I respectfully urge approval of this petition. It is only reasonable for approval to be effective within 30 days after receipt of application.  Applicants should not be penalized for lack of manpower on the Board or whatever other challenges the Board has in being more prompt in reviewing and making decisions regarding residency approval/disapproval.  I personally had to wait six months before hearing back from the Board and then was penalized by the Board for the Board's inability to act more promptly by not being afforded the courtesy of backdating the effective date of my approval to within 30 days after the Board received my application, and this cost me six months of hours/supervision that I will not be able to count towards licensure. When people are trying to take the necessary steps and meet requirements to become licensed as a professional counselor, it is unfair and unjust to penalize applicants when the delay is outside the applicant's control.  I am requesting approval of this petition for LMFT and LPC.

Respectfully,

Arlene Malone, M.A.

Counselor in Residence