I am a licensed counselor practicing in Lexington VA. My education and training was in Maryland - the course work was identical to that required by VA, in some subjects, it exceeded this states required curriculum. My professors included Licensed Counselors, Licensed Social Workers, and Psychologist - I believe this mix provided a thorough and rich foundation that prepared me well to serve the wide range of clients served in my community. The program, while provided through the Applied Psychology Division, was specifically designed for the Professional Counselor.

Moreover, as I have watched and read about Virginia's accredidation struggle, I have yet to see empiracle evidence to support this move other than a couple of percentage point difference on the national exam. Anyone in this field knows that it is not a 2 to 5 point difference on any exam that qualifies a person as a "good councelor". In my experience it is the richness of inclusiveness and diversity that enables young professionals to evolve into their avocation.

I applaud all the hard working, devoted professionals on the Board of Counseling - I do not envy the task you have in designing and enforcing policy and regualtions that serve the best interest of the Commonwealth. However, my community is under-served as it is - so many without health insurance and personal income to afford badly needed mental health support - please don't restrict that even further.

I believe those that support Restricted Supervision and CACREP accrediation come at this from their best intention; yet I urge you not to enact these proposal.