Fastest Way To Become a Counselor in Virginia 2025

Counseling is a rewarding career with a great job outlook for mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and others in related roles. Are you eager to start this career quickly and want to learn the fastest way to become a licensed counselor? Keep reading to discover the fastest way to become a therapist in Virginia and what to expect in this career.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Counselor in Virginia?

The amount of time needed to become a licensed counselor in Virginia varies. However, students can expect to complete a bachelor's degree in counseling or psychology in about four years. To prepare for licensure, a master's degree in counseling or psychology with accreditation from the Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) (or a similar program) is needed. This takes about three years.

Finally, students must gain at least 21 months of post-degree supervised residency experience. If you want to learn more, keep reading to discover the fastest way to become a counselor in Virginia.

What Are the Steps to Becoming a Counselor in Virginia?

Starting a licensed professional counselor (LPC) career in Virginia requires completing specific steps. Explore the process necessary to meet counseling licensure requirements below:

1. Earn a bachelor's degree: Students typically earn a bachelor's degree in counseling, education, or psychology before enrolling in a master's degree program in counseling.

2. Earn a master's degree: Earn a CACREP-accredited graduate degree or a similar degree that prepares students to practice counseling, teaches 13 core content areas, and includes a 600-hour supervised internship with at least 240 hours of face-to-face direct client contact.

3. Apply for temporary licensure: Learners apply for temporary licensure as a resident in counseling with the Virginia Board of Counseling by submitting an official transcript, verification of required coursework form, verification of degree and internship form, supervisory contract, and NPDB self-query report.

4. Complete supervised clinical experience: After receiving Board approval of temporary licensure, students should obtain 3,400 hours of supervised experience, meet with clients for at least 2,000 hours while providing clinical counseling services, and meet with their supervisors for one to four hours per 40 hours of work for 200 total hours of supervision.

5. Renew temporary licensure annually: Students must renew the temporary licensure each year by completing three hours in continuing education courses and paying an annual fee.

6. Pass the exam and submit an application: After completing the supervised experience, students must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) or National Counselor Examination (NCE) and submit a Licensure as a Professional Counselor by Examination application to the licensing board.

What Is the Fastest Way To Get a Counseling Degree in Virginia?

There are several ways to secure a counseling degree quickly in Virginia. You could pick an online accelerated master's in school counseling, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or another related program that focuses on helping students complete their studies in less time.

Combining bachelor's and master's degrees and transferring credits from a previous institution are additional ways to graduate quickly and begin the state licensure process. Read on to learn more about the fastest ways to secure a Virginia counseling degree.

Choose an Accelerated Online Master's in Counseling Program

Earning an accelerated master's in counseling online helps students meet their educational requirements and obtain their counseling license in a fraction of the traditional time. While accelerated online programs in Virginia are rare, you can find degrees in other states that allow students to complete the internship in their local area.

For instance, John Carroll University in Ohio offers a 60-hour, CACREP-accredited Master of Arts (MA) in clinical mental health counseling that students can complete in two years. Learners take asynchronous and live synchronous online courses, participate in two weekend residencies on the campus, and complete the supervised internship in their home state.

Earn a Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degree

Students looking for the fastest way to become a therapist in Virginia can also consider enrolling in a program that combines bachelor's and master's degree coursework. These programs allow learners to earn two degrees at once and graduate sooner.

For example, Virginia Commonwealth University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in psychology and a Master of Education (MEd) in counselor education that students can complete in six years. VCU counts up to 12 credit hours toward both the BS and MEd degrees and prepares students for licensure as couples, family, and school counselors.

Utilize Transfer Credits

If you've earned college credits from a previous institution, you might be able to transfer some to your bachelor's or master's counseling degree program. Utilizing transfer credits helps you avoid retaking courses you've already finished, saves money on tuition, and can help you complete your degree and start your career sooner.

Featured Online Counseling Programs in Virginia

Virginia is home to several online counseling programs for students seeking LPC licensure. Explore the list below to find some of the best options in the state.

College of William & Mary

The MEd in counseling with a clinical mental health counseling concentration from the College of William & Mary is a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program that prepares students to become licensed professional counselors through online coursework exploring multicultural counseling, psychotherapy, marriage and family counseling, substance abuse and addictions, and more. Enrollees participate in two brief three-day on-campus residencies, a practicum, and a six-credit-hour internship.

• Time to completion: three years
• Tuition cost: $775 per credit hour
• Accreditation: CACREP
• Specializations: military and veterans counseling

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University's online Master of Science (MS) in education with a clinical mental health counseling concentration teaches substance abuse counseling, family dynamics, clinical supervision, psychopathology, and more. The CACREP-accredited licensure program includes 60 credit hours and 700 hours of practical experience through an internship and practicum. After graduating, learners will be ready for private practice and careers in community mental health settings and college counseling centers.

• Time to completion: about three years (full-time)
• Tuition cost: $620 per credit hour (in-state), $642 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CACREP
• Specializations: N/A

Liberty University

In Liberty University's MA in clinical mental health counseling program, students prepare to become mental health counselors through online courses in crisis counseling, clinical diagnosis, and psychopathology. The 60-credit program with CACREP accreditation includes two on-campus intensives, a counseling practicum, and a two-semester internship. Liberty allows students to accelerate degree completion by transferring up to 50% of their degree total.

• Time to completion: three years
• Tuition cost: $565 per credit (full-time), $615 per credit (part-time)
• Accreditation: CACREP
• Specializations: N/A

How Much Does It Cost To Become a Counselor?

The costs you might pay to become a counselor vary based on the degree program you choose, your state licensing costs (ex. application fee), and other factors. Here are some to consider:

• Bachelor's degree in counseling: Students earning a bachelor's in counseling degree might pay as little as $13,000 in total costs. Residency, online vs. in-person attendance, and financial aid can impact costs.
• Online counseling master's degree: In-state vs. out-of-state residency and other factors affect the cost of these programs; however, students can pay as little as $500 per credit or $30,000 total.
• Doctoral degree in counseling: Though doctoral degrees aren't usually needed for a career in counseling, students can grow their skills in the field with this advanced education. These programs start at $35,000 total. Enrollment status and residency can impact rates.

Other costs to consider include the NCMHCE and NCE exams, administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), which cost $275 each. Temporary licensure renewal in Virginia costs $30 annually, and the LPC licensure by examination application fee is $175.

Are There Affordable Counseling Degree Programs?

Yes, you can find affordable counseling degree programs in Virginia and other parts of the country. Liberty offers a BS in psychology - Christian counseling program with 100% online coursework covering behavior management, human learning principles, physiological psychology, and more. The program costs $390 per credit full-time and $455 per credit part-time.

Longwood University's CACREP-accredited MS in counselor education costs $461 per credit hour or $27,660 total. A graduate assistantship and financial aid are available to reduce costs.

How Much Can I Earn as a Counselor?

Counseling isn't a ''one size fits all'' career. Different types of counselors and therapists often earn different salaries. If you're interested in becoming a counselor or therapist, review the following breakdown of median annual wages, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2023:

• Genetic counselors: $95,770
• School and career counselors and advisors: $61,710
• Marriage and family therapists: $58,510
• Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors: $53,710
• Rehabilitation counselors: $44,040

Types of Counseling Career Paths With a Master's Degree

After following the fastest way to become a counselor in Virginia and meeting the graduate-level educational and practical experience requirements to become licensed, students are ready to start their roles as counselors. Common career paths for individuals with master's degrees in counseling include:

• career counseling
• school counseling
• clinical social work
• mental health counseling
• substance abuse and addiction counseling
• rehabilitation counseling
• marriage and family therapy
• military counseling

Professionals in these roles work in various settings. Substance abuse and mental health counselors, for example, often work in inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, hospitals, and correctional facilities. Marriage and family therapists might work with other healthcare professionals or in family services centers.

Explore Master's Programs in Counseling

Begin your journey toward a fulfilling career in counseling by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest directly to learn how they can help you reach your academic and career goals.