Practicing with a mental illness: state statutes pertaining to licensed mental health professionals

ABSTRACT

Social workers and other licensed mental healthcare providers are affected by state statutes that require reporting when they are perceived as being in need of mental health treatment or when they receive such treatment. Such reporting could impact their ability to practice and dissuade practitioners from seeking help when needed. This commentary discusses various concerns with these statutes and makes recommendations for addressing them. Recommendations include developing clear statutory language, involving mental health providers who experience mental health issues in crafting statutes, enhancing choice in seeking and paying for treatment, and supporting the success of these practitioners.

KEYWORDS:

• Mental health
• chronic illness
• social work

Disclosure statement

The authors have no disclosures to report.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research [90RT5021–02–00].