Research doesn't support that the effectiveness of a counselor is determined by degree or years of practice.  With the growing need of mental health therapists, trying to limit practictioners doesn't make sense. Wait lists for practictioners are often very long, and clients complain of limited availability of therapists.If clinicians have completed coursework and have been properly trained, they should be able to practice. It's too bad that politics play into decisions such as these rather than how to best serve communities.