Miller introduces bill to update counseling laws

State Rep. Aaron Miller has introduced a measure to update and clarify counseling practices under Michigan law.

Miller said updates are needed to ensure the law reflects the actual scope of practice and training of licensed professional counselors, and to be consistent with wording in the Board of Counseling’s Administrative Rules.

This measure would be the first update to this law since it was enacted 30 years ago.

Miller said current statute is outdated and does not accurately reflect what is practiced by counselors today. The plan brings Michigan law up to date, he added.

The most notable issue is whether counselors are able to provide diagnosis and psychotherapy. Miller’s bill clarifies the current counseling techniques and includes psychotherapy and diagnosis in Michigan law.

The bill was referred to the House Health Policy Committee for consideration.