Scope of Practice Impact on Employability in New York State: Director and Counselor Views

An exploratory survey revealed the effects of New York State's Licensed Mental Health Counselor Law on hiring Licensed Mental Health Counselors. The state Office of the Professions interpreted the absence of the word diagnosis in the law as indicating that LMHCs are ineligible to diagnose mental disorders. Directors of mental health agencies (n = 22) reported that LMHCs are qualified to work in state-licensed programs and are satisfied with the quality of their work, yet they hesitate or are unwilling to hire LMHCs due to reimbursement obstacles arising from the law. LMHCs (n = 23) reported being denied opportunities for employment, promotion, and insurance reimbursement and that consumer access to care is being restricted. It is advised that licensed professional counselors advocate for inclusion of the term diagnosis in the law in New York and in other states where the practice of professional counseling is unduly restricted.