I urge the state of Virginia to consider the adverse impact this legislation would have on it's residents. In the midst of an ongoing mental health crisis, severely limiting the workforce of counselors by favoring those from CACREP institutions would make life saving treatment inaccessible to many individuals seeking counseling. To date, there is absolutely no empirical evidence that shows counselors from CACREP institutions perform better than those from other programs. Please do not create a shortage of mental health providers on your state through this legislation. Please hold compassion for your residents, particularly those who need community mental health resources. They are often helped by providers from a wide range of competent training programs outside of CACREP accreditation.