Dear Leaders and Residents of Virginia,

I oppose the move to a CACREP-only standard as Virginia has robust educational requirements and uses the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE) as a requirement for licensure. The NCMHCE is a strong clinical exam and passing it reflects the readiness for clinical practice.

Additionally, the Virginia Economic Impact Analysis states: “Given the significant costs associated with requiring CACREP accreditation, the uneven and uncertain benefits of doing so and the lack of empirical evidence that this proposal is necessary to protect the health and safety of Virginians, the costs of this proposed change appear to outweigh the benefits.

Also, the recently announced National Counselor Licensure Endorsement Process proposal by the American Association of State Counseling Boards (of which Virginia is a member),  American Mental Health Counselors Association, the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, and the National Board of Certified Counselors, does not have a CACREP-only requirement. CACREP accreditation is one of three options necessary as part of the requirements.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Michael Mobley