Counseling Degrees & Licenses in West Virginia
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“Our core values really start at the university level through the mission and vision statements that guide our educational mandate. This includes providing experiential learning and personalized support to students and providing innovative programs that prepare graduates for work in their community.”
Susan Ridley, PhD, Associate Professor of Creative Arts Therapy, West Liberty University
West Virginia, a small state in Appalachia featuring a population of nearly two million people, experiences several challenges within its mental healthcare system and thus offers ample opportunity for recent graduates seeking to contribute their skills to the effective functioning of the state healthcare system.
Specific issues that challenge the state’s healthcare system include a high rate of poverty, a relatively low rate of digital connectivity, and a shortage of professionals specializing in substance abuse treatment. A high poverty rate also makes it challenging to generate funds to maintain existing infrastructure and invest in new infrastructure.
Shortages in the availability of both primary care practitioners and behavioral health specialists contribute to long waiting times to access treatment. Additional factors contributing to poor health outcomes include aggressive marketing efforts by the tobacco industry, a prevailing perception of limited economic opportunity within the state, and limited transportation infrastructure that makes it difficult to access care efficiently.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, most West Virginians (53.1 percent) receive no mental health treatment. The state fares especially poorly regarding youth outcomes; Mental Health America ranks the state 42nd for this population based on metrics such as the prevalence of mental illness and rates of access to care. West Virginia also has one of the highest rates of deaths of despair, namely deaths attributable to suicide, drug overdoses, and alcohol-related disease.
Current efforts to enhance the state’s mental healthcare system include adopting telehealth programming and workforce retention programs designed to incentivize skilled professionals to remain in West Virginia. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024), openings for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are forecast to increase 19 percent nationally from 2023 to 2033.
Read on to discover how to join various counseling careers in West Virginia, including detailed information about academic programs and licensing.
Ask An Expert: Susan Ridley, PhD
Dr. Susan Ridley is an associate professor of creative arts therapy and the chair of the Department of Art Therapy and Counseling at West Liberty University in West Liberty, West Virginia. She has a PhD in expressive therapies from Lesley University, an MA in mental health counseling and art therapy from Caldwell University, and an MSc in human services from Springfield College.
Dr. Ridley is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS), Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP), Activities Director Certified (ADC), and Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT). Her research interest is identity, including broken identity, self-care, and arts-based research.
Dr. Ridley has more than 35 years of experience working with diverse communities of various ages, abilities, and disabilities, including substance abuse problems, mental health issues, developmental disabilities, and physical impairments. She is also an artist specializing in landscapes, seascapes, animals, and murals. She loves community arts and mural painting and recently got hooked on fiber arts.
CounselingSchools.com: What are some of the core values or philosophies that guide the curriculum in the counseling education program at West Liberty University?
Dr. Ridley: Our core values really start at the university level through the mission and vision statements that guide our educational mandate. This includes providing experiential learning and personalized support to students and providing innovative programs that prepare graduates for work in their community.
West Liberty University was the first to create an undergraduate creative arts therapy major and the first to develop a graduate art therapy and counseling (ATC) dual credentialed program in West Virginia. We will be adding a mental health counseling track for students interested in pursuing licensure as a counselor only.
There is a high demand for mental health and behavioral health practitioners in West Virginia and other states, and the development of these programs is in response to the needs of the community and the interests of students.
As an educator, it is extremely important to pass on knowledge and experience to the next generation of therapists and counselors. They are the leaders and healers of their communities, so reducing barriers to education and providing individualized support and encouragement helps students to be successful in their chosen career path.
Since art therapy and counseling are both master-level professions, developing a graduate program that meets the diverse needs of students juggling work, life and family commitments, and personal challenges requires a flexible approach. That’s why our graduate courses are virtual synchronous zoom evening classes designed for working professionals. The program utilizes a cohort model to encourage peer learning and support and builds community between students as they complete the program together. Students can slow down at any time since they are encouraged to work at their own pace.
Graduate faculty are also therapists and counselors, so meeting students where they are is our primary concern. Our job is to help students be successful, to be a cheerleader, a resource, and support for aspiring therapists and counselors. Since students have different learning styles, this virtual program incorporates a wide range of educational tools, including reflective practice, skills building, counseling demonstrations, role play, discussions, videos, and presentations. Students learn about themselves and how to work professionally with diverse populations with various abilities and disabilities: individuals, couples, family, and group settings. Dedicating your life to helping others is a noble calling, our job is to help support that dream and to help make it a reality, which is a win-win for the students and the communities in which they choose to work.
CounselingSchools.com: How does the program keep up with current research and best practices in counseling?
Dr. Ridley: We have embedded research and best practices throughout the program. Students learn about research and evaluation, the ethics and protection of participants in human subject research studies, and complete the CITI training. Since not all research tools and assessments are created equally, students learn critical thinking skills to inform their choices. They incorporate current research into written papers and presentations on a variety of topics to support decision-making, both clinical and evaluative. Students learn how to apply a wide range of assessments for diagnostic purposes and to assess the efficacy of treatment in meeting client goals.
Case studies are incorporated throughout the program as a teaching tool to help students connect the client’s story to underlying problems and objectives, SMART goals, interventions for treatment, and referrals to community services. Best practices in counseling and supervision are all integrated within the program.
Faculty teaching in the program are credentialed as art therapists and/or counselors, have a PhD, are licensed in their state, and have extensive clinical and community experiences with a wide range of populations. Since we are training professionals to work with vulnerable populations, the ATC program embeds the CAAHEP/ACATE art therapy accreditation standards within each course as well as follows CACREP counseling guidelines. Courses are taught in the context of ethical standards (AATA, ATCB, ACA, AMHCA, and NAADAC) and are reviewed throughout the program to give students a thorough grounding in aspirational practice. Students also review the laws (state and federal) as well as licensure requirements in their state.
The first question I ask is, “Which state do you live in?” Art therapy credentials (ATR) are nationally recognized, while counseling licensure is by state requirements. Additional courses are provided to cover specific topics that are required by the state licensing board.
Students are required to complete a practicum and internships, which they do in the state where they live. During these experiential experiences, students are supervised on-site, we also provide group supervision with an art therapist and a licensed counselor (as needed) and have additional supervision within the practicum and internship courses. These courses give students the opportunity to share their experiences on-site, utilize faculty and peer consultation on case studies, and engage in reflective practice. The practicum/internships provide real-life opportunities to connect academic learning to practice.
Accredited Counseling Degree Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia University (Online Options)
The West Virginia University (WVU) Department of Counseling and Learning Sciences offers a 63-credit master of arts in counseling degree. The program offers two study tracks: clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. Students may subsequently select an Area of Emphasis (AOE) from one of three options: community agency, school counseling, or clinical mental health.
- Clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) – Graduates of this program receive the training necessary to become licensed professional counselors.
- School counseling – This program trains professional counselors to work with students from pre-K to adults. Graduates of this program are also trained to effectively work with numerous stakeholders, including parents, teachers, school administrators, and varied members of the larger local community. The curriculum is designed based on the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) National Model and the West Virginia Comprehensive Developmental School Counseling Program Model.
WVU also offers a low-residency, 63-credit master of science degree program in clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling. This program is largely online with only two visits to campus required. Graduates of this program develop extensive skills to work with various people with disabilities effectively.
- Location: Morgantown, WV
- Duration: Two years or more, depending on full-time or part-time status
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Marshall University (Online Options)
The Marshall University College of Education and Professional Development offers a 60-credit master of arts degree in counseling. Students may choose one of two emphases: clinical mental health or school counseling. For those pursuing clinical mental health counseling, the 60-credit requirement is based upon a standard maintained by the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling.
- Clinical mental health – Graduates of this program may apply for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential. To become an LPC, graduates must complete post-graduate supervision and pass either the National Counselor Exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE)
- School counseling – Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for a license, a certification or both. The LPC-WV license is granted through the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling. Prior to licensure, applicants must complete post-graduate supervision and pass the National Counselor Exam (NCE). The West Virginia Department of Education offers a Pre-K-Adult School Counseling Certification. Applicants for this certification must pass the PRAXIS II Professional School Counselor Examination (5421).
Students interested in other professional development opportunities may elect to complete a five-course program to receive a graduate certificate of advanced studies in the topics of violence, loss, and trauma counseling. This certificate equips professionals to develop skills related to trauma-informed mental health counseling.
- Location: Huntington and South Charlestown, WV
- Duration: Three years or more
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
West Liberty University (Online Options)
West Liberty University offers a master of arts in art therapy and counseling, comprising 60 credits of courses such as the history and development of art therapy, materials and techniques of art therapy practice, group dynamics, assessment methods in counseling, assessments in art therapy, addictions counseling, marriage and family counseling, human growth and development, and psychopathology and diagnosis, among others.
All spring and summer classes are 100 percent online and there are several supervised internships and practicum experiences for students to get hands-on experience in the discipline.
How Much Do Counselors Earn in West Virginia?
These numbers represent the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2023—the latest data available as of February 2025.
Marriage and Family Therapists
| United States | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 63,340 | 90 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $68,730 | $51,330 |
| 10th percentile | $39,090 | $42,300 |
| 25th percentile | $45,250 | $43,380 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $58,510 | $50,550 |
| 75th percentile | $78,440 | $57,770 |
| 90th percentile | $104,710 | $59,730 |
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
| United States | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 397,880 | 1,640 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $60,080 | $47,520 |
| 10th percentile | $36,700 | $28,540 |
| 25th percentile | $44,600 | $35,370 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $53,710 | $44,140 |
| 75th percentile | $70,130 | $56,350 |
| 90th percentile | $89,920 | $74,450 |
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
| United States | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 327,660 | 1,330 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $66,990 | $52,240 |
| 10th percentile | $40,140 | $36,980 |
| 25th percentile | $48,760 | $41,640 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $61,710 | $50,630 |
| 75th percentile | $78,780 | $60,340 |
| 90th percentile | $100,050 | $69,990 |
Rehabilitation Counselors
| United States | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 84,750 | 450 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $48,430 | $43,230 |
| 10th percentile | $31,390 | $29,220 |
| 25th percentile | $36,440 | $34,630 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $44,040 | $40,710 |
| 75th percentile | $56,610 | $48,690 |
| 90th percentile | $73,710 | $58,180 |
All Other Counselors
| United States | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 35,580 | 130 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $52,360 | $46,210 |
| 10th percentile | $33,300 | $26,430 |
| 25th percentile | $38,890 | $36,800 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $46,130 | $39,870 |
| 75th percentile | $59,340 | $51,390 |
| 90th percentile | $79,880 | $67,850 |
Counseling Professional Associations & Resources in W. Virginia
- West Virginia Counseling Association
- West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling
- West Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors Association
- West Virginia Bureau for Behavioral Health
- American Association for Marriage And Family Therapy, West Virginia
- Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification
Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) Licenses in West Virginia: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling |
West Virginia licenses Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (Provisional LPC). The requirements for a Provisional LPC license are:
To receive a full LPC license, candidates must meet the requirements for a provisional license, as well as complete 3,000 hours and two years of supervised work experience. At least 50 percent of the hours must be in direct contact with clients. There must be one hour of supervision for every 20 hours of practice. Up to 600 hours may be credited for a practicum or internship completed during a master’s degree. Doctorate holders need to only complete 1,500 hours and one year. Supervision must be continuous with no more than a six-week break. |
Both full LPC and provisional licenses in West Virginia must be renewed annually by June 30th. The fee for renewal is $145. Every two years, counselors must complete 35 continuing education hours. Three of those hours must be in ethics, and two must be related to veterans. |
School Counseling Licenses in West Virginia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Department of Education | The West Virginia Department of Education issues a student support certificate to school counselors. The requirements for an initial certificate are:
| The initial school counselor certificate issued in West Virginia is valid for three years. To renew, applicants must:
A renewal license is valid for five years. School counselors may apply for a permanent license after two five-year certificates, turning 60 years old, or earning a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification. |
Substance Abuse Counseling Licenses in West Virginia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVCBAPP) | The West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVCBAPP) certifies Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) and Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC). ADC certificate candidates must:
AADC license candidates must:
|
Recertification for ADC and AADCs in Virginia is required every two years. Both recertifications cost $175. Counselors are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle, including six hours of ethics |
Rehabilitation Counseling Licenses in West Virginia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
West Virginia rehabilitation counselors are either Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) or Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (Provisional LPC). The requirements for a Provisional LPC license are:
To receive a full LPC license, candidates must meet the requirements for a provisional license, as well as:
Doctorate holders need to only complete 1,500 hours and one year. Supervision must be continuous with no more than a six-week break. |
Both full LPC and provisional licenses in West Virginia must be renewed annually by June 30th. There are associated fees. Every two years, counselors must complete 35 continuing education hours. Three of those hours must be in ethics, and two must be related to veterans. |
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Licenses in West Virginia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) for national certification | Currently, there are no state certification or licensing requirements for applied behavior analysts in West Virginia. However, the 2018 Applied Behavioral Analysis law stipulates that for ABA therapy to be reimbursable by insurance, it must be provided by a BCBA-certified provider. |
Those providing ABA therapy in West Virginia who want to bill insurance will need to maintain a BCBA certification and meet those continuing education standards. |
Marriage and Family Therapy Licenses in West Virginia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling |
West Virginia credentials Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and Provisional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (Provisional LMFT). The requirements for a Provisional LMFT license are:
To receive a full LMFT license, candidates must meet the requirements for a provisional license, as well as:
|
Both full LMFT and provisional licenses in West Virginia must be renewed annually by June 30th. The fee for a renewal is $145. Every two years, counselors must complete 35 continuing education hours. Three of those hours must be in ethics, and two must be related to veterans. |
Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapy Licenses in West Virginia
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
West Virginia child therapists are either Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) or Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (Provisional LPC). The requirements for a Provisional LPC license are:
To receive a full LPC license, candidates must meet the requirements for a provisional license, as well as complete 3,000 hours and two years of supervised work experience. At least 50 percent of the hours must be direct contact with clients. There must be one hour of supervision for every 20 hours of practice. Up to 600 hours may be credited for a practicum or internship completed during a master’s degree. Doctorate holders need to only complete 1,500 hours and one year. Supervision must be continuous with no more than a six-week break. |
Both full LPC and provisional licenses in West Virginia must be renewed annually by June 30th. The fee for renewal is $145. Every two years, counselors must complete 35 continuing education hours. Three of those hours must be in ethics, and two must be related to veterans. |
Bernd Geels
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