State Senator Paul Faraci is leading a measure to give veterans and first responders access to mental health providers of their choice.

 “We have to give veterans and first responders proper access to their preferred mental health services,” said Faraci. “Right now, we have police and firefighters who can’t receive mental health services from trained professionals of their choice and we need to change that.”

 The legislation is in response to a situation in Champaign where several firefighters were unable to engage the mental health counselor of their choice based on a non-compete clause in the counselor’s contract. Faraci’s legislation would allow every trained mental health professional to provide these much-needed services to any first responder or veteran, regardless of whether they have a non-compete clause in their employment contract. The change would give first responders additional access to mental health services and allow organizations to use their preferred mental health professional.

The bill passed the Senator Labor Committee on Wednesday and awaits consideration before the full Senate.