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SD 2089

An Act establishing a board of registration of licensed mental health counselors

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Brady

Massachusetts bill creates new state licensing board to regulate and oversee mental health counselors as distinct licensed profession with standardized credentials and disciplinary oversight.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 2089

Legislative bill overview

SD 2089 establishes a new state Board of Registration for Licensed Mental Health Counselors in Massachusetts. This creates a formal regulatory structure to license, oversee, and discipline mental health counselors as a distinct profession separate from existing psychology and social work boards.

Why is this important

Currently, mental health counselors in Massachusetts operate under less formal regulatory frameworks compared to psychologists and licensed clinical social workers. Creating a dedicated board would establish consistent credential standards, protect public safety through formal oversight mechanisms, and clarify professional scope of practice—which affects career pathways for counselors and consumer access to regulated mental health services.

Potential points of contention

  • Turf concerns: Existing licensing boards (psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy) may view this as duplicative regulation or competition for licensees and professional jurisdiction
  • Cost and bureaucracy: Establishing a new regulatory board requires state funding, administrative infrastructure, and fees that may increase costs for practitioners and state government
  • Scope definition: Questions remain about how mental health counselor credentials will be distinguished from related professions, potentially creating overlap or gaps in who can provide what services

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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