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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7/14/17  2:34 pm
Commenter: Michael Mobley

Oppose CACREP-Only
 

Dear Leaders and Residents of Virginia,

I oppose the move to a CACREP-only standard as Virginia has robust educational requirements and uses the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE) as a requirement for licensure. The NCMHCE is a strong clinical exam and passing it reflects the readiness for clinical practice.

Additionally, the Virginia Economic Impact Analysis states: “Given the significant costs associated with requiring CACREP accreditation, the uneven and uncertain benefits of doing so and the lack of empirical evidence that this proposal is necessary to protect the health and safety of Virginians, the costs of this proposed change appear to outweigh the benefits.

Also, the recently announced National Counselor Licensure Endorsement Process proposal by the American Association of State Counseling Boards (of which Virginia is a member),  American Mental Health Counselors Association, the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, and the National Board of Certified Counselors, does not have a CACREP-only requirement. CACREP accreditation is one of three options necessary as part of the requirements.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Michael Mobley

CommentID: 60899