I hope all is well and everyone is remaining mentally, emotionally, physically healthy/safe during this pandemic. I am a masters level psychologist working in an early childhood mental health department in Detroit, MI. In this field, we strive to diligently provide our families with not only treatment and interventions but a sense of hope, safety, and unconditional positive regard. 

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I, along with hundreds of other masters level psychologists, will be faced with the horrible reality that we may not indeed be able to practice due to our license being terminated over an issue that we have absolutely no control over. In order to renew our license, we have to take a licensing exam (EPPP), however, all testing centers have canceled all exam due to proactive measures to decrease the spread of the Corona Virus. Since our license will expire on March 31st, we will not be able to sit for the exam in which our license will be terminated. Sadly, this will leave thousands of families in Michigan with no mental health care. During this time of panic and uncertainty, we can not afford to leave families without proper mental health treatment. In addition, this will leave many therapists with no employment and loss of benefits (ex: health coverage, FMLA, etc.), which is unjust considering the situation was not in our control.

In order to continue practicing and provide our families with the support and care they need ,as well as keep our employment, we are requesting an extension on our license (TLLP). Many of us have reached out to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) as well as multiple Senators and even the Governor’s office. LARA responded that this is a “legislative matter” and has left us with no support. The Senators have also stated this is an issue that LARA can in fact handle and they have “nothing to do with it”. The Governor’s office have made multiple claims that they are working on the issue however nothing has been accomplished. 

The licensure department in Illinois (and I’m certain many other states) has already granted their professional licensees an automatic 6 month extension. It seems that Michigan needs to follow their lead. 

With this being such an important and time sensitive issue, we are rallying for ourselves however we need your support. Please sign this petition to help us get at least a 3-6 month extension on our license (TLLP) so that we can continue serving our communities with mental health services.
Also, if you have time, please contact Governor Whitmer’s office to request an executive order to extend the TLLP licenses:
Email: Gretchen.Whitmer@Michigan.gov Phone: 517-335-7858 (Preferred Method) 

With much going in the world today, it would unethical to leave our clients & our mental health professionals behind. 
Thank you for your time & support!