I oppose the regulation to make Virginia a CACREP state.  I feel this initiative is an implicit attempt by CACREP accredited universities to secure market advantage in licensure. It will gradually eliminate or harm graduate programs that offer Masters degrees in Counseling Psychology, Creative Arts Therapy, Clinical Psychology, Sports Psychology, Forensic Psychology, among others, that qualify for licensure as a mental health counselor. In a CACREP-only state, these degree programs would not be recognized or approved by the state professional board; and the degree holder would be unable to practice as a mental health counselor.

As a mental health provider myself, I know that I worked HARD for my degree, and I do real work that helps my clients as an LCPC.  To then be in a state that turns around and essentially declares all degrees that came from non CACREP accredited schools to be invalid is wrong, and will ultimately harm the people of Virginia.