A new provisional license for counselors is expected to help address the need for mental health professionals within Pennsylvania while also providing new counseling graduates with opportunities for better pay.
“With the passing of the provisional licensure, our graduates will have more opportunities afforded to them because many companies other than traditional community behavioral health agencies can now bill for services,” said Lisa Corbin, PhD, LPC, NCC, chair and director of PCOM’s MS in Mental Health Counseling program.
Act 4, recently signed into law by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, allows new professional counselors and marriage and family therapists who hold a master’s degree to apply to work as licensed associate marriage and family therapists (LAMFTs) and licensed associate professional counselors (LAPCs). Previously, according to Brandon Tomlinson, PhD, LPCC, NCC, an assistant professor in PCOM’s Mental Health Counseling program, counselors and marriage and family therapists in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have traditionally had to wait two years for any sort of recognition from insurance agencies.
“Think of not having this introductory level of licensure like a medical doctor who has to go through residency without being recognized as a legitimate medical provider during said residency,” he explained.
The new act, he added, will most likely simplify the process of insurance reimbursement for providers who are working toward independent licensure. For those with a master’s degree, this includes the completion of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in order to reach eligibility for state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
According to a Pennsylvania Department of State press release, the new law will help address a critical mental health workforce shortage in Pennsylvania. Prospective associate counselor licensees will be vetted by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors and submit license applications through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). Requirements include, but are not limited to:
An application checklist including details regarding these and other requirements may be viewed on the PALS website.
“The passage of Act 4 will expand opportunities for our graduates to engage in different types of experiences with diverse clientele,” Corbin said. “We are proud to play a role in advancing mental health care and look forward to seeing the positive impact our graduates will make in improving the well-being of individuals across the state.”
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