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 have completed the education or professional licensure requirements of 18VAC115-80-35(A) or (B) and would like to be registered as a Qualified Mental Health Professional – Trainee to accumulate supervised experience hours towards a QMHP-A or QMHP-C registration.

Requirements for Application:

Education or Professional Licensure: Applications for QMHP-Trainee must meet ONE of the following:
1. Completed a master’s or bachelor’s degree in human services or in special education from an accredited college or university; or
2. Completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in an unrelated field that includes at least 15 semester or 22 quarter hours in a human services field; or
3. Hold a registered nurse license in Virginia; or
4. Hold an occupational therapist license.

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.
Guidance Document 115-8 : Approved Degrees in Human Services and Related Fields for QMHP Registration.
QMHP - Frequently Asked Questions.

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 “Adult” or “Adult/Child” as the Secondary 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:

QMHP coursework outline form
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.