I support the Chase petition which asks that the Board of Counseling amend its definitions and requirements so that   Master's Degree graduates of non-CACREP couseling-psychology programs have the potential to become licensed .  I am a retired psychology professor from Radford University, and have seen a consistent and chronic shortage of  qualified counselors and other behavioral health practitioners in the state, particularly in the more rural regions of Virginia.  I believe that the Board of Counseling needs to accept qualified candidates who have completed legitimate or accredited graduate programs in counseling,  counseling psychology or other program where the main focus is on counseling practice to improve psychological and behavioral health of the individual and his or her family, whether or not the program is CACREP accredited. I can specifically attest to the high quality of the training that graduate students receive at Radford University, and hope that these potential counselors can become licensed so that they can provide much needed services to the people of Virginia.