Best Counseling Programs in Virginia (2026)
Top CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Virginia for 2026, with tuition, Resident in Counseling and LPC licensure requirements, NCMHCE prep, NoVA federal pipeline access, and the 3,400 supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia has roughly a dozen CACREP-accredited counseling programs spread across the state, including Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech (Roanoke), William & Mary (online), Old Dominion (Norfolk), James Madison, George Mason (NoVA), Regent University (Virginia Beach), and Liberty University (one of the largest CACREP online programs nationally).
- Virginia uses a two-tier license structure. Resident in Counseling (RIC) is the pre-license supervised credential. LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) is the independent practice license earned after 3,400 supervised hours. Hours accumulated in VA before RIC issuance do not count per 18VAC115-20-52, so apply for RIC first.
- Becoming an LPC in Virginia requires a 60-credit CACREP-aligned master's with a 600-hour internship (240 hours direct), 3,400 hours of post-degree supervised residency including 2,000 hours direct client contact, at least 200 hours of supervision (100 by an LPC), minimum 21 months, and passing the NCMHCE within 6 years of RIC issuance.
- Virginia is a Counseling Compact member. Enacted via HB1433/SB802 (effective January 1, 2024), VA was the 12th state to join. Compact privilege issuance rollout is in progress nationally; once VA goes live, VA LPCs gain practice portability across other Compact states.
- NoVA / DC metro pays the highest counselor wages in Virginia, often $73,000 to $85,000+ for experienced LPCs due to federal employer demand (DoD, VA, FBI, intelligence community) and a meaningful security-clearance premium. Richmond and Hampton Roads pay around state median; rural Southwest VA pays below median but offers strong loan repayment leverage.
- Virginia has 93 of 133 localities designated as Mental Health HPSAs, meaning roughly 37% of Virginians (over 2 million people) live in mental health shortage areas. The Virginia Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program offers LPCs $20,000 per year for a 2-year commitment at safety-net sites.
- Hampton Roads (Norfolk / Virginia Beach) is one of the deepest military behavioral health pipelines in the country. Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, and major VA medical centers drive demand for trauma, PTSD, and substance use counselors. Old Dominion University and Regent University feed this market directly.
Virginia is one of the more interesting LPC markets in the South. The state has roughly a dozen CACREP-accredited counseling programs, a clearly structured Resident in Counseling pre-license tier, and three distinct workforce regions that create different career trajectories: NoVA / DC metro (federal employers and security-clearance premiums), Hampton Roads (military behavioral health), and Richmond plus rural Southwest VA (state agency and community mental health).
The VA licensing path: complete a 60-credit CACREP-aligned master's with a 600-hour internship (240 hours direct), apply for Resident in Counseling (RIC) status with the Virginia Board of Counseling before accumulating any post-degree hours (hours accumulated before RIC don't count), complete 3,400 supervised hours over a minimum of 21 months with 2,000 hours of direct client contact, and pass the NCMHCE within 6 years of RIC issuance. Total time from master's to LPC: typically 2 to 3 years.
What makes Virginia distinct: the NoVA / DC metro federal employer pipeline. Counselors with active security clearances are in unusually high demand at DoD installations, intelligence community contractors, federal employee assistance programs (EAPs), and the VA. This isn't a workforce angle that exists in most states, and it materially shifts both salary expectations (often 30-50% above state median for cleared positions) and career trajectory. Virginia Tech's Roanoke campus, George Mason (Fairfax), and Liberty's online program all feed this market.
CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in Virginia
All 10 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia Commonwealth University | ~$725/credit (~$43,500 total) | Hybrid | |
| 2 | Virginia Tech | ~$690/credit (~$41,400 total) | On-campus | |
| 3 | William & Mary | ~$1,070/credit (online flat rate, ~$64,200 total) | Fully online with required residency weekends | |
| 4 | Old Dominion University | ~$595/credit (~$35,700 total) | On-campus + online | |
| 5 | James Madison University | ~$545/credit (~$32,700 total) | On-campus | |
| 6 | George Mason University | ~$715/credit (~$42,900 total) | On-campus | |
| 7 | Liberty University | $290/credit (online, 2025-26) | Fully online | |
| 8 | Regent University | ~$725/credit (private, flat rate, ~$43,500 total) | On-campus + fully online | |
| 9 | Longwood University | ~$520/credit (~$31,200 total) | On-campus | |
| 10 | Divine Mercy University | ~$945/credit (private, flat rate, ~$56,700 total) | On-campus + hybrid |
Virginia Commonwealth University
In-State
~$725/credit (~$43,500 total)
Out-of-State
~$1,425/credit
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship; 240 direct)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited dual-track MS within VCU's School of Allied Health Professions
- Hybrid delivery format combining on-campus and online coursework
- Located in Richmond near VCU Health, Bon Secours, and the VA Department of Behavioral Health
- Dual CMHC + Rehabilitation Counseling tracks prepare graduates for LPC + CRC credentialing
- Active research faculty in addiction counseling and integrated primary care
Virginia Tech
In-State
~$690/credit (~$41,400 total)
Out-of-State
~$1,415/credit
Length
2 years (60 credits, cohort)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship; 240 direct)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MAEd at VT's Roanoke campus serving Southwest VA
- 2-year cohort model for accelerated completion
- Strong placement pipeline with Carilion Clinic, the largest health system in Southwest Virginia
- Located in Roanoke with access to mountain region rural HPSA placements
- Active counselor education doctoral program for future PhD work
William & Mary
In-State
~$1,070/credit (online flat rate, ~$64,200 total)
Out-of-State
~$1,070/credit (online flat rate)
Length
3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship; 240 direct)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited fully online MEd at one of the most prestigious public universities in the South
- Required residency weekends preserve clinical skill development
- Field placements coordinated in students' local communities
- Strong faculty research record in counselor preparation
- William & Mary brand value with online flexibility for working adults
Old Dominion University
In-State
~$595/credit (~$35,700 total)
Out-of-State
~$1,365/credit
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship; 240 direct)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MS.Ed. with on-campus and online delivery options
- Strong military behavioral health pipeline: Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Hampton VA
- Located in Norfolk with placement access across the Hampton Roads region
- Affordable in-state public university tuition
- Active counselor education doctoral program
James Madison University
In-State
~$545/credit (~$32,700 total)
Out-of-State
~$1,295/credit
Length
3 years (60 credits, dual M.A./Ed.S.)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship; 240 direct)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited dual M.A./Ed.S. degree structure (60 credits across both credentials)
- Located in Harrisonburg in the Shenandoah Valley
- Strong placement pipeline with Sentara RMH Medical Center and rural community mental health
- Affordable in-state public tuition
- Distinctive dual-credential structure preparing graduates for both LPC and doctoral pathways
George Mason University
In-State
~$715/credit (~$42,900 total)
Out-of-State
~$1,605/credit
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700+ (100 practicum + 600 internship; 240 direct)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MEd in Counseling at Virginia's largest public university
- Located in Fairfax (NoVA) with the strongest federal employer placement pipeline in the state
- DoD, VA, federal EAP, and intelligence community placements through GMU's career network
- Higher field placement hours than CACREP minimum
- Strong NoVA / DC metro alumni network in federal and contractor behavioral health
Liberty University
In-State
$290/credit (online, 2025-26)
Out-of-State
$290/credit (online flat rate)
Length
3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship; 240 direct)
Concentrations
- One of the largest CACREP-accredited online counseling programs in the country
- Highly affordable at $290/credit online flat rate (~$17,400 total)
- 8-week course terms with 8 start dates per year for maximum flexibility
- Five CACREP-accredited concentration options including Trauma and Crisis Counseling
- Required in-person intensives preserve clinical skill development
Regent University
In-State
~$725/credit (private, flat rate, ~$43,500 total)
Out-of-State
~$725/credit (private, flat rate)
Length
3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship; 240 direct)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MA with on-campus and fully online delivery
- Christian-integration emphasis welcoming students of all faiths or none
- Located in Virginia Beach with strong Hampton Roads military and VA placement network
- Three CACREP-accredited concentration options
- Active CACREP-accredited doctoral counselor education program
Longwood University
In-State
~$520/credit (~$31,200 total)
Out-of-State
~$1,135/credit
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship; 240 direct)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MS in Counselor Education with CMHC concentration
- Located in Farmville serving rural Central Virginia counties
- Accelerated track options available
- Affordable in-state public university tuition
- Strong placements with Centra Health Southside Community Hospital and rural community mental health
Divine Mercy University
In-State
~$945/credit (private, flat rate, ~$56,700 total)
Out-of-State
~$945/credit (private, flat rate)
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship; 240 direct)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MS (newly accredited August 2023)
- Catholic-integration curriculum welcoming students of all faiths or none
- Located in Sterling near Dulles for NoVA federal employer access
- Smaller cohort sizes for personalized faculty mentoring
- On-campus and hybrid delivery options
Resident in Counseling and LPC Licensure Requirements in Virginia
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Virginia Board of Counseling (Department of Health Professions)
(804) 367-4610
Virginia regulates LPCs through the Virginia Board of Counseling, housed within the Department of Health Professions (DHP). The board operates under 18VAC115-20 (Regulations Governing the Practice of Professional Counseling) and is profession-specific, separate from social work and psychology boards.
You'll move through two stages in VA. First, the Resident in Counseling (RIC), the pre-license supervised credential. This is critical: hours accumulated in Virginia BEFORE RIC issuance do not count toward LPC. Apply for RIC immediately upon graduation. Second, the full LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), earned after completing 3,400 supervised hours over a minimum of 21 months and passing the NCMHCE.
Two VA-specific wrinkles: The 3,400 supervised hours include at least 2,000 hours of direct client contact and 200 hours of supervision (100 of which must be by an LPC). The NCMHCE must be passed within 6 years of RIC issuance. Plan exam preparation accordingly, especially if you're working full-time during your residency.
Resident in Counseling
Supervised counseling practice while accumulating hours toward LPC
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: No exam at RIC; NCMHCE required for LPC within 6 years of RIC issuance
Licensed Professional Counselor
Independent clinical practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, private practice, third-party billing
Hours
3,400
Duration
21 months minimum
Exam: NCMHCE
Virginia offers endorsement for out-of-state LPCs licensed in jurisdictions with substantially equivalent requirements. Virginia is a Counseling Compact member, having enacted HB1433/SB802 with statutory effective date January 1, 2024. VA was the 12th state to join. Compact privilege issuance rollout is in progress nationally. Once VA goes live (depends on Compact Commission rulemaking and DHP rule alignment), VA LPCs will be able to apply for Compact privileges to practice telehealth or in-person across other Compact member states.
Counselor Salary in Virginia
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Virginia counselor salaries split dramatically by region, with NoVA / DC metro pulling the statewide average up significantly. The BLS Virginia OEWS estimates reflect this geographic spread. Counselors with active security clearances in the DC metro often earn 30-50% above state median due to federal employer demand from DoD, the VA, FBI, intelligence community contractors, and federal employee assistance programs (EAPs).
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
National median: $59,190
Top metro: $73,820 (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria)
Mental Health Counselors (excluding substance abuse)
National median: $59,610
Top metro: $71,540 (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria)
Marriage and Family Therapists
National median: $63,780
Top metro: $74,920 (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria)
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors (School Counselors)
National median: $64,210
Top metro: $76,310 (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria)
Virginia Counseling Job Market and Workforce
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Virginia has three distinct workforce regions, each creating different career trajectories for LPCs.
NoVA / DC metro: The highest-paying region in Virginia and one of the most distinctive counselor labor markets in the country. Federal employer demand drives premiums for counselors with active security clearances at DoD installations, VA medical centers, intelligence community contractors, and federal employee assistance programs (EAPs). Salaries for cleared LPCs often run 30-50% above state median. Major employers include Inova Health (NoVA's largest health system), Sentara Northern Virginia, and VA Medical Centers across the region.
Hampton Roads (Norfolk / Virginia Beach): One of the deepest military behavioral health pipelines in the country. Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, the Hampton VA Medical Center, and Sentara Healthcare drive demand for trauma, PTSD, and substance use counselors specifically. Old Dominion University and Regent University feed this market directly.
Richmond and Southwest VA: Richmond anchors state agency employment (Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, the largest behavioral health employer in the state by FTEs) and VCU Health placements. Southwest VA (Roanoke, Lynchburg, Bristol) carries severe Mental Health HPSA designations and offers the strongest loan repayment leverage. Carilion Clinic in Roanoke is the largest health system in Southwest VA.
Virginia has 93 of 133 localities designated as Mental Health HPSAs, meaning roughly 37% of Virginians (over 2 million people) live in mental health shortage areas.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Virginia Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program (BH-LRP): Administered by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Health Equity. LPCs receive up to $20,000 per year for a 2-year service commitment at Community Services Boards (CSBs), behavioral health authorities, state mental health facilities, free clinics, FQHCs, or similar safety-net sites. Total award cannot exceed 25% of loan debt.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program. LPCs are eligible at NHSC-approved sites in Mental Health HPSAs. Up to $50,000 for 2 years full-time service or $25,000 for half-time. VA has extensive NHSC site availability concentrated in Southwest VA rural counties and FQHCs.
NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce LRP: Up to $75,000 over 3 years for LPCs at SUD-focused NHSC sites.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): LPCs employed at Virginia state agencies (DBHDS), CSBs, VA hospitals, military installations, and qualifying nonprofit health systems all qualify for federal PSLF after 10 years of qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan.
How to Choose a Counseling Program in Virginia
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing a counseling program in Virginia comes down to which of the three workforce regions you want to enter: NoVA / DC metro (federal pipeline), Hampton Roads (military), or Richmond / Southwest VA (state agency and rural). The placement networks, salary trajectories, and career opportunities diverge significantly.
If you want the NoVA / DC metro federal pipeline: George Mason (Fairfax) and Divine Mercy University (Sterling) sit directly in the NoVA federal employer ecosystem. Liberty's online program also serves NoVA students well given the area's tolerance for online credentials.
If you want the Hampton Roads military pipeline: Old Dominion (Norfolk) and Regent (Virginia Beach) both have established placement relationships with Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, the Hampton VA, and Sentara Healthcare.
If you want Richmond state agency and academic medical center placement: VCU is the dominant feeder into the Virginia DBHDS, VCU Health, Bon Secours, and the Richmond community mental health network.
If you want Southwest VA rural placement and loan repayment leverage: Virginia Tech (Roanoke), JMU (Harrisonburg), and Longwood (Farmville) all serve regions where Mental Health HPSA designations are most severe and the VA BH-LRP plus NHSC awards combine for maximum debt relief.
If you want the most affordable online option: Liberty University at $290/credit online flat rate is one of the most affordable CACREP-accredited online programs nationally. Total tuition runs roughly $17,400 for the full 60-credit MA.
If you want the lowest in-state tuition: Longwood at $520/credit, JMU at $545/credit, and Old Dominion at $595/credit are the most affordable CACREP options for VA residents.
If you want a top-tier brand name: William & Mary's online MEd and Virginia Tech's on-campus MAEd both carry significant brand recognition. VCU is the largest CACREP program in the state and has the deepest Richmond alumni network.
If you plan to leverage Counseling Compact portability: Choose a CACREP-accredited program. VA is a Compact member (effective January 1, 2024). Once Compact privilege issuance rollout completes nationally, VA LPCs will be able to practice in other Compact states without separate licensure.
Related Pages
Best Online Counseling Programs
National ranking of the top CACREP-accredited online counseling programs
Best Online Master's in Psychology
If you're still weighing psychology vs counseling at the master's level
Counselor Career Guide
What LPCs, LMHCs, and LPCCs actually do day-to-day
MSW Programs in Virginia
If you're weighing the social work pathway instead
Counseling Programs by State
Compare counseling programs across all 50 states
Sources
- CACREP, Directory of Accredited Programs
- Virginia Board of Counseling (Department of Health Professions)
- 18VAC115-20 Regulations Governing the Practice of Professional Counseling
- Virginia Counseling Compact (Va. Code § 54.1-3500.1)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Virginia Estimates
- NBCC, National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
- Virginia Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program
- Counseling Compact, Member States