Louisiana House Bill HR113

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/6/19
• Passed: 5/7/19

Caption

Commends the Louisiana Counseling Association and designates May 9, 2019, as Louisiana Counseling Association Day at the state capitol

Impact

The designation of a specific day to honor the LCA raises awareness regarding the importance of mental health services in Louisiana. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals with mental health conditions, with statistics highlighting that a significant portion of adults and children with diagnosable issues do not receive treatment. The day fosters a greater recognition of the counseling profession and was intended to motivate legislative support for mental health policies, ultimately aiming to bridge gaps in access to care and professional development for counselors.

Summary

House Resolution 113 commends the Louisiana Counseling Association (LCA) and designates May 9, 2019, as Louisiana Counseling Association Day at the state capitol. This resolution aims to honor the contributions and services provided by the LCA, which includes over 2,200 professional counselors operating in various fields such as mental health, marriage and family therapy, and school counseling. The LCA plays a crucial role in the advancement of the counseling profession and strives to enhance public policy affecting mental health services within the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR 113 is largely positive, with legislators acknowledging the dedication and influence of counseling professionals in Louisiana. Supporters view this resolution as a much-needed recognition of the crucial services provided by counselors who positively impact the lives of many citizens. While there may not be significant opposition to the resolution itself, it serves as a platform to highlight ongoing issues within the broader context of mental health services in the state.

Contention

While HR 113 primarily serves as a commendation rather than a piece of legislation with potential controversy, it underscores ongoing discussions around mental health policy and funding within Louisiana. There are underlying issues regarding access to mental health care, specifically the need for increased resources and support for counseling services. Thus, while the resolution itself is non-controversial, it brings to light the necessity for continued advocacy for mental health awareness and better legislative action in this crucial field.