How to become a Counselor in West Virginia

Learn how to earn your counseling licensure in WV

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Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in West Virginia. Most requirements such as earning your Master's degree, completing 3000 hours of supervised experience and passing the Clinical Mental Health Counseling examination have been and will continue to be mandatory in the West Virginia counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling at (304) 558-5494 to make sure you are on the right track.

I'm a High School Graduate...

As a West Virginia high school graduate, you still have a ways to go before you will be able to qualify for a West Virginia counseling certification. West Virginia counseling licensure requires all candidates to possess a minimum of a master's degree in counseling or a related field. So, your next step should be to learn how you can enroll in a college degree program.

You can either begin by enrolling in an associate's degree program or enrolling immediately in a four year bachelor's degree program.

Click on the links below to browse schools offering psychology and counseling degree programs!

Once you have enrolled in a program, take advantage of your school's career services department and learn how you can find employment or volunteer opportunities that are related to the counseling career path.

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I've already received my Bachelor's degree...

Congratulations! You're almost there! West Virginia counseling certification requires that all applicants possess a master's degree or higher in counseling or a related field. Contact schools offering graduate level programs in counseling and learn more about how you can enroll.

Step One:

Click on the links below to contact schools offering Master's or PhD programs in counseling or related field.

Or request information from additional schools offering counseling programs in West Virginia.

Step Two:

After receiving your master's degree, you will need to earn 3,000 hours of supervised work experience(1,500 hours need to be in direct client contact. You will find more information about required hours and supervisor qualifications by clicking on the "Licensing Rules" link on the following West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling webpage.

Step Three:

Next, you will need to submit a West Virginia counseling licensure application to the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling. You will need to include all supporting documents, 2 professional recommendation forms, 3 personal reference letters, and required fees(you will also need to have your educating institutions send official transcripts directly to the Board).

You can download the licensure application form here.

Step Four:

The Board will review your application and once you have been approved, you will be notified of your eligibility to take the National Counselor Examination. Information about the exam can be found on the NBCC website.

Good Luck!

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