I am writing to express my opposition to the proposal that would require non-CACREP programs be required to demonstrate seven more years of experience than those graduating from CACREP programs. There is no documented evidence that licensed counselors who graduated from programs accredited by exclusively one group (CACREP) are better trained or perform better than those who graduated from other programs. Especially in this time of huge mental health distresss post-COVID-19 (health care providers, first responders, educators, students, etc. etc.), in Virginia and beyond, I believe this proposal would harm the public by needlessly limiting the number of counselors who would quality for licensure (and therefore professional counseling work) in Virginia.