New MSU Mankato, Wilder Research study examines barrier to obtaining mental health licensure among state graduates

Licensure challenges are contributing to a severe shortage of mental health providers in Minnesota and hindering the ability to meet the demand for services, according to a new study. 

The study released on Thursday was conducted by Blue Cross and Blue Shield Center for Rural Behavioral Health at Minnesota State University, Mankato and Wilder Research. It identified several barriers Minnesota graduates encounter during the licensing process. It’s one of the first studies to specifically examine the licensure process. 

Some of those challenges include financial strains, strict requirements, misalignment between license types and between states, diversity and equity concerns, supervision quality and exams that inadequately assess knowledge and skills. Additionally, respondents described situations being especially problematic for providers in rural settings and providers from marginalized backgrounds. 

“Understanding that we have a critical workforce shortage coupled with the knowledge that we have a significant number of individuals who do not pursue licensure after investing considerable time and resources in degrees has emphasized the importance of determining barriers in the licensing process,” said Roy Krammer, one of study’s co-authors.

“If we can better understand the barriers that exist, we will be better equipped to help individuals to achieve licensure and serve the mental health needs of Minnesotans.”

Past research showed that about half of graduates in Minnesota who completed a master’s degree necessary for licensure in mental health don’t finish the process. The study was based on a survey and interviews with graduates from master’s programs statewide that lead to licensure in social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy. 

“We’ve known for years that we don’t have enough mental health providers to meet the need,” said Melissa Serafin, another co-author of the study. “We found several actionable and relatively simple ways to improve the licensure process and better support graduates and ultimately increase the number of providers in the state.”

Some of those recommendations were made for licensure boards and regulatory agencies, insurance payers, employers, and graduate programs, including:

• Increasing reimbursement rates and reduce or eliminate licensure application, renewal, and exam fees

• Reduce tuition and create new opportunities for student loan forgiveness

• Provide one-on-one assistance to graduates throughout the licensure process and more resources to help graduates find and select a qualified supervisor and prepare for exams

• Streamline the application process and increase flexibility of licensure requirements

• Increase alignment between licensure types and allow licensure portability between states

• Minimize administrative tasks and ensure reasonable caseload expectations

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