George Iannetta's License Was Suspended by Virginia's Board of Counseling
George Iannetta, a therapist licensed in Virginia, had his counseling license suspended by the Virginia Board of Counseling. The suspension was a disciplinary action taken by the state licensing board, which oversees mental health professionals including licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and substance abuse counselors.
License suspensions are formal enforcement actions that prevent a therapist from practicing during the suspension period. Unlike a revocation, which is permanent, a suspension is temporary — though the length varies depending on the board's order and the circumstances of the case.
If you were a client of Iannetta's or are considering therapy with someone, understanding how Virginia's licensing system works and what a suspension means can help you make informed decisions about your care.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia's Board of Counseling suspended George Iannetta's license, meaning he cannot legally practice therapy in Virginia during the suspension period.
- The board maintains a public database where you can search any therapist's license status, disciplinary history, and current standing.
- If you were a client during the suspension, you have the right to request your records and seek care from another licensed provider.
- License suspensions are temporary disciplinary actions; the board's order specifies when or under what conditions the license may be reinstated.
- You can file a complaint with the Virginia Board of Counseling if you believe a therapist has violated professional standards.
How to Check a Therapist's License Status in Virginia
The Virginia Board of Counseling maintains a public license lookup tool on its website. You can search by the therapist's name or license number to see whether their license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired. The search results also show any disciplinary actions the board has taken.
This database is the official record. If a therapist's license shows as suspended, they are not permitted to practice therapy in Virginia. If you are currently in therapy with someone whose license is suspended, you should stop treatment and contact another licensed provider when ready.
You can also contact the Virginia Board of Counseling directly by phone or mail if you have questions about a specific license status or need help understanding a disciplinary record.
What a License Suspension Means for Clients
A suspended license means the therapist cannot legally provide counseling services in Virginia during the suspension period. Any therapy sessions conducted during a suspension would be unlicensed practice, which is illegal and leaves you without the legal protections that come with seeing a licensed professional.
If you were receiving therapy from someone whose license was suspended, you have the right to request your clinical records. Virginia law requires therapists to maintain records and provide copies to clients or their designated representatives. You can use these records to continue your care with another licensed therapist without losing continuity.
You are not responsible for the therapist's licensing status — that is the therapist's obligation to maintain. If you paid for sessions during a suspension period, you may have grounds to dispute those charges or seek a refund, depending on the circumstances.
The Virginia Board of Counseling's Disciplinary Process
The Virginia Board of Counseling investigates complaints against licensed therapists and can impose discipline ranging from a warning to license revocation. Suspensions fall in the middle of that range and are typically imposed when the board finds a violation of professional standards but believes the therapist may eventually be able to practice safely again.
Common reasons for suspension include violations of confidentiality, inappropriate conduct with clients, failure to maintain proper records, practicing outside the scope of licensure, or substance abuse issues. The board's order specifies the violation and the conditions for reinstatement, which might include completing additional training, undergoing evaluation, or serving a set suspension period.
Disciplinary records are public. You can view the board's findings and the specific violations in the license lookup database or by requesting the full disciplinary order from the board.
How to File a Complaint Against a Therapist in Virginia
If you believe a therapist has violated professional standards or acted unethically, you can file a complaint with the Virginia Board of Counseling. Complaints must be submitted in writing and should include specific details about what happened, when it happened, and how it affected you.
The board will investigate your complaint and determine whether a violation occurred. You do not need a lawyer to file, and you do not need to be a current client — anyone with knowledge of a violation can report it. The board keeps your identity confidential during the investigation unless you consent to disclosure or the case goes to a hearing.
Complaints can be filed online, by mail, or by phone. The board's website has a complaint form and instructions. The investigation process typically takes several months, and you will be notified of the outcome.
Finding a Licensed Therapist in Virginia
When looking for a new therapist, always verify their license status using the Virginia Board of Counseling's database before scheduling an appointment. Check that their license is active and current, and review any disciplinary history.
Virginia recognizes several types of mental health licenses: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselor – Substance Abuse (LPC-SA), and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). Make sure the therapist's license type matches the kind of care you need.
You can also search for therapists through your health insurance provider's directory, which filters for in-network providers, or through the Psychology Today therapist finder, which allows you to search by location, specialty, and insurance accepted.
Your Rights as a Therapy Client in Virginia
Virginia law gives therapy clients specific rights, including the right to confidentiality, the right to access your own records, the right to informed consent before treatment begins, and the right to know your therapist's qualifications and license status.
If you believe your therapist has violated your rights, you can file a complaint with the licensing board, seek a second opinion from another therapist, or consult with an attorney about civil remedies. You also have the right to end therapy at any time and request your records be transferred to another provider.
If a therapist's conduct caused you harm — such as a breach of confidentiality or inappropriate conduct — you may have grounds for a malpractice claim. An attorney who handles professional liability cases can review your situation and advise you on your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a therapist practice in Virginia if their license is suspended?
No. A suspended license means the therapist cannot legally provide counseling services in Virginia during the suspension period. If they do, they are practicing without a license, which is illegal. If you discover this is happening, report it to the Virginia Board of Counseling when ready.
How long does a license suspension usually last?
The length varies depending on the board's order and the violation. Some suspensions last a few months; others last a year or longer. The board's disciplinary order specifies the suspension period and any conditions for reinstatement. You can view the order in the license lookup database.
What should I do if I was seeing George Iannetta when his license was suspended?
Stop treatment when ready and request your clinical records. You can then continue your care with another licensed therapist. If you paid for sessions during the suspension, you may dispute those charges or request a refund. Consider whether you want to file a complaint with the board about your experience.
How do I know if a therapist's license is current before I schedule an appointment?
Use the Virginia Board of Counseling's public license lookup tool on its website. Search by the therapist's name or license number. The results will show whether the license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired, plus any disciplinary history.
Can a suspended license be reinstated?
Yes, if the board's order allows for reinstatement. The therapist must meet the conditions specified in the disciplinary order, which might include completing training, undergoing evaluation, or serving the full suspension period. The board will review the request and decide whether to reinstate the license.