Graduates of the University of the Virgin Islands Master of Arts in Psychology program will now be eligible to become licensed counselors in the U.S. Virgin Islands thanks to Bill No. 31-0134, which passed the 31st V.I. Legislature on Jan. 26, which establishes the Virgin Islands Board of Licensed Counselors and Examiners to provide licensure to those who intend to work as private counselors in the territory.
Prior to this development, the only licensing available to professional counselors was a kind of business license, which forced UVI graduates to leave the territory for proper certification and credentials – or go to work for an agency.
“This measure will allow for the sound regulation and licensure of persons seeking to provide counseling services,” said Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp. “As the Territory embarks to rebuild and strengthen its mental health division and access to mental health treatment, such a measure is a necessary catalyst to ensure that we have qualified individuals in the Territory to supply the demand of the Territory.”
More information is available on the Media Section of the UVI website –http://www.uvi.edu - and from this direct link.