I strongly oppose the amendment as this would further decrease access to the critical mental health care folks need. Mental health treatment is already hard to access for folks due to finances, a lack of counselors, and the public health crisis that has been ongoing.  Not only is there a lack of evidence supporting the supposed superiority of CACREP-accredited graduates, but this amendment would significantly reduce the amount of clinicians that are able to provide quality care to clients that are in need of services.  There are many potential clinicians from a wide range of qualified and esteemed programs that would positively impact clientele in the state of Virginia.  Rather than this amendment, I strongly support the Counseling Compact.  I strongly encourage the support of the Counseling Compact, which promotes accessibility and inclusive portability for potential and present clinicians.
https://counselingcompact.org.