Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health seeks budget increase for growing counselor regulation

The Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT) is seeking to expand its resources to keep pace with a significant increase in the number of licensed professionals it oversees. During a recent meeting of the Minnesota House of Representatives Health Finance and Policy Committee, the executive director of BBHT highlighted the board's critical role in regulating nearly 10,000 counselors and therapists, a number that has more than doubled over the past decade.

The BBHT is requesting an increase to its base budget to add a full-time position, citing a surge in workload due to approximately 1,000 new license applications each fiscal year. The board, which operates independently and is funded entirely through fees collected from applicants and licensees, is confident that it can cover the costs associated with this expansion.

Additionally, the BBHT is proposing a new fee structure related to the recently established counseling compact, which allows professional counselors to practice across state lines. The board aims to implement a fee of up to $100 for out-of-state applicants seeking privileged practice in Minnesota. This fee will help cover the costs associated with managing the compact, which is expected to become operational later this year or early next year.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the importance of adequate staffing and funding for the BBHT to ensure effective regulation and support for mental health services in Minnesota. As the demand for counseling services continues to grow, the board's proactive measures aim to enhance its capacity to serve the state's health professionals and the public effectively.