Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Counseling
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Professional Counseling [18 VAC 115 ‑ 20]
Action Requirement for CACREP accreditation for educational programs
Stage Proposed
Comment Period Ended on 7/14/2017
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7/13/17  11:22 pm
Commenter: Kamille Harris, NRVCS

OPPOSE : CACREP-only licensure at master's level in VA
 

I strongly oppose legislation that would only allow individuals from CACREP-accredited programs to be LPC eligible.

I recently graduated from the Clinical-Counseling master's program at Radford University. Despite the training, exposure, classwork, research, and overall knowledge accumulated from the program I  won't be able to achieve licensure at the master's level. This issue forces me to return to school for a doctorate degree or another master's degree program which will likely parallel the program I have already completed. I believe I'm beyond competent and knowledgeable to perform as a mental health professional at this level - the financial burden of achieving licensure is discouraging and time consuming. In the southwestern VA area, mental health providers are scarce and services are needed. It is inconsiderate to disqualify competent mental health professionals based on CACREP regulations. 

CommentID: 60802