Conroy Passes Bill Through Committee to Improve Access to Mental Health Professionals

VILLA PARK, Ill. – Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park), that will help promote access to Mental Health professionals, unanimously passed the Health Care Licenses Committee, Wednesday.

Currently, Illinois requires licensed clinical psychologists who have graduated from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Senate Bill 3406 ensures that graduates from programs accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) are granted license eligibility in Illinois, without diminishing the role of the APA.

“There is a shortage of mental health treatment options in our state, “ Conroy said. “By allowing individuals who have graduated from a PCSAS program to be licensed, we can increase the amount of practitioners in Illinois, while maintaining the quality of care.”

The PCSAS is increasingly being recognized as playing a critical role in efforts to improve the nation’s mental health.  Twenty-one clinical science doctoral programs have been accredited by the PCSAS.

“Illinois must strive to be on the forefront of mental health issues,” Conroy said. “The PCSAS has established itself as a legitimate, clinical psychology accreditation organization, that places emphasis on graduates’ ability to conduct scientific research as well as provide independent psychological services. This legislation is an important step in improving mental health treatment in our state.”

The bill will now head to the full House for consideration.  For more information, contact Conroy’s full-time constituent services office at (630) 415-3520 or RepDebConroy@gmail.com.