Behavioral Health Technicians (BHT)

First Time Registration - Application

This application is for individuals who has completed an associate’s or higher degree and has completed 40 hours of didactic training from  an approved training program andwould like to be registered as BHT.   

Requirements for Application:  

Any person pursuing registration as a BHT in Virginia will need the following: 

1. Education: Completed an associate’s degree or higher from an institution of higher education accredited on the U.S. Department of Education College Accreditation database.
2. Didactic Education Training: Complete 40 hours of didactic training from the list of approved trainings in the Approved Training for Registration as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) policy document.

Follow these steps to apply for Licensure by Endorsement

• Laws regarding the Practice of Counseling in the state of Virginia.
• Regulations regarding the Regulations Governing the Practice of Behavioral Health Technicians and Behavioral Health Technician Assistants.
• BHT and BHT-A Registration Process Handbook

• Review the Application Instructions for Registration as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) for the documents needed to submit with your online application.
• Gather and request the necessary documents.

Do not start the online application until you have requested or obtained the applicable documents from Step 2.   Submitting incomplete applications will delay the review and approval process. 

Begin the Online Application:

• Register for an Account or Login if you have an existing account.
• Select Initial Application from the menu.
• Select ‘Counseling’ as the Profession.
• Select ‘Behavioral Health Technician' as the License Type.
• Select ‘Application’ as the Obtained by Method.
• Click ‘Start Application’. 

       Complete the Required Fields. 

Within the online application portal, upload the applicable documentation.  PDF file format is preferred. 

The following are possible documents you may be required to upload within the online application portal:

• Areas of Didactic Training
• Verification of Human Services Coursework
• Didactic Education Training Certificate(s)
• National Practitioners Data Bank Self-Query Report
• Verification of License/Certification/Registration
• Proof of Name Change
• Supporting Documentation for any criminal convictions, past actions, or possible impairments.

 Within the online application portal, pay the application fee.  

• The for Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) is $40.00.
• All fees are nonrefundable. 

• You will receive automated emails from bht@dhp.virginia.gov with your application status.
• You can also visit the Online Checklist to view the status of your application.
• If your name or address changes prior to receiving your certification, notify the Board as soon as possible in writing by submitting the Name/Address Change Form.
• Contact the Board with any questions: bht@dhp.virginia.gov or TEL: (804) 367-3053.