HR1587: HR1587 Licensed Professional Counselors Appreciation Day at the state capitol; 3/5/26; recognize

26 LC 112 3771 House Resolution 1587 By: Representatives Powell of the 33rd, Gaines of the 120th, Persinger of the 119th, Cox of the 28th, New of the 40th, and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing March 5, 2026, as Licensed Professional Counselors Appreciation Day at the1 state capitol; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in the State of Georgia provide vital3 mental health services and actively work to bridge the gap in m ental health disparities,4 ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds, races, socio-economic statuses, and cultures5 have equal access to quality mental health care; and6 WHEREAS, these dedicated LPCs undergo rigorous training and education that encompasses7 crucial areas such as psychopathology, testing and assessment, ethics, research, diversity,8 career development, and human development, equipping them to address the multifaceted9 challenges faced by our citizens; and10 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia proudly recognizes and supports t he more than 13,00011 licensed professional counselors and licensed associate profess ional counselors, each of12 whom contributes significantly to the mental and emotional well -being of our community13 members, reinforcing the strength and resilience of our great state; and14 H. R. 1587 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3771 WHEREAS, inspired by the mission of the Licensed Professional C ounselors Association15 of Georgia (LPCAGA), which aims to support the profession and p rofessionalism of16 professional counselors, we ac knowledge the pivota l role LPCs p lay in mental health17 treatment, ensuring that every individual in need receives the quality care and support they18 deserve; and19 WHEREAS, the establishment of the 988-crisis line, an essential help line for those in dire20 need, now has a more extensive network of dedicated practitioners to refer to, thanks largely21 to the commitment and expertise of our LPCs; and22 WHEREAS, we commend the autonomy and comprehensive capabilities of our LPCs who23 are sanctioned to practice independently, bill insurance companies directly, diagnose clients,24 administer vital clinical assessments, and conduct thorough men tal health evaluations25 independently.26 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that27 the members of this body recognize March 5, 2026, as Licensed P rofessional Counselors28 Appreciation Day at the state capitol and encourage all Georgia ns to recognize the29 importance of healthy minds and the noble work of our state's L icensed Professional30 Counselors.31 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized32 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the33 public and the press.34 H. R. 1587 - 2 -