I strongly oppose the proposed regulation of CACREP accreditation requirement for state licensure and believe that the state licensure should be separate from CACREP.  Based on my knowledge, there is no empirical data suggesting  that those graduating with CACREP accredited programs are more effective and ethical compared to counselors coming from non-CACREP accredited programs .

As a full time counseling student, majoring in Community Agency Counseling at George Mason University, I know I have been receiving one of the best trainings in the country, acquiring knowledge necessary to become not only a successful counselor, but also one that is aware of social justice and multicultural aspects so inherent in counseling work. I am proud to be a part of this excellent program and learn from the best in the field. Even though George Mason University is not CACREP accredited, its counseling program received the Outstanding Master’s Degree Program award by the Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision for the excellent counselor training and has been consistently drawing students from all over the country. I truly hope VA licensing board votes NO on this proposal, which only means to limit diversity and inclusion and restrict licensure to only a segment of the state’s counseling professionals, supervisors, educators, and mental health providers.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards,

Kasia Dec

M.Ed. Candidate, Counseling and Development, 2016

George Mason University