How to Become a Counselor in VA
Virginia is a land that is rich with American history. People come to Virginia from all over the world to see sights and enjoy the beautiful land.
For those that are seeking a master’s in counseling in Virginia, this state provides well for educational needs.
Arlington and Lynchburg are popular places for students to call home, offering programs in counseling psychology and school counseling. There are two of the most preferred degree programs throughout the state if you wish to find out how to become a counselor in VA.
Counseling is a rewarding career field in Virginia. Follow these steps to learn how to become a counselor in VA:
- Consider your career path: The licensing process and required degree can vary depending on the type of counseling or therapy you wish to practice.
- Complete a degree program: Most counseling positions require a master’s degree after you complete your bachelor’s degree, but the minimum educational requirements can vary.
- Become licensed in Virginia: Review the requirements set by the Virginia Board of Counseling and other licensing boards to see how you can legally practice counseling or therapy in Virginia. Most require a specific number of hours of supervision and an exam before you become a licensed counselor.
These steps to find out how to become a therapist in Virginia vary depending on your chosen field. For example, to become a licensed school counselor you must earn a relevant master’s degree, complete the required work experience, and apply for a school counselor license issued by the Virginia Department of Education.
Here are a few schools in Virginia with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:- College of William and Mary: M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.Ed. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling M.Ed. in School Counseling Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- Eastern Mennonite University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Hampton University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in School Counseling M.A. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
- James Madison University: M.A./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
AD
Counseling Programs Currently Accepting Applicants
Click Learn More for get in contact with the program admissions department.
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California
Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling
Prepares you for school counseling credential |
✔ Live, online classes
No GRE requirement |
Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required Learn More |
| Capella University
Counseling & Therapy
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required |
Offering Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling; and Advanced Studies in Human Behavior and Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD). Learn More |
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| Pepperdine University
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees
LPC/MFT emphases available. |
✔ Online
No GRE Required. Bachelor's Degree Required. |
Choose your path at Pepperdine: pursue licensure as either an LMFT or LPC and serve diverse clients with our online master’s in clinical psychology. GRE scores are not required to apply, and you can earn your degree in as few as 27 months. Take the next step toward creating a positive social impact today. Learn More |
| NYU Steinhardt
Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
 MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE not required; Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required |
As few as 21 months to complete Learn More |
| Pepperdine University
Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
|
✔ Online
No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree Required |
Bachelor's holders can prepare to become a licensed professional counselor online. With no GRE scores required to apply, the 24 month online MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine allows you to advance your career and be a catalyst of change. Learn More |
| NYU Steinhardt
Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling
MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's required. GRE scores are not required. |
Prepare to become a school counselor with NYU Steinhardt’s online master’s in Counseling and Guidance program. The online MA degree gives you the knowledge and skills to pursue certification and employment in pre-K–12 schools nationwide in as few as 18 mos. Bachelor’s required: Learn more. GRE scores are not required. Learn More |
| Our Lady of the Lake University
Online Master of Arts in Counseling
|
✔ Online
No GRE required. |
Help students navigate the emotional terrain of getting an education, empower people of all ages to overcome mental health hurdles, or support someone recovering from drug addiction as they obtain or maintain a job, with the Master of Arts in Counseling from OLLU. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Pastoral Counseling
SACSCOC |
✔ Online
100% online, 8-week courses |
If you want to help people work through life’s challenges, Liberty University’s non licensure pastoral counseling degree is a great option. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs
AD
✔ Online
☰ For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
AD
University of Southern California - Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling Capella University - Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Pepperdine University - Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees
NYU Steinhardt - Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC Accredited)
Our Lady of the Lake University - Online Master of Arts in Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Pastoral Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)
Counselor Salaries & Employment By Metro Area In Virginia
| City/Metro Area | Average Salary | Total Employed | Salary Range Lowest 25% to Highest 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | $59,820 | 6,040 | $36,950 to $78,700 |
| Richmond | $53,510 | 3,770 | $36,950 to $78,700 |
| Virginia Beach | $52,390 | 2,890 | $36,950 to $78,700 |
| Charlottesville | $50,730 | 580 | $36,950 to $78,700 |
| Lynchburg | $43,210 | 310 | $36,950 to $78,700 |
A Counseling Career in Virginia
Licensed counselors can enjoy varied positions, responsibilities, and work environments. Professional counselors are free to work in clinical settings or even start their own private practices. Many counselors work in inpatient or outpatient medical centers, hospitals, or government facilities.
Administering therapy and working directly with patients are advantages to being a licensed professional who has earned a master’s in counseling in Virginia. Provide substance abuse treatment as a substance abuse counselor, psychotherapy as an LPC, or marriage counseling as a licensed marriage and family therapist after completing the appropriate degree program and licensing requirements.
LPC Salary in Virginia
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health LPC salary in Virginia earned an average annual salary of $53,780 in 2020, which is more than the national average.
The BLS also projects nationwide job growth of 25% between 2019 and 2029, much faster than average. This means that there will likely be increasing job opportunities in the counseling field in the future.
If you are looking for Marriage and Family Therapy programs, go to our guide on MFT programs in Virginia.
Sources:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Counseling Specialties
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Virginia Department of Education
Virginia Department of Health Professions, Board of Counseling
Still Looking for a Counseling Degree?
Here are some of the most popular online counseling programs. On each page you will find a detailed write-up of the program, specific courses, and schools that offer that program that are currently accepting applicants.Virginia Counseling Licensure: Virginia Counseling Licensing Boards
Virginia Counseling Licensure
Board of Counseling
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Richmond, VA 23233
804/367-4610
[email protected]
www.dhp.virginia.gov/counseling
Licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
School Counseling Licensure
Department of Education Teacher Education and Licensure
James Monroe Building
PO Box 2120
Richmond, VA 23218-2120
(804) 225-2022
[email protected]
www.doe.virginia.gov
School Counselor [PreK-12]
Popular Online Counseling Programs
AD
University of Southern California 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Liberty University 🗹 Online
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 🗹 Online
Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited Virginia Counseling Degrees
CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs) is the top accrediting board for counseling programs. Below, you will find a list of all of the CACREP accredited counseling programs in Virginia. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.
College of William and Mary
⚐ Williamsburg
M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2022
M.Ed. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/1/2005 to 10/31/2022
M.Ed. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1998 to 10/31/2022
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1998 to 10/31/2022
Eastern Mennonite University
⚐ Harrisonburg
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/13/2016 to 10/31/2025
Hampton University
⚐ Hampton
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
M.A. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
M.A. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
James Madison University
⚐ Harrisonburg
M.A./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/14/2010 to 3/31/2028
M.Ed. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1994 to 3/31/2028
M.Ed./Ed.S. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1996 to 3/31/2020
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 3/31/2028
Liberty University
⚐ Lynchburg
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/19/2019 to 3/31/2023
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/9/2013 to 3/31/2023
M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/5/2015 to 3/31/2023
M.Ed. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/9/2015 to 10/31/2023
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 5/12/2016 to 3/31/2023
Liberty University - School of Behavioral Sciences
⚐ Lynchburg
M.Ed. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
Longwood University
⚐ Farmville
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/18/2018 to 3/31/2028
M.S. in College Counseling and Student Affairs
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/18/2018 to 3/31/2028
M.S. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/18/2018 to 3/31/2028
Marymount University
⚐ Arlington
Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 3/31/2025
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/10/2014 to 3/31/2025
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/10/2012 to 3/31/2025
M.A. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/2000 to 3/31/2025
Old Dominion University
⚐ Norfolk
M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/10/2007 to 3/31/2028
M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1995 to 3/31/2028
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/10/2007 to 3/31/2028
Radford University
⚐ Radford
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/4/2011 to 3/31/2028
M.S. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1994 to 3/31/2028
Regent University
⚐ Virginia Beach
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2024
M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2024
M.A. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1999 to 3/31/2024
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/18/2006 to 3/31/2024
South University, Richmond
⚐ Glen Allen
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
South University, Virginia Beach Campus
⚐ Virginia Beach
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2020
University of Lynchburg
⚐ Lynchburg
M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/9/2015 to 10/31/2019
M.Ed. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1992 to 10/31/2019
University of Lynchburg (formerly Lynchburg College)
⚐ Lynchburg
M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2022
M.Ed. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1990 to 10/31/2022
University of Virginia
⚐ Charlottesville
M.Ed. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1978 to 10/31/2027
Virginia Commonwealth University
⚐ Richmond
M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Affairs
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/10/2007 to 3/31/2025
M.Ed. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/10/2007 to 3/31/2025
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/13/2017 to 10/31/2023
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/5/2015 to 3/31/2025
Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University
⚐ Blacksburg
Ed.D./Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1998 to 10/31/2023
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
M.A. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1998 to 10/31/2023
All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Virginia
View all programs in Virginia below, or jump to all Virginia CACREP accredited counseling programs.Averett University Danville
- Bachelors - Clinical Counseling
College of William and Mary Williamsburg
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Eastern Mennonite University Harrisonburg
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Hampton University Hampton
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
- M.A. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
James Madison University Harrisonburg
- Doctorate - Clinical Counseling
- M.A./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- M.Ed./Ed.S. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Liberty University Lynchburg
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Liberty University - School of Behavioral Sciences Lynchburg
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
Longwood University Farmville
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in College Counseling and Student Affairs
- M.S. in School Counseling
Marymount University Arlington
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Old Dominion University Norfolk
- M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Radford University Radford
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
Regent University Virginia Beach
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
South University, Richmond Glen Allen
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
South University, Virginia Beach Campus Virginia Beach
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Lynchburg Lynchburg
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
University of Lynchburg (formerly Lynchburg College) Lynchburg
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
University of Virginia Charlottesville
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
- M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Affairs
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg
- Doctorate - School Counseling
Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University Blacksburg
- Ed.D./Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
