Qualified Mental Health Professional – Trainee (QMHP-Trainee)

ALERT:

The Regulations Governing the Registration of Qualified Mental Health Professionals will change effective May 7, 2025.

To review the amended regulations prior to their official posting, please visit the following link: View Amended Regulations

For a summary of the changes, please visit the following link: Summary of Changes

First Time Registration - Application

This application is for individuals who are actively enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program, are in good standing, or have graduated with a bachelor’s degree and completed 60 hours of didactic education in the core content areas through a provider approved or recognized by the Board, as outlined in the policy document. These individuals may apply for registration as a QMHP-Trainee to accumulate supervised experience hours toward QMHP registration.

Requirements for Application:

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

Education: Actively enrolled and in good standing in a bachelor’s degree program or has 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 College Accreditation database found on the U.S. Department of Education website.
Didactic Education Training: Complete 60 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).

Follow these steps to apply for Registration

Step 1. Read:

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

Step 2. Gather & Request Supporting Documentation:

Review the Application Instructions for Registration as a Qualified Mental Health Professional-Trainee (QMHP-Trainee) 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 'Trainee for Qualified Mental Health Professional' as the License Type.
Select ‘Application’ 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:

Areas of Didactic Training form
Verification of Human Service Coursework form
Didactic Education Training Certificate(s)
Verification of License/Certification/Registration
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 Qualified Mental Health Professional - Trainee (QMHP-Trainee) is $25.00.
All fees are nonrefundable.

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

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.