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Board of Counseling Changes Effective July 1, 2024

Published on Jul 1, 2024

In efforts to increase access to care, the below laws passed the 2024 General Assembly and were approved by the Governor.

Changes to Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy by Endorsement Requirements

Effective July 1, 2024, out-of-state licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) will no longer be required to submit proof of education or clinical scores when applying for licensure by endorsement in Virginia. This new law provides a less burdensome pathway to licensure and promotes licensure portability for LMFTs in Virginia. Please see the LMFT Licensure Process Handbook for more detailed information about the licensure by endorsement process. This change was mandated as part of HB 329.

NCE Exam Now Accepted by the Board for Licensure as a Professional Counselor

Effective July 1, 2024, applicants for Licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) may take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as a valid examination to meet the qualifications for licensure as a professional counselor in Virginia. The National Clinical Mental Health Counselors Examination (NCMHCE) is still accepted as an option for licensure. This change was mandated as part of HB 426.

For more information, please review the Examination Information page.

Please Note: In order to qualify for reimbursement under TRICARE, a licensee must pass the NCMHCE exam. TRICARE will NOT reimburse for a licensee who has only passed the NCE.

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