Master's Committee

Mission:
To represent Limited Licensed Psychologists within the scope of the Michigan Psychological Association in order to maintain quality of psychological services and care for residents living in Michigan.

The Limited Licensed Psychologist Committee fulfills the MPA Mission by:

1. Giving LLP licensed clinicians an avenue to address their licensure concerns
2. Advocating that LLPs have a fair playing field with other master-level mental health professionals, and equal access in the market place for Michigan citizens
3. Maintain high standards of practice and care
4. To have a unified voice to advocate for legislation that would promote and benefit all LLPs and LPs in Michigan

The Limited Licensed Psychologist Committee aligns with MPA Vision by:

1. Help educate the public and insurance providers on the strength and quality of clinical training and programs of the Master-level psychology professional
2. Present a unified position to the Michigan legislature on all issues that promote the professional level, quality, and scope of services of LLPs and LPs in Michigan and nationally
3. To increase the number of members of MPA among LLPs in Michigan to support legislative efforts, conferences, and educational opportunities
4. To increase the visibility and voice of LLPs within MPA and APA

Membership:
In order to meet our goals, the committee membership will include:

1. Limited Licensed Psychologists with permanent licenses
2. Licensed Psychologists per the bylaws of MPA
3. The Chair of the committee will be an LLP licensed professional
4. The members of the committee will serve terms according the the bylaws of MPA
5. New members for the committee in the future will be recruited by LLPs or LPs

Advocacy for LLPs: Supporting HB 5785 to Remove Career-Long Supervision

The Michigan Psychological Association (MPA) stands firmly in support of House Bill 5785, a pivotal piece of legislation introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives. This bill seeks to address the growing mental health professional shortage by removing the career-long supervision requirement for Limited License Psychologists (LLPs). This change would empower close to 4,000 LLPs in Michigan to practice independently within their scope of established professional experience, expanding access to essential mental health services across the state, particularly in underserved rural areas.

As previously communicated in MPA’s member newsletters, our leadership has consistently advocated for the removal of outdated barriers that hinder LLPs from fully utilizing their skills and training. HB 5785 aligns with our mission to enhance mental health service accessibility and support the professional growth of our members. The bill also proposes an increase in post-degree supervision to 4,000 hours, ensuring that LLPs are thoroughly prepared for independent practice while maintaining high standards of care.

We encourage all LLPs and mental health professionals to voice their support for HB 5785. By doing so, we can ensure that Michigan’s mental health services meet the growing demand, without additional cost to the state. Your participation is crucial; please consider adding your name to the “card of support” to help secure the passage of this important legislation.

2024 Updates:

Communication to membership about HB5785

Many bills, including HB5785 that eliminated LLP lifelong supervision, did not make it to a vote at the end of the 2024 legislative session. MPA is committed to continuing to advocate for psychologists at all levels of licensure in 2025. Our legislative lobbyists are currently working to find a new sponsor for the bill to bring this bill to a vote in the 2025 session. We will keep you updated on the progress of this bill in the new legislature. 

Strategic Plans for 2025:

• Main Objective: to represent LLPs issues in Michigan via these steps:

a)     To eliminate career-long supervision for LLPs

b)    A fair playing field between MSW, LPC and LLP practitioners in Michigan

c)     To continue to strengthen the bridge between LPs and LLPs 

d)    We stand ready to contribute to the rules making process for HB 5785

a.     Actively participate in a MPA working group surrounding the rule making process for HB 5785

• Clarify the identity of LLPs—scope of practice and our unique services as psychology practitioners

b.     Create a working relationship/liaison with the Board of Psychology for advocacy for rulemaking for HB 5785

e)    To open dialogue and find common ground to solve issues within the profession

f)      Continued cross collaboration with MPA committees 

a.     Licensure and related issues 

b.     Insurance access and reimbursement

g)     Continue to monitor the advocacy actions that other organizations are pursuing regarding master level mental health practitioners 

h)    Continue to be a voice for LLPs in Michigan that respects diversified areas of practice, locations of practice, specialties of practice, and training/education

This is a NEW day for LLPs in MPA - December 2019 

Master's Degree Level Licensing in other States - Summary 2020

Committee Update - Check out what MPA is doing for Michigan's LLPs - November 2021

Fall 2021 Program Participation: The APA Summit on the Future of Education and Practice Implications for the Master’s Issue in Michigan 

Fall 2022:  MLP Special Meeting Results