Access to mental health care may get boost from change in counselor licensing requirements

Dozens more professional counselors could be approved for associate licenses soon under a new state law meant to expand mental health care in Pennsylvania.

For college students set to graduate this spring and move on to their clinical experience requirements, getting started in the field could be a quick turnaround as a result of the change, said Michelle Schein, clinical coordinator and program director for University of Pittsburgh’s clinical mental health counseling program.

“It does increase the career opportunities for folks post-grad,” she said.

But it also means access to mental health care will grow because there will be more providers available.

“There is already a huge issue with access to care, especially in rural regions,” said Ashley Deurlein, president of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association.

Act 4 allows people working toward completing their clinical experience requirements as professional counselors and marriage and family therapists to get an associate license, making them eligible for insurance reimbursement. State Sen. Pat Stefano, R-Fayette, who introduced a bill proposing the change, said the new law will help counselors and therapists get full licensing quicker, rather than having to get a second job to pay the bills.

“I would like to see more students go into this profession … and maybe this will help encourage that,” he said.

Since applications for the associate licenses opened April 3, the Department of State has issued four for professional counselors as of Tuesday, said press secretary Matt Heckel. Awaiting review are 75 applications for professional counselors and one application for a marriage and family therapist.

The change was a result of bipartisan legislation sponsored by Stefano and state Rep. Melissa Cerrato, whose district is in the Philadelphia area. Stefano said he crafted his bill after becoming aware of a shortage of qualified workers in the mental health field.

Professionals applying for associate licenses must have a master’s degree and/or doctoral training and be working on their required hours of clinical experience under supervision, which ranges from 2,400 to 3,000 hours, based on education level.

Schein said those hours can take between two and six years to complete.

“That’s a long time,” Stefano said.

Advocates said more mental health-related legislation is needed to make sure people have the care they need and to help reduce stigma that surrounds seeking it. The law was signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro on March 28.

To apply for an associate license, visit pals.pa.gov.