As an art therapist with a master's degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from a CACREP accredited program, I strongly oppose the CACREP ruling. The training I recieved during my studies as an art therapist is comprable to that of MS programs in counseling. The Virginia Board of Counseling has long recognized this training as meeting or exceeding the academic and experience requirements for the LPC license.  Many art therapists in Virginia have gained licensure as professional counselors. This ruling would prevent highly qualified mental health professionals from achieving the LPC necessary to serve populations in need.