Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1790

Introduced
8/10/25  

Caption

Establishing the Future Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and Licensed Professional Counselors Grant Program; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

Impact

The proposed grant program is expected to have significant implications for state laws concerning education and mental health services. By incentivizing students to pursue degrees in social work, marriage and family therapy, and counseling, HB1790 aims to create a more robust pipeline of licensed professionals. This could ultimately improve access to mental health services for residents, which is particularly critical in underserved communities where such professionals are in short supply.

Summary

House Bill 1790 aims to establish the Future Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Professional Counselors Grant Program in Pennsylvania. This bill's intention is to enhance the availability of licensed professionals in these fields through financial assistance provided to qualifying students. By doing so, the legislation seeks to address the increasing demand for mental health services and the need for a qualified workforce to meet those needs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1790 appears largely positive among supporters who believe that enhancing the mental health workforce is essential. Advocates argue that the bill addresses a critical gap in mental health service provision, particularly in light of rising mental health awareness and the impacts of the pandemic. However, some opponents may express concerns about the long-term funding implications for the grant program and whether it can sustain itself without diverting resources from other critical areas.

Contention

While the general reception of HB1790 is supportive, there are notable points of contention regarding the efficacy and sustainability of the grant program. Questions arise about the criteria for awarding grants, the potential for long-term financial commitment from the state, and whether the program will successfully retain graduates in Pennsylvania to meet local needs. Addressing such concerns will be essential for gaining broader support and ensuring the bill's successful implementation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB51

Relating to the licensing of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapist associates, professional counselors, professional counselor associates, and social workers, including certain out-of-state applicants.

PA HB4721

Relating to the licensing of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapist associates, professional counselors, professional counselor associates, and social workers, including certain out-of-state applicants.

PA HB1231

Further providing for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.

PA HB1733

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for exemption from licensure examination, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restriction on use of title "licensed professional art therapist" and related titles; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal, records and fees and for unlawful practice.

PA HB5421

Relating to the regulation of certain occupations by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, including the licensing of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapist associates, professional counselors, professional counselor associates, and social workers; authorizing fees.

PA SB981

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Recreational Therapist"; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice.

PA HB1853

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Recreational Therapist"; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice.

PA SB113

Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists; establish a professional health program; authorize

PA AB450

Revises requirements to obtain a license as a marriage and family therapist or clinical professional counselor by endorsement. (BDR 54-335)

PA A11204

Adds licensed mental health counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists to the health and social services practitioners included under the health care proxy law, the family health care decisions act, and nonhospital orders not to resuscitate.

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