Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Counseling
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Professional Counseling [18 VAC 115 ‑ 20]
Action Requirement for CACREP accreditation for educational programs
Stage Proposed
Comment Period Ended on 7/14/2017
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5/17/17  5:15 pm
Commenter: Heidi Lindorf, MFT Resident

Strongly Opposed
 

I am strongly opposed to this regulatory action.  The CACREP standards are fairly broad.  We need highly trained mental health professionals, which means specialization--not being exposed to broad standards.  Having graduated from a COAMFTE accredited program, which is specialized in Marriage and Family Therapy, I can say that if I needed help with my marriage, I would only go to a therapist/counselor who graduated from a COAMFTE progam. 

We also need more mental health professionals (there is a huge need).  Obviously, we need to have a standard because we want competent mental health professionals.  Creating this regulation would not help accomplish either more or competent mental health professionals.  This regulation creates narrower standards, but not higher standards.  I don't see the benefit to people in need of mental health care by making this regulation.

 

CommentID: 59274