Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Counseling
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Registration of Qualified Mental Health Professionals [18 VAC 115 ‑ 80]

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6/8/23  12:02 am
Commenter: Anonymous

Support for Independent Practice for Those at Master's Level with Experience
 

I do believe that an individual who has significant experience, and a Master's degree or higher, should be able to have an independent scope of practice. It is unfortunate that there are many qualified and experienced individuals in Virginia who can not practice independently despite having significant coursework and degrees related to psychotherapy. They should at least be able to practice independently as Master's-level QMHPs after they have 10 years of experience. Right now, even some individuals with 60 credit hour Master's degrees are never able to practice independently, which is really a shame when there is so much need for mental healthcare. This change would help provide more access to healthcare throughout Virginia. One of the Boards in Virginia needs to step in and solve this problem.

CommentID: 217085