First off, let me say that although I currently live in Tennessee I graduated from a master's of psychology program in Virginia.  In my opinion limiting counselors to graduates from CACREP programs is a mistake.  In the past, Virginia licensure took into account a person’s course work and work experience in making a licensure decision.  I fully support this model of education and do not believe a single accrediting body makes a program better than another. 

There is a need for highly qualified and motivated mental health counselors and if a person can show they are competent they should be licensed.  Many of the items in CACREP have already been implemented by programs across the state.  Internships and direct supervision of the student are components of most masters’ of psychology programs offered in Virginia.  I agree that this is an important part of the counselor education process however CACREP accreditation is not the only way to ensure students have received this training.