I am writing in support of petition 281 titled Licensure by Endorsement. Inclusion of the NCLEP into the endorsement rules will pave the way for a simple, clear, and reasonable portability path for counselors in Virginia.   Virginia has been a leader and path forger in the clinical mental health arena and I hope this forward-thinking leadership continues with the passing of Petition 281.  I have personally known of Licensed Counselors from other states moving to Virginia and having to jump through multiple paper-trail hoops, and wait years for their credentials to be approved in Virginia.  This has put unnecessary financial and emotional strain on qualified mental health provders and their families relocating to the Commonwealth.  

Petition 281 is well thought out, simple and precise, and is jointly proposed by four leading counseling organizations (AASCB, ACES, AMHCA, and NBCC) and will play a vital role in addressing the portability problem that faces the profession by increasing access to care while protecting the public. Now is the time to remedy this problem. Thank you for your consideration and support.

Marie R. Paddock, LPC