Every licensure level has a certain skillset. If you license a QMHP, to practice independently, you would simply "define" their scope of practice which is pretty much already in writing, you would simply be making it a licensure. However, implementing that licensure would only be available to educational levels of Masters or higher and specifying degrees, this could work. Fields such as Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, etc. Many Human Services Masters, you can take specific courses, myself in particularly, although my degree is Human Services, Marriage and Family Therapy, the course load was primarily counseling. I have a BS in Psychology with a minor in Addiction Studies. A 30 credit Masters would be suffice to license a QMHP as the clinical piece will not be attached with the licensure. Many QMHP's indeed have a 30 credit Masters which would cover your basics along with experience and trainings. I myself have worked as an EAP Consultant for over 6 years, a QDDP for over 7 years, a QMHP grandfathered in due to experience and educational background. Not to mention, I have worked directly with SMI consumers for over 15 years. I am not interested in providing therapy as that is my choice as for many or as previous comments on the thread stated, due to finances. This can be ironed out indeed. As I stated before, the clinical piece is for LCSW's, LPC', etc., agreed. However, to license a QMHP will open doors for the current crisis in mental health overall. I agree, you need the clinical piece for diagnosing, but even for non-medical counseling, a QMHP is well qualified to provide that. Afterall, we basically write ISP's, Behavioral Intervention plans, monitor drug side effects, provide crisis management, coping skills, etc. Allowing us to practice our expertise independently would be a great addition to the mental health workforce and decrease the burnout of clinical Providers. We can actually take a load off...