Kolker’s Bill to Increase Licensed Professional Counselors in Communities Passes Committee

Legislation would create a dual licensure stipend program 

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted to advance Senator Chris Kolker’s, D-Centennial, bill that would increase the number of licensed professional counselors (LPCs) in Colorado.

SB24-015 would create a stipend program to remove barriers for school counselors seeking dual licensure as an LPC. Currently, school counselors are eligible for LPC licensure, but the process can be expensive. This bill would create a stipend program to reimburse candidates for examination and application fees along with clinical supervision costs.

“There is a shortage of licensed professional counselors in the state. Too often the challenge is simply the cost of pursuing dual licensure for school counselors,” said Kolker. “This bill makes it easier for qualified people to get licensed and increases the ability of school counselors to provide the services their communities need.”

In particular, rural youth are less likely to have access to youth-serving mental health facilities than those living in urban areas. This bill would increase the number of licensed professionals and reduce the service gap.

SB24-015 now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration. Follow the bill's progress HERE.