In recent years, there has been a growing trend of businesses labeling employees as "therapists" with as little education as a GED. This can pose significant risks to vulnerable parents and caretakers seeking professional guidance and support for their children. Licensed therapists undergo extensive education, a Master's degree, training, and supervision to ensure they meet the standards required to provide effective and ethical care.

Currently, this lack of regulation allows individuals without a License to practice therapeutic services, using this to deceptively represent their lack of credentialing to parents and caretakers. 

This loophole undermines the mental health profession as a whole. Parents,  unfortunately, are not aware that there is NO ONE or an actual state AGENCY regulating these individuals, businesses or the services they provide. There is zero accountability or oversight. 

It is imperative that regulations are put into place to require that only individuals who have met the strenuous criteria for licensing can label themselves as therapists.

It is imperative, at a minimum, that these Centers are required to inform parents/caretakers of the limited qualifications their "therapists" possess. Unqualified "therapists" may not only fail to provide adequate services but could potentially cause undue harm leaving parents to deal with the life-long consequences.

There is no state agency that has a list that is verifiable to see if these "therapists" have completed a background check (including the Sexual Predator Registry), or even drug-testing. These safety protocols are all required for anyone who has direct student contact in public schools, but not extended through any state agency for Applied Behavior Analysis "therapists". These "therapists" are technicians.

Stand with us in advocating for the protection of children in need of mental health services in Applied Behavior Analysis. Sign this petition to call on lawmakers to demand these Centers are required to be fully transparent about the qualifications of the personnel caring for these vulnerable children. Thank you.