Illinois lawmakers are taking steps to tackle the shortage of behavioral health professionals, especially in rural areas. House Bill 3487, led by State Senator Rachel Ventura and Representative Nabeela Syed, has passed the Senate. The bill requires the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to gather voluntary demographic and employment details, like primary language, ZIP code, and planned retirement year, when professionals apply for or renew behavioral health licenses. Legislators say improved data collection will help identify service gaps and develop better programs, including targeted grants and training, to support mental health care statewide. The legislation now moves forward for further consideration.
“Our state’s rural areas continue to suffer due to a lack of mental health professionals,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Accurate and recent data can greatly assist in addressing the behavioral health care workforce needs we have in this state. When we know the totality of the situation, we can come up with better solutions, such as grants or improved training programs to help this essential field.”
“The shortage of social workers, counselors, therapists and other caregivers that Illinois’ mental health community has had to make up for – and Illinois mental health patients have had to live with – demands a strong response,” said Syed (D-Inverness). “Without data, we can’t make forward progress, and currently there is simply not enough information on behavioral health practitioners to accurately craft new approaches. I’m proud to join my colleagues in the Senate to work to correct that and ensure Illinoisans get the care they need.”
