Becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia positions you at the heart of one of the most dynamic mental health landscapes on the East Coast. With major metropolitan areas like Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Virginia Beach driving demand for qualified counselors, the Commonwealth offers exceptional career opportunities for mental health professionals. This comprehensive guide walks you through every requirement, timeline, and strategy for successful licensure.
Virginia's licensure pathway is administered by the Virginia Board of Counseling, which maintains rigorous standards to ensure public protection while supporting the professional development of counselors. Whether you're completing your graduate program, relocating from another state, or transitioning into counseling from a related field, understanding Virginia's specific requirements is essential for a smooth licensure journey.
Understanding the Virginia Board of Counseling
The Virginia Board of Counseling operates under the Virginia Department of Health Professions and is responsible for licensing and regulating professional counselors throughout the Commonwealth. The Board meets regularly to review applications, establish policies, and ensure that all licensed counselors meet the standards necessary to provide safe and effective mental health services.
Virginia's approach to counselor licensure emphasizes both academic preparation and extensive supervised clinical experience. The state recognizes two primary credentials for counselors: Resident in Counseling (for those completing supervised experience) and Licensed Professional Counselor (full licensure). This two-tier system allows graduates to begin practicing immediately while working toward full licensure.
Board Contact Information
- ● Agency: Virginia Board of Counseling
- ● Address: 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233
- ● Phone: (804) 367-4610
- ● Website: dhp.virginia.gov/Counseling
License Types Issued
- ● Resident in Counseling: Pre-licensure supervised practice
- ● LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor (full licensure)
- ● LPC Supervisor: Approved supervisor designation
- ● LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Education Requirements for Virginia LPC
Virginia requires a rigorous 60 semester hour graduate program in counseling from a regionally accredited institution. The Board specifically looks for programs accredited by CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) or programs that meet equivalent standards in both content and supervised practicum/internship experiences.
Your graduate program must include specific coursework areas that the Board considers essential for competent counseling practice. Programs that fall short of these requirements may require additional coursework before you can apply for Resident in Counseling status.
Required Coursework Areas
CACREP Accreditation Advantage
Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program streamlines your Virginia licensure application. CACREP programs automatically meet the Board's educational requirements, and transcripts from these programs are typically processed more quickly. If your program is not CACREP-accredited, you will need to submit detailed syllabi and course descriptions demonstrating that your coursework meets Virginia's content requirements.
Virginia has several excellent CACREP-accredited programs, including those at Virginia Tech, James Madison University, George Mason University, Old Dominion University, and Regent University. Out-of-state CACREP programs are equally accepted, giving you flexibility in where you complete your education.
Resident in Counseling: Your Path to Supervised Experience
Virginia's Resident in Counseling credential is the essential stepping stone between graduation and full LPC licensure. This registration allows you to practice counseling under supervision while accumulating the 3,400 hours of supervised experience required for full licensure. Understanding how to maximize your residency period is crucial for efficient progress toward your LPC.
Important Residency Timeline
Your Resident in Counseling registration is valid for a maximum of five years. You must complete all 3,400 supervised hours and apply for full LPC licensure within this timeframe. Extensions may be granted in extraordinary circumstances, but planning for efficient completion is strongly recommended.
Requirements for Resident in Counseling Registration
To register as a Resident in Counseling, you must submit a complete application package to the Virginia Board of Counseling. The application requirements include your official graduate transcripts, verification of your supervisor arrangement, and the applicable fees. Your supervisor must be a Virginia-licensed LPC who holds supervisor status, or an equivalent mental health professional approved by the Board.
Residency Application Checklist
Supervised Experience Requirements: 3,400 Hours
Virginia requires 3,400 hours of supervised counseling experience for full LPC licensure, making it one of the more comprehensive requirements in the nation. These hours must be completed under the supervision of a Board-approved supervisor, with specific requirements for the amount and type of supervision received.
The supervised experience must be completed over a minimum of two years, though many residents complete their hours in two to three years depending on their work setting and client load. The experience must include direct client contact, and the Board expects residents to develop competence across a range of counseling modalities and client populations.
Hour Requirements Breakdown
- ● Total Hours: 3,400 minimum supervised experience
- ● Direct Client Contact: Majority of hours must involve direct service
- ● Face-to-Face Supervision: Minimum 200 hours required
- ● Supervision Ratio: 1 hour supervision per 40 hours worked
Supervision Formats
- ● Individual Supervision: One-on-one with your supervisor
- ● Group Supervision: Maximum of 6 supervisees per group
- ● Live Observation: Direct or recorded session review
- ● Case Consultation: Discussion of client cases and treatment
Finding a Qualified Supervisor
Your supervisor must hold current LPC licensure in Virginia with supervisor designation, or be another qualified mental health professional approved by the Board (such as a licensed psychologist or licensed clinical social worker with appropriate training). The supervisor must have at least five years of post-licensure experience and have completed supervisor training approved by the Board.
Many Residents in Counseling find supervisors through their employment settings, such as community mental health centers, private practices, hospitals, or counseling agencies. Private supervision is also an option, though this typically involves additional costs. The Virginia Counselors Association and local LPC networks can help connect you with potential supervisors.
Documenting Your Hours
Accurate documentation of your supervised hours is essential for a smooth licensure application. Virginia requires you to maintain detailed logs of your clinical hours, supervision sessions, and the types of services provided. Your supervisor must verify these hours and sign off on your experience at regular intervals.
Documentation Best Practices
National Counselor Examination (NCE)
Virginia requires passage of the National Counselor Examination (NCE) for LPC licensure. Administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), the NCE tests your knowledge across the core areas of counseling practice. Many candidates choose to take the exam shortly after graduation while the material is fresh, though you can take it at any point before applying for full licensure.
The NCE consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering eight content areas based on the CACREP curriculum. You have three hours and 45 minutes to complete the exam. A scaled score of 103 or higher is required to pass. Most test-takers report that thorough preparation, including review courses and practice exams, significantly improves their performance.
NCE Content Areas
- ● Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethics
- ● Social and Cultural Diversity
- ● Human Growth and Development
- ● Career Development
- ● Counseling and Helping Relationships
NCE Content Areas (continued)
- ● Group Counseling and Group Work
- ● Assessment and Testing
- ● Research and Program Evaluation
- ● Passing Score: 103 or higher
- ● Exam Fee: $335 (as of 2025)
Exam Preparation Strategies
Successful NCE preparation typically involves a combination of content review, practice questions, and understanding the exam format. Popular preparation resources include the Encyclopedia of Counseling by Howard Rosenthal, NCE study guides from various publishers, and online review courses. Many candidates also form study groups with fellow graduates to reinforce learning.
Virginia does not require a specific waiting period between graduation and taking the NCE, so many candidates schedule the exam within a few months of completing their degree. The exam is offered at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout Virginia and nationwide. Registration is through the NBCC website, and you will need to request an Authorization to Test from the Virginia Board.
Full LPC License Application
Once you have completed your 3,400 supervised hours and passed the NCE, you are ready to apply for full LPC licensure in Virginia. The application process involves submitting documentation of all completed requirements to the Board of Counseling. Complete applications are typically reviewed within four to six weeks, though processing times may vary based on Board meeting schedules and application volume.
LPC Application Checklist
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Virginia LPC licenses must be renewed every two years. The renewal cycle ends on June 30 of odd-numbered years. To renew, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education during each renewal period, with specific requirements for ethics and cultural competence training.
Continuing education courses must be from Board-approved providers and cover topics relevant to professional counseling practice. Virginia accepts a wide range of CE providers, including national organizations, universities, and approved workshop sponsors. Online courses are acceptable, provided they are from approved sources.
CE Requirements Per Renewal
- ● Total Hours: 20 hours per two-year cycle
- ● Ethics: 2 hours required
- ● Cultural Competence: 2 hours required
- ● Board-Approved: All hours must be from approved providers
Renewal Fees and Deadlines
- ● Renewal Fee: $130 per cycle
- ● Deadline: June 30 of odd years
- ● Late Renewal: Additional $75 late fee
- ● Reinstatement: Required if lapsed more than one cycle
Licensure by Endorsement (Out-of-State Transfers)
If you hold an LPC or equivalent license in another state, Virginia offers a licensure by endorsement pathway. This process allows experienced counselors to transfer their credentials without repeating all original requirements. However, Virginia still requires verification that your education and experience meet Commonwealth standards.
The endorsement application requires verification of your current license from each state where you have held licensure, official transcripts, and documentation of your supervised experience. If your original state had lower requirements than Virginia, you may need to complete additional supervised hours or coursework.
Endorsement Processing Time
Licensure by endorsement applications typically take six to eight weeks to process after all required documents are received. Incomplete applications are the most common cause of delays. Ensure you request license verifications from other states well in advance, as some state boards have lengthy processing times.
Fees Summary
Understanding the total cost of licensure helps you plan your professional development budget. Virginia's fees are moderate compared to many other states, though you should also budget for exam costs, continuing education, and supervision if paying for private supervision.
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident in Counseling Application | $130 | Initial registration fee |
| LPC License Application | $130 | Full licensure application |
| License Renewal (biennial) | $130 | Every two years |
| Late Renewal Fee | $75 | Added to regular renewal fee |
| NCE Examination | $335 | Paid to NBCC |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $130 | Out-of-state transfers |
Career Opportunities in Virginia
Virginia offers diverse employment opportunities for Licensed Professional Counselors across multiple settings. The Northern Virginia region, part of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, has particularly strong demand for mental health professionals due to its large population and proximity to federal agencies. Richmond, Virginia Beach, and other population centers also have robust job markets for counselors.
Common practice settings for Virginia LPCs include community mental health centers, private practices, hospitals, schools, employee assistance programs, military installations, and federal agencies. The variety of settings allows counselors to find roles that align with their clinical interests and career goals.
Employment Settings
- ● Private practice (solo or group)
- ● Community mental health centers
- ● Hospital and healthcare systems
- ● Schools and universities
- ● Federal agencies and contractors
Salary Expectations
- ● Entry Level: $45,000 to $55,000
- ● Mid-Career: $55,000 to $70,000
- ● Experienced: $70,000 to $90,000+
- ● Private Practice: Varies widely by caseload
- ● Northern VA Premium: 10-20% higher than state average
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an LPC in Virginia?
The typical timeline is four to five years total: two to three years for your master's degree (60 semester hours), followed by two or more years completing your 3,400 supervised hours as a Resident in Counseling. Your pace through the residency depends on your work setting and client caseload.
Can I practice counseling in Virginia before becoming fully licensed?
Yes, through the Resident in Counseling credential. This registration allows you to provide counseling services under the supervision of a Board-approved supervisor while completing your required hours. You cannot practice independently until you obtain full LPC licensure.
What if my graduate program is not CACREP-accredited?
Non-CACREP programs are accepted, but you will need to submit detailed course descriptions and syllabi demonstrating that your coursework covers all required content areas. The Board will evaluate your education for equivalency, which may add processing time to your application.
Can I use supervision hours from another state?
Hours accumulated under supervision in another state may be accepted if they meet Virginia standards and were completed under a qualified supervisor. You will need to provide documentation and verification from the out-of-state supervisor. The Board evaluates these on a case-by-case basis.
Is Virginia part of the Counseling Compact?
As of 2025, Virginia has enacted legislation to join the Counseling Compact. Implementation is in progress, and once fully operational, this will allow Virginia LPCs to practice in other compact member states and vice versa. Check the Board website for current status and implementation updates.
How do I become a supervisor for Residents in Counseling?
To become a Board-approved supervisor, you must hold active LPC licensure for at least five years, complete a Board-approved supervisor training program, and submit a supervisor designation application. Supervisor training typically covers supervision models, ethics, evaluation methods, and legal responsibilities.
Professional Resources
Connecting with professional organizations enhances your development and provides networking opportunities throughout your career. Virginia has active counseling associations at both state and local levels.
State Organizations
- ● VCA: Virginia Counselors Association
- ● VLPCA: Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors Association
- ● VSCA: Virginia School Counselor Association
National Organizations
- ● ACA: American Counseling Association
- ● NBCC: National Board for Certified Counselors
- ● AMHCA: American Mental Health Counselors Association
Next Steps for Your Virginia LPC Journey
Pursuing LPC licensure in Virginia requires dedication and planning, but the rewards of a counseling career make the effort worthwhile. Whether you are just beginning your graduate education or preparing for your final licensure application, each step brings you closer to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Start by confirming your educational program meets Virginia requirements, then identify potential supervisors and employment settings for your residency. Use the checklists and resources in this guide to stay organized throughout your journey. The Virginia Board of Counseling website remains your authoritative source for the most current requirements and forms.
Ready to Start Your Virginia LPC Journey?
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