Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)-By Endorsement

Application by Endorsement

This application is for individuals who hold an active, unrestricted, independent, equivalent professional counseling license in another jurisdiction. A person applying to be a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) by Endorsement in Virginia can apply using 1 of the 3 Endorsement Pathways depending upon their post-licensure experience.

Requirements for Application:

Please review the table below to determine which Endorsement Pathway is applicable to you, and then follow the detailed licensure process steps in theLPC Licensure Process Handbook and the Application Instructions for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) by Endorsement for that Pathway.

License	Active Practice	Education	Supervised Experience	Pathway to Choose
I have an active, unrestricted, independent counseling license in another state.	I have provided post-licensure active clinical practice* for 24 of the last 60 months.	I met the licensing state’s education requirements for licensure.	I met the licensing state’s supervised experience for licensure.	Pathway #1 See page 27 of the LPC Licensure Process Handbook for detailed requirements.
I have an active, unrestricted, independent counseling license in another state.	I have NOT provided post-licensure active clinical practice* for 24 of the last 60 months.	I have verified that my education meets the requirements of 18VAC-115-20-49 and 18VAC115-20-51**	I have verified that my supervised experience meets the requirements of 18VAC-115-20-52**	Pathway #2 See page 29 of the LPC Licensure Process Handbook for detailed requirements.
I have an active, unrestricted, independent counseling license in another state.	I met the active practice, education, and supervised experience requirements to obtain a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) credential from NBCC and hold a current CCMHC credential.			Pathway #3 See page 32 of the LPC Licensure Process Handbook for detailed requirements.

*Clinical practice means the rendering of direct clinical counseling services or clinical supervision of counseling services. Experience obtained during a residency or internship does not count towards the 24 months. The experience must be post-licensure.
**You will be required to show evidence that your education and supervised experience meets the requirements of 18VAC-115-20-49, 18VAC115-20-51, and 18VAC-115-20-52

Follow these steps to apply for Licensure by Endorsement

Step 1. Read:

Laws regarding the Practice of Counseling in the state of Virginia
Regulations regarding the Practice of Professional Counseling in the state of Virginia.
LPC Licensure Process Handbook. This handbook provides detailed information about the required documents and process to obtain a license.

Step 2. Gather & Request Supporting Documentation:

Review the Application Instructions for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) by Endorsement for the documents needed to submit with your online application.
Gather and request the necessary documents.

Step 3. Apply:

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 ‘‘Licensed Professional Counselor” as the License Type.
Select ‘Endorsement’ as the Obtained by Method.
Click ‘Start Application’.

Complete the Required Fields.

Step 4. Upload Documentation:

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

Please refer to the LPC Licensure Process Handbook and the Application Instructions for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) by Endorsement for documents that are required for the Pathway that fits your specific experience.

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

National Practitioners Data Bank Self-Query Report
Proof of License Verification
Certified Copy of your Original Application materials from your licensing jurisdiction
Verification of Clinical Active Practice form
Verification of Required Coursework form
Verification of Degree and Internship form
Verification of Out-of-State Supervisor’s Licensure
Additional Degree Program Information
Verification of your CCMHC Credential
Proof of Name Change
Supporting documentation for any criminal convictions, past actions, or possible impairments.

Step 5. Pay the Fee Online:

Within the online application portal, pay the application fee.

The fee for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is $175.00.
All fees are nonrefundable.

Step 6. Wait for Board Approval: (up to 30 days from complete application)

You will receive automated emails from coun@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 license, notify the Board as soon as possible in writing by submitting the Name/Address Change Form.
Contact the Board with any questions: coun@dhp.virginia.gov or TEL: (804) 367-4610.