Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP)-By Endorsement

Application by Endorsement

This application is for individuals who hold a current and unrestricted mental health license in Virginia or in another jurisdiction, who have post-licensure clinical practice specifically in substance abuse treatment services or who hold a board approved substance abuse certification; or who hold a current and unrestricted substance abuse treatment license in another jurisdiction that is substantially equivalent to the requirements for LSATP licensure in Virginia.

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 the LSATP Licensure Process Handbook and the Application Instructions for Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP) by Endorsement for that Pathway.

License	Active Practice	Training	Examination	Pathway to Choose
I hold a current mental health license.	I have provided post-licensure substance abuse treatment services for 24 of the last 60 months.	N/A	I passed the MAC examination. (This requirement is waived for those who hold a Virginia LPC).	Pathway #1 See page 27 of the LSATP Licensure Process Handbook for detailed requirements.
I hold a LSATP or equivalent license in another jurisdiction.	N/A	N/A	I passed the Substance Abuse Licensure Exam required by the licensing jurisdiction.	Pathway #2 See page 29 of the LSATP Licensure Process Handbook for detailed requirements.
I hold a mental health license and hold a MAC or Virginia CSAC certificate for at least 2 years.	If I hold a Virginia CSAC, I have provided post-certificate active practice for 2 years.	N/A	I passed the MAC examination. (This requirement is waived for those who hold a Virginia LPC).	Pathway #3 See page 31 of the LSATP Licensure Process Handbook for detailed requirements.
I hold a current mental health license.	I have provided post-licensure substance abuse treatment services for 5 years.	I have 12 semester hours of didactic training in substance abuse treatment.	I passed the MAC examination. (This requirement is waived for those who hold a Virginia LPC).	Pathway #4 See page 33 of the LSATP Licensure Process Handbook for detailed requirements.

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 Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioners in the state of Virginia.
LSATP 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 Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioners (LSATP) 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 Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner' 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 LSATP Licensure Process Handbook and the Application Instructions for Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP) 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
Licensing Jurisdiction Regulations
Verification of Active Practice form
Verification of your MAC Credential
Verification of Virginia CSAC Certification
Proof of Didactic Training
Proof of Name Change Documentation
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 Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP) 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.