As both a counselor educator and a practicing psychologist, I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed restriction of counselor licensure to those who have graduated from CACREP-accredited programs.  This is unnecessary to ensure quality of service, and it limits the availability of qualified counselors who available to serve the citizens of Virginia.  Although CACREP-accredited programs do provide rigorous and high quality training, this is only one of several rigorous paths to the education of competent and ethical counselors.  Others have already provided detailed and eloquent statements of the facts in this area, so I will not repeat what has already been stated.  I would only like to point out that the role of a licensing board is to solely protect the public, not to determine what might be the highest quality form of counselor training. I assure you that there are many, and counselors are practicing effectively in many other states, as well as in Virginia. providing a valuable service to your citizens.  This proposed restriction of practice is a clear step in the wrong direction.

Pamela Foley, Ph.D.