If you're a mental health clinician trying to keep up with licensure, sharpen your clinical skills, and actually enjoy your continuing education hours, chances are you've heard of PESI training.
But with hundreds of CE courses, live seminars, and on-demand webinars available, how do you know which ones are worth your time?
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- What PESI training really offers (and what it doesn’t)
- Popular tracks like Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
- How to choose CE courses that match your therapy style, clients’ needs, and long-term professional development goals
Whether you're a psychologist, social worker, counselor, or nurse, PESI’s offerings are designed to help you learn practical, effective interventions that translate directly into better client outcomes.
What is PESI?
PESI (Professional Education Systems Institute) is one of the most established providers of continuing education (CE) for mental health professionals in the U.S. It offers live seminars, webinars, and on-demand training designed to help you improve your clinical knowledge, meet licensing requirements, and develop new competencies.
Their mission is simple: provide real-world, applicable training led by clinicians with proven field experience.
PESI content is deeply informed by evolving client needs, making it particularly helpful for therapists and counselors who want to keep learning and serving more effectively.
Types of Trainings Available
PESI provides training in several formats, including:
- Live seminars and in-person workshops in major U.S. cities
- On-demand CE courses with replay options and downloadable handouts
- Certification programs for specializations like trauma therapy, CBT, and DBT
- Practice development workshops focused on improving client engagement and workflow
These formats make it easy to balance your CE requirements with your caseload, life, and learning style.
Why PESI Training is a Therapist Favorite
The demand for flexible, outcome-focused training is high and PESI delivers.
Whether you're pursuing a specialty in trauma or refining your use of step-by-step techniques for anxiety, PESI gives you the structure, expertise, and tools to succeed.
Here's why clinicians keep coming back:
- CEUs are accepted by most licensing boards across states
- Courses include real-world examples, not just theory
- Learn at your pace via on-demand access or attend live
- Most programs include downloadable resources and templates
- Speakers are practicing clinicians with field-tested approaches
From counselors looking to expand their skill sets to psychologists wanting more engaging trainings, PESI serves a wide array of professionals through personalized, expert-led education.
PESI's Top Tracks: What Therapists are Learning
PESI’s catalogue is expansive. Here are some of the most in-demand tracks:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Learn how to apply DBT techniques with structure and depth. These trainings cover:
- Emotional regulation
- Distress tolerance skills
- Interpersonal effectiveness
- Real-world DBT session modeling
DBT programs are especially popular with those serving clients with anxiety, personality disorders, or trauma backgrounds.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR trainings from PESI often include:
- History and phases of EMDR therapy
- How to implement bilateral stimulation
- Applications for complex trauma cases
- Live demonstrations and step-by-step practice tips
Trauma-Focused Interventions
If your clients are navigating PTSD, childhood abuse, or complex trauma, PESI's trauma-informed programs provide:
- Effective grounding techniques
- Reprocessing protocols
- Strategies to maintain therapeutic safety
- Continuing education credits with clinically validated tools
Choosing the Right PESI Training
With hundreds of options, choosing the right PESI course can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to find the right fit:
- Identify Your Learning Goals
Are you looking to gain new clinical skills, meet licensure requirements, or enhance your private practice? Be clear on what matters most. - Match Content to Client Needs
Work with veterans, teens, or couples? Filter for interventions that meet their needs and reflect your caseload. - Choose the Right Format
If you're balancing a full schedule, opt for on-demand sessions. If you learn better in real-time, go for live seminars or interactive webinars. - Check State-Specific CE Requirements
Each board has unique expectations. PESI makes it easy to see if a course qualifies in your state. - Look for Practical Tools
Great trainings offer handouts, step-by-step guides, and tools you can start using the next day.
Benefits of Continuing Education with PESI
Beyond meeting licensure needs, PESI helps you:
- Build confidence in new treatment models
- Stay updated with clinical research
- Address new challenges in client sessions
- Connect with colleagues and experts from across the country
Whether you’re attending solo or as part of an organization, PESI helps you continue to develop professionally while improving client outcomes.
How to Participate in PESI Trainings
Here’s how most clinicians integrate PESI into their routine:
- Choose a program aligned with current clinical goals
- Register for a live seminar or on-demand course
- Attend sessions and download materials
- Take the post-course CE quiz (typically required for credit)
- Download and store CE certificate for license renewal
Many clinicians attend 2–3 PESI events per year to stay fresh, inspired, and compliant.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even experienced clinicians make these CE mistakes:
- Skimming titles without reviewing course objectives
- Ignoring dates or expiration windows for course access
- Choosing based only on trending topics, not client relevance
- Forgetting to double-check state-specific CE credit requirements
- Underutilizing interactive elements or missed post-course evaluations
Pro tip: Always read the session description, speaker bio, and credit info before registering.
Automating the Rest of Your Practice
Taking PESI courses can elevate your clinical work. But don’t let your admin work hold you back.
With Supanote, you can:
- Auto-generate SOAP notes, DAPs, and therapy documentation
- Access custom templates in seconds
- Cut down on 5+ hours of paperwork weekly
If you’re investing in better education, make sure your workflow also supports it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do PESI courses qualify for CE in my state?
A. Yes, most PESI courses are accepted across states. Check your state board to confirm CE requirements.
Q. What types of professionals are PESI courses for?
A. Therapists, counselors, psychologists, nurses, and social workers all use PESI for training.
Q. How long do I have to access on-demand webinars?
A. Most remain available for 6 to 12 months post-registration.
Q. Are PESI trainings interactive?
A. Live seminars often include Q&A, roleplays, and group chats. On-demand includes case studies and session examples.
Q. How do I know which course is right for me?
A. Look at your clients’ needs, your license requirements, and what skills you want to build. Then filter by topic and training format.
Q. Are downloadable resources included?
A. Yes, many PESI trainings come with worksheets, tools, and step-by-step instructions.
Q. Can PESI help my entire organization?
A. Yes, PESI offers group rates and team-wide training access for larger organizations.
Q. How do I apply PESI techniques in sessions?
A. Courses come with session outlines and tools—just plug them into your existing workflow.
Q. Is PESI worth it if I’m on a budget?
A. Yes, especially during sales. The skills you gain often pay off through better client results.
Q. Can I preview a PESI course before buying?
A. You can review detailed course descriptions and speaker bios—some offer sample clips online.
Q. Are there beginner-friendly courses?
A. Definitely! PESI offers foundational tracks in ethics, assessment, and core interventions.
Q. How many PESI trainings should I take per year?
A. Most therapists take 2–3 per year to meet CE needs and stay sharp in evolving areas.
Q. Can I write off PESI trainings on my taxes?
A. Yes, if you're in private practice, CE often counts as a deductible business expense.
Q. How do I track CE certificates?
A. All your certificates are stored in your PESI account dashboard—easy to download anytime.
Final Thoughts
Therapists today are expected to do more than ever- address complex trauma, stay compliant, run practices, and still show up as fully present humans for their clients. That’s why investing in high-quality training matters.
PESI is one of the few CE providers that helps you stay current, connected, and effective- without wasting time or overwhelming your calendar. Whether you're focusing on anxiety, trauma, practice development, or continuing education, you’ll find a course that meets you where you are.
So take the next step. Filter for a topic that aligns with your growth goals.
Join a live seminar, try an on-demand track, and keep building the therapeutic future you believe in.