Scott Branson, assistant professor and Shirley Mack, lecturer for Counselor Education in the College of Education were interviewed by Fox 2 News, "10,000 counselors and 150,000 clients with mental health issues could be impacted by new proposal"
WJBK Fox 2, 9/17
10,000 counselors and 150,000 clients with mental health issues could be impacted by new proposal
By Amy Lange
Much of the mental health field is worried by the State Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) move to reduce the number of counselors who could diagnose conditions like depression, anxiety, addiction and PTSD. It would impact both clients and their counselors. "Given the prevalence rates of mental health concerns in the United States and Michigan today, this is something that would impact literally every family in Michigan," said Scott Branson, an assistant professor in the counselor program at Wayne State University. The proposal would also prevent counselors from being reimbursed by insurance companies for their work. "The amount of clients who would lose mental health services would be astronomical. This is not a good time for that," said Shirley Mack, the clinical director of counseling at Wayne State University. In response to the threat, a Republican representative in the House has introduced a bill that would preserve the scope of the profession and how they operate. Professionals are urging residents to contact their representatives to support counselors.