One of the biggest challenges we face is the need for more qualified mental health providers able to provide critical services to people in need. There was a lack of properly trained adoption-competent and trauma informed mental health services already. Now, due to the pandemic , the general mental health of our entire planet has been stressed.  Unless we work together, it may soon be even harder for people to access critical mental health resources, as fewer and fewer mental health professionals will be available to provide services in New York State, thereby creating a further crisis in obtaining vital services.

In a few weeks, Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs), Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs)  and licensed psychoanalysts (LP) entering the field from now on, among others, will not be allowed diagnose patients and develop treatment plans for patients who need mental health services. This would create devastating slowdowns in treatment for tens of thousands of clients, as it will discourage many from entering the field, and have terrible impacts on community mental health.

This nightmare will become a reality if we do nothing. You can help stop this catastrophic action.

According to a recent CDC survey, 42% of respondents reported anxiety or depression symptoms, an increase of over 200% from the 2019 average.

Yet New York State is about to make it even harder for trained, qualified, experienced professionals to help those in need. For example, we recently heard from a community member who just moved here from California. They were a state-certified Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive practical and supervisory experience; yet while they were able to practice and bill Medicaid in California, they are not allowed to do so in New York. This person’s ability to practice is limited, and the community suffers as a result. It’s time for a change.

Assemblymember Harry Bronson and Senator Samra Brouk have introduced bills in their respective legislative bodies to standardize the requirements for licensure, authorize trained staff to diagnose and develop assessment-based treatment plans, and provide workforce flexibility to deal with critical needs.  

BILL TEXT 

We’re asking everyone to call or email their NYS Senators and Assembly members and urge them to support the following bills:

Please take a moment out of your day today and make the calls or send the emails.Â