Arizona SB 1656 would allow the Director of the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (BBHE) to Also Oversee Massage Therapy

Jun 26, 2025

Mental Health in Arizona is Under ThreatSB 1656 would allow the Director of the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (BBHE) to also oversee massage therapy — a completely unrelated profession.

This unprecedented move could:

  • Delay mental health licensure
  • Jeopardize AZ’s participation in the Social Work & Counseling Compacts
  • Hurt access to care for communities in need

No other state has done this. Arizona shouldn’t be the first.

Tell legislators: Oppose SB 1656. Protect behavioral health: https://mailchi.mp/77c95fcc791d/upcoming-nasw-events-5755816

#ProtectMentalHealthAZ #SB1656 #BehavioralHealth #AZLeg #SocialWorkCompact #CounselingCompact #MentalHealthMatters

Have 8 Minutes? Share Your Thoughts on Client Substance Use

Feb 3, 2026

We’re listening! We want to learn about your work with clients on alcohol and other substance use. In just eight minutes, you can help us better train and educate social workers who serve clients at risk for substance-related problems, including substance use...

Recent Child Care Updates

Jan 29, 2026

Since the start of the new year there have been several new developments regarding child care. Childcare has been a consistent conversation among parents, social workers, child advocates, and the childcare workforce because the costs of care are rising. Without affordable child care, some parents leave the workforce, and some spend more than 7% of their income on care while paying for other necessities. Childcare is plagued with long waitlists, low compensation for workers and some rural communities have few options to access care.

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