Committee hears concerns from counselors’ groups about Counseling Compact despite sponsor support

Representative (sponsor) introduced House Bill 4591 to admit Michigan into the Counseling Compact, which would allow licensed professional counselors (LPCs) from member states to practice in Michigan both in person and via telehealth.

Why it matters: Supporters said the compact can increase access to mental-health services, especially for underserved communities and military families; counseling professional organizations urged caution and said they need more information before taking a formal position.

Testimony highlights

Carol Berger, a licensed professional counselor in private practice and secretary of the Michigan Mental Health Counselor Association (MMHCA), told the committee MMHCA had not taken a formal position and listed several concerns: lack of evidence that the compact will bring a net increase in counselors to Michigan, possible incentive for counselors to practice in states with higher reimbursement rates, broadband limitations that could limit telehealth in rural areas, unfamiliarity of out-of-state counselors with local supports in emergencies, and that compact rules and legislative regulations are still being developed.

Dr. Stephanie Burns, counselor educator and member at large of MMHCA, also testified that the association is neutral pending more information. She cited concerns about additional exams or requirements by certain states; the growth of venture-capital–backed multistate teletherapy companies whose business practices can conflict with counseling ethics; potential fiscal impacts on LARA (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) for investigations and compact administration; and uncertainty about whether the compact will meaningfully address rural access without changes to reimbursement or broadband infrastructure.

Quantitative and administrative details cited

- MMHCA said Michigan has approximately 12,000 licensed counselors and that roughly 10% of those counselors reside outside Michigan (survey cited by witnesses as preliminary).

- Witnesses said the Counseling Compact Commission could levy assessments to member states to cover operations and that additional state legislation might be required to allow LARA to collect fees to recover investigative costs.

Committee response and next steps

Committee members asked whether the compact would facilitate continuity of care across borders in places such as the Upper Peninsula; witnesses said it could help with cross-border continuity but emphasized operational details remain unresolved. MMHCA members asked for more time and data and said they would work with sponsors and stakeholders before taking a formal position.

No committee vote on HB 4591 occurred during this hearing.