Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)-By Endorsement

Application by Endorsement

This application is for individuals who hold or have held an unrestricted professional counselor license in another jurisdiction of the United States that allows independent assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of behavioral health conditions.

Requirements for Application:

Comparable License: Hold, or have held, an active, unrestricted professional counselor license in another US jurisdiction that allows independent assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of behavioral health conditions.

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.

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
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: (45 to 60 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.