According to the Virginia Department of Health Professionals, there is a high demand for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), marriage and family therapists, and substance abuse treatment practitioners. High demand for services has forced some state psychiatric hospitals to limit admissions due to a lack of staff. While Virginia ranks reasonably well compared to other states for overall access to care, the sheer demand has overwhelmed the current workforce, particularly for specialized care. This ruling, if passed, will incentivize QMHPs to become licensed therapists