UPDATE: Michigan Counselors Jobs are Saved. HB4325 Passes Unianmously. Listen to the Story.

In this special episode of the Intentional Clinician Podcast, Paul Krauss MA LPC reports on the developments in the state of Michigan which almost led to the job loss of 10,000+ Counselors and almost resulted in 300,000+ patients losing access to mental health care (when the Licensing and Regulatory Authority (LARA) of Michigan overrode the wishes of the entire Michigan Board of Counseling (who was ironically appointed by LARA to be the experts on the field of Counseling) and declared that it was changing a 31 year old rule for 'clarification purposes' among other doublespeak--which would have rendered LPCs unable to practice in the State of Michigan--even though LARA denied that fact...). This caused a rush of advocacy led by the Michigan Mental Health Association and other Counselors to pass a bill to update the rules for LARA, so that the changes would be negated. The bill was HB4325, sponsored by Representative Aaron Miller. The bill had been around for years and was waiting for this moment.

The good news is that the Michigan Legislature listened to the 5000+ counselors that formed a coalition with the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association--with both the House and Senate passing HB4325 unanimously. The bill is to be signed by the Governor of Michigan on Oct 29, 2019.

Paul Krauss MA LPC comments on the happenings in Michigan. NOTE: There is much more to be said on this subject than is in the episode. Paul then plays a series of recordings by Counselors involved in the fight to oppose LARA's arbitrary rule changes and to pass HB4325 in Michigan.

Featured Speakers for this Special Episode:

Members of the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association

Napoleon Harrington, LPC

LaNeisha Murphy, LPC

James Blundo, LPC

Actual Applause from when the Michigan Senate passed HB4325 Unanimously on October 17, 2019

Napoleon Harrington, LPC (part 2)

Dennille McIver LPC  

-------------------------------------

Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association ( please join us). MMHCA is working to increase the availability of quality mental health services statewide, increasing education, promoting best practices, and working to keep Licensed Professional Counselors and other professionals accessible by the public.

Paul Krauss MA LPC is the Clinical Director of Health for Life Grand Rapids, home of The Trauma-Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids. Paul is also a Private Practice Psychotherapist, host of the Intentional Clinician podcast, Behavioral Health Consultant, Clinical Trainer, and Counseling Supervisor. Paul is now offering distance consulting for a few individuals and organizations. Paul is the creator of the National Violence Prevention Hotline (in progress)  as well as the Intentional Clinician Training Program for Counselors. Questions? Call the office at 616-200-4433. 

Original music:

”Shades of Currency" [Instrumental] from Archetypes by PAWL

“Northern Sky” from Bryter Layter by Nick Drake