Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-119, Marcy, is co-sponsoring legislation which expands the scope of practice of mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychoanalysts; which has passed the Assembly in a vote. 

“The bill establishes a legal privilege for members of these professions to diagnose and develop assessment-based treatment plans in certain cases. It also establishes a set requirement for the diagnostic privilege, intended to align with the requirements of a licensed clinical social worker. By expanding the number of mental health professionals empowered to provide these services, Buttenschon hopes to address the critical shortages in the mental health workforce,” notes a statement from Buttenschon’s office.

The legislation requires that providers be licensed and registered in the state as a licensed mental health counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, or psychoanalyst. 

It also requires that these providers complete 60-semester hour master’s degree or higher, including 12 semester hours (or the equivalent) of clinical courses. Additionally, providers must have completed at least 2,000 hours of supervised, direct client contact hours in most circumstances.