As recorded in the October 22, 2010 minutes, The West Virginia Board of Examiners in
Counseling (“The Board”) hereby issues the following advisory opinion regarding the practice of
distance counseling:
Under the provisions of W.Va. Code § 30-31-1, it is unlawful for any person to practice or offer to
practice professional counseling or marriage and family therapy in this state without a license. Be
advised, it is the opinion of the Board that the requirements of W.Va. Code § 30-31-1, and all other
rules and regulations governing the practice of professional counseling or marriage and family therapy,
shall be applicable to the practice of distance counseling and shall expressly apply to any person
providing distance counseling, as defined herein, to a person who resides, or is domiciled, in the State
of West Virginia.
Distance counseling is defined as any counseling, including marriage and family therapy that is
provided by any means other than direct in person services and is facilitated by the use of technology
including, but not limited to, U.S. mail, telephone, telefax, email, internet or videoconference.
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