I headed a master's program in counseling psychology for over 25 years at Radford University. The program had excellent students and many of the graduates presently hold LPC licensure in Virginia as well as other states. To my knowledge there has never been a complaint concerning our RU counseling psyc graduates. Many of the graduates have made significant contributions to the field of mental health in Virginia. The program at Radford was not CACREP accredited. I have taught in another program which is CACREP approved and have knowledge of other approved programs. It is my observation that the Radford students and the program they completed are superior.

There is a shortage of competent mental health providers in Virginia. This is a concern that has been discussed in The General Assembly. For this reason alone, it seems very unwise to limit licensure because of CACREP. While CACREP approval is nice, it does not guarentee that a graduate is a competent counselor. By the same token, a graduate of a quality program without CACREP accreditation cannot be assumed incompetent.

Those who have true concern about the mental health care of Virginians will not support  this proposal.