Coronavirus Information
Certain Requirements Waived for those seeking licensure as Psychologists, Social Workers, Therapists and Counselors
Learn more about the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Telehealth behavioral health services to Medical Assistance beneficiaries information: 
OMHSAS-COVID-19-Telehealth-Expansion.pdf
*NEW* Online C.E. Waiver - Board Schedules
Targeted Distribution of PPE
On April 8, 2020, Governor Wolf Signed an order to provide targeted distribution of COVID-19 PPE and supplies to hospitals. The order requires private, public and quasi-public health care providers and facilities submit current inventory quantities of PPE, pharmaceuticals and other medical resources to PEMA by April 16, 2020. The survey link can be accessed hereOpens In A New Window.
Additionally, a FAQ regarding this topic can be found here
State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors
The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) received reports that a person pretending to be from the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors (Board) is calling licensees about the status of their license. The scammer asks for credit card information. Persons who give their credit card information may not only lose their money, but also can become a victim of identity theft.
Licensees are urged to avoid becoming a victim of credit card fraud or identity theft:
BPOA and/or Board will NOT call licensees asking for payment over the phone.
If you get a text message or call asking for your credit card information, hang up.
Do NOT give your personal or financial information over the phone.
If you feel that you are a victim of any type of scam, you should immediately notify your local or state police.
The State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors protects the public from unprofessional, improper, unauthorized and unqualified practice of social work, licensed marriage and family therapy and licensed professional counseling. The Board regulates and controls individuals who call themselves a social worker and individuals who hold themselves out as being licensed clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists and licensed professional counselors.
The Board's functions include promulgating rules and regulations, requiring applicants to pass examinations relating to their qualifications as a prerequisite to the issuance of a license and examining for, denying, approving, issuing, revoking, suspending or renewing such licenses. In addition, the Board conducts hearings upon complaints concerning violations of Act 136 of 1998 and promulgates standards of professional practice and conduct for licensed social workers, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists and professional counselors.
Please
note that neither the Board/Commission, nor its staff or counsel, are permitted
to provide legal advice or advisory opinions, including interpretations of the
law or regulations, or any indication as to how the Board would vote on any
given case or scenario. You are invited to contact a private attorney or
professional organization for advice or guidance.