How to Become an LPC in Virginia
Most states require mental health counselors to possess certification before they are permitted to work with clients. A licensed professional counselor often works with families and individuals with mental health and emotional issues as well as substance abuse problems. An LPC typically is employed in private health centers, community organizations or private practice. In the state of Virginia, the Board of Counseling has established two ways for a candidate to become an LPC.
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Instructions
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By Endorsement
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1
Obtain a master's degree or doctorate in counseling from an accredited college or university. You are required to complete 13 core content areas during your coursework. The list of content areas is available on the Virginia Board of Counseling's website.
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2
Complete 4,000 documented hours of supervised residency in counseling practice, with 2,000 of the hours in direct client contact. Your supervisor must be someone who has at least two years of post-licensure clinical experience and has supervisory training. The documentation must include your supervisor's signed quarterly evaluations.
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3
Possess an LPC license from another state, and provide documentation of five or six years of post-licensure clinical practice experience.
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4
Complete the application form found on the Board of Counseling's website, and provide all relevant documentation. Include official graduate school transcripts and a check or money order for the application fee, payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. As of the date of this publication, the fee is $140. After the Board's Credentials Review approves your application, they will issue your license.
By Examination
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5
Meet the same educational requirements as an LPC by endorsement, with the exception of the prior license and professional experience.
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6
Submit a registration of supervision form and documentation, and a check or money order payable to the Treasurer of Virginia for the application fee. As of the date of this publication, the fee is $50.
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Apply for your license after you've completed your residency requirement. Submit all documentation confirming your residency and a check or money order for $140 (as of the date of this publication) to the Treasurer of Virginia.
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8
Register for the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) examination, after your licensing application is approved. Register with the testing agency that administers the exam, and pay the fee of $190.
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9
Pass the examination. The NBCC will forward your scores to the Virginia Board of Counseling within four weeks. Your license is issued when the Board receives your passing score.
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Tips & Warnings
Make copies of all documentation you send with your application.
Your official transcript must be sealed, or it will not be accepted.
All fees are nonrefundable and can change at any time. Check the Board of Counseling's website for updated fee information.
The application process can take a long time, so it's very important that all the information you submit is accurate and complete.
