Action | Requirement for CACREP accreditation for educational programs |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 7/14/2017 |
I have supervised graduates from both master's level psychology as well as counselor education programs in various roles within the Department of Corrections. Although their coursework may be different and the philosophies behind their training may be different, I evaluate their abilities, knowledge and skills to do the job. In that sense, both types of graduates (psychology and counseling) from these programs have demonstrated the needed proficiencies to do the work.
As pointed out in other comments, the LPC had been open to both psychology masters graduates as well as M.Ed.'s until recently. If both types of graduates can perform the job and have the skills, and are competent professionals, why are they not able to pursue the LPC? It appears to me to be unfair to restrict the LPC to only certain types of graduates based upon their coursework when other individuals who have the same skills and abilities are being denied this opportunity. If only graduates of CACREP programs are allowed to pursue the LPC, this would be a disservice to those who have graduated from programs that are not CACREP but who are equally able to provide the needed services.
From my perspective, both types of graduates have the background, knowledge, skills and abilities to provide professional counseling services to the citizens of Virginia. Please consider the impact of disallowing a huge resource when quality mental health services are in such high demand. Allowing the pursuit of the LPC by psychology masters graduates can only help promote the education and production of more competent counselors, along with those who graduate from M.Ed. programs. Thank you.