1. United States
2. Nev.
3. Letter

This is an urgent ask to allow LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers) to have a federal wide license in order to practice therapy in a manner similar to nurses and doctors, where instead of being bound to practicing only within their state, they may see clients in whatever part of the country that needs them the most. Currently any one with any type of social workers license is bound to only practice within the state in which they have paid for each individual license or endorsement, SB788 would allow a one time federal license to be renewed yearly to practice country wide. LCSWs are the largest license type of any mental health provider in the US, and social workers in general are vital in a time in which many Americans are scrambling to understand and navigate the ever changing resources and healthcare system. Especially since the pandemic virtual care is more common for mental health than ever before and this change in licensing would allow therapists to reach clients in states that are facing extreme shortages in health care providers. This would also allow patients to seek the best provider possible for their specific issues, as well as maintain the relationships with providers they trust if they leave the state for any reason, without breaking state licensing laws. Please work with us on the state local and federal level to allow the next advancement in healthcare to become possible.