Governor Coumo signed assault weapons legislation that calls for mental health evaluations and defines "mental health provider" as a physician, a psychologist, a nurse and an LSW. Marriage and Family Therapists are left out the category of 'mental health providers'. The undersigned of this petition want to urge Governor Coumo and the NYS Legislature to include Marriage & Family Therapists in the category of 'mental health provider' and grant marriage and family therapists the same respect, privileges and inclusion with regard to the ability to diagnose, treat, and receive insurance reimbursement as it does for psychologists and social workers. Research has demonstrated that marriage and family therapists are not only qualified to provide such 'mental health treatment', but also do so in an efficient and economical manner. Please get on board with opening up the options to mental health consumers in New York State and sign this petition.