As a resident of Maryland--a state with close ties to and a border with Virginia--I and many I know will be affected as we seek mental health care close to where we work and when we must travel.  As such, I strongly oppose this proposal.  It would be unfair and discriminatory against non-CACREP program graduates. There is no evidence that licensed counselors from CACREP programs perform any better than those from other programs. This is a thinly veiled attempt by CACREP to create a cartel that would hurt the people who need qualified counselors the most. All licensed counselors should be accorded the same status and treatment. Regulators need to ensure that as many qualified professionals as possible are available to meet the growing demand for mental health therapy. This proposal will work against those goals and only cause confusion and suffering. 

Thank you.