A new state law aims to help therapists who come to Georgia

Senate Bill 373 was signed and took effect on July 1.

MACON, Georgia – Governor Brian Kemp signed more than 700 bills into law Monday, including one that is of particular importance to workers in central Georgia.

Senate Bill 373 speeds up the process of obtaining professional licensure for therapists moving to Georgia, which has been a struggle for many workers recently.

“This could potentially help us offer more services to people,” said Andrea Cooke, project director of Macon Mental Health Matters.

Before this law took effect, therapists who moved to the state had to wait up to a year to be licensed to practice in Georgia, according to lawmakers.

Now, if a marriage or family therapist has a valid license, is in good standing in another state, has no criminal record, and pays the required fees, he or she is eligible for licensure within 30 days.

Gloria Sisse is a trained professional counselor and she said this makes Georgia a better option.

“Just having to wait 30 days means that if I was thinking about coming to Georgia, now I know I can come to Georgia,” Cisse said.

Cooke is working on getting her license as a family and marriage counselor. She said there are people who are moving to the state but are stuck in the process.

“There are probably a lot of people here who already practice in other states and now just have to go through all the bureaucratic hassle to get licensed here,” Cooke said.

While these providers wait for approval, Cisse says the people who need their help are also feeling the impact.

“Because that means they have to wait, and sometimes the wait is too long, isn't it? People decide to make that final decision or they get to a point where it becomes increasingly difficult to deal with the mental illness they may be suffering from,” Cisse said.

Cooke and Cisse founded the Southern Center for Choice Theory, and since 2021 they have been offering a variety of mental health services through Macon Mental Health Matters.

Cooke said it would be ideal to train and educate therapists in their community, but any help is welcome.

“It just helps that we have consultants from other states who have experience doing the work and who I think meet all the requirements for licensure, because as we all know, a rising tide lifts all boats,” Cooke said.

The law also updated the experience, education and training requirements for a professional counselor license. Applicants must now have a master's degree instead of a doctorate and complete more supervised training hours.

All license applications are processed by the Board of Marriage and Family Therapists in the Office of the Secretary of State.