There can be little doubt that our country is experiencing a mental health crisis.
You need only look at the tragically increasing number of “deaths of despair” reported in nearly every state that sadly increase in number every year. Much of this has to do with the inability of those in crisis to find qualified therapists, especially in rural areas of Minnesota. 
At least 15 states have passed and 17 more are considering legislation that would allow licensed social workers to continue to work with clients, even those who move out of state or who are only able to find a therapist from another state via telehealth.
Under the “Social Work Licensure Compact, “social workers can get a multistate license, which clears them to care for patients in a participating state, even if they don’t live there.”
Missouri was the first state to pass this groundbreaking legislation and 14 other states quickly signed on.
This important legislation allows patients to continue to work with a trusted therapist even if they move out of state.
It also allows access to specialized social workers, perhaps someone who speaks the patient’s native language or a therapist who specializes in treating patients with autism.
It is an important development and it’s a shame that our legislature didn’t join this compact that would provide real and timely help to our fellow citizens.
