SPRINGFIELD – To streamline the licensing process for clinical psychologists in Illinois, State Senator Rachel Ventura partnered with State Representative Nabeela Syed to advance House Bill 3373, which passed the Senate on Thursday.

“Life is unpredictable, and the job market can be challenging,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This bill allows students to complete the educational portion of required exams even if they face delays in securing a training residency.”

Current Illinois law requires applicants for a clinical psychologist license to complete a doctorate program and two years of supervised experience before sitting for the licensing exam. HB 3373 revises this process, allowing graduates to take the initial exam before completing their postdoctoral training.

"By allowing clinical psychology students to begin their examinations earlier, we are streamlining the licensing process and getting qualified mental health professionals into the workforce sooner," said Syed (D-Inverness). "Our communities deserve reliable and affordable mental health care. Removing needless obstacles and inefficiencies during licensing is going to help make that happen."

House Bill 3373 passed the Senate on Thursday.