SPRINGFIELD – Increasing resources for family counseling, State Senator Javier Cervantes new law will allow out-of-state marriage and family therapists to obtain licensure in Illinois more easily.

“When I hear about the need for constituents to be able to access therapeutic resources I am hopeful this law will make them more widely available,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “We are expanding therapy options around the state to allow out of state counselors to bring their practice to our residents without so much red tape in between.”

The new law, Senate Bill 3211, will allow the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to issue a license to a marriage and family therapist applicant has been licensed independently in another US jurisdiction for at least 30 months during the last five years preceding the application. Applicants who meet this requirement would not have to submit proof of completion of education, professional experience, and supervision. An applicant would be required to submit certified verification of licensure from their previous jurisdiction.  

“Before now the barrier to entry was too high for therapists in other states, and with this law we can expand their efforts and bring more licensed therapists to Illinois,” Cervantes said. “This is coming at a crucial time when folks around the community are in need of this care and with this step we can work toward addressing the issues our residents are facing head on.”

Senate Bill 3211 was signed into law on Friday.