To Whom It May Concern:

I'm writing in strong opposition to the provision in this law that would permit other-state licensed counselors who graduated from programs accredited by CACREP to qualify for licensure in Virginia with 3 years post-licensure experience while other-state licensed counselors who graduated from programs that are not affiliated with CACREP would need 10 years of post-licensure experience. There is no scientific evidence to support this proposed discrepancy and it is discriminatory to those who are not CACREP graduates. Most importantly, the residents of Virginia will suffer because this proposed regulation will limit the number of qualified licensed counseling professionals to serve individuals with mental health difficulties, particularly during a time of COVID when the mental health service needs are so great. Please do not pass this regulation.

sincerely,

Bryan Kim, Ph.D., LMHC