How to Become a Counselor in VA
Virginia is a land that is rich with American history. People come to Virginia from all over the world to see sights and enjoy the beautiful land.
For those that are seeking a master’s in counseling in Virginia, this state provides well for educational needs.
Arlington and Lynchburg are popular places for students to call home, offering programs in counseling psychology and school counseling. There are two of the most preferred degree programs throughout the state if you wish to find out how to become a counselor in VA.
Counseling is a rewarding career field in Virginia. Follow these steps to learn how to become a counselor in VA:
- Consider your career path: The licensing process and required degree can vary depending on the type of counseling or therapy you wish to practice.
- Complete a degree program: Most counseling positions require a master’s degree after you complete your bachelor’s degree, but the minimum educational requirements can vary.
- Become licensed in Virginia: Review the requirements set by the Virginia Board of Counseling and other licensing boards to see how you can legally practice counseling or therapy in Virginia. Most require a specific number of hours of supervision and an exam before you become a licensed counselor.
These steps to find out how to become a therapist in Virginia vary depending on your chosen field. For example, to become a licensed school counselor you must earn a relevant master’s degree, complete the required work experience, and apply for a school counselor license issued by the Virginia Department of Education.
Here are a few schools in Virginia with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:- College of William and Mary: M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.Ed. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling M.Ed. in School Counseling Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- Eastern Mennonite University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Hampton University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in School Counseling M.A. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
- James Madison University: M.A./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
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Counseling Programs Currently Accepting Applicants
Click Learn More for get in contact with the program admissions department.
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| Northwestern University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
The COAMFTE-accredited MFT@Northwestern is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Full and part-time tracks available. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MSW: Social Work
SACSCOC |
✔ Online
100% online, 8-week courses |
This program offers a general cognate and an individual and family clinical cognate. No matter which option you choose, you’ll receive advanced generalist training in social policy, research, and practice — as well as the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your field. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
HLC and NASAC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree emphases include: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, Christian Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Trauma. Designed to meet the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MED: School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
Liberty University’s CACREP-accredited Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling can help equip you to work as a school counselor in Christian, public, and private schools. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Marriage and Family Therapy
SACSCOC |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
A Liberty University marriage and family therapy master’s program online can prepare you to help individuals, couples, and families find healing through counseling. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Pastoral Counseling
SACSCOC |
✔ Online
100% online, 8-week courses |
If you want to help people work through life’s challenges, Liberty University’s non licensure pastoral counseling degree is a great option. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs
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Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
Earn a CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling online top-10 ranked Northwestern University in as few as 18 months. GRE not required. Bachelor's required. Click for admissions info.
CACREP Accredited
✔ Online
☰ For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
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Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)
Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Liberty University - MSW: Social Work (SACSCOC Accredited)
Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)
Liberty University - MED: School Counseling (CACREP and NCATE through CAEP Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Marriage and Family Therapy (SACSCOC Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Pastoral Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)
Counselor Salaries & Employment By Metro Area In Virginia
| City/Metro Area | Average Salary | Total Employed | Salary Range Lowest 25% to Highest 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | $59,820 | 6,040 | $36,950 to $78,700 |
| Richmond | $53,510 | 3,770 | $36,950 to $78,700 |
| Virginia Beach | $52,390 | 2,890 | $36,950 to $78,700 |
| Charlottesville | $50,730 | 580 | $36,950 to $78,700 |
| Lynchburg | $43,210 | 310 | $36,950 to $78,700 |
A Counseling Career in Virginia
Licensed counselors can enjoy varied positions, responsibilities, and work environments. Professional counselors are free to work in clinical settings or even start their own private practices. Many counselors work in inpatient or outpatient medical centers, hospitals, or government facilities.
Administering therapy and working directly with patients are advantages to being a licensed professional who has earned a master’s in counseling in Virginia. Provide substance abuse treatment as a substance abuse counselor, psychotherapy as an LPC, or marriage counseling as a licensed marriage and family therapist after completing the appropriate degree program and licensing requirements.
LPC Salary in Virginia
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health LPC salary in Virginia earned an average annual salary of $53,780 in 2020, which is more than the national average.
The BLS also projects nationwide job growth of 25% between 2019 and 2029, much faster than average. This means that there will likely be increasing job opportunities in the counseling field in the future.
If you are looking for Marriage and Family Therapy programs, go to our guide on MFT programs in Virginia.
Sources:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Counseling Specialties
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Virginia Department of Education
Virginia Department of Health Professions, Board of Counseling
Popular Online Counseling Programs
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Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited Virginia Counseling Degrees
CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs) is the top accrediting board for counseling programs. Below, you will find a list of all of the CACREP accredited counseling programs in Virginia. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.
College of William and Mary
⚐ Williamsburg
M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2022
M.Ed. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/1/2005 to 10/31/2022
M.Ed. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1998 to 10/31/2022
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1998 to 10/31/2022
Eastern Mennonite University
⚐ Harrisonburg
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/13/2016 to 10/31/2025
Hampton University
⚐ Hampton
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
M.A. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
M.A. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
James Madison University
⚐ Harrisonburg
M.A./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/14/2010 to 3/31/2028
M.Ed. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1994 to 3/31/2028
M.Ed./Ed.S. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1996 to 3/31/2020
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 3/31/2028
Longwood University
⚐ Farmville
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/18/2018 to 3/31/2028
M.S. in College Counseling and Student Affairs
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/18/2018 to 3/31/2028
M.S. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/18/2018 to 3/31/2028
Marymount University
⚐ Arlington
Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 3/31/2025
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/10/2014 to 3/31/2025
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/10/2012 to 3/31/2025
M.A. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/2000 to 3/31/2025
Old Dominion University
⚐ Norfolk
M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/10/2007 to 3/31/2028
M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1995 to 3/31/2028
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/10/2007 to 3/31/2028
Radford University
⚐ Radford
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/4/2011 to 3/31/2028
M.S. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1994 to 3/31/2028
Regent University
⚐ Virginia Beach
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2024
M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2024
M.A. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1999 to 3/31/2024
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/18/2006 to 3/31/2024
South University, Richmond
⚐ Glen Allen
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
South University, Virginia Beach Campus
⚐ Virginia Beach
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2020
University of Lynchburg
⚐ Lynchburg
M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/9/2015 to 10/31/2019
M.Ed. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1992 to 10/31/2019
University of Lynchburg (formerly Lynchburg College)
⚐ Lynchburg
M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2022
M.Ed. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1990 to 10/31/2022
University of Virginia
⚐ Charlottesville
M.Ed. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1978 to 10/31/2027
Virginia Commonwealth University
⚐ Richmond
M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Affairs
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/10/2007 to 3/31/2025
M.Ed. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/10/2007 to 3/31/2025
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/13/2017 to 10/31/2023
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/5/2015 to 3/31/2025
Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University
⚐ Blacksburg
Ed.D./Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1998 to 10/31/2023
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
M.A. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1998 to 10/31/2023
All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Virginia
View all programs in Virginia below, or jump to all Virginia CACREP accredited counseling programs.Averett University Danville
- Bachelors - Clinical Counseling
College of William and Mary Williamsburg
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Eastern Mennonite University Harrisonburg
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Hampton University Hampton
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
- M.A. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
James Madison University Harrisonburg
- Doctorate - Clinical Counseling
- M.A./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- M.Ed./Ed.S. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Longwood University Farmville
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in College Counseling and Student Affairs
- M.S. in School Counseling
Marymount University Arlington
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Old Dominion University Norfolk
- M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Radford University Radford
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
Regent University Virginia Beach
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
South University, Richmond Glen Allen
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
South University, Virginia Beach Campus Virginia Beach
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Lynchburg Lynchburg
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
University of Lynchburg (formerly Lynchburg College) Lynchburg
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
University of Virginia Charlottesville
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
- M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Affairs
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg
- Doctorate - School Counseling
Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University Blacksburg
- Ed.D./Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
