Article archive / August 1, 2010
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 12. Source pages: 1, 3.
The “Behavioral Health Professional Working Group,” a team composed of psychologists and counselors, met on July 28th in Baton Rouge to begin to fulfill goals requested of them by a Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 100) that was passed in June by the Louisiana legislature.
Dr. Darla Burnett, recent past-president of LPA, told the Times, “It was an organizational meeting. We established the co-chairs, Tony Young and Michael Gootee, decided on the next meeting time, and, we discussed what information each group should bring to the next meeting to help educate each other.” She said, “I think a lot of good was accomplished.”
The working group includes Drs. Joe Comaty and Tony Young, chair and vice chair of the Psychology Board, and Drs. Jessica Brown and Darla Burnett who represent the Louisiana Psychological Association.
Representing the Louisiana Professional Counselors Board of Examiners are Drs. Gloria Bockrath and June Williams. Michael Gootee and Cindy Nardini represent the Louisiana Counselors Association.
Also invited were Jacqueline Shellington from the state board for social work and Dr. Robert Marier from the medical board.
SCR 100 asked the groups to work together in a collaborative manner to “Develop language for legislation to clarify the licensed professional counselor scope of practice … ” And to “Identify the common and distinct practice activities of the two professions and develop new collaborative practice methods … ” And also to “Discuss and outline additional recommendations which may expand public access to presently absent behavioral health services … ” The next meeting is scheduled for August 10th in Baton Rouge.
Above: Dr. Tony Young and Dr. Darla Burnett at the LPA Spring meeting. They represent psychology in SCR100 task team.
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