TSBEP is efficient; maintain that by keeping it independent of the BHAC; psychology is broader and more complex and needs the specialized expertise to properly govern its actions and protect the public from ill-conceived rule-making.

I practice psychology under TSBEP as an LPA. I have had interfacings with other boards, and see what absolute chaos they are in. Our board is not, and to merge a highly functional board with several underperforming and broken boards is not the answer.

There is danger in replacing a system that works (TSBEP) with a system (BHEC) that has been tried and repealed in 2 states and is failing in the only state that still has a consolidated board, resulting in a crisis shortage of mental health practitioners.

Psychologists have significantly different training, ethics, and needs than other mental health professions. The public can be confused by different mental health providers already. Psychologists need a separate licensing board.

There is a significant difference in training between Psychologists and other mental health professionals affecting quality of care that is best advocated by our own board, so that the public can choose care that is evidence-based and reliable.

The integrity of our profession is a product of our independent governance. Taking that independence away would be huge loss to the field as a hard science, and as the leaders in mental health education, research, training, and clinical practice.

Maintain independent Board for Psychology

I would like a board to represent LPCs, LMTFs, Psychologists and Social Workers. Thank you