{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-3606.3.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-3606.3.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-3606.3.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-3606.3.html"}],"law_id":63539,"edition_id":1,"section_id":63539,"structure_id":14480,"section_number":"54.1-3606.3","catch_line":"Licensure of psychological practitioners; independent practice","history":"2024, cc. 754, 761.","full_text":"A\n\nIt 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\n\nThe Board shall establish criteria for licensure as a psychological practitioner, which shall include the following:1\n\nDocumentation 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; and2\n\nDocumentation that the applicant successfully completed the academic portion of a national exam recognized by the Board.C\n\nEvery 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\n\nA psychological practitioner may practice without supervision upon:1\n\nSuccessful completion of the clinical portion of a national exam recognized by the Board; and2\n\nCompletion of one year of full-time experience, as determined by the Board, of practice under the supervision of a clinical psychologist.\n\t\t\t\tUpon 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\n\nThe Board shall determine appropriate standards of practice for psychological practitioners.F\n\nThe Board shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this section.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":231487,"text":"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.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":231488,"text":"The Board shall establish criteria for licensure as a psychological practitioner, which shall include the following:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":231489,"text":"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","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":231490,"text":"Documentation that the applicant successfully completed the academic portion of a national exam recognized by the Board.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"C"},"4":{"id":231491,"text":"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.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"D"},"5":{"id":231492,"text":"A psychological practitioner may practice without supervision upon:","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"D1"},"6":{"id":231493,"text":"Successful completion of the clinical portion of a national exam recognized by the Board; and","type":"section","prefixes":["D","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"D1","prefix_anchor":"D1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"D2"},"7":{"id":231494,"text":"Completion of one year of full-time experience, as determined by the Board, of practice under the supervision of a clinical psychologist.\n\t\t\t\tUpon 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.","type":"section","prefixes":["D","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"D2","prefix_anchor":"D2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D1","next_prefix":"E"},"8":{"id":231495,"text":"The Board shall determine appropriate standards of practice for psychological practitioners.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D2","next_prefix":"F"},"9":{"id":231496,"text":"The Board shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14480,"edition_id":1,"name":"Psychology","identifier":"36","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12758,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:48:17","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:48:17","permalink":{"id":243987,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14480,"identifier":"36","token":"54.1\/III\/36","url":"\/54.1\/III\/36\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12758,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards Within the Department of Health Professions","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":241105,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12758,"identifier":"III","token":"54.1\/III","url":"\/54.1\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12754,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":79319,"structure_id":14480,"section_number":"54.1-3600","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/54.1-3600\/","token":"54.1\/III\/36\/54.1-3600","metadata":false},{"id":86296,"structure_id":14480,"section_number":"54.1-3601","catch_line":"Exemption from requirements of licensure","url":"\/54.1-3601\/","token":"54.1\/III\/36\/54.1-3601","metadata":false},{"id":58795,"structure_id":14480,"section_number":"54.1-3602","catch_line":"Administration or prescription of drugs not permitted","url":"\/54.1-3602\/","token":"54.1\/III\/36\/54.1-3602","metadata":false},{"id":87336,"structure_id":14480,"section_number":"54.1-3603","catch_line":"Board of Psychology; membership","url":"\/54.1-3603\/","token":"54.1\/III\/36\/54.1-3603","metadata":false},{"id":62089,"structure_id":14480,"section_number":"54.1-3604","catch_line":"Nominations","url":"\/54.1-3604\/","token":"54.1\/III\/36\/54.1-3604","metadata":false},{"id":64160,"structure_id":14480,"section_number":"54.1-3605","catch_line":"Powers and duties of the Board","url":"\/54.1-3605\/","token":"54.1\/III\/36\/54.1-3605","metadata":false},{"id":70574,"structure_id":14480,"section_number":"54.1-3606","catch_line":"License required","url":"\/54.1-3606\/","token":"54.1\/III\/36\/54.1-3606","metadata":false},{"id":58347,"structure_id":14480,"section_number":"54.1-3606.1","catch_line":"Continuing education","url":"\/54.1-3606.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/36\/54.1-3606.1","metadata":false},{"id":82747,"structure_id":14480,"section_number":"54.1-3606.2","catch_line":"Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact","url":"\/54.1-3606.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/36\/54.1-3606.2","metadata":false},{"id":63539,"structure_id":14480,"section_number":"54.1-3606.3","catch_line":"Licensure of psychological practitioners; 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This law was first created in 2024. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 754<\/a> and 761<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":[{"id":79319,"section_number":"54.1-3600","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3600\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":244025,"object_type":"law","relational_id":63539,"identifier":"54.1-3606.3","token":"54.1\/III\/36\/54.1-3606.3","url":"\/54.1-3606.3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-3606.3\/","token":"54.1\/III\/36\/54.1-3606.3","dublin_core":{"Title":"Licensure of psychological practitioners; independent practice","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-3606.3","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> It is unlawful for any person to practice or hold himself out as a psychological practitioner<\/span> in the Commonwealth or use the title of psychological practitioner<\/span> unless he holds a license issued by the Board<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The Board<\/span> shall establish criteria for licensure as a psychological practitioner<\/span>, which shall include the following: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> 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<\/span>, or from a program accredited by another national accrediting body approved by the Board<\/span>; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Documentation that the applicant successfully completed the academic portion of a national exam recognized by the Board<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Every psychological practitioner<\/span> who meets the requirements of subsection B shall practice under the supervision of a clinical psychologist<\/span> unless the requirements of subsection D are met. The Board<\/span> shall determine the requirements and procedures for such supervision. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> A psychological practitioner<\/span> may practice without supervision upon: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Successful completion of the clinical portion of a national exam recognized by the Board<\/span>; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Completion of one year of full-time experience, as determined by the Board<\/span>, of practice under the supervision of a clinical psychologist<\/span>.\n\t\t\t\tUpon receipt of documentation of such examination and experience requirements and a fee as established by the Board<\/span>, the Board<\/span> shall issue<\/span> to the psychological practitioner<\/span> a new license that includes a designation indicating that the psychological practitioner<\/span> is authorized to practice independently. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The Board<\/span> shall determine appropriate standards of practice for psychological practitioners<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> The Board<\/span> shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nLICENSURE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL PRACTITIONERS; INDEPENDENT PRACTICE (\u00a7 54.1-3606.3)\n\nA. It is unlawful for any person to practice or hold himself out as a\npsychological practitioner in the Commonwealth or use the title of psychological\npractitioner unless he holds a license issued by the Board.\n\nB. The Board shall establish criteria for licensure as a psychological\npractitioner, which shall include the following:\n\n 1. Documentation that the applicant received a master’s degree in\n psychology or counseling psychology from a program accredited by the American\n Psychological Association, from a program equivalent to those accredited by\n the American Psychological Association as determined by the Board, or from a\n program accredited by another national accrediting body approved by the Board;\n and\n\n 2. Documentation that the applicant successfully completed the academic\n portion of a national exam recognized by the Board.\n\nC. Every psychological practitioner who meets the requirements of subsection B\nshall practice under the supervision of a clinical psychologist unless the\nrequirements of subsection D are met. The Board shall determine the requirements\nand procedures for such supervision.\n\nD. A psychological practitioner may practice without supervision upon:\n\n 1. Successful completion of the clinical portion of a national exam recognized\n by the Board; and\n\n 2. Completion of one year of full-time experience, as determined by the Board,\n of practice under the supervision of a clinical psychologist.\n \t\t\t\tUpon receipt of documentation of such examination and experience\n requirements and a fee as established by the Board, the Board shall issue to\n the psychological practitioner a new license that includes a designation\n indicating that the psychological practitioner is authorized to practice\n independently.\n\nE. The Board shall determine appropriate standards of practice for psychological\npractitioners.\n\nF. The Board shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to implement\nthe provisions of this section.\n\nHISTORY: 2024, cc. 754, 761.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}