Please consider supporting this petition. As school psychologists, we have been thoroughly trained with supervision through our three-year graduate level programs which included a year long internship. Five years of experience adds to the wealth of knowledge that we have. In addition, we complete continuing education as required by the Department of Education. Allowing us to practice independently would be one additional way to resolve the mental health shortage that is resulting in months long waitlists. The following article reports that 40% of Virginians have symptoms of anxiety and depression, "2/3 of Virginia localities are federally designated as mental health professional shortage areas", and many of the current providers are nearing retirement without sufficient replacements being trained.