LICENSURE AND CREDENTIALING BODIES

Information on Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.):  

Courses for academic credit, and supervision with Virginia L.P.C. Supervisors are designed to partially fulfill requirements for Virginia Licensure as a Professional Counselor, or as a Marriage and Family Therapist.  Information on current requirements for Licensure is available from the Department of Health Professions at (804) 662-9912, or on line at www.dhp.state.va.us.  Licensed counselors may be eligible for third-party payments from insurance companies licensed in Virginia. 

Information regarding membership in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors

The Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care is fully accredited as a pastoral counseling service and training center by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.  VIPCare staff members value their membership in AAPC and often hold offices at the regional and association levels of AAPC.

At its web site www.aapc.org AAPC states:

"Pastoral Counseling is a unique form of psychotherapy which uses spiritual resources as well as psychological understanding for healing and growth.  Pastoral Counselors are certified mental health professionals who have had in-depth religious and/or theological training." 

American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) represents and sets professional standards for over 3000 Pastoral Counselors and 100 pastoral counseling centers in the United States.  AAPC was founded in 1963 as an organization which certifies Pastoral Counselors, accredits pastoral counseling centers, and approves training programs.  It is non-sectarian and respects the spiritual commitments and religious traditions of those who seek assistance without imposing counselor beliefs onto the clients.Persons become members of AAPC through a process of consultation and review of academic and clinical education which leads to competent professional ministry.  For members, AAPC offers vital continuing education opportunities; encourages networks of members for professional support and enrichment; facilitates growth and innovation in the ministry of pastoral counseling; and provides both specialized in-service training and supervision in pastoral counseling.

For further information on AAPC, membership categories, and requirements, contact: