Americans for Autism Advocacy Applauds Arizona Governor Hobbs Signing the Counseling Compact into Law

The Grand Canyon State of Arizona becomes the 34th state in the country to allow Licensed Professional Counselors to practice across most state lines.  

Governor Katie Hobbs (D-Arizona)  signed the Counseling Compact into law on April 3rd. With Senate Bill 1173 now signed into law, Arizona now becomes the 34th state in the nation to join the Counseling Compact Commission.

Arizona’s entrance into the Counseling Compact allows LIcensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in other states to provide telehealth services or seamlessly transition their current state license upon relocation into another member state.  Arizona faces numerous challenges to mental health access.  Making it easier for licensed counselors to get licensed in Arizona means more professionals can address the shortages Arizona faces in finding such qualified professionals.  Arizona was ranked dead last by the American School Counselor Association for student to counselor ratios during the 2022-2023 school year.

Americans for Autism Advocacy applauds both Governor Hobbs and the Arizona Legislature for passing SB 1173 in bipartisan fashion.  SB 1173 is the first of many steps to improve mental health access to Arizona.  Arizona’s legislature and Governor must work together in the 2025 session to ensure improved efficiency of professional licensing while maintaining the integrity of their system.