PRINTER'S NO. 3135

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

No.

755

Session of

2018

INTRODUCED BY BENNINGHOFF, MARCH 13, 2018

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,

MARCH 13, 2018

WHEREAS, Professional counselors, who hold master's degrees

or doctorate degrees, are mental health providers trained to

work with individuals, families and groups in treating mental,

behavioral and emotional disorders and have attained a minimum

number of hours in supervised fieldwork to become licensed

professional counselors; and

WHEREAS, According to the Pennsylvania State Board of Social

Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional

Counselors, more than 7,000 individuals in this Commonwealth are

licensed professional counselors; and

centers, hospitals, outpatient facilities, residential

facilities, drug and alcohol treatment facilities, schools,

colleges and universities and insurers; and

WHEREAS, Licensed professional counselors work with active

military personnel and veterans and their families; and

WHEREAS, Licensed professional counselors assist in the

coordination of medical and mental health services and treatment

of severe mental illnesses; and

WHEREAS, Licensed professional counselors are committed to

providing access to quality mental health services across all

cultures and at all stages of life; and

the demand for addiction and mental health services increases;

and

WHEREAS, As the need for mental health, substance abuse,

school-related and rehabilitative services increases, there will

not be enough professional counselors or other related

disciplines to meet the needs of their clients; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the

month of April 2018 as "Professional Counselor Awareness Month"

in Pennsylvania and call upon all citizens to join with the

American Counseling Association, Pennsylvania Chapter, to