I agree with this petition about the need to change the number of hours needed to earn LPC licensure. Mental health counselors are critically needed. As a veteran teacher of 30 years that is transitioning to the field of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I see students struggling with mental health every day. I also hear stories of students waiting for months on a waitlist to get help because of shortages. Some families struggle to afford counseling services for their children. Even though these families may have insurance coverage, Resident Counselors pursuing their LPC can only accept insurance clients based on their supervisor's credentialing. This creates a situation where a Resident in Counseling may be available to counsel but the family cannot afford to "self pay" because the counselor cannot accept their insurance. 

I fully understand the state of Virginia wanting counselors to be highly qualified. But, the excessive hours are beyond what is needed to be highly qualified.