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Virginia Board of Counseling
Guidance Documents

The Code of Virginia requires annual publication of lists of guidance documents from state agencies. A guidance document is defined as "...any document developed by a state agency or staff that provides information or guidance of general applicability to the staff or public to interpret or implement statutes or the agency's rules or regulations..." Agencies are required to maintain a complete, current list of all guidance documents and make the full text of such documents available to the public.

Copies of the following documents may be viewed during regular work days from 8:15 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the offices of the Department of Health Professions, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond Virginia 23233-1463 . Copies may also be downloaded by clicking on the links below or from the Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.state.va.us or requested by email at coun@dhp.virginia.gov. Questions regarding interpretation or implementation of these documents or requests for copies may be directed to Evelyn Brown, Executive Director of the board at the address above or by telephone at (804) 367-4610. Copies are free of charge.

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For the other files you'll need Microsoft Word or the free viewer.

115-1.1: Possible Disciplinary or Alternative Actions for Non-Compliance with Continuing Education Requirements, February 17, 2006

115-1.2: Bylaws, effective June 3, 2005

115-1.3: Guidance on Meeting Degree Program Requirements for Professional Counseling Licensure, adopted August 8, 2008

115-1.4: Guidance on Technology-Assisted Counseling and Technology-Assisted Supervision, adopted August 8, 2008

115-2 Newsletters

115-2.1: 1987. Resolution that hypnosis is an appropriate counseling tool, an opinion that the term “psychotherapy” can be used by licensed professional counselors, and guidance in the use of educational credentials and unlicensed counselors.

115-2.2: 1990. Guidance on when a fee can be charged. (PDF)

115-4 Minutes of Board Meetings

115-4.2:May 19, 1995. Guidance that criminal history not be considered as a point of rejection for a certified substance abuse counselor, and that the Board refer the application to the Credentials Review Committee to determine eligibility.

115-4.6: August 27, 1999. Authorization for the Executive Director to conduct a preliminary review of discipline cases and make a recommendation to the Chair of the Discipline Committee or his designee for appropriate disposition. (PDF)

115-4.8: February 18, 2000. Attachment to minutes. Interpretation of the meaning of "state-approved facility" as used in §54.1-3500, and interpretation of what type of facilities may hire certified substance abuse counselors. (PDF)

115-4.9: May 5, 2000. Guidance regarding practica or internships completed in distance learning programs. (PDF)

115-4.11: Board guidance on use of confidential consent agreements, adopted February 27, 2004

115-4.12: Board guidance on the process of conducting informal fact-finding proceedings by an agency subordinate, November 5, 2004