# Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3606.3: Licensure of psychological practitioners; independent practice

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SIII_C36_S54.1-3606.3

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3606.3
- **Heading:** Licensure of psychological practitioners; independent practice
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Virginia Code / Title 54.1 / Subtitle III / Chapter 36 / Section 54.1-3606.3

## Text

A. It is unlawful for any person to practice or hold himself out as a psychological practitioner in the Commonwealth or use the title of psychological practitioner unless he holds a license issued by the Board.

B. The Board shall establish criteria for licensure as a psychological practitioner, which shall include the following:

1. Documentation that the applicant received a master's degree in psychology or counseling psychology from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association, from a program equivalent to those accredited by the American Psychological Association as determined by the Board, or from a program accredited by another national accrediting body approved by the Board; and

2. Documentation that the applicant successfully completed the academic portion of a national exam recognized by the Board.

C. Every psychological practitioner who meets the requirements of subsection B shall practice under the supervision of a clinical psychologist unless the requirements of subsection D are met. The Board shall determine the requirements and procedures for such supervision.

D. A psychological practitioner may practice without supervision upon:

1. Successful completion of the clinical portion of a national exam recognized by the Board; and

2. Completion of one year of full-time experience, as determined by the Board, of practice under the supervision of a clinical psychologist.

Upon receipt of documentation of such examination and experience requirements and a fee as established by the Board, the Board shall issue to the psychological practitioner a new license that includes a designation indicating that the psychological practitioner is authorized to practice independently.

E. The Board shall determine appropriate standards of practice for psychological practitioners.

F. The Board shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

2024, cc. 754 , 761 .

## Nearby sections

- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3600 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SIII_C36_S54.1-3600.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3601 Exemption from requirements of licensure](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SIII_C36_S54.1-3601.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3602 Administration or prescription of drugs not permitted](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SIII_C36_S54.1-3602.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3603 Board of Psychology; membership](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SIII_C36_S54.1-3603.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3604 Nominations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SIII_C36_S54.1-3604.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3605 Powers and duties of the Board](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SIII_C36_S54.1-3605.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3606 License required](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SIII_C36_S54.1-3606.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3606.1 Continuing education](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SIII_C36_S54.1-3606.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3606.2 Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SIII_C36_S54.1-3606.2.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3606.3 Licensure of psychological practitioners; independent practice](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SIII_C36_S54.1-3606.3.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3607 Repealed](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SIII_C36_S54.1-3607.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3608 Repealed](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SIII_C36_S54.1-3608.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3609 Repealed](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SIII_C36_S54.1-3609.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3611 Restriction of practice; use of titles](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SIII_C36_S54.1-3611.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T54.1_SIII_C36_S54.1-3606.3. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.