This regulatory change will help protect the public in Virginia and ensure client welfare. Virginia’s significant defense population needs more providers, and this regulation would help ensure there is a highly-qualified pool. There is a significant discrepancy between the demand for mental health services within the veteran populations and the supply. There are several individuals who are living with mental health issues and are not getting the services that they need because they do not have the means to pay out of pocket for counseling services. Some of these individuals do not need medications for their conditions but definitely are in need for counseling. Additionally, research has indicated that only medications are not as efficacious as medications+counseling. But due to high demands for services that are covered through insurance individuals who do not necessarily need or want to depend on medications do not get counseling needs met. This regulatory action would help put counselors on the map to be able to provide services where medications may be a part of but where counseling is what is most needed. Regulations are not about whether a certain program is included or not, it should be about what is best for clients that come see professional counselors. I have many friends who are social workers and psychologists. In session no matter how we approach our clients the work that gets done is all for the benefit of the clients. Many times in discussions I have had conversations with such friends about why a discrepancy in standards exists when a lot of what we all do is similar?! This regulatory action will help see that those discrepancies can be reduced and services be provided to individuals who need them the most. In the end we are all here to serve. Lastly, I would like to point out that CACREP accreditation required low students to faculty ratios, ensuring counselors aren’t prepared in diploma mills. I myself graduated from a non-CACREP program and for my licensure had to get additional credit hours couple of years later. I did my additional credit hours from a CACREP accredited program and LOVED the fact that I felt so much more confident and compentent in my practice after going through just a few of their courses. This is necessary! I speak from experience. Virginia has very inclusive policies that allow anyone with two years of licensure experience in another state, to relocate to Virginia and get licensed by endorsement. Please support this regulatory change, and thank you for your consideration.