I graduated from the Radford University Clinical Psychology master's program in 2008. In that program, I used my psychology and applied studies to provide evidence-based treatment in my practicum and internship opportunities. I had the opportunity to learn from a licensed professional counselor in the VA-DOC. This mentor also graduated from the Radford University master's psychology program and demonstrated the benefits to individuals with mental health needs that his licensure provided. The academic studies and applied training provided by the RU clinical program give students the tools to build evidence-based interventions for individuals in the community. In a time when our Virginia community is so in need of well-trained counselors (e.g., under-staffing of both in-patient and out-patient care, including emergency care; high-profile cases such as the recent tragedy involving Creigh and Austin Deeds; the individuals lost in the tragedies of the VA Tech shooting and 2009 stabbing), it seems that identifying and supporting programs in our state that offer our community well-trained mental health providers is of critical import. I happen to have built my career in another area of psychology, so have no professional stake in the licensure of counseling professionals. I support this petition as a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, a caring member of our state's community, and as an informed graduate of the Radford University Clinical Psychology master's program.