As an experienced Counselor of 30 years, Counselor Supervisor, and Small Practice owner I adamantly oppose this new requirement that has nothing to do with License portability. This is another attempt by the Virginia government to support protectionist policies that limit Counselor participation in the State, benefits the Social Worker lobby, and deprives its citizens of much needed services.

We can only hope that the Counselors commenting here who support this measure actually took the time to read and understand the measure, along with the history and demographic of exactly who is providing services in Virginia. Hearing that some other agency endorsed the measure should not be the only reason to support this measure. We should practice what we preach to our clients, by carefully evaluation the situation before making a decision. I hope they ask themselves the vital question; Why would Virginia want to limit the resources available to its citizens?