Breaking Down Licensing Barriers: Expanding Student Access to Essential Mental Health Care

College students often find it hard to access mental health support, and a big reason is the licensing rules for therapists. These regulations usually require therapists to be licensed in the same state where they provide services. For students who move to a different state for school, this can mean long waits for appointments and difficulty continuing care with the same therapist.

The 2024 College Student Health Survey Report from the University of Minnesota showed concerning mental health trends. Students aged 20-24 reported the highest rates of depression, and those 18-19 were the most affected in the past year. This highlights a pressing need for better mental health access.

What’s alarming is that 89% of therapists surveyed want to see changes to make it easier to work across state lines. Nearly 70% said they lost clients due to state moves. This shows that many are feeling the impact of these licensing barriers. As a response, some students, like Salma Abdi from the University of Minnesota Student Government, are actively discussing these issues with state legislators.

Abdi noted that lawmakers from both parties recognize the growing need for mental health resources, especially with the rising concerns about mental well-being in the country. Universities often offer mental health services, but there are usually long wait times and not enough appointments. Abdi stated, “Minnesota cannot meet the needs of every single college student.”

Moreover, the obstacles students face are personal and real. Law student Madeleine Rossi shared her own experience navigating therapy as she moves between Minnesota and Washington. She expressed frustration with the challenges of maintaining a stable relationship with her therapist, explaining that the state rules make it hard to keep continuity of care.

Rossi’s insights are supported by data: a study showed that 54% of therapists who obtained a second license spent between $250 and $500 on licensing fees. Some even spent over $1,000. This financial burden can deter professionals from getting licensed in multiple states, shrinking the pool of available mental health resources.

There have been temporary measures, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing some cross-state practice. However, these were often short-lived. Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz even issued an executive order in April 2020 to allow out-of-state providers to use telehealth for Minnesota residents, which was a step forward but not a long-term solution.

Overall, students are calling for reforms that would simplify the licensing process. By making it easier for therapists to practice across state lines, students could access care more readily, no matter where they are.

As mental health issues continue to rise across the nation—an ongoing crisis affecting all ages, according to the CDC—it’s clear that addressing these barriers is essential for improving access to care. Rossi emphasized the importance of discussing cross-state licensing, as it directly impacts many young Americans seeking help during a critical time in their lives.

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