SPRINGFIELD – The growing number of Illinoisans needing mental and behavioral health help will now have more options, after the support of State Rep. Mike Halpin for a new state law.
Senate Bill 3617 acknowledges the difficult truth in many Illinois communities: the need for mental and behavioral healthcare far exceeds the resources to meet it. There are only 14 behavioral healthcare professionals for every 10,000 Illinois residents, and many people must wait longer for essential treatment or skip treatment entirely.
Halpin, D-Rock Island, joined colleagues in the Illinois General Assembly to support this new law, which has been signed and will take effect immediately.
The measure expands the mental and behavioral healthcare workforce by making it easier for out-of-state clinicians to obtain licensure in Illinois, and streamlining requirements for social workers, professional counselors, and clinical psychologists who have recently inactive licenses.
It also encourages more diversity in the mental health field, creates tax credits for care providers, and makes other improvements in the law to encourage more accessible, quality mental and behavioral healthcare.
“Too many people suffer in silence, and the COVID-19 pandemic has created so many challenges for people who just need help,” Halpin said. “I am proud to support investing in our mental and behavioral health system to provide high-quality care in all parts of Illinois.”