I’m writing to oppose the current regulations that restrict counseling residents’ supervisors to people who hold an active Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) license. I’d like Virginia to return to more inclusive supervision requirements that includes licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers. All of these professions share a common education base that qualifies them to supervise counseling residents.

Also, I’m writing to oppose the Board of Counseling’s continued efforts to restrict Virginia counselor licensure to graduates of programs accredited by CACREP. Given the high level of mental health needs in Virginia, counseling professionals from non-CACREP programs who are equally or even better trained should be made available to serve the people of Virginia.