I strongly support this regulatory action.  It ensures that graduates of counseling programs in Virginia will meet the training standards outlined by the government for jobs in federal agencies, allowing students to serve veterans.  It strengthens both the identity and reputation of the profession by aligning counselor training programs in Virginia with the only national, CHEA-recognized accrediting body for counselors.  Adopting this regulation will put counseling on par with social work, psychology, medicine, nursing, and numerous other professions which require training programs be accredited by a single accrediting body.  It protects future students of counseling in Virginia, who may be unaware of the importance of accreditation, from facing undue hardships (such as an inability to obtain a job in the federal government) by attending an unaccredited program in Virginia.  It also provides ample protections for students already enrolled in such programs through its use of a 7-year grandfathering period.  Furthermore, it still allows for non-CACREP counselors from other states to receive a license in Virginia through the licensure by endorsement process.  Finally, by adopting a single training standard, it reduces confusion among new applicants for licensure about what courses and credits are needed in order to become a counselor in Virginia.  It would be a significant step forward for the profession in Virginia.