2026 How to Become a Mental Health Counselor in Virginia Beach, VA: Education Requirements & Certification

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Becoming a mental health counselor in Virginia Beach, VA means planning for graduate school, supervised clinical training, state licensure, and a job market shaped by community mental health needs, military family services, trauma care, substance use treatment, and telehealth. The Virginia Beach metro area's population is estimated at 1,505,000 for 2025, which helps explain why employers continue to need qualified counselors across healthcare, private practice, schools, residential treatment, and community-based settings.

This guide is for students comparing counseling degree programs, career changers mapping out licensure, and out-of-state counselors who want to understand Virginia’s requirements before relocating. You will learn the education pathway, licensing steps, financial aid options, in-demand specialties, salary expectations, work settings, continuing education rules, and mistakes to avoid before investing time and money in this career path.

Quick answer: How do you become a mental health counselor in Virginia Beach?

To become a mental health counselor in Virginia Beach, you generally need a bachelor’s degree, a qualifying 60-credit master’s degree in counseling, a 600-hour supervised internship, Resident in Counseling approval, 3,400 hours of supervised post-graduate residency with at least 2,000 direct client hours, and a passing score on the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination. After completing the required documentation, background-related steps, and application process through the Virginia Board of Counseling, candidates can qualify for Licensed Professional Counselor status.

Key benefits of becoming a mental health counselor in Virginia Beach, VA

Meaningful local demand: Virginia Beach’s need for counseling services is supported by rising mental health awareness, healthcare expansion, and diverse community needs.
Competitive earning potential: The average salary is often described as being around $55,000 annually, while specific salary estimates vary by licensure, experience, setting, and specialization.
Room to specialize: Counselors who build expertise in trauma, family systems, school counseling, telehealth, or substance abuse counseling may have more flexible career options.
Multiple work environments: Licensed counselors can work in hospitals, private practices, schools, community agencies, residential treatment centers, and integrated behavioral health teams.

Table of Contents

What education do you need to become a mental health counselor in Virginia Beach?
What financial aid options are available for counseling students?
What is the Virginia licensure process for mental health counselors?
Can out-of-state counselors transfer a license to Virginia?
Which counseling credentials and certificates can help your career?
Which counseling specializations are in demand in Virginia Beach?
How much do mental health counselors earn in Virginia Beach?
Can substance abuse counseling expand your career options?
How do you pursue an MFT license in Virginia Beach?
Are mental health counselors in demand in Virginia Beach?
Where do mental health counselors work in Virginia Beach?
What continuing education is required?
How difficult is it to become a mental health counselor in Virginia Beach?

What are the academic requirements to become a mental health counselor in Virginia Beach, VA?

The academic path starts before licensure. Virginia Beach counselors must meet Virginia’s statewide education standards, so the most important decision is choosing a graduate program that aligns with the Virginia Board of Counseling’s requirements. A counseling-related bachelor’s degree can help, but the master’s degree is the credential that determines whether you can move toward professional licensure.

Requirement	What it means for Virginia Beach counseling candidates	Decision tip
Bachelor’s degree	You must complete a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Virginia does not require one specific undergraduate major.	Psychology, counseling, social work, human services, or behavioral science coursework can make graduate admission and early clinical training easier.
Master’s degree	You need a counseling master’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 60 graduate credit hours.	Before enrolling, confirm that the curriculum covers Virginia’s required content areas and supports LPC eligibility.
Core coursework	The program must address 12 core content areas aligned with counseling accreditation expectations such as CACREP standards.	Ask the program for a licensure disclosure or Virginia LPC curriculum map.
Graduate admission prerequisites	Programs commonly expect prior coursework in psychology or behavioral sciences; some may look for human development, statistics, or introductory counseling.	If you lack prerequisites, ask whether you can complete them before or during early graduate enrollment.
Internship	A 600-hour supervised internship is required during the master’s program.	Check whether the school helps students secure internship sites in or near Virginia Beach.
Typical timeline	The combined undergraduate and graduate education path usually takes 6 to 7 years after high school.	Part-time study can extend the timeline, while transfer credits or accelerated formats may shorten some portions.

A strong program should prepare you for clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, ethics, group counseling, multicultural practice, crisis response, and supervised client contact. If a program is online, the coursework may be remote, but internship placement and post-graduate residency still require careful local planning.

Are there financial aid programs for mental health counselors in Virginia Beach, VA?

Graduate counseling programs can be expensive, so financial planning should begin before you apply. In Virginia Beach, students may combine federal aid, institutional scholarships, service-based programs, assistantships, and employer support. The best option depends on whether you are willing to commit to a service obligation, study full time, work while enrolled, or pursue a specific employer pathway such as Veterans Affairs.

Financial aid option	What it may cover	Best fit	Important trade-off
Vet Center Scholarship Program	Up to two years of graduate study for candidates pursuing credentials such as Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors, plus tuition support and a monthly stipend increased to $1,300 in 2024.	Students who want to serve veterans and are comfortable with a VA-related career path.	Recipients agree to a six-year full-time commitment at a VA Vet Center.
Health Professionals Scholarship Program	Financial aid and monthly payments for eligible health disciplines, including mental health counseling.	Students open to working in VA facilities after graduation.	Requires at least two years of post-graduate service at a VA facility.
Institutional scholarships	Merit- and need-based awards from schools such as Regent University and South University, both described as CACREP-accredited.	Applicants with strong academic records, financial need, or program-specific eligibility.	Awards vary and may not cover the full cost of attendance.
FAFSA-based aid	Federal and state aid eligibility depending on student status and program participation.	Most graduate students seeking loans or other aid options.	Borrowing affects long-term return on investment, so compare total debt against realistic earnings.
Graduate assistantships or campus roles	Possible tuition remission, stipends, or paid experience through university departments.	Students who can balance employment with coursework and clinical placement.	Availability is limited and may require early application.
Professional association scholarships	Scholarships for counseling students, including opportunities through organizations such as the American Counseling Association.	Students who want counseling-specific awards beyond school-based aid.	Competitive applications often require essays, recommendations, or professional goals.

Do not evaluate cost by tuition alone. Include fees, books, commuting, technology, internship travel, unpaid clinical hours, exam fees, application fees, and the possibility of reduced work hours during residency. If you are comparing program timelines and budgeting, Research.com’s guide on how long it takes to become a counselor can help you estimate the full training period.

The chart below shows the types of institutions offering CACREP-accredited programs:

What is the licensure process for mental health counselors in Virginia Beach, VA?

Virginia Beach counselors follow the licensing rules set by the Virginia Board of Counseling. The credential most candidates pursue is Licensed Professional Counselor, or LPC. The process is sequential: complete the required graduate education, finish the internship, obtain Resident in Counseling status, complete supervised residency hours, pass the required examination, and submit the final LPC application.

Complete a qualifying graduate counseling program. Your master’s degree must include at least 60 graduate credits and the required counseling content areas.
Finish the 600-hour internship. This internship is completed during graduate training and is required before moving into post-graduate supervised practice.
Apply for Resident in Counseling status. The Resident in Counseling temporary license allows you to work under approved supervision while completing post-master’s clinical hours.
Accumulate supervised residency experience. Virginia requires 3,400 hours of supervised residency, including at least 2,000 hours of direct client contact in a counseling setting.
Track supervision carefully. Keep organized records because documentation may be reviewed. Up to 300 internship hours can count toward residency if they were completed after 30 graduate credits.
Pass the NCMHCE. The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors and is required for LPC candidates.
Submit the LPC application. Candidates file the completed application, pay the $175 fee, and complete the National Practitioner Data Bank background query requirement.
Maintain your Resident in Counseling license while finishing the process. The RC license must be renewed annually until full licensure is approved, and candidates must meet continuing education expectations, including a yearly three-hour ethics course.

If you are still choosing a program, compare curriculum, internship support, licensure disclosures, faculty credentials, and student outcomes. Online study can be practical for working adults, but only if it supports Virginia’s clinical requirements. Research.com’s list of best rated counseling degree online programs may be useful as a starting point when comparing options.

Licensure checklist before you enroll

Does the master’s program include at least 60 graduate credit hours?
Does the curriculum cover Virginia’s required 12 content areas?
Is a 600-hour supervised internship built into the degree?
Will the school provide written confirmation that the program supports Virginia LPC eligibility?
Can the program help you find internship sites in the Virginia Beach area?
Does the program’s schedule allow you to work, complete practicum or internship hours, and prepare for post-graduate residency?

Is there license reciprocity for mental health counselors in Virginia Beach, VA?

Virginia does not offer automatic license reciprocity for mental health counselors. A counselor licensed in another state cannot simply transfer the license and begin independent practice in Virginia Beach. Instead, Virginia uses licensure by endorsement, which means the Virginia Board of Counseling reviews whether the applicant’s education, supervised experience, exam history, and license standing meet Virginia’s standards.

To pursue endorsement, applicants generally need an active, unrestricted license from another state and must show at least two years of independent clinical experience within the last five years. They must also document that their graduate education and supervised clinical training are comparable to Virginia’s requirements, including a 600-hour supervised internship with at least 240 hours of direct client contact.

This pathway can be efficient for experienced counselors, but it is not guaranteed. Out-of-state professionals should request official transcripts, supervision records, internship documentation, license verification, and exam records before relocating or accepting a Virginia Beach role. The most common delay is missing documentation, not lack of clinical experience.

If you are moving to Virginia Beach from another state	What to verify before applying
You hold an active, unrestricted counseling license	Confirm that your license type is comparable to Virginia’s LPC credential.
You have independent clinical experience	Document at least two years of independent clinical experience within the last five years.
Your graduate program differed from Virginia’s requirements	Ask the Board or your school whether your coursework and internship meet Virginia’s standards.
Your internship hours were structured differently	Prepare evidence of the 600-hour internship and at least 240 direct client contact hours.
You want to start work quickly	Do not assume approval will be immediate; plan for application review time and possible follow-up requests.

What counseling certifications can you get in Virginia Beach, VA?

Licensure and certification are not the same. Licensure gives legal authority to practice within a regulated scope, while certificates and specialty credentials can deepen expertise, support continuing education, or make you more competitive for specific roles. In Virginia Beach, the LPC is the core credential for independent professional counseling practice.

Credential or certificate	Purpose	Who should consider it
Licensed Professional Counselor	Allows independent counseling practice in Virginia after the required degree, internship, residency, exam, and application steps.	Candidates who want to diagnose, treat, open a practice, supervise, or qualify for clinical counseling roles.
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Can strengthen clinical preparation and help professionals meet selected continuing education or credentialing goals.	Graduates or working professionals who need additional coursework or clinical specialization; it does not replace initial licensure.
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Trauma Counseling	Focuses on trauma assessment, intervention methods, and trauma-informed care.	Licensed or license-seeking counselors who want to work in crisis centers, hospitals, community agencies, or trauma-focused practices.

Before paying for any certificate, ask whether it is designed for licensure, post-licensure specialization, continuing education, or professional development only. A certificate can be valuable, but it should solve a specific career problem rather than simply add another line to a résumé.

What types of counseling specializations are in demand in Virginia Beach, VA?

Virginia Beach’s counseling needs reflect a mix of general community mental health concerns, military-connected family stressors, youth mental health needs, trauma exposure, relationship challenges, and substance use concerns. Counselors who can combine core clinical skills with a focused specialty may be better positioned for roles in agencies, hospitals, schools, and private practices.

Specialization	Common client needs	Where it can lead
Clinical mental health counseling	Anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment issues, mood concerns, and complex life stressors.	Private practice, hospitals, outpatient clinics, community mental health, integrated behavioral health.
Marriage and family therapy	Couple conflict, family communication, parenting stress, separation, blended family concerns, and military family transitions.	Family therapy practices, community agencies, military-adjacent services, relationship-focused clinics.
School counseling	Academic planning, student emotional wellness, social challenges, crisis response, and family-school coordination.	K-12 schools, student support services, youth-focused agencies.
Child and adolescent counseling	Behavioral concerns, developmental challenges, anxiety, trauma, grief, and family stress affecting younger clients.	Pediatric behavioral health, schools, outpatient therapy, family service agencies.
Trauma counseling	Post-traumatic stress symptoms, crisis recovery, grief, abuse histories, and safety-related clinical concerns.	Crisis centers, hospitals, residential programs, veterans services, specialized group practices.
Substance abuse counseling	Substance use concerns, relapse prevention, co-occurring disorders, family impact, and recovery planning.	Residential treatment, outpatient recovery programs, hospitals, community agencies, private practice with dual-focus services.

Advanced study can make sense for counselors who want to teach, supervise, conduct research, or move into leadership. If that long-term path interests you, compare options carefully; Research.com’s guide to cheap online PhD in counseling programs can help you evaluate doctoral study from a cost perspective.

Meanwhile, the chart below shows the most common college majors of mental health counselors in the U.S.

How much do mental health counselors typically earn in Virginia Beach, VA?

Mental health counselor pay in Virginia Beach depends heavily on license status, employer type, caseload, specialty, schedule, supervision responsibilities, and whether the counselor works for an organization or builds a private practice. Salary figures should be treated as estimates, not guarantees.

Salary category	Reported or estimated pay	What may influence this range
Mental health counselor average	Approximately $57,182 annually, or about $27.49 per hour, as of mid-2025.	Entry-level roles, agency employment, general counseling positions, and non-independent roles may fall near this level.
Entry-level mental health counselor	Closer to $41,800 annually.	New graduates, pre-licensed counselors, limited specialization, or lower-paying agency roles may start here.
More experienced mental health counselor	Near $64,400 annually.	Experience, stronger clinical skills, specialized caseloads, and stable employer settings can support higher pay.
Top 10% mental health counselor estimate	Up to $88,896 annually.	Advanced experience, specialization, leadership responsibilities, or high-demand roles may contribute.
Licensed mental health counselor estimate	Estimated at $71,543 yearly, or roughly $34.40 hourly.	Independent licensure can increase access to higher-paying clinical roles.
Typical licensed mental health counselor range	Most earn between $55,500 and $83,500.	Setting, payer mix, caseload, and experience all matter.
Top-tier licensed mental health counselor estimate	Can exceed $96,000.	Specialization, private practice, supervisory work, or advanced clinical niches may affect earnings.
Mental health therapist estimate	Some reports indicate around $139,442 annually.	This may reflect specialized roles, unusual compensation structures, or regional reporting differences.
Virginia Beach Counseling and Wellness therapist estimate	About $53.49 per hour.	Employer-specific pay can differ significantly from broader local averages.

The main salary lesson is simple: licensure usually matters. A Resident in Counseling is still building supervised experience, while a fully licensed LPC can qualify for more independent roles, broader employer options, and in some cases private practice. Specializations in trauma, substance abuse, family therapy, and telehealth may also affect opportunities, but salary outcomes are never automatic.

If you are comparing degree costs against future earnings, look beyond tuition and verify accreditation, internship support, and licensure alignment. Research.com’s resource on affordable CACREP-accredited online counseling programs can help you evaluate lower-cost options without ignoring program quality.

Do counselor educators earn good salaries?

Can expanding into substance abuse counseling benefit your career?

Yes, adding substance abuse counseling skills can strengthen a mental health counseling career, especially when clients present with both mental health and substance use concerns. Counselors with dual competency may be better prepared for roles in outpatient treatment, residential care, hospitals, recovery programs, and community agencies. This specialization can also make clinical work more integrated because substance use, trauma, anxiety, depression, family stress, and crisis intervention often overlap.

However, substance abuse counseling should be pursued intentionally. Before choosing additional coursework or certification, check whether the credential fits Virginia requirements, whether it supports your target job setting, and whether your supervised experience includes clients with co-occurring conditions. For a focused pathway, see Research.com’s guide on how to become a substance abuse counselor in Virginia Beach.

How Can I Secure an MFT License in Virginia Beach, VA?

Marriage and family therapy is a related but distinct licensure path. Candidates who want to specialize in relational therapy must complete training focused on family systems, couple dynamics, ethics, assessment, and interventions designed for families and relationships rather than only individual counseling. Supervised clinical experience must also match the expectations of the MFT pathway.

This route is a strong fit if you want to work primarily with couples, families, parenting concerns, relational trauma, divorce adjustment, blended families, or military family transitions. It may not be the best choice if your primary goal is broad individual clinical mental health counseling under the LPC pathway. For step-by-step details, review Research.com’s guide to MFT license requirements in Virginia Beach.

Are mental health counselors in demand in Virginia Beach, VA?

Mental health counselors are needed in Virginia Beach across several settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, community agencies, schools, and treatment centers. Demand is supported by greater public awareness of mental health, expanded behavioral health services, and the need for clinicians who can support diverse populations.

Employers may look for full-time, part-time, evening, weekend, in-person, hybrid, or telehealth availability. Candidates with Virginia-aligned licensure progress, trauma training, family therapy experience, substance abuse counseling knowledge, or experience with high-need populations may be more competitive. That said, demand does not remove the need for strong supervision records, ethical practice, interview preparation, and local networking.

: "
“Finding a position wasn’t just about meeting qualifications. It was about showing that I understood the community, could adapt to different clinical settings, and had developed real skills through internship and supervision.”
"

This local perspective captures an important reality: Virginia Beach can offer meaningful opportunities, but new counselors still need persistence. Clinical readiness, professional references, internship performance, and relationships with local providers often influence early job prospects.

How to improve your employability as a new counselor

Choose internship sites that match your target specialty or employer type.
Keep detailed logs of direct client contact, supervision, and clinical duties.
Build experience with assessment, treatment planning, documentation, and crisis protocols.
Seek training in trauma-informed care, substance use, telehealth ethics, and multicultural counseling.
Network with supervisors, alumni, local agencies, and professional counseling groups before graduation.
Prepare to explain your licensure timeline clearly during interviews.

Where do mental health counselors typically work in Virginia Beach, VA?

Mental health counselors in Virginia Beach work in settings that differ in pace, client acuity, schedule, documentation requirements, and autonomy. Choosing the right work environment is one of the most important career decisions after graduation.

Work setting	Typical responsibilities	Best fit for counselors who want	Potential challenges
Hospitals and healthcare systems	Behavioral health assessment, treatment planning, crisis support, discharge planning, and coordination with medical teams. Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital is one example of this type of setting.	Interdisciplinary care, medical collaboration, and experience with acute or complex cases.	Fast pace, higher documentation demands, and emotionally intense cases.
Private counseling practices	Individual, couples, family, or group therapy in solo or group practice settings. Virginia Beach Counseling Services is one example of a local provider environment.	More autonomy, outpatient therapy, and potentially more predictable daytime scheduling.	Caseload building, insurance issues, business operations, and variable income in some roles.
Psychiatric and residential treatment centers	Crisis intervention, group therapy, individual counseling, safety planning, and structured support for clients with serious or ongoing mental health needs. Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center is one example.	Intensive clinical work, team-based care, and experience with higher-acuity clients.	Shift work, nights or weekends, burnout risk, and complex client presentations.
Schools and youth-serving organizations	Student support, family coordination, crisis response, emotional wellness programming, and academic or social guidance.	Working with children, adolescents, families, and prevention-focused services.	Large caseloads, school-year cycles, and coordination with parents, teachers, and administrators.
Community agencies	Outpatient counseling, case coordination, group services, intake, referrals, and support for underserved clients.	Mission-driven work, broad experience, and exposure to diverse client needs.	Administrative workload, funding limits, and complex social service needs.
Telehealth or hybrid practice	Remote counseling, digital documentation, safety planning, and online client engagement.	Flexible service delivery and broader client access.	Technology reliability, privacy compliance, emergency planning, and state practice rules.

What are the continuing education and professional development requirements?

Virginia Beach counselors must follow the continuing education requirements set by the Virginia Board of Counseling to maintain licensure and stay current in practice. Continuing education commonly includes approved workshops, seminars, conferences, ethics training, clinical skills training, and updates on changes in regulations or treatment methods.

Professional development should not be treated as a last-minute renewal task. The strongest counselors use it to build better clinical judgment, reduce risk, and move toward a specialty. Topics such as trauma-informed care, evidence-based treatment, telehealth practice, documentation, suicide risk assessment, multicultural counseling, supervision, and co-occurring disorders can be especially useful depending on the setting.

If you want a pathway that connects education, residency, licensure, and ongoing professional development, Research.com’s guide on how to become a therapist in Virginia Beach provides additional planning context.

Is it challenging to become a mental health counselor in Virginia Beach, VA?

Yes. The pathway is demanding because it requires years of education, a substantial internship, thousands of supervised clinical hours, a national examination, careful documentation, and ongoing professional development. The work itself can also be emotionally difficult, particularly when serving clients facing trauma, crisis, family instability, substance use, grief, or severe symptoms.

The core requirements include a master’s degree with at least 60 graduate credits and 12 specified courses, a 600-hour internship, and a supervised post-master’s residency totaling 3,400 hours, including at least 2,000 direct client hours. Candidates must also pass a comprehensive written exam, submit a detailed application, and complete required background-related steps.

The challenge is not only academic. New counselors must learn how to manage clinical risk, maintain boundaries, handle documentation, receive supervision, respond to crisis situations, and prevent burnout. Counselors working with co-occurring disorders or trauma may need additional training before feeling fully prepared.

Common mistake	Why it causes problems	Better approach
Choosing a program without checking licensure alignment	A degree that does not meet Virginia requirements can delay or block LPC eligibility.	Ask for written confirmation that the program supports Virginia LPC requirements.
Focusing only on tuition	Lower tuition may not offset weak internship support, poor advising, or added travel and fee costs.	Compare total cost, placement support, faculty access, accreditation, and completion timeline.
Assuming online programs automatically meet Virginia rules	Online coursework does not guarantee that internship, residency, or state-specific coursework requirements are satisfied.	Review state authorization, licensure disclosures, internship expectations, and Virginia Board requirements.
Waiting too long to find an internship site	Clinical placements can be competitive and may determine your later employment network.	Start placement planning early and ask schools how they support Virginia Beach students.
Keeping weak supervision records	Missing hour logs or incomplete supervisor documentation can slow licensure approval.	Track direct client hours, supervision hours, site details, and supervisor approvals consistently.
Assuming salary outcomes are guaranteed	Pay depends on license status, setting, experience, specialty, and employer.	Compare local job postings and estimate debt repayment before committing to a program.
Ignoring burnout prevention	High-acuity work without support can lead to stress, compassion fatigue, or early career exit.	Use supervision well, choose sustainable caseloads when possible, and pursue training in boundaries and self-care.

Despite the difficulty, the career can be rewarding for people who are committed to ethical practice, lifelong learning, and direct service. If you are still exploring whether counseling is the right field, Research.com’s guide to jobs with a counseling degree can help you compare career outcomes before choosing a licensure track.

What is a common mental health issue among U.S. college students?

What Mental Health Counselors in Virginia Beach, VA Say About Their Careers

: "
“Working as a mental health counselor in Virginia Beach has given me a stable career and a salary that helps support my family. Qualified counselors are needed here, and that makes the field feel like a strong long-term choice.” – Jeremy
"

: "
“The work can be complex because clients come from many backgrounds and bring different needs. That challenge has pushed me to keep learning, adjust my approach, and become more creative clinically.” – Michelle
"

: "
“Professional development has made a major difference for me. Workshops, certifications, mentors, and peer connections have helped me grow while improving the care I provide.” – Sophia
"

Key insights

The LPC pathway is structured and time-intensive. Expect a qualifying 60-credit master’s degree, a 600-hour internship, Resident in Counseling status, 3,400 supervised residency hours, at least 2,000 direct client hours, and the NCMHCE.
Program choice matters more than convenience. Before enrolling, verify accreditation, Virginia licensure alignment, internship support, faculty advising, and total cost.
Virginia does not offer automatic reciprocity. Out-of-state counselors must pursue licensure by endorsement and document comparable education, internship, experience, and license status.
Licensure can improve earning potential. Reported estimates show higher pay for licensed counselors than for many entry-level or pre-licensed roles, but compensation still depends on setting, experience, and specialization.
Specialization can make you more competitive. Trauma counseling, substance abuse counseling, marriage and family therapy, school counseling, and child and adolescent counseling align with important local needs.
Financial aid may come with obligations. VA scholarship pathways can reduce education costs, but service commitments must fit your career goals.
The best candidates plan early. Track hours carefully, build a strong internship network, use supervision well, and choose continuing education that supports your target practice area.

References:

Become a Counselor in Virginia (VA): State Licensing & Schools https://www.counselingschools.com/licenses/virginia
Counseling Licensure Requirements In Virginia | Psychology.org https://www.psychology.org/counseling/licensure/virginia
How to Become a Licensed Therapist | Regent University https://www.regent.edu/blog/how-to-become-a-licensed-therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor Certification in Virginia https://vastudentservices-clc.org/learning-center/school-counselor-webinar-library
Local Training Finder for Mental Health Counselors in Virginia Beach, VA | CareerOneStop https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-local-training-results.aspx
MA in Mental Health Counseling | UIndy https://uindy.edu/cebs/pllsswc/counseling/master-of-arts-in-mental-health-counseling
Virginia Beach Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) Degree | South University https://www.southuniversity.edu/virginia-beach/clinical-mental-health-counseling-ma
Virginia Counseling Licensure RC and LCP Resources and Requirements https://www.publichealthonline.org/mental-health/virginia-counseling-licensure
Virginia Counseling License Requirements https://www.counselingdegreeguide.org/licensure/virginia
Virginia Psychology & Social Work Licensure | All Psychology Schools https://www.allpsychologyschools.com/licensing/virginia
Virginia Training for Mental Health Counselors at My Next Move for Veterans https://www.mynextmove.org/vets/profile/localtraining/21-1014.00 https://www.allpsychologyschools.com/licensing/virginia/ https://www.counselingschools.com/licenses/virginia

Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a Mental Health Counselor in Virginia Beach, VA

What continuing education is required for mental health counselors in Virginia Beach, VA in 2026?

In 2026, mental health counselors in Virginia Beach are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their license. This includes 2 hours in ethics and at least 2 hours in courses focused on substance abuse.

How long does it take to become a licensed mental health counselor in Virginia Beach, VA in 2026?

To become a licensed mental health counselor in Virginia Beach, VA, in 2026, you generally need a master's degree in counseling, which takes around 2-3 years post-bachelor's degree. Additionally, completing 3,400 hours of supervised work experience can add approximately 2 years. Therefore, it typically takes 4-6 years overall.

What are the key steps to becoming a licensed mental health counselor in Virginia Beach, VA in 2026?

To become a licensed mental health counselor in Virginia Beach, VA in 2026, earn a master's degree in counseling, complete a supervised clinical experience, and pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination. Additionally, you must apply for licensure through the Virginia Board of Counseling.