HR 1587: Licensed Professional Counselors Appreciation Day at the state capitol; 3/5/26; recognize

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 the state capitol; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in the State of Georgia provide vital mental health services and actively work to bridge the gap in mental health disparities, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds, races, socio-economic statuses, and cultures have equal access to quality mental health care; and

WHEREAS, these dedicated LPCs undergo rigorous training and education that encompasses crucial areas such as psychopathology, testing and assessment, ethics, research, diversity, career development, and human development, equipping them to address the multifaceted challenges faced by our citizens; and

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia proudly recognizes and supports the more than 13,000 licensed professional counselors and licensed associate professional counselors, each of whom contributes significantly to the mental and emotional well-being of our community members, reinforcing the strength and resilience of our great state; and

WHEREAS, inspired by the mission of the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCAGA), which aims to support the profession and professionalism of professional counselors, we acknowledge the pivotal role LPCs play in mental health treatment, ensuring that every individual in need receives the quality care and support they deserve; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of the 988-crisis line, an essential help line for those in dire need, now has a more extensive network of dedicated practitioners to refer to, thanks largely to the commitment and expertise of our LPCs; and

WHEREAS, we commend the autonomy and comprehensive capabilities of our LPCs who are sanctioned to practice independently, bill insurance companies directly, diagnose clients, administer vital clinical assessments, and conduct thorough mental health evaluations independently.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize March 5, 2026, as Licensed Professional Counselors Appreciation Day at the state capitol and encourage all Georgians to recognize the importance of healthy minds and the noble work of our state's Licensed Professional Counselors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press.