I am writing in support of the petition requiring that supervision applications be approved within a thirty day timeframe.  As a licensed LMFT in the state of Virginia since 2004, I have noticed a significant shift in the way applications are managed.  When I had submitted my paperwork in 2001 and 2002, I received a quick response.  I was able to begin my residency prior to the approval as it was considered a valid contract as the date it was sent to the board.

As a supervisor in the MFT program at VA Tech, I have been made aware of the increasingly difficulty in obtaining approval and the board's decision not to hold the contract valid as the date of filing.  I find this unfair to those residents as it has jeopardized their placements and jobs.  Due to the current state of public mental health, it has been extremely hard for our graduates to obtain employment in the public mental health sector.  As a result, graduates are turning more to the private practice sector which require timely registration of their residency.  Our graduates do not need further roadblocks in their practice in the marriage and family therapy field.

I kindly ask that applications are approved within a 30 day timeframe and are back dated to the date of the application.