Bill > S283

This bill modifies the requirements for licensure as a mental health counselor in Massachusetts, primarily focusing on expanding opportunities for school counselors. The bill allows individuals with a master's degree in relevant fields like counseling, marriage and family therapy, or rehabilitation counseling to qualify for mental health counselor licensure. It specifically provides that graduate coursework credits earned for specialized instructional support personnel roles (such as school counselors) can count towards the educational requirements, even if the program is less than 60 credits. To be eligible, applicants must also complete 2 years of supervised clinical experience in settings like clinics, hospitals, schools, or under approved supervision. The bill further stipulates that supervision must include at least 200 total hours of clinical experience, with at least 100 hours of individual supervision from a qualified clinician. Notably, the bill explicitly states that school counselors are now qualified to sit for the written or oral examination for mental health counselor licensure, effectively creating a more streamlined pathway for school counselors to become licensed mental health counselors.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S283