Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)

Registration - Application

This application is for individuals who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree, completed 80 hours of didactic education in the core content areas through a provider approved or recognized by the Board, as outlined in the policy document, and fulfilled the 1,500 hours of supervised experience requirements as specified in 18VAC115-80-40, and who would like to be registered as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).

Requirements for Application:

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

1. Education: Completed a bachelor’s degree program from an institution of higher education listed as accredited on the U.S. Department of Education College Accreditation database found on the U.S. Department of Education website or accredited by another accrediting agency recognized by the board. 
2. Didactic Education Training: Complete 80 hours of didactic education in the core content areas through a provider approved or recognized by the Board, as outlined in the policy document Approved Training and Education Pathways for a Registration as a Qualified Mental Health Professional-Trainee (QMHP-T) and Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
3. Supervised Experience: Completed 1,500 hours of supervised experience under a qualified supervisor. (Internship or practicum hours completed in a human services degree can be used toward meeting the 1,500 hour requirement.)

Follow these steps to apply for Registration

• Laws regarding the Practice of Counseling in the state of Virginia.
• Regulations regarding the Registration of Qualified Mental Health Professionals in the state of Virginia.
• QMHP Registration Process Handbook. 

• Review the Application Instructions for Registration as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) 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 'Qualified Mental Health Professional' 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 form
• Verification of Human Service Coursework form
• Didactic Education Training Certificate(s)
• Supervisor Training Certificate(s)
• National Practitioners Data Bank Self-Query Report
• Verification of Internship/Practicum Form
• Verification of Supervised Experience Form
• Verification of License/Certification/Registration
• Verification of Out-of-State Supervisor’s Licensure
• 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 fee for Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) is $50.00
• All fees are nonrefundable.

• You will receive automated emails from qmhp@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 registration, notify the Board as soon as possible in writing by submitting the Name/Address Change Form.
• Contact the Board with any questions: qmhp@dhp.virginia.gov or TEL: (804) 367-3053.