The bill aims to expand licensure opportunities for school counselors by amending the requirements for obtaining a mental health counselor license. It modifies the existing law by deleting clause (3) of the first paragraph of section 165 of chapter 112 and replacing it with new language that specifies the educational qualifications needed for licensure. Applicants must now demonstrate the successful completion of a master's degree in a relevant field from a state-licensed institution, with a subspecialization in areas such as marriage and family therapy or counseling. Additionally, it allows for relevant graduate coursework credits earned by individuals in specialized instructional support roles, including school counselors, to count towards the educational requirements for licensure.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that applicants must complete two years of supervised clinical experience in a licensed clinic or hospital, with specific supervision requirements outlined. It also mandates that applicants who have experience as specialized instructional support personnel must complete evidence-based training in suicide prevention or intervention. The bill clarifies that specialized instructional support personnel, including school counselors, are qualified to sit for the licensure examination as mental health counselors, thereby enhancing their professional opportunities within the mental health field.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 112-165