As an LCPC living in Silver Spring, Maryland, on the border of Virginia, I have been looking to get dually licensed in both states. However, it has been a struggle because of the current laws in Virginia. Simliar to physicians and nurses, psychiatrists and counselors are equally important in our country. Mental health, which really is brain health, is just as important as any other part of the body's health. Allowing licensed counselors in one state to help out in another state would be such a great help to this nation. Research shows there is such a shortage of mental health professionals around the nation. It's only in large cities, like Baltimore where I work, that mental health professionals are numerous. However, if you go into the rural parts of Maryland or Virginia, there are far too many mental health professionals available. This leads to people in our nation not getting the crucial help that they need in order to manage their lives, their relationships, their health. That lack of help that is so necessary leads to poor achievement and sadly criminal behavior as a worst case senerio.

The ACA Portability Proposal, allowing for licensure across the nation, would greatly help create a bridge to begin to fulfill this need for mental health professional counselors to practice in other states. Whereas this CACREP focused proposal will do nothing but increase lack of professionals in areas that need it most. We need to broaden the open doors for mental health professionals. Not restrict them. Please decline the CACREP focused proposal and instead consider the ACA Proposal, allowing for counselors who have already been practicing for decades to use their wisdom and skill set to help areas of Virigina greatly in need of more mental health support.

Thank you.