Dear Virginia LPC Board,

As someone who was initially licensed in Virginia and continues to maintain my licensure, I firmly oppose this proposed amendment. I believe that professional counselors should be responsible for supervising counselors-in-training because this is critical to protecting the unique identity of the counseling profession, including its unique teachings and theories. I also recognize that neither the Board of Psychology nor the Board of Social Work permits LPCs to supervise future psychologists or social workers - why is this the case? Since this is not a bidirectional relationship/expectations with other mental health professionals in Virginia, I strongly believe that future LPCs should be supervised by experienced members of our own profession. 

I hope you will reject this proposal and any such proposals that might emerge in the future. 

Thank you, Dr. Harrichand, LPC-S