I teach in a MPCAC-accredited program (Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA) and am the campus coordinator for the National Counselor Exam. Our graduates score as well on the NCE as students in CACREP programs. Many of our graduates go on to practice in the region, including in VA.

I urge you to stop the proposed counselor licensing regulations that would require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program for licensure in Virginia for the following reasons:

• There is too much need for mental health services to focus on only one accrediting body.
• CACREP programs are not inherently better or graduating better counselors.
• CACREP-only language would be costly, reduce the number of counselors available to support clients who need help, and would make it more difficult for qualified counselors to get licensed in VA.

I strongly urge you to stop this proposal.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Morse