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Posted: May 03, 2016 4:19 PMUpdated: May 03, 2016 4:19 PM

Mullin's Bill Would Fix VA Mental Health Problem

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Charlie Taraboletti

Second District Oklahoma Congressman Markwayne Mullin has introduced a bill that will give more veterans access to mental health care. An oversight in current law allows only mental health providers who have received a master’s degree in mental health counseling to serve in the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs as licensed professional mental health counselors.

According to the congressman, the law doesn't take into account those mental health professionals who don't have a master’s degree but do have an equivalent or higher degree, such as a Ph.D. or M.D., in mental health counseling.

Mullin says his bill is a small, technical fix, but it will go a long way towards making sure there are enough mental health counselors to serve our veterans.

The VA identified the problem with the wording of the current law and knew it could only be fixed by an Act of Congress. Mullin’s bill is a House companion to Senator Jim Inhofe’s bill. The measure would allow mental health counselors who have a master’s degree or equivalent to serve in the VA.


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