This regulatory change will help protect the public in Virginia and ensure client welfare. It is our ethical obligation to do no harm to clients; speak up against potential sources of intended and unintended harm .  I believe that graduates of non- Cacrep programs, though well intended, are harmful harm waiting to happen. It is  important that we protect society from harm by closing the door against non-rigorous, ethically trained graduates being milled from non-CACREP accredited programs. It is a wise thing to do, and there is no better time than now. 

In one study, counselors who graduated from NON-CACREP accredited programs accounted for over 81% of ethical violations, despite being a minority of practicing counselors. Virginia has very inclusive policies that allow anyone with two years of licensure experience in another state, to relocate to Virginia and get licensed by endorsement. Please support this regulatory change, and thank you for your consideration.