Action | Requirement for CACREP accreditation for educational programs |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 7/1/2015 |
As an assistant professor of Counseling Psychology at the University at Albany- State University of New York who trains masters level licensed professional counselors (LPC) who practice in New York, Virginia, and elsewhere across the country, I am writing to strongly oppose any regulatory change in Virginia that would limit LPC licensure to graduates of master’s programs accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Based on my belief in multiple paths to licensure as an LPC, my stance is neither anti-CACREP nor is it anti-accreditation. The field of counseling and the public using mental health services benefit from graduates of diverse programs, multiple paths to licensure, and from inclusivity of graduates from all accredited counselor preparation programs – CACREP or otherwise. My perspective on the proposed regulatory change is shaped by the following considerations:
I strongly recommend that the Commonwealth of Virginia not approve this change. Instead, I strongly believe that Virginians will be best served by a diverse body of LPCs, and not only those with degrees from programs affiliated with CACREP.
Respectfully,
Jessica Martin, Ph.D.