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 Changes resulting from periodic review
Stage Proposed
Comment Period Ended on 4/1/2022
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4/1/22  5:23 pm
Commenter: Anonymous

Oppose CACREP Regulation
 

I am writing to strongly oppose the preferential treatment of counselors from CACREP programs in the proposed regulation for licensure by endorsement. There is not evidence that CACREP graduates are better prepared than those who come from programs with other types of accreditation. Further, as a faculty person in a program that WAS CACREP and is now MPCAC accredited, I can affirm that our program is not less rigorous and we made the change due to CACREP's exclusionary practices regarding faculty degrees (Counselor Education over Counseling/Clinical/School Psychology).  Our graduates have no trouble passing the NCE and typically score higher than the average. There are many regulations that protect the public health in the licensure process including required curriculum, supervised field experiences, and examination at initial licensure. This proposed regulation is not in the service of protecting the public health, but will deter licensed professionals with degrees from non-CACREP accredited programs from seeking licensure in Virginia. This is a disservice to the mental health people in your communities. This regulation will yield fewer counselors seeking licensure in your state.  

CommentID: 121065