanson’s four steps build strengths into your brain to make contentment and a powerful sense of resilience the new normal. In just minutes a day, you can transform your brain into a refuge and power center of calm and happiness.”

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction (2010)

By Gabor Maté

Amazon Description: “From bestselling author Gabor Maté, the essential resource for understanding the roots and behaviors of addiction-now with an added introduction by the author.

Based on Gabor Maté’s two decades of experience as a medical doctor and his groundbreaking work with the severely addicted on Vancouver’s skid row, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts radically re-envisions this much misunderstood field by taking a holistic approach. Dr. Maté presents addiction not as a discrete phenomenon confined to an unfortunate or weak-willed few, but as a continuum that runs throughout (and perhaps underpins) our society; not a medical ‘condition’ distinct from the lives it affects, rather the result of a complex interplay among personal history, emotional, and neurological development, brain chemistry, and the drugs (and behaviors) of addiction. Simplifying a wide array of brain and addiction research findings from around the globe, the book avoids glib self-help remedies, instead promoting a thorough and compassionate self-understanding as the first key to healing and wellness.

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts argues persuasively against contemporary health, social, and criminal justice policies toward addiction and those impacted by it. The mix of personal stories—including the author’s candid discussion of his own ‘high-status’ addictive tendencies—and science with positive solutions makes the book equally useful for lay readers and professionals.”

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed (2024)

 By Lori Gottlieb

Amazon Description: “From a New York Times best-selling author, psychotherapist, and national advice columnist, a hilarious, thought-provoking, and surprising new book that takes us behind the scenes of a therapist’s world-where her patients are looking for answers (and so is she).

One day, Lori Gottlieb is a therapist who helps patients in her Los Angeles practice. The next, a crisis causes her world to come crashing down. Enter Wendell, the quirky but seasoned therapist in whose of­fice she suddenly lands. With his balding head, cardigan, and khakis, he seems to have come straight from Therapist Central Casting. Yet he will turn out to be anything but.

As Gottlieb explores the inner chambers of her patients’ lives – a self-absorbed Hollywood producer, a young newlywed diagnosed with a terminal illness, a senior citizen threatening to end her life on her birthday if nothing gets better, and a twenty-something who can’t stop hooking up with the wrong guys – she finds that the questions they are struggling with are the very ones she is now bringing to Wendell.

With startling wisdom and humor, Gottlieb invites us into her world as both clinician and patient, examining the truths and fictions we tell ourselves and others as we teeter on the tightrope between love and desire, meaning and mortality, guilt and redemption, terror and courage, hope and change.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone is rev­olutionary in its candor, offering a deeply per­sonal yet universal tour of our hearts and minds and providing the rarest of gifts: a boldly reveal­ing portrait of what it means to be human, and a disarmingly funny and illuminating account of our own mysterious lives and our power to transform them.”

Negative Self-Talk and How to Change It (2019)

By Shad Helmstetter

Amazon Description: Negative Self-Talk and How to Change It is an immediately helpful, life-changing handbook of how to deal with negative self-talk – for yourself, or anyone in your life. Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D., the best-selling author of more than twenty books, is the leading authority in the field of self-talk today. In this 60-Minute’ Book™ written for today’s reader, Dr. Helmstetter gives you all of the important information you need to change negative self-talk forever, in a short, easy-to-read, and condensed format. Also included is a special ‘Guide to Changing Your Self-Talk’ from The Self-Talk Institute.”

No Self, No Problem: How Neuropsychology Is Catching Up to Buddhism (2019)

By Chris Niebauer

Amazon Description: “While in grad school in the early 1990s, Chris Niebauer began to notice striking parallels between the latest discoveries in psychology, neuroscience, and the teachings of Buddhism, Taoism, and other schools of Eastern thought. When he presented his findings to a professor, his ideas were quickly dismissed as ‘pure coincidence, nothing more.’

Fast-forward 20 years later and Niebauer is a Ph.D. and a tenured professor, and the Buddhist-neuroscience connection he found as a student is practically its own genre in the bookstore. But according to Niebauer, we are just beginning to understand the link between Eastern philosophy and the latest findings in psychology and neuroscience and what these assimilated ideas mean for the human experience.

In this groundbreaking book, Niebauer writes that the latest research in neuropsychology is now confirming a fundamental tenet of Buddhism, what is called Anatta, or the doctrine of ‘no self.’ Niebauer writes that our sense of self, or what we commonly refer to as the ego, is an illusion created entirely by the left side of the brain. Niebauer is quick to point out that this doesn’t mean that the self doesn’t exist but rather that it does so in the same way that a mirage in the middle of the desert exists, as a thought rather than a thing. His conclusions have significant ramifications for much of modern psychological modalities, which he says are spending much of their time trying to fix something that isn’t there.

What makes this book unique is that Niebauer offers a series of exercises to allow the reader to experience this truth for him- or herself, as well as additional tools and practices to use after reading the book, all of which are designed to change the way we experience the world―a way that is based on being rather than thinking.”

The Power of TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic) (2015)

By David Emerald

Amazon Description:The Power of TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic) is a fable on self-leadership, because how you lead your own life has everything to do with how you lead in other areas. It is a tool for both individuals and organizations who want to create more effective communication and relationships. Learning how to transform everyday drama and opt for more growth-oriented solutions, is the priceless gift it teaches. As you walk with David, the main character, he shares how he is feeling victimized by life. Through serendipity he meets some wise guides, Ted and Sophia, who show David how he can move from feeling like a Victim to being a Creator of his own life. The Power of TED* offers a powerful alternative to the Karpman Drama Triangle with its roles of Victim, Persecutor, and Rescuer. The Empowerment Dynamic (TED) provides the antidote roles of Creator, Challenger and Coach and a more positive approach to life’s challenges. The teaching story provides a guide for learning and growing through the challenges we all face in our lives. Its message resonates with everyone who, at some time in their lives, feel victimized by their situation. Having helped thousands of people and scores of organizations over the past decade, The Power of TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic) is being published in this 10th Anniversary Edition to convey a very timely message of hope that all of life, whether at home or work, can be transformed to create satisfying and fulfilling relationships.”

The Smart but Scattered Guide to Success: How to Use Your Brain’s Executive Skills to Keep Up, Stay Calm, and Get Organized at Work and at Home (2016)

By Peg Dawson & Richard Guare

Amazon Description: “Are you smart, scattered, and struggling? You’re not alone. Cutting-edge research shows that today’s 24/7 wired world and the growing demands of work and family life may simply max out the part of the brain that manages complex tasks. That’s especially true for those lacking strong executive skills-the core brain-based abilities needed to maintain focus, meet deadlines, and stay cool under pressure. In this essential guide, leading experts Peg Dawson and Richard Guare help you map your own executive skills profile and take effective steps to boost your organizational skills, time management, emotional control, and nine other essential capacities. The book is packed with science-based strategies and concrete examples, plus downloadable practical tools for creating your own personalized action plan. Whether on the job or at home, you can get more done with less stress.”

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life (2024)

By Mark Manson

Amazon Description: “In this generation-defining self-help guide, a superstar blogger cuts through the crap to show us how to stop trying to be ‘positive’ all the time so that we can truly become better, happier people.

For decades, we’ve been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. ‘F**k positivity,’ Mark Manson says. ‘Let’s be honest, shit is f**ked and we have to live with it.’ In his wildly popular Internet blog, Manson doesn’t sugarcoat or equivocate. He tells it like it is—a dose of raw, refreshing, honest truth that is sorely lacking today. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is his antidote to the coddling, let’s-all-feel-good mindset that has infected American society and spoiled a generation, rewarding them with gold medals just for showing up.

Manson makes the argument, backed both by academic research and well-timed poop jokes, that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning to stomach lemons better. Human beings are flawed and limited—’not everybody can be extraordinary, there are winners and losers in society, and some of it is not fair or your fault.’ Manson advises us to get to know our limitations and accept them. Once we embrace our fears, faults, and uncertainties, once we stop running and avoiding and start confronting painful truths, we can begin to find the courage, perseverance, honesty, responsibility, curiosity, and forgiveness we seek.

There are only so many things we can give a f**k about so we need to figure out which ones really matter, Manson makes clear. While money is nice, caring about what you do with your life is better, because true wealth is about experience. A much-needed grab-you-by-the-shoulders-and-look-you-in-the-eye moment of real-talk, filled with entertaining stories and profane, ruthless humor, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is a refreshing slap for a generation to help them lead contented, grounded lives.”

Taming Your Gremlin: A Surprisingly Simple Method for Getting Out of Your Own Way (2003)

By Richard David Carson

Amazon Description: “This is a completely updated edition of the 1983 classic that introduced a powerful method for gaining freedom from self-defeating behaviors and beliefs. Rick Carson, creator of the renowned Gremlin-Taming™ Method, has revised the book to include fresh interactive activities, real-life vignettes we can all identify with, and new loathsome gremlins ripe for taming. Carson blends his laid-back style, Taoist wisdom, the Zen Theory of Change, and sound psychology in an easy-to-understand, unique, and practical system for banishing the nemesis within. Among the things you will learn are:

  • Techniques for getting a sliver of light between the natural you and the monster of your mind.
  • The extraordinary power of simply noticing and playing with options.
  • Six keys to maintaining emotional balance amid upheaval.”

Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well (2015)

By Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen

Amazon Description: “Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen have spent the past fifteen years working with corporations, nonprofits, governments, and families to determine what helps us learn and what gets in our way. In Thanks for the Feedback, they explain why receiving feedback is so crucial yet so challenging, offering a simple framework and powerful tools to help us take on life’s blizzard of offhand comments, annual evaluations, and unsolicited input with curiosity and grace. They blend the latest insights from neuroscience and psychology with practical, hard-headed advice. Thanks for the Feedback is destined to become a classic in the fields of leadership, organizational behavior, and education.”

The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself (2007)

By Michael Alan Singer

Amazon Description: “What would it be like to free yourself from limitations and soar beyond your boundaries? What can you do each day to discover inner peace and serenity? The Untethered Soul offers simple yet profound answers to these questions.

Whether this is your first exploration of inner space, or you’ve devoted your life to the inward journey, this book will transform your relationship with yourself and the world around you. You’ll discover what you can do to put an end to the habitual thoughts and emotions that limit your consciousness. By tapping into traditions of meditation and mindfulness, author and spiritual teacher Michael A. Singer shows how the development of consciousness can enable us all to dwell in the present moment and let go of painful thoughts and memories that keep us from achieving happiness and self-realization.

Co-published with the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) The Untethered Soul begins by walking you through your relationship with your thoughts and emotions, helping you uncover the source and fluctuations of your inner energy. It then delves into what you can do to free yourself from the habitual thoughts, emotions, and energy patterns that limit your consciousness. Finally, with perfect clarity, this book opens the door to a life lived in the freedom of your innermost being.”

Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers (2004)

By Robert Sapolsky

Amazon Description: “Now in a third edition, Robert M. Sapolsky’s acclaimed and successful Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers features new chapters on how stress affects sleep and addiction, as well as new insights into anxiety and personality disorder and the impact of spirituality on managing stress.

As Sapolsky explains, most of us do not lie awake at night worrying about whether we have leprosy or malaria. Instead, the diseases we fear-and the ones that plague us now-are illnesses brought on by the slow accumulation of damage, such as heart disease and cancer. When we worry or experience stress, our body turns on the same physiological responses that an animal’s does, but we do not resolve conflict in the same way-through fighting or fleeing. Over time, this activation of a stress response makes us literally sick.

Combining cutting-edge research with a healthy dose of good humor and practical advice, Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers explains how prolonged stress causes or intensifies a range of physical and mental afflictions, including depression, ulcers, colitis, heart disease, and more. It also provides essential guidance to controlling our stress responses. This new edition promises to be the most comprehensive and engaging one yet.”

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life (2013)

By Jen Sincero

Amazon Description: “In this refreshingly entertaining how-to guide, bestselling author and world-traveling success coach, Jen Sincero, serves up 27 bite-sized chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word, helping you to: Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want, Create a life you totally love. And create it NOW, Make some damn money already. The kind you’ve never made before.

By the end of You Are a Badass, you’ll understand why you are how you are, how to love what you can’t change, how to change what you don’t love, and how to use The Force to kick some serious ass.”


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

26 Awesome Therapist Bucket List Items

This therapist bucket list has 26 professional development and achievement ideas for counselors and mental health professionals.

The Merriam-Webster definition of a bucket list is “a list of things that one has not done before but wants to do before dying.” This post is a therapist bucket list with 26 professional achievement ideas for counselors and other mental health workers!

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.

Mahatma Gandhi

Therapist Bucket List

26 Professional Achievement Ideas for Counselors and Other Mental Health Workers

1. Earn an advanced degree or certificate.

2. Become licensed in your state.

3. Start a nonprofit organization or charity for mental health.

4. Specialize.

5. Open a private practice.

6. Conduct and publish a research study.

7. Write a magazine or newspaper article.

8. Develop and validate an assessment tool.

9. Become president or chairperson of a professional organization.

10. Write and publish a book, workbook, guide, or manual.

11. Develop a new theory/model or treatment intervention.

12. Create and maintain a website.

13. Become a teacher or professor.

14. Run for public office.

15. Become a mentor or clinical supervisor.

16. Develop an online course or training program.

17. Organize and/or facilitate a seminar or workshop.

18. Start a podcast.

19. Develop a mobile app.

20. Write a bill for mental health reform.

21. Start a mental health or counseling YouTube Channel.

22. Develop and moderate a Facebook group for mental health professionals.

23. Advocate by organizing and leading a peaceful protest for reform.

24. Win an award.

25. Present in a TED Talk.

26. Inspire positive change!


To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has already achieved, but at what he aspires to.”

Kahlil Gibran

For additional ideas for professional growth, see Professional Development for Counselors and Characteristics of an Effective Therapist.

therapist bucket list

Post your therapist bucket list ideas in a comment!

75+ Professional Membership Organizations for Mental Health Workers

A list of 75+ professional membership organizations for counselors and other mental health professionals.

(Updated 1/22/22) This is a list of 75+ professional membership organizations for mental health clinicians and specialists. It includes the divisions of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Psychological Association (APA).


For additional resources for mental health professionals on this site, see Must-Read Books for Therapists and Resources for Mental Health Professionals.


Professional Membership Organizations for Mental Health Professionals

National (United States)

  1. American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry
  2. American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
  3. American Academy of Clinical Psychology
  4. American Academy of Forensic Psychology
  5. American Academy of Psychodynamic Psychiatry and Psychoanalysis
  6. American Art Therapy Association
  7. American Association for Community Psychiatry
  8. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
  9. American Association of Christian Counselors
  10. American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
  11. American Association of Suicidology
  12. American Board of Forensic Psychology
  13. American Board of Professional Psychology
  14. American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
  15. American Clinical Social Work Association
  16. American Counseling Association
  17. American Dance Therapy Association
  18. American Group Psychotherapy Association
  19. American Institute of Stress (AIS)
  20. American Mental Health Counselors Association
  21. American Music Therapy Association
  22. American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children
  23. American Psychiatric Association
  24. American Psychoanalytical Association
  25. American Psychological Association
  26. American School Counselor Association
  27. American Society of Addiction Medicine
  28. American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
  29. American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology
  30. American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama
  31. American Sociological Association
  32. Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
  33. Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology
  34. Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
  35. Association for Death Education and Counseling
  36. Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice
  37. Association for Play Therapy
  38. Association for Psychological Science
  39. Association for Transpersonal Psychology
  40. Association for Women in Psychology
  41. Association of Black Psychologists
  42. Association of Humanistic Psychology
  43. B.F. Skinner Foundation
  44. Christian Association for Psychological Studies
  45. Cognitive Neuroscience Society
  46. Cognitive Science Society
  47. Comparative Cognition Society
  48. Experimental Psychology Society
  49. Federation of Associations in Behavioral & Brain Sciences
  50. Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry
  51. National Association for Addiction Professionals
  52. National Association for Children’s Behavioral Health
  53. National Association for Poetry Therapy
  54. National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis
  55. National Association for Rural Mental Health
  56. National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers
  57. National Association of Christian Counselors
  58. National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists
  59. National Association of Forensic Social Work
  60. National Association of Social Workers
  61. National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors
  62. National Board for Certified Counselors
  63. National Council on Family Relations
  64. National Education Association
  65. National Hypnotherapy Society
  66. National Latinx Psychological Association
  67. North American Drama Therapy Association
  68. North American Society of Adlerian Psychology
  69. North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
  70. Professional Association of Christian Counselors and Psychotherapists
  71. Psychometric Society
  72. Society for Neuroscience
  73. Society for Personality Assessment
  74. Society for Police and Criminal Psychology
  75. Society for the Improvement of Psychological Science
  76. Society of Experimental Psychologists
  77. Society of Experimental Social Psychology
  78. Society of Multivariate Experimental Psychology
American Counseling Association (ACA) Divisions
American Psychological Association (APA) Divisions

Canada

UK & Ireland

Australia & New Zealand

European Organizations

International Organizations & Associations


professional membership organizations

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.

20 Professional Development Ideas for Counselors

20 professional development ideas for counselors, social workers, and other mental health specialists

Professional development encompasses all activities that provide or strengthen professional knowledge/skills.

Ongoing professional development is a requirement for mental health practitioners in order to maintain competency and for keeping up-to-date on the latest research and evidence-based practices in an ever-changing field.

This is a list of ideas for counselor professional development.


Professional Development for Counselors

1. Find a mentor (and meet with them regularly). A mentor can provide guidance and support. They’ll help you grow by sharing their own experiences and expertise. A mentor can also help by talking through challenges and helping you to stay motivated when you’re discouraged.

2. Sign up for relevant e-mail lists. This is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest research, treatments, training opportunities, and resources in the counseling field.

Here are a few email lists that I find informative and helpful for professional development:

3. Become a member of a professional organization (e.g., American Counseling Association). This provides opportunities for advocacy and for networking. Membership benefits may also include free CE trainings or subscriptions to professional journals.

4. Keep up-to-date on the latest research. If you are a member of a professional organization, take advantage of your member benefits, which may include access to professional journals. You can also browse sites like ScienceDaily or use an app like Researcher.

5. Facilitate professional trainings or manage a booth at a conference. Share your professional knowledge with others by leading a training or hosting a webinar. Alternatively, consider offering to help manage your agency’s booth at a professional convention.

6. Read counseling and psychology books (such as On Being a Therapist by Kottler or Mindsight by Siegel). Reading up on relevant topics in the field will help to ensure that you’re using effective and evidence-based treatments in your practice. Reading can be especially helpful to the new counselor who struggles with imposter syndrome or questions their abilities. Psychology books can also help counselors deepen their understanding of the human mind and behavior.

7. Practice self-awareness. Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand one’s own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It helps you to know your values, limitations, and personal biases as well. Self-awareness is important for recognizing how your own “stuff” may impact your work with clients. It may also help you to build stronger relationships. What’s more, by being self-aware, you can identify the early signs of burnout and take steps to prevent it.

8. Become familiar with local resources in your community. By learning about the available resources in the community, you’ll be better able to assist your clients with some of their case management needs.

9. Volunteer. Help out at a homeless shelter or a local food bank, pick up trash in your neighborhood, or visit with residents at a nursing home. If you have a special skill such as knitting or baking, consider using your talents to help others.

10. Join a professional counseling forum and participate in discussions. The ACA has several. You could also go the reddit route (i.e. r/psychotherapy).

11. Review your professional code of ethics on a regular basis. (Here’s the code for professional counselors: ACA Code.)

12. Attend webinars, trainings, and conferences. Stay informed by subscribing to email lists, participating in professional forums, and searching Eventbrite for local events for professional development. (For Eventbrite, enter “mental health” in the search box.) PESI is another resource for professional development, but the seminars can be costly.

13. Network/consult. Make it a point to network with other professionals that you meet at work or professional conferences.

14. Subscribe to psychology magazines like Psychology Today or Psychotherapy Networker. Reading about relevant topics in the field will help you to stay sharp.

15. Further your education by taking classes or earning a certificate. Consider specializing in something or enhancing your skillset.

16. Pick a different counseling skill (such as reflecting meaning or the ’empty chair’ technique) to strengthen each week. (You can even use flashcards to pick a new skill or simply review!)

17. Write an article or book (or book review!) If you’re gifted at writing, share your expertise with others by publishing an original work. If a writing a book or article is too much of an undertaking, consider writing book reviews or reviewing products online.

18. Take free online courses. There are plenty of sites and institutions that offer free classes. Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your professional knowledge or learn new skills.

19. Listen to podcasts (like Therapy Chat or Counselor Toolbox). If you prefer listening over reading, podcasts are a highly convenient way to grow professionally.

20. Practice self-care on a regular basis to prevent burnout. Why is self-care included in a post on professional development? Because self-care is crucial for counselor wellness. A counselor experiencing burnout may even put their clients at risk. Self-care is essential for professional development.


professional development

75 Free Online Resources for Continuing Education for Mental Health Professionals

A list of over 75 sites that provide free online education for counselors, including training courses and webinars, some offering CEs.

This post is archived and will no longer be updated. For the newest version of this post, see 200+ Free CE Trainings for Counselors.

(Updated 8/29/22) Are you looking to expand your clinical knowledge or need CEs to renew your license? In-person workshops and seminars are ideal for learning up-to-date practices and the latest research, but they are often expensive and/or require travel. And while there are plenty of online education programs that offer CEs, most charge a fee.

Free online education
Image by Foundry Co from Pixabay

75 Free Online Resources for Continuing Education for Mental Health Professionals

This is a list comprised of over 75 sites that provide free online education, including training courses and webinars, some offering CEs.

Please share this resource for free online education with anyone you think might benefit!

For additional resources for professional development, click here.


Free Online Training Courses and Webinars

  • 6-Module DBT Course | An educational course designed for professionals to learn the basic principles for the diagnosis and treatment of borderline personality disorder. There are six 20-minute modules.







  • Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation: Webinars for Professionals | Online learning on topics related to substance use and behavioral health
  • Health eKnowledge | Free online courses on a variety of topics including clinical supervision, substance use, and behavioral health. You must create a free account and login to access the courses.
  • Healthy Minds | A public television series on mental health (and ending stigma)
  • Honor Our Voices | A learning module that allows you to see domestic violence through the eyes and voices of children, includes a printable guide











  • VHA Train | Register for a free account to access on-demand trainings, some free CEs available for counselors and social workers

  • YMSM & LGBT | Archived webinars on topics related to treatment services for the lesbian, gay, and transgender population. You can also access a monthly webinar series held on the 4th Friday of each month. CEs offered


Free Online College Courses


continuing education