Licensed mental health counselors in the state will be allowed to continue diagnosing and treating patients under a bill adopted today by the state Senate.
The bill is now in its way to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for her to sign or veto.
Lawmakers have been flooded with messages on social media and voicemail as well as visits to their offices. Licensed counselors say new rules being enacted by the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs would put them out of business.
Anna Van Wyck from northwest Michigan works with children up to age 12. She says the bill adopted by the Legislature is a welcome reprieve.
“It means all the children and the families that I see are going to be able to continue to get the counseling that they need.”
Counselors stood in the Senate gallery and cheered once the unanimous vote was announced. Their attention will now turn to Governor Whitmer as they press her to sign the bill.