Marriage and family therapists; revise certain requirements for licensure.
If enacted, SB2159 will make it easier for individuals to attain licensure as marriage and family therapists in Mississippi by broadening the types of accredited educational programs considered acceptable. This change is anticipated to enhance the pool of qualified professionals available to provide much-needed mental health services in the state, an area that has been highlighted as lacking in resources. By potentially allowing more graduates from CACREP-accredited institutions to practice, the bill could also influence the standards of therapy services offered across Mississippi.
Senate Bill 2159 aims to amend Section 73-54-17 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 by revising the requirements for obtaining a marriage and family therapy license. The bill proposes that applicants may now hold degrees from programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), in addition to those accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Additionally, it seeks to reduce certain hour requirements for clinical supervision and experience, which could streamline the process for prospective therapists.
The sentiment around SB2159 appears to be generally favorable among mental health professionals and advocates for improved access to therapy services. Supporters argue that these changes are essential for addressing the state's mental health needs, which have been exacerbated by rising demand for services. Critics, if there are any, have not been prominently noted in available discussions, suggesting a relatively smooth path for this legislation within the legislative environment.
While there seems to be broad support for the bill, some concerns about maintaining high standards for therapy practice have emerged. The reduction of hour requirements for supervision might raise questions about whether sufficient training is provided. However, these adjustments are viewed as necessary steps toward increasing the number of qualified therapists in the state, which is critical given the increasing demand for mental health services.