I strongly oppose the Virginia proposal to endorse the National Counselor Licensure for Endorsement Process (NCLEP) as a route for counselor licensure.  While framed as a means to portability for the profession, it would privilege graduates of CACREP programs only.  The majority of counselor preparation programs are not CACREP.  In fact, most programs are in institutions with only regional accreditation, and others are accredited by MPCAC.  NCLEP would only serve to further the exclusion of a huge segment of counselors.  Should Virginia approve this, there will be fewer well qualified counselors permitted to practice in Virginia.

Ruth Baugher Palmer, Ph.D., Professor

Director, Clinical Counseling Program 

Eastern University, St Davids, PA