Knocking down barriers for mental health access - THE PROBLEM THE SOLUTION

While there is work to be done to increase the number of providers working in Wisconsin, we need to f ind a solution that gets people the care they need now – and that is what this reform wil l do.” - CJ Szaf ir , CEO of the Institute for Reforming Government INTRODUCTION In just the past decade, mental health has increasingly demanded more attention f rom Wisconsin lawmakers. [...] PROBLEM A crucial aspect of the mental health crisis is the shortage of providers in Wisconsin. [...] The provider is sti l l subject to Idaho state and federal laws.19 INTERSTATE COUNSELLING COMPACT More than 25 states, including Wisconsin, are members of or currently have legislation pending to join the Interstate Counseling Compact (ICC).20 Counselors who reside and are l icensed in a member state are eligible to practice in and treat patients of any other member state without having to obtain. [...] PSYCHOLOGY INTERJURISDICTIONAL COMPACT Finally, the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) is another group of states “designed to facil itate the practice of telepsychology and the temporary in-person, face-to-face practice of psychology across state boundaries.”21 Similar to the ICC, this compact al lows psychologists who are l icensed in a member state to practice in any other member. [...] Allowing these providers to practice in Wisconsin via telehealth would immediately increase the pool of providers and therefore, give Wisconsinites the opportunity to get the help they need.