I am writing this letter as a graduate student in what I truly believe to be is an exceptional program in counseling at George Mason University. The current proposal for required CACREP or CORE accreditation would in my opinion be a disservice to individuals with mental health services needs in the state of Virginia and counselors looking for the best in education and training. The non-accredited program I am currently a part of is providing me with all of the knowledge and practical skills I will need to be an effective and culturally responsive counselor in the state of Virginia and it is my belief that it far exceeds the expectations of CACREP accreditation.  Any legislation aimed at mandating CACREP accreditation for licensure would stifle innovation in the field of counselor education and disqualify all of the excellent faculty members whom hold degrees in counseling and clinical psychology from educating future counselors in programs which would lead to licensure. Therefore I urge the commonwealth of Virginia to reject this change in regulation.

Sincerely,

Alexander J. Hilert

M.Ed. Candidate, Counseling and Development, 2016

George Mason University