After a nine-year hiatus, I am an undergraduate student again.  My time away from school began because I simply could not afford to both attend classes and continue to eat.  I worked very hard to make my way back to college and am set to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2018.  However, if I am to practice in my chosen profession I must receive at least a master’s degree.  During my research on graduate programs I discovered that psychology programs are quite different than they were in 2005 when I first began college.  The path I was on toward a career in clinical psychology now has a whole new meaning. I would like to have the option of applying to Counseling Programs in both Psychology and Counselor Education, but if the proposed regulations are approved it is my understanding that I have no choice but to apply to a CACREP accredited program in order to ensure my ability to become an LPC in Virginia after completion of my master’s degree.

 Aside from questioning the extensive amount of time I have spent dedicating myself and the past 12 years to achieving my goal of becoming a counseling psychologist, I fear now more than ever that all of this time and effort may have been for naught.  I have a unique perspective as a non-traditional, independent student.  The reality is, I may not be able to afford to attend the school or program of my choice. My perspective comes from a lower socioeconomic status, it is practical and familiar with sacrifice.  For students aspiring to become counselors, it can be a struggle to pay for all of the applications for graduate school, let alone for the program itself.  The added risk of being ineligible for licensure upon completion of a degree may lead potential applicants to look elsewhere.  Taking on an advanced degree to pursue a career geared toward helping others should be made more accessible, not more difficult.  

This is not to say that CACREP programs are in any way inadequate to prepare qualified counselors.  Quite the contrary.  However, it is a burden for those who need counseling to limit the pool of qualified professionals from which they may find help.  We need to offer a variety of programs to best educate future counselors.  We need more qualified counselors from a variety of personal and educational backgrounds in order to offer the best possible care to the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Students need choice about which programs can best meet their needs, and clients need choice about which type of mental health professionals they see. We need you to oppose the requirement for CACREP-only accreditation which will prohibit graduates from master’s level psychology programs from being eligible for the LPC in Virginia.