Qualified Mental Health Professionals

"Qualified mental health professional" means a person who has (i) completed, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree; (ii) registered with the Board to practice in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-3520 and the regulations of the Board; and (iii) a combination of work, training, or experience in providing collaborative behavioral health services for youth or adults. A "qualified mental health professional" includes a qualified mental health professional-adult and qualified mental health professional-child. A "qualified mental health professional" shall provide such services as an employee or independent contractor of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, the Department of Corrections, or the Department of Education or a provider licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

"Qualified mental health professional-trainee" means a person who is receiving supervised training to qualify as a qualified mental health professional in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-3521 and is registered with the Board. A "qualified mental health professional-trainee" shall provide such services as an employee or independent contractor of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, the Department of Corrections, or the Department of Education or a provider licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

NEW Regulatory Changes: (Effective May 7, 2025)

Changes to the QMHP regulations are pursuant to SB403 of the 2024 General Assembly.

• Combined Credential: The separate QMHP-A (Adult) and QMHP-C (Child) designations will be replaced by a single QMHP registration.
• Education Requirements: Updated criteria for QMHP and QMHP-Trainee education.
• Didactic Training: Required completion of didactic training before approval.
• Trainee Registration Renewal: QMHP-Trainee registrations must be renewed annually.
• Supervised Experience: Reduced to 1,500 hours for those without a human services or special education degree.
• Supervision Eligibility: QMHPs with 3+ years of experience may supervise Trainees after completing supervisor training.
• Supervisor Training: Mandatory for all QMHP supervisors.
• Key Changes PowerPoint Summary 

Important Information:

• Applications submitted on or after May 7, 2025, must meet the new requirements.
• Current QMHP-Trainees and applicants with pending applications should review the new FAQ document.

Contact Information:

Email: qmhp@dhp.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 367-3053
Fax: (804) 977-9772
Address: 9960 Mayland Drive
Suite 300 Henrico, VA 23233

Helpful Resource Information:

Regulations:

• Regulations Governing the Registration of Qualified Mental Health Professionals - Effective 05/07/2025

Handbook:

• Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHP) Registration Process Handbook

FAQs:

• FAQS for Current QMHP-Trainees and Pending Applicants

Applications:

• Online Application and Forms 
• Check your Application Status

Forms - QMHP-Trainee:

• Areas of Didactic Training
• Verification of Human Service Coursework

Forms - QMHP:

• Verification of Supervised Experience
• Verification of Internship/Practicum
• Areas of Didactic Training
• Verification of Human Service Coursework
• Reinstatement Application

Guidance and Policy Documents:

• Guidance Document 115-2 - Impact of Criminal Convictions
• Guidance Document 115-8 - Approved Degrees in Human Services and Related Fields for QMHP Registration
• Approved Training and Education Pathways for Registration as a Qualified Mental Health Professional-Trainee (QMHP-T) and Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
• Supervision of QMHPs, QMHP-Trainees, BHTs, and BHTAs

Register with Virginia Townhall to receive notification on changes to the Regulations