Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Counseling
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Professional Counseling [18 VAC 115 ‑ 20]
 
Guidance Documents
 
Chapter Information
Description Establishes the qualifications for licensure, the requirements for renewal, and the standards of practice for licensed professional counselors.
State Authority Chapter 35 of Title 54.1
Federal Authority None entered
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Meetings See all meetings (13) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information
Name / Title: Maria S. Stransky  / Executive Director
Address: 9960 Mayland Drive
Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233
Email Address: maria.stransky@dhp.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)367-4610    FAX: ()-    TDD: ()-
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Implementation of 2026 periodic review for chapters 20, 50, and 60 NOIRA Governor's office has completed its review - Next step is Submission to the Registrar.
Removal of redundant provisions related to conversion therapy Proposed DPB review in progress.
Requirement for supervisors to submit evaluations and confirm resident hours within a set timeframe Proposed Governor's office has completed its review - Next step is Submission to the Registrar.
Implementation of the Counseling Compact Proposed Governor's office has completed its review - Next step is Submission to the Registrar.

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Regulatory amendments to licensure by endorsement Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/02/2026.
Reduction of residency requirements Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/18/2025.
Resident license Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/23/2021.
Unprofessional conduct - conversion therapy Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/18/2021.
Handling fee - returned check Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/15/2020.
Credential review for foreign graduates Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/04/2020.
Acceptance of doctoral practicum/internship hours towards residency requirements Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/16/2019.
Exemption from CE requirement for new licensees Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/28/2017.
Fee increase Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/08/2017.
CE for volunteer service Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/09/2017.
Periodic review Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/24/2016.
Regulatory reform changes Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/03/2014.
Fee reduction
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 04/14/2010.
Electronic submission of applications and renewals
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/14/2009.
Addition of AAPC to list of approved providers of CE and supervisor training Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/12/2009.
Change of address
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/05/2009.
Clarification of endorsement and reporting requirements Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/23/2009.
Requirements for residency; endorsement portability Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/03/2008.
Amendment to standard of conduct
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/25/2007.
Fee reduction
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 04/18/2007.
Reduction in renewal fee; conforming returned check fee to law
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 04/19/2006.
Name change of credentialing organization
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/22/2006.
Fee reduction
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/14/2006.
Consistency in standards of practice Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/11/2006.
Continuing competency Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/08/2004.
Amendments to regulations pursuant to Executive Order 15 (94) to clarify and simplify the regulations and reduce the burden on the public. Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 04/12/2000.
Fee increase Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 04/12/2000.

Withdrawn Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Regulatory reduction September 2022 Fast-Track Stage withdrawn on 08/02/2024 before the Secretary's office completed its review.
Changes resulting from periodic review Final Stage withdrawn on 08/02/2024 before Attorney General's office completed its review.
Requirement for CACREP accreditation for educational programs Proposed Stage withdrawn on 12/05/2019 before the Governor's office completed its review.
Periodic review 11 NOIRA Stage withdrawn on 03/12/2014 after the comment period had ended.
Portability of licensure NOIRA Stage withdrawn on 01/24/2007 after the comment period had ended.
Name change on credentialing organization Fast-Track Stage withdrawn on 01/31/2006 before DPB completed its review.
Periodic review pursuant to Executive Order 25 NOIRA Stage withdrawn on 06/19/2003 before the Governor's office completed its review.
Periodic review pursuant to Executive Order 25 NOIRA Stage withdrawn on 06/19/2003 prior to submission to DPB.

Periodic Reviews
Last Activity Status
1/22/2026 Agency Completed Amend
2/28/2019 Agency Completed Amend
10/16/2012 Agency Completed Amend
5/3/2013 Agency Completed Retain As Is
3/22/2001 Agency Completed Amend