I am a mental health provider in Roanoke, VA serving children with Medicaid.  At times, I support rising counselors seeking supervision.  During this supervisory experience, counselors-in-training rely on providing services for clients inclusive of those with Medicaid.  In the Roanoke area, it is not uncommon for many of our clients to have difficulty locating services that are readily-available, especially with providers that accept Medicaid.  Direct supervision with future counselors providing services to these underserved clients will be negatively impacted if the proposed changes are implemented.  Current provider qualifications support mutual opportunity for both clients and counselors in training.  I respectfully ask that the proposed changes be reconsidered and the current provider qualifications be maintained. 

Angie Anderson MA NCC LPC

Roanoke, VA