I support this petition for several reasons:

1) Much of the coursework from the separate fields has parallel content

2) The scholar practitioner model that most psychologists receive and learn ensures adaptations and modifications of treatments in the best interest of the patient

3) In this current age the need for mental health professionals continues to increase and mental illness is an underreported phenomenon - this means that the current rates we are seeing are not indicative of the true nature of people that need treatment. Thus, the true need for mental health professionals has not been fully assessed

4) If the regulations changed this could have a negative impact on professional's livelihood and their opportunities for promotion

5) If the regulations changed this could impact the individuals that will seek out advanced degrees in psychology

6) I think that the curriculum and the exam should continue to be the benchmark for people who aspire to be licensed

7) Lastly, my final reasons are a bit more personal. I have spent countless days and hours studying in preparation for licensure. My family has sacrified for my educational pursuits and I have made personal sacrifices with my time, money, and effort. To deny me the opportunity to gain something that I truly believe I deserve and I am willing to prove I deserve all on the account of wording is ridiculous.

I think the exam should be the final determinant once course and practicuum requirements have been met. LPCs cannot obtain certain government jobs that an LCSW can due to some "training differences." Sometimes its true in regard to a specific job, other times it seems like discrimination because I know LPCs are fully capable of doing some of these jobs. Let's not continue the cycle.