The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) held a meeting on May 12, 2025, focusing on the licensure trends and professional experience of various mental health practitioners in the state. Key discussions highlighted the years of practice among psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and behavior analysts.

The meeting revealed that a significant majority of psychologists, approximately 81%, have practiced for over ten years. In contrast, only 11% reported practicing between five to ten years. For marriage and family therapists, 67% of clinical practitioners also indicated over ten years of experience, while 27% had between five to ten years. Nonclinical marriage and family therapists showed a more varied distribution, with 27.5% practicing for over ten years and a similar percentage for those with two to five years of experience.

The data for master's level professionals showed that 85.4% of clinical practitioners had over ten years of experience, while 42.9% of master's level psychologists fell into the same category. Professional counselors reported 69% with over ten years of experience, but a notable number, 32%, had between two to five years.

The board also examined the licensing status of these professionals across multiple states. For psychologists, 53% were licensed in one state, while 34% held licenses in two states. Marriage and family therapists showed similar trends, with 69% licensed in one state and about 25% in two states. The data indicated that 96% of master's level professionals were licensed in just one state.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the implications of upcoming licensure compacts, particularly for professional counselors, which may change the landscape of multi-state practice. The board acknowledged the need to adapt future surveys to reflect not only licensure but also the broader authorization to practice across states.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of understanding the professional landscape of mental health practitioners in Kansas, particularly as new licensure frameworks are considered. The board plans to continue monitoring these trends to better support the mental health workforce in the state.