To Whom it Concerns:

I oppose this amendment because the American Counseling Association (ACA) Portability Plan (http://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/licensure-requirements/licensure-portability-model-fact-sheet) is a better plan and approach than the NCLEP.  

The NCLEP proposal is overly restrictive and favors CACREP only graduates. The HRSA report of 2015 clearly notes the need for more, not fewer, qualified mental health professionals. In addition, there is no evidence that CACREP graduates are more competent than non-CACREP graduates. Please consider the existing health disparities and oppose the proposal to adopt the NCLEP in VA.

Thank you for your consideration,