Free Ethics CEUs for Counselors: Government Resources

By: Sharea Farmer, LCSW
April 16, 2025
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Free Ethics CEUs for Counselors: Government Resources
Free Ethics CEUs for Counselors: Government Resources
As a counselor, maintaining your ethical standards through continuing education is crucial for professional development and licensure requirements. While many continuing education units (CEUs) come with a cost, there are valuable free resources available, particularly from government websites. This article will explore some of these free ethics CEUs options, with a focus on .gov sites.
Why Ethics CEUs Matter
Before diving into the resources, it’s important to understand why ethics CEUs are so vital:
- Maintaining licensure: Most states require counselors to complete a certain number of CEUs, including ethics, to maintain their professional license.
- Staying current: Ethical standards in counseling evolve, and CEUs help you stay informed about the latest guidelines and best practices.
- Enhancing client care: A strong ethical foundation ensures you provide the best possible care to your clients.
Government Resources for Free Ethics CEUs
1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA offers a variety of free online courses that often include ethics components:
- Visit: SAMHSA Training and Technical Assistance
- Topics may include ethical considerations in substance abuse treatment, confidentiality, and cultural competence.
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The NIH offers free online training on research ethics, which can be valuable for counselors involved in or interested in research:
- Visit: NIH Office of Extramural Research
- Courses cover topics like responsible conduct of research and ethical decision-making.
3. Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP)
OHRP provides free online training on protecting human subjects in research, which includes ethical considerations:
- Visit: OHRP Education and Outreach
- While focused on research ethics, many principles apply to counseling practice.
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC offers free courses that sometimes include ethical components, particularly related to public health:
- Visit: CDC Training and Continuing Education Online
- Look for courses on topics like health equity and cultural competence, which often incorporate ethical considerations.
Verifying CEU Eligibility
Before taking any course for CEU credit, it’s crucial to verify that it meets your state’s specific requirements for license renewal. Always check with your state licensing board to ensure the courses you choose are approved and relevant to your practice area.
Additional Resources from RS Counseling & Wellness Center
At RS Counseling & Wellness Center, we understand the importance of ongoing education in ethical practice. While we don’t offer free CEUs, we provide valuable resources for counselors:
- Mental Health Professional Training: Our courses embody a commitment to Ethical, Cultural, and Trauma-Informed Learning, which can complement your ethics CEUs.
- Consulting Services: We offer expert guidance in creating ethical, trauma-informed care environments.
Visit our CE Courses page for more information on our offerings that can support your professional development in ethics and beyond.