Virginia Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Navigating the licensure renewal process for counselors and therapists in Virginia is essential for maintaining a professional career in the mental health field. Whether you’re a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or hold another specialized license, staying up-to-date with the state’s renewal requirements is critical.

Virginia has specific guidelines that every counselor and therapist must follow to ensure they meet the standards set by the Virginia Board of Counseling, including continuing education (CE) obligations and timely renewal submissions.

One of the most important aspects of maintaining your license is understanding the renewal deadlines. The renewal dates can vary depending on the type of license you hold, and missing them can lead to costly penalties, a lapse in licensure, or even the inability to practice. Knowing when and how to renew your license, along with the proper submission of documentation, helps prevent disruptions in your professional practice and ensures you’re always in good standing with the board.

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1) Key Virginia Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates

In Virginia, counselors and therapists must meet specific credentialing and licensure requirements to practice legally. The Virginia Board of Counseling governs the licensure process for various mental health professionals, including Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs). Here is an overview of the requirements for these professionals.

Credentials for Counselors and Therapists

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Educational Requirements: A master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited program.
- Supervised Experience: 3,400 hours of supervised clinical experience (with at least 2,000 hours of direct client contact).
- Examination: Passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Educational Requirements: A master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Supervised Experience: 3,400 hours of supervised experience, with at least 2,000 hours of direct clinical services.
- Examination: Passing the National Marital and Family Therapy Examination (MFT Exam) administered by the Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP)
- Educational Requirements: A master’s degree in substance abuse counseling or a related mental health field.
- Supervised Experience: 2,000 hours of supervised substance abuse counseling experience.
- Examination: Passing the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam or the Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (AADC) exam.

Licensure Renewal Details

In Virginia, all counseling and therapy licenses must be renewed every two years by June 30th of the renewal year. During this period, licensed professionals are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education (CE). Of these, at least two hours must be dedicated to ethics or regulations related to the counseling profession. CE activities ensure that professionals remain current on best practices and emerging trends in mental health care.

Failure to renew a license on time can lead to penalties or the suspension of one’s right to practice. The Virginia Board of Counseling offers an online system for license renewal, making the process more accessible. Professionals are encouraged to keep thorough records of their CE activities in case of an audit.

Licensure Renewal Costs

The cost to renew a counseling or therapy license varies by license type:

LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) Renewal Fee: $140
LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) Renewal Fee: $140
LSATP (Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner) Renewal Fee: $140

For those renewing late, there is an additional penalty fee:

Late Renewal Fee: $50 (if submitted after the renewal date)

Additional Licensure Fees

Here are some other fees associated with counseling and therapy licensure in Virginia:

Initial Application Fee (LPC, LMFT, LSATP): $175
Reinstatement Fee (after license expiration): $275
Duplicate License Fee: $10
Inactive License Renewal Fee: $70 (for those who choose to put their license on inactive status)

These fees ensure that the Virginia Board of Counseling can continue regulating the profession effectively, ensuring public safety and maintaining high standards in mental health care.

Sources:

Virginia Board of Counseling: https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/counseling/
Virginia Board of Counseling Fees Schedule: https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/counseling/counseling_fees.htm
National Board for Certified Counselors (NCE): https://www.nbcc.org/exams/nce

Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ NBCC-approved CE courses for one low annual fee to meet Virginia’s requirements for Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education credits.

2) Virginia Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements

In Virginia, licensed counselors and therapists are required to engage in continuing education (CE) to ensure they remain updated on the latest practices, ethics, and research in mental health care.

The Virginia Board of Counseling oversees the CE requirements, which are designed to promote professional growth and enhance the quality of services provided by Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), and Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioners (LSATPs).

General CE Requirements

Total Hours Required: Licensed counselors and therapists in Virginia must complete 20 hours of continuing education during each two-year licensure renewal period.
Ethics Requirement: Of the 20 hours required, at least two hours must be in ethics, standards of practice, or regulations governing the profession. These hours ensure that professionals are well-versed in the ethical obligations and regulatory frameworks that guide their practice.
Types of Acceptable CE Activities: CE can be fulfilled through a variety of educational activities, including:
- Workshops and seminars
- Conferences or conventions
- Distance learning courses, such as online webinars and self-study programs (as long as they are accredited)
- University or college courses related to counseling or therapy

Approved Providers of CE

CE credits must be obtained from Board-approved providers or organizations that offer high-quality training relevant to mental health professionals. Some approved providers include:

National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
- Agents of Change Continuing Education is approved by NBCC.
American Counseling Association (ACA)
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Virginia Board of Counseling-approved providers (individual or organizational CE providers listed on the Board’s website)

Credits obtained from organizations not approved by the Board will not be accepted towards the renewal requirement.

Documentation and Audits

Licensees are expected to maintain records of their CE activities for at least two years following the renewal cycle. Documentation should include:

Certificates of completion from approved CE providers
Course outlines or syllabi
Proof of attendance (such as registration forms or receipts)

The Board conducts random audits to ensure compliance with CE requirements. If selected for an audit, licensees must be able to provide evidence of CE participation. Failure to comply with the audit or the CE requirements can result in disciplinary action or denial of licensure renewal.

Exemptions and Extensions

In certain cases, counselors and therapists may apply for exemptions or extensions on CE requirements due to personal hardship or special circumstances, such as illness or military service. These requests must be made directly to the Virginia Board of Counseling, and supporting documentation is usually required. If granted, the licensee may receive an extended period to complete the required hours without penalty.

Key Points on Ethics Training

Ethics training is a particularly emphasized component of the CE requirements, as it covers essential topics such as:

Client confidentiality and privacy laws (e.g., HIPAA compliance)
Informed consent and professional boundaries
Handling conflicts of interest
Navigating dual relationships and avoiding unethical behavior in practice

This mandatory training ensures that all licensed counselors and therapists uphold the highest ethical standards when interacting with clients, colleagues, and the public.

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Agents of Change has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7620. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Agents of Change is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

3) FAQs – Virginia Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal and CEs

Q: What happens if I miss the licensure renewal deadline for my counseling or therapy license in Virginia?

A: If you miss the licensure renewal deadline for your counseling or therapy license in Virginia, your license will lapse, meaning you are no longer legally allowed to practice until it is renewed. There is a 30-day grace period following the deadline, during which you can renew your license by paying both the standard renewal fee and a late renewal fee of $50.

If you fail to renew within that period, your license will expire, and you may need to apply for reinstatement, which is a more costly and time-consuming process. The reinstatement fee is $275, and you may be required to meet additional requirements, such as completing extra continuing education credits.

Q: Can I complete all of my continuing education (CE) hours online for licensure renewal in Virginia?

A: Yes, you can complete all of your CE hours online as long as the courses are provided by Virginia Board of Counseling-approved providers. Many accredited organizations, including the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and American Counseling Association (ACA), offer high-quality online CE courses.

However, be sure to verify that the provider is approved by the Board and that at least two hours of your CE credits are specifically dedicated to ethics or regulations related to the counseling profession. Always retain certificates of completion as proof of participation in case of an audit.

Q: What types of continuing education (CE) activities are acceptable for license renewal in Virginia?

A: Acceptable CE activities include a wide range of professional development opportunities such as:

Workshops and seminars focused on counseling techniques, therapeutic interventions, or ethical standards.
Conferences or conventions that offer mental health-focused sessions.
University or college courses in counseling, therapy, or related mental health topics.
Distance learning or online courses from Board-approved providers.

It’s important to ensure that the activities you participate in are from approved organizations, like AAMFT or NBCC, and that they are directly related to your field of practice. Keeping detailed documentation of your participation is essential for renewal and any potential audits by the Virginia Board of Counseling.

Resources for CE: Agents of Change Continuing Education offers over 150 NBCC-approved courses that meet Virginia’s Counselor and Therapist CE requirements.

4) Conclusion

Maintaining an active counseling or therapy license in Virginia requires staying vigilant about licensure renewal deadlines and fulfilling continuing education (CE) requirements. By ensuring that you meet these obligations, you safeguard your professional standing and demonstrate your commitment to providing high-quality mental health services. Whether you’re an LPC, LMFT, or LSATP, understanding the specific requirements for your license type is crucial for a smooth renewal process.

Continuing education, in particular, plays a vital role in the ongoing professional development of counselors and therapists. By engaging in relevant workshops, courses, and ethics training, you stay informed about advancements in the field, refine your skills, and uphold the ethical standards that govern the profession. Failing to meet CE obligations can result in penalties and lapses in licensure, so it’s essential to plan your CE activities well in advance of your renewal date.

Resources like Agents of Change Continuing Education provide accessible and varied learning opportunities for Counselors and Therapists to meet Continuing Education requirements. Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education.

We’ve helped thousands of Counselors and Therapists with their Continuing Education and want you to be next!

► Learn more about the Agents of Change Continuing Education here: Agents of Change Continuing Education

About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing Continuing Education for Counselors, Therapists, and Social Workersfor more than 10 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created Agents of Change Continuing Education to help Counselors, Therapists, and Social Workers stay up-to-date on the latest trends, research, and techniques.

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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment