Governor Hochul Signs Bill Extending Diagnostic Privilege Exemption Period for LMHCs

The New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA) is pleased to announce that Governor Kathy Hochul has signed NYS Assembly Bill A8045 / Senate Bill S7622 into law, extending the temporary exemption period for Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) to gain the required experience for diagnostic privilege. The exemption period now ends on June 24, 2027.

Currently licensed and registered mental health counselors will not need to apply for a limited permit for diagnostic privilege to complete any necessary experience for their application until this new date; appropriate supervision at an authorized site is still required.

This critical legislation ensures continued access to the diagnostic privilege pathway for qualified LMHCs who are actively working toward meeting the experience requirements established by state law. The bill was sponsored by Assemblymember Harry Bronson and Senator Samra Brouk, whose leadership and advocacy on behalf of mental health counselors and the communities we serve have been instrumental in securing this extension.

Since the original statute went into effect, NYMHCA has actively worked with lawmakers, the State Education Department, and other stakeholders to ensure that LMHCs are supported in their pursuit of diagnostic privilege. This extension provides essential time and opportunity for LMHCs to complete supervised experience under the current guidelines, preserving access to comprehensive mental health care across New York State.

NYMHCA extends its gratitude to Assemblymember Bronson, Senator Brouk, and Governor Hochul for their continued commitment to the mental health counseling profession.

We remain steadfast in our mission to protect and advance the professional identity, scope of practice, and public recognition of LMHCs across New York.

For more updates and resources on diagnostic privilege, please visit NYMHCA's dedicated diagnostic privilege website.