Mental health crisis deepens as Guam seeks licensing reform
October 01, 2024 | Health, Land, Justice, and Culture , Legislative, Guam
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In a recent government meeting, mental health professionals and advocates voiced urgent concerns regarding the licensing and supervision of mental health counselors in Guam. The discussions centered around Bill 356-37, which aims to amend existing regulations to reinstate Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) as qualified supervisors, a change that many believe is critical for addressing the island's mental health crisis.
Andrea Santos, a prospective licensed counselor, highlighted the barriers faced by individuals seeking licensure due to the removal of LPCs as supervisors under public law number 36-38. Santos emphasized the dire statistics surrounding mental health in Guam, noting a suicide rate of 21.2 per 100,000 in 2021, significantly higher than the U.S. average. She pointed out that Guam ranks 12th globally in suicide mortality and that one-third of adults report mental health symptoms. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the over 1,500 referrals for child abuse and neglect received by Child Protective Services in 2023.
Santos argued that the current law has rendered nearly half of Guam's licensed mental health professionals ineffective, as LPCs can no longer supervise new clinicians. She called for the bill to be made retroactive to December 2022 to correct what she described as an \"egregious error\" that has harmed the community's access to mental health care.
Jolene Baza, a behavioral health provider, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of including LPCs in the supervisory framework to ensure a robust pipeline of qualified mental health professionals. Baza, who has extensive experience working with traumatized children, argued that the amendment is essential for the continued development of behavioral health services in Guam.
The meeting underscored a growing consensus among mental health advocates that legislative action is necessary to address the critical shortage of mental health resources on the island. As discussions continue, the fate of Bill 356-37 remains pivotal for the future of mental health care in Guam.
Andrea Santos, a prospective licensed counselor, highlighted the barriers faced by individuals seeking licensure due to the removal of LPCs as supervisors under public law number 36-38. Santos emphasized the dire statistics surrounding mental health in Guam, noting a suicide rate of 21.2 per 100,000 in 2021, significantly higher than the U.S. average. She pointed out that Guam ranks 12th globally in suicide mortality and that one-third of adults report mental health symptoms. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the over 1,500 referrals for child abuse and neglect received by Child Protective Services in 2023.
Santos argued that the current law has rendered nearly half of Guam's licensed mental health professionals ineffective, as LPCs can no longer supervise new clinicians. She called for the bill to be made retroactive to December 2022 to correct what she described as an \"egregious error\" that has harmed the community's access to mental health care.
Jolene Baza, a behavioral health provider, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of including LPCs in the supervisory framework to ensure a robust pipeline of qualified mental health professionals. Baza, who has extensive experience working with traumatized children, argued that the amendment is essential for the continued development of behavioral health services in Guam.
The meeting underscored a growing consensus among mental health advocates that legislative action is necessary to address the critical shortage of mental health resources on the island. As discussions continue, the fate of Bill 356-37 remains pivotal for the future of mental health care in Guam.
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