SENATOR, NYS SENATE Or ASSEMBLY MEMBER, NYS ASSEMBLY

[DATE]

[Honorable NAME] [SENATOR, NYS SENATE or ASSEMBLY MEMBER, NYS ASSEMBLY] [Legislative office building, Rm. NUMBER] [Albany, NY ZIP]

Dear [SENATOR or ASSEMBLY MEMBER NAME]:

I am writing in support of A.10142 by Assembly member DenDekker/S7061 by Senator Robach, to mandate continuing education for mental health practitioners and adding language to clarify our authority to diagnose. I am a licensed mental health counselor and a member of the New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA).

[PLEASE ADD A SECTION ON WHERE YOU WHERE EDUCATED AND WHERE YOU CURRENTLY WORK – EXAMPLE: I graduated from Brockport University with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling in 1996. I gained my experience working at the Oak Orchard Community Health Center under supervision. I currently am in private practice with an office in the town of Spencerport.

This bill is of great importance. The ambiguousness of our scope of practice has led to significant confusion as to what services our professions may provide to individuals challenged by mental illnesses. No one will argue that the need for qualified practitioners who are able to diagnose and treat mental illnesses is increasing. The number of men and women returning home from oversees service with challenges illustrates the expanding need for care.

Licensed mental health counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed creative arts therapists and licensed psychotherapist are required to be educated in psychopathology. In addition, we are authorized in law to use classifications of signs and symptoms such as the Diagnostic Statistical Manual. However, the absence of the term diagnosis from our scope of practice has led to the need for clarification.

I hope that you are able to support Senator Robach in clarifying our scope of practice and ensure quality care through continuing education. Do not hesitate to reach out to me or the New York Mental Health Counselors Association for additional information. We truly appreciate your commitment to increased access to mental health services.

Sincerely,

[NAME, CREDENTIALS] [ADDRESS]

4819-7851-1119, v. 1